bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food insecurity among newcomer refugees in Canada
Authors: Shafique Mohammad
Published: May 2021

In Canada, grocery stores and supermarket shelves display a wide variety of food for consumers. However, newcomer refugees face different challenges in terms of the availability and accessibility of sufficient, nutritionally adequate and culturally familiar foods for consumption upon arrival to Canada that interrupt their integration process in a new society.

This study will provide a review of the literature on food insecurity among newcomer refugees in Canada from 2009-2019. This review, demonstrates that refugees in Canada suffer higher incidents of food insecurity than immigrants and Canadians. Existing research also indicate that food security in the case of refugees need to be perceived more than availability and accessibility of safe and nutritious foods, require provision of culturally acceptable foods. Access to culturally familiar foods may not be possible in many instances, but the negative effects of such challenges put refugees in situations of stress and anxiety in their new home.

Key Words: Newcomer; Refugees; Settlement; food insecurity; food security; food availability; accessibility; culturally acceptability.
Probabilistic Optimal Power Flow Using Linear Fuzzy Relation
Authors: Arneja Inderdeep S.
Published: May 2021

Optimal Power Flow (OPF) is a very important tool for planning and analysis of power systems. In the recent times, uncertain renewable energy is being integrated into power systems in a large scale. Appropriate modeling of renewables in optimal power flow requires using stochastic models. Using stochastic models of renewables in optimal power flow is numerically and algorithmically challenging due to the complexity of stochastic models and nonlinear nature of bus power balance equations.

Hitherto, Monte Carlo simulation technique and Cumulant technique have been proposed, but they are not computationally viable for large systems. In this thesis, we propose the use of linear fuzzy relation technique to relate stochastic models of dependent variables of optimal power flow formulation in terms of control variables that include power output of renewables. This fuzzy relation uses Hessian matrix of the LaGrangian of the optimal power flow formulation at optimal solution point.

The technique is tested on a six bus system and results are reported. One can intuitively see that this technique can be easily extended to larger systems.
Noise analysis of translinear circuits
Authors: Chen Lihao
Published: May 2021

This thesis presents noise analysis of translinear circuits, or in general, log-domain filters. Due to the inherit companding [sic] behaviour and nonstationary nature of the translinear noise sources, a nonlinear noise analysis method is proposed. Based on the large-signal calculation, the first-order noise and signal-noise intermodulation terms are considered. Overall, two important noise specifications, power spectral density and signal-to-noise ratio, of both static and dyamic translinear circuits are computed. For dynamic translinear circuits, two methods, either combining noise sources and moving them to output, or process them in situ and individually, are elaborated. A number of generic examples are illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness and applications of the methods.
2D electromagnetic actuated quasi-static FPCB based micromirror for laser marking/engraving system
Authors: Kakkar Devanshu
Published: May 2021

This thesis presents the design and development of quasi-static 2-dimensional Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB) based micromirror for portable laser marking/ engraving system. It focuses on the modelling and prototyping of the novel 2-dimensional electromagnetic actuated micromirror which can be used in place of two 1-dimensional micromirrors having the benefits of lower footprint in size of the scanner and efficient alignment with the incident laser beam. This 2-dimensional micromirror can be used in portable low power laser marking/ engraving system ideally designed for consumer applications like printing name cards, engraving jewellery etc. The problem of drifting/ creep associated with quasi-static mode of FPCB based micromirror actuators is analyzed and Zero method is proposed to minimize the drifting issue which is proven experimentally in the thesis. From this thesis work, it is evident that the developed 2-dimensional, low-cost, quasi-static FPCB based micromirror would be a suitable candidate for replacement of the expensive conventional MEMS bonded mirrors in the market.
Supramolecular BODIPY Dye Architectures for Advanced Light Harvesting and Energy Transfer Applications
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad
Published: May 2021

Shape-persistent phenylacetylene macrocycles have been explored in a number of optoelectronic and light-harvesting applications, including two-photon absorption. Likewise, BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes) dyes have also been extensively used in material applications, owing to their tunable, intense absorption and sharp emission spectra exhibiting high quantum yields. Combining these two architectures, this thesis presents a derivative where a BODIPY is contained orthogonally within the phenylacetylene-macrocycle. This structure was inspired by photosystem II antennae complexes where energy is obsorbed by antennae complexes and funneled down to a reaction centre. Specifically, this family of molecules uses the phenylacetylene macrocycle to harvest the light and transfer it to the BODIPY core, and this has been observed by examining the fluorescence emission from the BODIPY (Figure 1). This novel dye design if coupled to a donor (D) and acceptor (A) capable of anchoring to TiO2 could be modified to become a π-spacer (i.e. D-π-A motif) for dye-sensitized solar cells resulting in panchromatic absorption, and ultimately more efficient devices.
Adaptive time-stepping in the numerical solution of the reaction-diffusion master equation
Authors: Padgett Jill Marie Anderson
Published: May 2021

