bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new CEM₄₃ thermal dose model based on Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher behaviour in thermal damage processes
Authors: Assi Hisham
Published: May 2021

Thermal dose models are metrics that quantify thermal damage in tissues based on the temperature and the time of exposure. The validity and accuracy of one of the commonly used models (CEM₄₃) for high temperature thermal therapy applications (50-90 degree Celcius) is questionable. It was found to over-estimate the accumulation of thermal damage for high-temperature applications. A new CEM₄₃ dose model based on Arrhenius type Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher equation using published data is introduced in this work. The new dose values for the same damage threshold that was produced at different in-vivo skin experiments were in the same order of magnitude, while the current dose values were 2 orders of magnitude different. The new dose values for same damage threshold in 6 lessions in ex-vivo liver experiments were more consistent than the current dose values. Computer simulations of laser interstitial thermal therapy showed that the current model usually predicts bigger volume than the new model does. The deviation in damaged volume prediction can be significant. The contribution of this work is introducing methods that can lead to more robust thermal dosimetry which will result in improved therapy modelling, monitoring and control.
Integrins Specifically Associated with the Activated Phagocytic Receptor Complexes from Human U937 Macrophages and the Integrins of Human Blood
Authors: Dufresne Jaimie
Published: May 2021

Receptor complexes are a key locus in the treatment of disease and pain but remain difficult to isolate. The Fc receptor binds to IgG presented on micro particles and triggers phagocytosis that is required for the engulfment of bacteria and non-self, pathogen molecules. Circulating LDL may be converted to oxLDL that is recognized by scavenger or other innate receptors that trigger the production of free radicals and phagocytic engulfment. The Fc receptor complex was captured using its cognate ligand IgG bound to 2 micron polystyrene beads from live cells by live cell affinity receptor chromatography (LARC). Similarly, oxLDL was used to coat micro beads to isolate the oxLDL-scavenger receptor complexes. The ligand coated beads were presented to live human macrophage U937 cells and sampled over the course of cell binding and engulfment in saline experimental medium. The receptor complexes were isolated by disruption with a French press and sucrose gradient centrifugation. The receptor complexes were separated using a salt and acetonitrile gradient prior to digestion with trypsin. The peptides were analyzed by LC-ESI MS/MS using a linear ion trap (Thermo) with the SEQUEST algorithm. In addition ligand affinity chromatography was performed using IgG, oxLDL or anti CD36 microbeads incubated with crude extracts. Controls included uncoated, or ligand coated, beads incubated in crude extract and/or used experimental medium. Certain integrins were shown to be specifically associated with IgG versus oxLDL and/or control treatments. The functional requirement for these integrins was tested using silencing RNA and quantitative assays of phagocytosis using laser scanning confocal microscopy. For the first time we show a small but statistically significant role for integrins in IgG-Fcγ receptor mediated phagocytosis.
Signal Quality Enhancement of Esophageal Pressure Signals in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Authors: Zara Michael
Published: May 2021

The Esophageal Pressure (Peso) signal can be used to monitor the respiratory mechanics of critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and has been successfully used in guiding mechanical ventilation strategies to improve patient outcomes. However, cardiogenic oscillations (CGOs) are a major source of interference, which not only makes it challenging in interpreting the patient’s respiratory mechanics, but can also cause false triggers in the mechanical ventilator resulting in a patient-ventilator asynchrony. In this thesis, we present a Peso enhancement scheme using Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) to suppress CGO interference. The proposed method was applied to synthetically generated Peso signals as well as real-world Peso signals from mechanically ventilated ICU patients. The proposed technique has been shown to significantly reduce the amplitude fluctuations caused by CGOs. The technique’s performance has been assessed through Face Validation by our collaborating clinicians, and is found to be suitable in not only suppressing CGO, but also extracting CGO from clinically acquired Peso signals.
Transportation modal choice for a hybrid inventory control problem
Authors: Mahiny Atena
Published: May 2021

In this report I tried to develop a model to control remanufacturing transportation cost for a reverse supply chain considering various serviceable and remanufacturable inventory stock points. While consumers traditionally dump the products at the end of their life cycle, there is an option to return them to the manufacturers for renew and reuse. As a result, manufacturers must collect products at the end of their life and control their recovery or disposal situation. Product recovery, which includes reusing, remanufacturing and recycling, requires a reverse logistic network in order to increase efficiently. This report presents the results of a simulation model for a reverse logistics network for collecting the returned cartridge toners from customers. Real data from an Australian case company was utilized to design test experiments in order to validate and evaluate the model.
Model predictive control of high power current-source converter for medium-voltage induction motor drive
Authors: Gao Hang
Published: May 2021

As a crucial player in medium-voltage (MV) applications, high power current-source converters (CSCs) feature some distinct advantages in contrast to their voltage-source counterparts. However, the traditional control techniques, based on linear proportional-integral (PI) regulators and low band-width modulation, impose several technical issues during low switching frequency operation. In order to meet more and more stringent performance requirements on industrial drives, various high performance finite control-set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) schemes are proposed in this thesis to control CSCs employed in MV induction motor (IM) drives.