Stochastic modeling and simulation are essential tools for studying cellular processes. The dynamics of spatially heterogeneous biochemical systems with species in low amounts is governed by a discrete, stochastic model, the Reaction-Diffusion Master Equation (RDME). The Inhomogeneous Stochastic Simulation Algorithm (ISSA) is an exact numerical method for the RDME, but is prohibitively slow as it simulates every chemical reaction and diffusion event. To overcome this difficulty, an approximate strategy, the tau-leaping scheme, was developed that steps over multiple reactions and diffusion events. Mathematical models of biochemical systems are often prone to stiffness, thus computationally challenging. In this thesis, we propose an adaptive time-stepping scheme for the tau-leaping method for the RDME. This strategy is compared to the ISSA, for several models of interest. The numerical results show that the proposed adaptive technique significantly speeds-up the simulation, while maintaining excellent accuracy of the numerical solution.
Assessing the influence of environmental context on responses to noise exposure in the City of Toronto
Authors: Stefanova Desislava
Published: May 2021

This thesis examines individual and community noise perception of environmental noise in three neighbourhoods in the city of Toronto. The significance of this research is based on a relative absence of literature on how noise sensitivity and annoyance are affected by non-acoustic factors such as the built environment, demographic, and socioeconomic
factors. Data from a neighbourhood noise survey (n=552) were combined with spatial data on exposures to noise. Bivariate analysis, multivariate regression, and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis were used. The results showed that participants in Downtown and Don Valley have similar noise responses (64% and 67% high annoyance) despite differences in noise exposure (LAeq 24h: 66.8 and 59.3). Estimation of Community Tolerance Levels (CTL) confirmed that participants exposed to lower sound levels have a lower tolerance of noise. Further results showed that a neighbourhood with high socioeconomic status and access to green space, and relatively low night time noise levels were still two times more likely to report high annoyance, compared with neighbourhood with moderate socio-economic status and lower access to green space. The results suggest that environmental context influences expectations and sensitivity to noise.
Feasibility of interstitial ex-vivo mammary autofluorescne microendoscopy
Authors: Monjazebi Dena
Published: May 2021

In the past decades our knowledge of breast cancer has been rapidly evolving yet the basic paradigm of diagnosis and treatment of cancer has not. In cancer diagnosis, presentation of breast cancer can be a palpable lump or a suspicious mass on screening imaging, namely a mammogram. However, malignancy will be ascertained by tissue biopsy if needed. Biopsy is the gold standard breast cancer diagnostic test. Biopsy sampling is invasive, painful and costly. In addition, when the interpretation of current imaging modalities is not concordant with pathology results the biopsies may have to be repeated. Microendoscopy autofluorescence (AM) is a method of acquiring images directly from the tissues that contain fluorescent susceptible molecules (fluorophore). Studies of endoscopy in colon and esophagus showed that AM imaging is capable to recognize malignancy and can be utilized to discriminate between normal tissue and tumor. Additionally, it has been shown that, AM was able to differentiate cancer versus normal cells when a microendoscope was inserted into a breast duct. The main purpose of this study is to investigate if the same contrast exists if AM applied interstitially into the ex-vivo mastectomy breast tissues. This is a feasibility study to explore if interstitial AM has the potential to be coupled with breast cancer imaging diagnostics to provide better discrimination of the characteristics of the target tissue inside. The success in this approach could significantly reduce the number of required tissue biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.
Characteristics, Correlates, and Experiences of Emetophobia: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Pearson Megan R.
Published: May 2021

Emetophobia, a fear of vomiting or vomit, appears to be more common and consequential than generally thought, and has recently become a growing focus of research and clinical attention. The purposes of this survey-based study were to provide support for existing research evidence, and to investigate emetophobia in novel ways based largely within a cognitive-behavioural framework. Individuals with emetophobia exhibited scores that appear likely to be clinically and practically meaningful on measures of relevant constructs, particularly visceral anxiety, body vigilance, perceived control, and disgust; emetophobic fears appeared to be somewhat distinct from other manifestations of health anxiety. Related cognitions and safety behaviours were assessed with pilot measures. Emetophobia was generally found to have an early onset, chronic course, and strong negative impact in numerous functional domains. Participants generally indicated that their treatment experiences had produced few lasting benefits, perhaps in part due to some potentially unique characteristics of these fears.
Force and Torque Modeling for the Drilling of Bone for use in Orthopaedic Haptic Simulation Systems
Authors: MacAvelia Troy
Published: May 2021

The advent of haptic simulation systems for orthopaedic surgery procedures has provided surgeons with a tool for training and preoperative planning. This is especially true for procedures involving the drilling of bone which requires a great amount of adroitness and experience. One of the potential difficulties with the drilling of bone is the lack of consistent material evacuation from the drill’s flutes as the material tends to clog. This clogging leads to significant increases in force and torque experienced by the surgeon which has not been appropriately addressed by current simulation systems. This thesis proposes several force and torque prediction models that account for this phenomenon. Each of the models was calibrated via experimentation and their accuracy was substantiated through an experimental validation process. As an example of the application of the models, a finite element simulation investigating the effect of drilling forces and moments on the dynamic response of a femur bone was studied.
Participatory mapping of regional food assets using volunteered geographic information systems
Authors: Fast Victoria
Published: May 2021

Local food systems are increasingly being studied in response to the threats imposed on global agri-industrial food systems. Central to local food is the community who is imaging and implementing diverse and hyper-local food assets, which are making a significant, but largely unknown, contribution to food security, resiliency, and sustainability. It is important to align these assets with broader regional food policies, programs, and regulations. However, there are few mechanisms to engage stakeholders or share local information. One possible mechanism to learn about local food assets is volunteered geographic information (VGI); a phenomenon that blends crowdsourcing, citizen science, and online mapping. It is currently being studied for its ability to engage and gather information from diverse and under-represented groups.

This policy-relevant research investigates how VGI can support greater engagement and knowledge sharing across diverse food stakeholders. To achieve this objective, the VGI system framework is established to study the processes that support the creation of VGI. Next, the new era of food mapping, dubbed Food Mapping 2.0, is investigated to understand the impact evolving mapping techniques have on the engagement of food stakeholders. Lastly, the VGI systems framework, which is embedded in participatory geographic information system and participatory action research methods, is applied to support participatory mapping of regional food assets in Durham Region.

His research gathered contributions on over 200 food assets in Durham Region – an upper-tier municipality just east of Toronto consisting of eight lower-tier municipalities – effectively capturing the distributed intelligence of government, not-for-profit, and community stakeholders. The crowdsourced data include locations, descriptions, and media related to farms, markets, community gardens, foodscapes, and other innovative food assets. The community identified urban food assets as a central strength of the regional food system. Overall, this project enabled the creation of an open food assets dataset, further supporting the development of an online Food Assets map and a Crowdsourcing Urban Food Assets report, which are collective used to inform future food policy, regulation, and program development. Overall, this research revealed a uniquely local and community-driven perspective about food system assets within Durham, while serving as a prototype of the VGI systems framework.
Essays on the Dutch Disease
Authors: Behzadan Nazanin
Published: May 2021

In this dissertation I analyze the effect of within-country income inequality on economic outcomes. I develop a new model of international trade with non-homothetic preferences whereby within-country income distribution affects the pattern of trade and economic growth. An appreciation of the real exchange rate inducing a production shift to the sector with less long-run growth potential is known as the Dutch disease and in this model the disease is triggered by within-country income differences.

First, I show that the Dutch disease can arise solely from inequality in the distribution of natural resource rents where the country with the less equal distribution will have less production of manufacturing goods and less development of learning-by-doing in this sector. As opposed to conventional models, where income distribution has no effect on economic outcomes, an unequal distribution of the resource wealth can generate the Dutch disease. In addition, alternative forms of foreign transfers, such as foreign aid and remittances, interact with the income distribution in dissimilar manners and generate differences in spending patterns, the real exchange rate, production patterns, and the pattern of international trade. I show that while foreign aid can cause economic stagnation, remittances can in fact foster economic growth.

I also provide a range of empirical tests of the theoretical model, including both difference and system GMM estimations in a dynamic panel setting and disentangle the effects of inequality and institutional quality. My empirical analyses support the hypothesis that inequality indeed plays a significant role in whether being resource-rich is a blessing or a curse for a country. The more unequal is the distribution of natural resource rents, the stronger is the disease. Moreover, I verify my hypothesis that foreign aid and remittances are not similar in generating the Dutch disease using data from a panel of countries and industries covering the years 1991-2009 while controlling for the issues of omitted variable bias and the endogeneity of the transfers. Finally, a similar method is used in order to draw empirical evidence that lends credence to the positive relation between more equal distribution of resource rents and higher manufacturing growth.
Architecture of inclusivity accommodating diversity within post war towers
Authors: Nguyen Carol
Published: May 2021