The continuous-time and discrete-time dynamic models of high power CSC-fed MV IM drive are deduced, which are used to predict the evolution of state variables in the system. Issues related to MPC approach, such as prediction horizon, weighting factor selection, control delay compensation, accurate extrapolation of references, and nature of variable switching frequency are addressed as well.

Model predictive power factor control (MPPFC) is proposed to accurately regulate the line power factor of CSR under various operating conditions. Meanwhile, an active damping function is incorporated into MPPFC to suppress the possible line-side LC resonance. Moreover, an online capacitance estimation method is designed in consideration on the perturbation of the filter parameters of CSR.

In order to keep fixed switching frequency of CSC and improve its dynamic responses, model predictive switching pattern control (MPSPC) and model predictive space vector pattern control (MPSVPC) are proposed, in which MPC technique is combined with selective harmonic elimination (SHE) modulation and space vector modulation (SVM), respectively. In steady state, the PWM waveform of CSC follows the pattern of traditional modulation schemes, whereas during transients CSC is governed by MPC approach for the purpose on dynamic performance improvement.

A common-mode voltage (CMV) reduced model predictive control (RCMV-MPC) is studied, with which the peak value of CMV in high power CSC-fed MV IM drive can be further reduced in comparison with the traditional RCMV modulation schemes. The dynamic responses of the motor drive system are further improved as well.

The simulation on a megawatt motor drive system and experimental results on a low power prototype, validate the effectiveness of the proposed various control schemes.
Modern Vernacular: Translating First Nations Traditions Towards a Model of Contemporary Sustainable Architecture
Authors: Abu-Bakare Farida
Published: May 2021

Current contemporary buildings consume resources, generate waste and contribute to atmospheric pollution, relying on green rating and point systems to dictate the sustainable attributes of a project. The effectiveness of these point systems has come into question and current designers are examining the knowledge generated by thousands of years of vernacular architecture, which is becoming increasingly valued for its sustainable attributes.

First Nations peoples reflected a bias for sustainable thinking long before the sustainable architecture of today; their architecture was derived from a direct response to site and an intimate understanding of nature. Using the architecture of the past as a means of looking forward, the goal of this thesis is to assert key sustainable design strategies derived from the First Nations peoples approach to architecture towards a model of contemporary sustainable design.
Fluid-structure interaction considerations for solid rocket motor internal ballistics modeling
Authors: Montesano Giovanni
Published: May 2021

A study of the numerical modeling and prediction of nonlinear unsteady combustion instability within the combustion chamber of a solid rocket motor (SRM) is the main objective. The numerical model consists of a three-dimensional finite-element representation of a cylindrical-grain motor, coupled to a quasi-one-dimensional internal ballistic flow (IBF) model, where a quasi-steady rapid kinetic rate burning rate algorithm is used to model the propellant combustion and regression. Fluid-structure-combustion interaction subroutines are also employed to control the simulated motor firings and the data transferred between the fluid, structure and burning rate model components. Results illustrating the significant effects of structural vibrations on the burning rate and consequently the IBF are shown and compared to experimental data. Modeling considerations are illustrated, giving insight into the physical phenomena of SRM combustion instability.
Political Potential: The Women of Instagram Poetry
Authors: Rashidisisan Kimia
Published: May 2021

[Introduction]: The historical canon of poetry is predominantly male. The historical domain of policy making and politics is predominantly male. In the digital age, however, where the means to share or publish one’s thoughts and views is available to almost anyone, the strict gatekeeping of literature and political discourse is no longer upheld. The phenomenon of instapoetry, poetry published to Instagram, is an example of a social media platform being used by women to bring poetry into popular culture, and, by that means, address political issues surrounding womanhood. By addressing issues of female oppression, sexual assault, and race through poetry, female instapoets wield political power by raising awareness about these issues and influencing and mobilizing their young and female demographic to instigate social change. Rupi Kaur, a famous Canadian-Indian instapoet with 4 million Instagram followers, is an exemplar of the intersection of poetry, social media, and politics. Kaur’s female-centred content reaches millions of people and speaks to healing by way of self-help. Through her words and illustrations, readers are encouraged to think about the politics of being a woman today.
Literally: social reading and meaning-making
Authors: Beale Eleanor
Published: May 2021