While post-war apartment neighbourhoods experienced drastic changes in their socio-demographic characteristics overtime, little has changed in terms of their built form. Despite housing Toronto’s most socially diverse populations, the homogeneous towers are unable to fully accommodate the diversity of households that exist within them. Currently, the most common response to the increasing obsolescence of post-war towers is inaction, thus not contributing to Toronto’s urgent lack of housing diversity. Alternatively, by renewing the existing towers so that residential units can be optimized and individualized to create a larger spectrum of socially inclusive housing, people with diverse needs and/or preferences can be accommodated without compromising their individuality. By focusing on a site within the St. James Town neighbourhood, this thesis explores how to accommodate user diversity and allow for residents to participate in determining their living environments.
Cuff Dynamics System Analysis and Modeling
Authors: Chen Xuefei
Published: May 2021

This thesis investigates the properties of the cuff dynamics system. The approach used has been to first build up a linear model for the cuff dynamics system. Analysis of the results shows that the linear model can only hold over a very small operating range, the conclusion is drawn that the cuff dynamics system exhibits strong non-linearity. An artificial neural network then is proposed to model the non-linear cuff dynamics system. Mathematical analysis of the results shows that the model structure provides a better representation of the system dynamics. Two experiments are designed to capture the non-linearity of the cuff dynamics system using a NNARX neural network model. The single operating point of cuff dynamics approximation and the multiple operating point cuff dynamics approximation. A second order with one zero model is chosen as the best representation. The result of the simulations shows that it is not appropriate to use the cuff as sensor in the blood pressure measurement without considering the behaviour of the cuff. The cuff dynamics shows strongly non-linear properties, which contribute a lot to the whole blood pressure measurement.
A Prototype Of Propane Refrigerant Based ASHP With Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) System
Authors: Karevan Ali
Published: May 2021

In recent years, an increased focus has been given to replacing high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants with relatively low GWP alternatives. Energy efficiency, carbon reduction and HFC phase-down will push the heat pump market towards natural refrigerants. Propane (R-290) is a type of hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and very low GWP (< 4). R-290 is a pure refrigerant and has excellent thermodynamic properties. The research presented in
this project is a study of the refrigerant side of an ASHP to analyze the thermodynamic performance of the propane refrigerant under different operating conditions. For this purpose, a test rig was designed and constructed in a single packaged air source heat pump unit. In addition, the air side of the tested heat pump was designed for energy recovery in cooling and heating modes. The compactness of the system and installation of air dampers allows its placement for coupling to the building renewable air sources, such as a building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) system.
Assessing the performance of a UV/H2O2 process for removing TOC from petroleum refinery wastewater and the respirometric effects of adding UV/H2O2 treated wastewater to activated sludge from the refinery WWTP biological treatment process
Authors: Knight Mark
Published: May 2021

The treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater was studied using a bench scale ultraviolet/hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2) process. The highest treatment performance of the bench scale UV/H2O2 process to reduce the total organic carbon (TOC) from the petroleum refinery wastewater took place at a reaction time of 45 min and a pH of 5.0. A three factor analysis of va
riance (ANOVA) analysis verified that the initial H2O2/TOC molar ratio did not have a significant effect on the bench scale UV/H2O2 process treatment performance. The effects of adding UV/H2O2 treated petroleum refinery wastewater to activated sludge microorganisms form the refinery WWTP biological treatment process was studied using respirometry. Overall, the UV/H2O2 treated refinery wastewater inhibited the refinery activated sludge microorganisms. This occurred when the raw refinery wastewater was treated with a UV/H2O2 process for 45 min. with an initial H2O2/TOC molar ratio of 1.7 mol H2O2/mol C, an initial H2O2 concentration of 202 mg H2O2/L and a pH of either 5 or 7.
A 100 MHz - 1 GHz on-chip-programmable phase-locked-loop
Authors: Vahedi Haleh Vahedi
Published: May 2021

A programmable wide-range PLL has been designed that can provide 100-MHz to 1-GHz rail-to-rail digital clock signal from a 50-MHz reference clock. The architecture is appropriate for low-power design and is also power-efficient.
The system is robust against temperature changes so that the stability of the system is guaranteed. Because of the differential configuration of the sub-blocks and using a voltage-controlled oscillator with a 1Ow. gain and a linear transfer function the system has an acceptable noise rejection.
Telling the story of the Christian life: the use of the Narrative in the Sermons of John Wesley and Granger Community Church
Authors: Brown Andrea
Published: May 2021

The case study examines the creative use of narrative in sermons within the United Methodist Church in light of the rapid decline in Christian church attendance. Using narrative theory, the study reviews sermons of John Wesley and the pastors of Granger Community Church for use of narrative patterns, mimesis and diegesis. This study shows both groups used narrative extensively but for different purposes. John Wesley employs narrative to shed light on the biblical text and to encourage his congregants adherence to the principles outline in the Bible. The pastors of Granger Community Church use narrative to create interest in the sermon's message and to establish a personal connection with congregants. Despite their different techniques, both John Wesley and Granger Community Church showcase innovation with their use of narrative in sermons.
The Augmentation of Urban Search and Rescue Dogs With Sensing, Control, and Actuation--Extending the Metaphor, "Dog as Robot"
Authors: Tran Jimmy Quang Minh Ngoc
Published: May 2021

When disaster strikes in urban areas, the devastating results are collapsed structures that may contain voids, and trapped people within. To a large extent, the speed with which these victims can be found and extricated determines the likelihood of their survival. Specially trained and equipped emergency first responders are tasked with trying to save their lives by locating and extricating trapped victims from these dangerous environments. Telepresence systems can help first responders search for casualties from a safe location. Most automated search systems intended for use in urban disasters, come in the form of remotely operated robots. This work takes a different approach to telepresence and robotics. This work is an extension of previous work that exploits the intelligence and characteristics of trained search dogs combined with compatible technology and used as components in new kinds of telepresence systems for urban search and rescue (USAR) operations.

The Canine Remote Deployment System (CRDS) is a tool that emergency responders can use to deliver critical supplies to trapped victims in rubble using dogs. The first contribution of this work is the development of the bark detection system for automatically triggering deployment of packages near trapped victims from the CRDS-guaranteeing accurate package deployment even when remote communication with the dog is impossible.

A well-known ground robot problem is the difficulty in designing a mobility mechanism to traverse rubble. Another contribution of this thesis is the Canine Assisted Robot Deployment (CARD) framework and the design of a robot capable of being carried by a search dog. This work extends the responder’s telepresence in rescue operations by bringing robots much deeper into the disaster site than current methods.

Visual odometry is used in location tracking in GPS-denied environments and can be used in rescue operations. This research explores the limitation of RGB-D cameras for visual odometry for this application. An algorithm called pseudo-Random Interest Points Extractor was developed iv to track images over visually feature-sparse areas with the potential use of visually reconstructing canine search paths to victims. This work concentrates on using visual odometry from data collected from a search dog-mounted RGB-D camera. The task of model stabilization is difficult due to the nature of dog’s constant and unpredictable movements, asthe data contains many motion blurred images. The development of an algorithm called Intelligent Frame Selector is shown to improve visual odometry for systems carried by search dogs by intelligently filtering data and selecting only usable frames. The algorithm can be applied to any general visual odometry pipeline beneficially as the technique reduces cumulative error problems by using less data.
Faith and Fashion: Christian Dress and Identity
Authors: Smith Jacquline Angella
Published: May 2021

Christian women in Western societies are criticized about their manner of dress. The criticisms and debates address issues of “modesty” and “appropriateness,” or a sense of “propriety.” The apparel that is being designed, presented on the secular runways, and subsequently marketed hardly caters to Christian female consumers. This study seeks to answer the question: How do Christian women select, evaluate, and consume so-called modest and/or appropriate clothing in different socio-cultural contexts, particularly for church and other formal occasions? The study focuses on what is considered modest and appropriate clothing for Christian women. The perspectives of 10 Christian women were investigated and evaluated in a qualitative manner. A review of the literature indicates that there are concerns and issues surrounding this topic. Essentially, the purpose of the present research was to investigate and provide insight into how Christian women are expected to dress in a Westernized society; to determine what constitutes modesty and appropriateness for this specific demographic segment; and to analyze the experiences of Christian women in the process of obtaining modest apparel.
Eager To Engage: Young Nigerian Children’s Interactions With Novel Play Materials
Authors: Suh Wendy
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to observe, analyze, and document young Nigerian children’s interactions with novel play materials at their crèche. To date, limited studies have examined Nigerian infants’ and toddlers’ independent engagement with novel play materials. The children’s exploratory and play behaviours—cognitive and social play—were observed. An a priori coding scheme was used to simultaneously analyze cognitive and social play behaviours in the children, eight participants between 7- and 24-months of age. Over the course of four weeks, children were introduced to 11 novel play materials. Observed cognitive play behaviours included functional play, pretend play and constructive play, while social play behaviours consisted of solitary, parallel and simple social play. Although the results showed developmental progression in exploration and play, the varying degree of novelty of the play materials may have influenced children’s exploration and play. Despite these findings, children exhibited various exploratory and play behaviours with the introduction of play materials in a setting in which there were none.
The dual nature of the personal style blog: towards a new interpretation of fashion theory in the digital era
Authors: Sivil Ashley  E
Published: May 2021