People read less for personal fulfillment than in the past. In fact, reading for pleasure is at a 30 year low (McWilliams, 2018. People wish they read more but are deterred by several different psychological blocks, including lack of time, motivation, and access, as well as digital distraction. The dominant, modern narrative around reading is one of a sterile knowledge transmission from book to individual. I argue that this understanding of reading as a solitary act is lacking in several ways. My research focuses on meaning-making in book clubs and the advantages afforded by social reading, as an alternative. I want to situate the book club tradition within a digital landscape and showing how virtual clubs and in-person discussion are not mutually exclusive. To fill gaps in the conversation about social reading, modern book clubs, personal interaction, and meaning-making, I am looking at possible digital spaces for reading and thus identity formation.
Defining the Field of Immigration Studies: A Preliminary Study of Research Contributions
Authors: Ingerova Olena
Published: May 2021

This is a study that in a preliminary way explores the boundaries of immigration as a field of study. It does so at two scales - the national and the local - by examining a sample of articles published in the Journal of International Migration and Integration and Michael Doucet's Bibliography on Immigration and Settlement in the Toronto Area, Third Edition. The implications of findings are then discussed in the light of concepts such as multidisciplinarity, authorship and knowledge production.
Get it, Girl! An exploration of "fitspiration" content on Instagram using visual social semiotics and social comparison theory
Authors: McGuirk Kaitlyn
Published: May 2021

By definition “fitspiration” (fit + inspiration) is any message designed to inspire or motivate individuals to achieve their fitness objectives. These messages are usually accompanied by an image of a very fit person performing a physical activity. Fitspiration messages seem to be everywhere with more than 12 million results on Instagram alone. This Master of Professional Communication Major Research Paper (MRP) explores the “fitspiration” phenomenon on the social media platform Instagram by examining 50 images tagged with “#fitspiration” during March and April 2017. Informed and analyzed through multiple methods including content analysis, visual social semiotics theory, discourse analysis and social comparison theory, this report seeks to answer the research questions: (1) What are the characteristics of “fitspiration” images on Instagram that are aimed at young women? (2) What messages do these media images convey? (3) What are the implications of these messages on young women? The results of this
study suggest that the “thin-ideal” that is embedded in western culture still dominates social media and the “fitspiration” community, which continues to negatively impact young women’s self-esteem and body image. However, based on the findings there is a shift to the “strong is the new skinny” mentality where the captions and comments of each image are overwhelmingly positive in nature with little to no existence of destructive discourses. In an attempt to lessen the effects of such idealized and unrealistic portrayals of female bodies on young women there must be this continued presence of constructive messages and conversations on social media, coupled
with education and social media literacy for young females.
Commercializing Innovation In Residential Energy Retrofits In Toronto: A Case Study Involving Gemeni NTED®
Authors: Schlitt Meghan E.
Published: May 2021

Retrofitting Canada’s existing housing stock to increase energy efficiency of dwellings is
an opportunity to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Gemini
Nested Thermal Envelope Design (NTED®) is an innovative building retrofit that
drastically reduces energy consumption. However, this innovation’s potential can only
be realized once it has achieved widespread market acceptance.

Using Gemini NTED® as a case study, an innovation commercialization model was
applied to energy retrofits to aid in establishing an appropriate commercialization strategy
for Toronto. Market research conducted within this study identified external factors
affecting commercialization, barriers to innovation adoption and competitive forces
affecting profitability. Economic valuation evaluated discounted monetary savings from
reduced energy consumption. Results show that the retrofit market is moderately
attractive and conducive to earning profits. Results related to Gemini NTED® show that
Gemini may have commercialization potential for retrofitting older electrically heated
homes especially in Canadian provinces with high electricity rates. Results arising from
a soon to be completed Gemini NTED® pilot will confirm capital costs and economic
benefit.
Study of single event upsets (SEUS) a survey and analysis
Authors: Foulds Sheldon  Mark
Published: May 2021

Over the last few years evolution in electronics technology has led to the shrinkage of electronic circuits. While this has led to the emergence of more powerful computing systems it has also caused a dramatic increase in the occurrence of soft errors and a steady climb in failure in time (FIT) rates. This problem is most prevalent in FPGA based systems which are highly susceptible to radiation induced errors. Depending upon the severity of the problem a number of methods exist to counter these effects including Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR), Error Control Coding (ECC), scrubbing systems etc. The following project presents a simulation of an FPGA based system that employs one of the popular error control code techniques called the Hamming Code. A resulting analysis shows that Hamming Code is able to mitigate the effects of single event upsets (SEUs) but suffers due to a number of limitations.
Increasing Perceived Value In Physical Environments Through The Implementation Of Augmented Reality
Authors: Herman Teodor
Published: May 2021