This research examines the personal style blog from a philosophical perspective in an attempt to understand its implications for fashion diffusion theory. Starting from an evaluation of Georg Simmel’s trickle-down theory of diffusion (1904), the paper goes on to dissect the rhetoric of democratization that has come to define fashion blogging in the media and previous scholarship, only to show that the success of bloggers both reaffirms and challenges the notion that fashion is elitist. Phenomenologist Martin Heidegger’s concepts of authenticity and inauthenticity are then used to gain a better grasp of how the personal style blog reflects the dual nature of fashion and of the Self. Tavi Gevinson’s The Style Rookie was selected as a case study to demonstrate the personal style blog’s potential to act as an authentic means of expression, while still being a part of the inauthentic media complex.
Photochemical Degradation of Aqueous Artificial Sweeteners by UV/H2O2 and Their Biodegradability Studies
Authors: Jahani Ramtin
Published: May 2021

In this study, the photochemical degradations of three commonly used artificial sweeteners, namely aspartame (ASP), acesulfame K (ACE), and sucralose (SUC) were investigated in multicomponent aqueous systems through UV/H2O2. A recirculating batch photochemical reactor setup was utilized for experimental work. The treatability of the multicomponent system was monitored in the form of total organic carbon (TOC) reduction. A two-level fractional factorial design of experiments (DOE) was adopted. The individual and multifactor interaction effects of the concentration of the three sweeteners, the applied hydrogen peroxide dosage and the operating temperature on TOC reduction were investigated. The biodegradability characteristics of the sweeteners were investigated for both single and multicomponent systems through respirometry. Their degradations were compared to those of the UV/H2O2 system. It was determined that the UV/H2O2 process is suitable treatment technique, achieving TOC removal efficiencies over 90% with a UV exposure of 45 min. The operating temperature and the applied H2O2 dosing on the final TOC removal were found to be significant. An interaction between ASP and SUC resulted in a temporary improvement in TOC removal midway through the treatment process. Respirometric studies confirmed that ACE and SUC are non-biodegradable. The biodegradation characteristics of ASP was found to be acceptable with a 6-day biochemical to theoretical oxygen demand (BOD6/ThOD) ratio of 0.63±0.02.
Next generation powder compaction process
Authors: Haque Md. Aminul
Published: May 2021

Powder Compaction Process (PCP) is a production method commonly used in the manufacturing industry today. Several analysis methods for powder compaction process are developed and being used in order to minimize costly experiments, to produce complicated near-net shape and to optimize serial production of details. This thesis has dealt with Finite Element (FE) simulation of the cold compaction process. The reason for simulating cold compaction is to predict relative density distribution in the compact for various powder fill and punch motion options. An evaluation of a number of commercial FE codes has been carried out. The MSC Marc program, which incorporates the Shima Model, has been used for compaction of Fe-based metal powders. The relative density distributions of the pressure models and the displacement models of the cylindrical and the stepped cylindrical geometries obtained via FE simulation in this research are encouraging that agree well with observations made in practice.
Political crises: Chris Christie responds to Bridgegate
Authors: Larson Victoria
Published: May 2021

This case study focuses on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s response to the Bridgegate crisis. This paper presents a case study of a political individual’s response during a crisis across three distinct texts. Building on Image Repair Theory (Benoit, 1997a), differences across texts are identified and compared by observing the presence of Denial, Evasion of Responsibility, Reducing Offensiveness, Corrective Action and Mortification. The three distinct texts are analyzed through qualitative textual coding. These consist of Governor Christie’s prepared press conference response, his responses to reporter’s questions, and messages sent publically via Twitter January 9th 2014. Findings suggest that Image Repair Theory is useful for supporting a comparison between texts within a political image repair effort. Corrective action, as well as mortification strategies, were found to be used most prominently across the texts. The application of image repair theory in this case study led to the recommended addition of two new subcategories (Repentance and Taking responsibility) within the strategy of Mortification from Benoit’s (1997a) Image Repair Theory.
Screen Stars as Style Icons: an Examination of Audrey Hepburn and Sarah Jessica Parker
Authors: Granik Daryna
Published: May 2021

Through the examination of two film stars from different eras, Audrey Hepburn and Sarah Jessica Parker, this major research project (MRP) will examine how style icons are created. In order to achieve iconic style status, one must have a distinct and instantly recognizable look that represents new cultural ideals and appeals to a wide group of people. Style icons must actively participate in the fashion industry, taking a place on a creative side of the process by collaborating with designers, advertising fashion brands, and advocating and promoting fashion trends; this helps to establish their authority. Consumers of fashion also play an important role in the process. Screen narratives help actresses to embody the myths that are as repetitive and consistent as their looks circulating in the media. Through fashion, style icons represent these myths and embed them in culture. In return, they are regarded as cultural heroes and style icons.
Changing Settlement Patterns Into Rural Built Environments: Impacts on Social and Environmental Determinants of Health For Immigrants in Region of Peel, Ontario
Authors: Onilude Yemisi
Published: May 2021

This study examined changing settlement patterns into rural built environments and impacts on social and environmental determinants of health for immigrants in the rural town of Caledon, Ontario. Data was collected through focus groups and in-depth interviews with immigrant residents in addition to key informant interviews with service providers, and those with expertise in rural planning and/or immigrant settlement. Audie recordings were transcribed and thematically analyzed using NViso 12. This study is one of the first to integrate healthy built environments frameworks with social determinants of health frameworks and findings indicate that food system infrastructure; housing and rental stock; inclusive greenspaces are all factors that are important to the health and well being of immigrants in Caledon. The major challenge faced in terms of built form is inadequate public transit, which could have impacts on their mental and physical health. Further this study flags the importance of culturally appropriate religious and spiritual built amenities and services, something that is overlooked in healthy built environment research, underscoring the importance of an equity, diversity and inclusion lens. Various policy recommendations are provided that have the potential to enhance health and well-being of newcomers in the rural environments in Canada.
Other(ing) practices : critiquing the Canada Council for the Arts' Equity Office
Authors: Capistrano Alexandra Danielle
Published: May 2021

As part of the Canada Council for the Arts' Equity Office's mandate, support is maintained for artists of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and mixed-race artists who are identified as 'culturally diverse'. As an art world unto itself, the Canada Council is responsible not only for creating its own conventions but also for determining what kind of artists may operate within it. With differentiated grant programs for culturally diverse artists, it appears that this group occupies a marginal space within the Canada Council's art world. Drawing from the experiences of two culturally diverse artists, this paper examines issues of belonging, representation, and identity. It was found that while artists are aware and uncomfortable with the stigma that arises from the 'culturally diverse' label, the reception of public funding takes precedence over feelings of Otherness.
Femtosecond Laser Machining At Submicron And Nano Scale
Authors: Dalili Alireza
Published: May 2021

The arrival of the femtosecond laser with a MHz repetition rate has provided the industry with a new tool to conduct submicron and nano scale machining. Several advantages such as high quality machining finish, good precision and high throughput can be obtained when using femtosecond laser to conduct nanomachining over lithography techniques currently in use. High repetition rate systems are preferred over low repetition rate femtosecond laser systems that have been studied by others due to their increased stability, speed, quality and discovery of new phenomena such as ripples and grains.

This thesis proposes a high repetition rate fiber femtosecond laser system for meeting the above-mentioned conditions. The influence of the laser repetition rate and pulse energy on the size and quality of nano features fabricated on silicon wafers was investigated. Higher repetition rates led to smaller cutlines with uniform width. A 110 nm crater with a small heat affected zone of 0.79 µm was obtained at 13 MHz repetition rate and 2.042 J/cm² energy fluence. In terms of nanomachining below the ablation threshold (surface patterning), the influence of pulse width, repetition rate and pulse energy on the spacing of ripples, as well as diameter of grains created on silicon wafers, was examined. For the pulse width, repetition rate and pulse energy range used, the ripple spacing and grain diameter increased with laser pulse duration while other parameters did not play a significant role. These results show the capability of the proposed system in meeting the industry requirements.
Effect of Rear Leg Morphology on Energetics of a Quadrupedal Robot
Authors: Jivraj Jamil
Published: May 2021

Many biomimetic legged robots exist, but their leg designs appear to be arbitrarily chosen. Here, we examine the performance difference between a canine-inspired rear leg in its normal configuration versus the same leg in a transverse-mirrored configuration. A quadrupedal robot was built to test this hypothesis; the robot was successfully able to walk in with both rear-leg configurations. Successful telemetry of energy and localization data was also demonstrated. Both experimental and simulation results confirm that the transverse-mirrored configuration is faster and more efficient. In experiment the robot achieved speeds of up to 0.4 m/s versus 0.33 m/s, and specific resistances of 3.9 versus 5.1 in transverse and normal experiments, respectively. It is suggested here that the transverse-mirrored configuration, which engages the knee spring more than the normal configuration, be used in designs which require higher speeds and greater efficiencies.
The material architect: physically engaging the design process
Authors: Suriano Michael S.
Published: May 2021

The contemporary architect operates within a profession which is detached from the physical processes undertaken during the making of architecture. The emergence of two-dimensional representation as the architect’s primary mode of communication and design is deeply embedded within architectural praxis. The fundamental physical reality of architecture requires that the architect have an experientially based understanding of architecture’s conceptual drivers.

This situation necessitates re-conceptualizing the process of creating architecture. By reverting to a tangibly based method of design the creation of representative and demonstrative artefacts can aid in developing a stimulating and exploratory design process. The proposed method of design imbues the designer with a direct corporal experience of architectural ideas heightening an awareness of existent and emergent complexities in manifesting architectural works. The maturation of an architectural intuition steeped in the material reality of architecture developed through the fabrication of architectural prototypes is a critical tool in the arsenal of the contemporary architect.
Old Works / New Works: When Contemporary Photographic Artworks held by Canadian Public Institutions Change After Accession
Authors: Cibola Anne
Published: May 2021

This thesis explores what is at stake when changes are made to artworks after Canadian public institutions have accessioned them. It argues that the materiality of an art object matters, and together with the narrative or history of the artwork, contributes to its interpretation. Changes at the object level can have an impact not only on the history of an artwork, but also on an artist’s larger practice and on an institution’s collection. Using case studies of photographic works by Michael Snow (1929), Gabor Szilasi (1928), and Arnaud Maggs (1926-2012), this thesis investigates alterations made to artworks as a result of preservation concerns, curatorial input, and shifts in an artist’s thinking. Identifying the various subjectivities involved, this thesis examines how artists and institutions have responded to changes that affect art historical,
curatorial, and collections management decisions and records.
Large-scale Content-based Multimedia Analysis And Applications Using Bag-Of-Words Model
Authors: Zhang Ning
Published: May 2021

This dissertation focuses on the analysis of large-scale image and video data consortia with applications to multimedia indexing and retrieval. Bag-of-words (BoW) model is adopted and improved to suit the efficiency and effectiveness requirements in analyzing large-scale multimedia data. BoW method has been developed from the text retrieval domain and successfully applied in computer vision, such as image scene and object categorization. Specifically, we utilized the BoW model in the domain of image classification and retrieval, tackled challenges of large-scale multimedia applications of video analysis and mobile-based social activity recommendation using visual intents, respectively.

Incorporating the BoW model with unsupervised classification, we propose a scalable and generic approach in video analysis. The method aims at systematically analyzing unlabeled video from its genre identification, frame classification, and event detection. Unlike conventional domain-knowledge dependent approaches, the BoW model is domain-knowledge independent. Moreover, the system is mainly unsupervised and requires minimum human input. Therefore, our method is capable of processing massive quantity of videos generically. In addition, for the evaluation, sports video has been used as the testing ground.

Combining the BoW model with advanced retrieval algorithms, we propose a mobilebased visual search and social activity recommendation system. The merit of the BoW model in large-scale image retrieval is integrated with the flexible user interface provided by the mobile platform. Instead of text or voice input, the system takes visual images captured from the built-in camera and attempts to understand users’ intents through interactions. Subsequently, such intents are recognized through a retrieval mechanism using the BoW model. Finally, visual results are mapped onto contextually relevant information and entities (i.e. local business) for social task suggestions. Hence, the system offers users the ability to search information and make decisions on-the-go.
Assessment of Ontario's feed-in tariff for renewable energy policy: the case of solar PV technology
Authors: Calienes Giovanna S. G.
Published: May 2021

Promotion of renewable energy sources is associated with relieving climate change and energy security issues. In this context, solar energy is one of the most suitable renewable energy technologies to be technically viable to support a sustainable and renewable energy industry in Ontario, supported by a feed-in tariff (FIT) policy program. The purpose of this thesis was to develop an integrated assessment of the likely effectiveness and sustainability performance of Ontario's FIT solar PV program using a qualitative analysis through an international comparative policy analysis and a set of criteria evaluation; and a quantitative analysis using an economic evaluation of the solar PV value chain in Ontario to obtain the resulting costs/benefits to the province using the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LSCA) framework and the cost-benefit approach. Based on the results of the integrated evaluation, renewable energy policy implications will be determined including the effectiveness of regulatory incentives.
Mozaiq: An Inclusive Tool for Curating and Personalizing 2D Stock Animation for People of all Ethnic Backgrounds
Authors: Bihi Ebyan
Published: May 2021

When it comes to diversity, and inclusion, what does the current 2D animation landscape look like? This paper offers an in-depth review, and critique of the two most commonly used animation software platforms, Powtoon and Animaker. It highlights the diversity gaps found within these platforms, whilst proposing a platform (Mozaiq) that could potentially bridge these gaps, and provide more inclusive storytelling for all.
Survivor's Silenced Narratives
Authors: Catani Sarah
Published: May 2021

The re-victimization experienced by sexual assault (SA) survivors who engage with the mental health system post-assault is often wrapped in silence. They are stories that we never hear. Working from anti-colonial, anti-psychiatry and mad studies lenses, this master’s research paper centres three narratives from SA survivors who have experienced the “second victimization” (Sabina & Ho, 2014) from the mental health system. The SA survivors are all living in Ontario, Canada and their stories highlight a deep-rooted flawed system built on colonial practices which have been curated to abuse power relations. This research exposes the silenced trauma and abuse endured at the hands of medical ‘professionals’ as well as a lack of understanding and empathy for the SA community.