This research project examines the impact of Augmented Reality (AR) technology as a means to increase customer engagement. More specifically, it explores how the inclusion of AR in public spaces has the ability to promote positive customer experiences that lead to higher referrals and increased revenue while reducing acquisition costs. The research identifies that AR is defined as a medium through which pictures and information can be displayed over a screen. By way of this process, new virtual elements are created by overlaying and integrating them into the environment. Through a quantitative deductive analysis, this project sought to test whether the implementation of AR overlaid upon key aspects of a space has the ability to improve the perceived value of a customer’s experience in that environment.
Cooperative Subcarrier and Power Allocation in OFDM Based Relaying Systems
Authors: Rasouli Hamed
Published: May 2021

The increasing use of relays in wireless communication systems is a driving force to explore innovative techniques that can improve the quality of service as well as enhance the coverage of wireless systems. Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) is widely deployed in broadband wireless systems to effectively combat the frequency selectivity of the wireless fading channel. Wireless relays are used in practical OFDM-based wireless systems such as WiMAX to increase the capacity and diversity order of the system. To fully exploit the benefits of OFDMA, relaying systems require efficient management of resources, including power and subcarriers. The difficulty in resource allocation in a relaying system is the nonconvexity of the optimization problem caused by the inter-relationship of all the resources through the relay station. Therefore, suboptimal and heuristic algorithms are proposed to assign power and subcarriers to the users in the relaying system while maintaining flexible fairness in resource allocation. In this dissertation, we improve the efficiency of subcarrier and power allocation algorithms with flexible fairness in the downlink of an amplify-and-forward (AF) OFDM relaying system. We propose an asymptotically fair subcarrier allocation algorithm that provides flexibility in the fairness index for possible improvement in the total throughput of the system by using a group-based approach. We investigate the problem of power allocation for an AF relaying scheme by considering three different objective functions: average SNR, average BER, and outage probability. The results are presented for various relay locations and different total power in the system. It is shown that the solution to the power allocation problem does not depend on the objective function when the relay is closer to the mobile user for different objective functions. By deriving the capacity of the AF relaying, a new parameter, called cooperation coefficient, is introduced to quantify the cooperation level from the relaying links in the data rate of the the mobile station. Assuming flat power allocation and using the cooperation coefficient parameter, a cooperative subcarrier allocation algorithm is proposed that increases the total throughput of a multi-user OFDM relaying system by approximately 15%. We also propose a two-step solution for subcarrier and power allocation of an AF relaying system. In the first step, the total power is allocated to the users and relays based on the power ratio found for the single-relay system. In the second step, subcarriers are assigned to the users based on the cooperative subcarrier allocation algorithms. Based on our finding, the total throughput of the system improves by 25% using the two-step procedure. By applying the proposed asymptotically fair idea to the two-step subcarrier and power allocation, we maintain a flexible fairness and further increase the total throughput in an OFDM relaying system.
Fight like a girl : digital storytelling for resilience strategies
Authors: Ramoutar Natasha
Published: May 2021

My major research paper (MRP) seeks to explore the relationship between resilience strategies and women in martial arts. It is the foundation for a knowledge translation project which seeks to
create an interactive fiction piece to teach self-motivation strategies utilized by women athletes
in combat arts. This interactive fiction piece is not meant to be a clinical tool for depression or
anxiety, but is instead a self-empowerment tool. By interviewing 10 women who participate in
Muay Thai as amateur fighters, I was able to evaluate which strategies were common and effective. These included discipline, organization, growth mindset, and finding an overarching
purpose. There were also many barriers that were similar between the participants of my study,
including ineffective coaching techniques, unsupportive friends and family, and unrealistic
representations of women in martial arts by the media. Lastly, the participants of my study
offered several suggestions for the game creation, including designing accurate physical
representations of women's bodies, acknowledging barriers and sacrifices for women in the
sport, and offering the opportunity in-game for self-reflection self-reflection to mimic self-improvement.
The term knowledge translation reveals that we speak in different languages and conventions than people outside of academia. The term knowledge mobilization illustrates that we have to go out of our way to reach these people, many of whom are the subjects of our research. These two concepts can and should be integrated as we conduct our research, write our papers, and publish; they should not simply exist as an afterthought. I urge every scholar who reads this paper to consider the ways we can create a culture which encourages inclusivity and equitable access.
Going over-the-top: reassessing Canadian cultural policy objectives in a converged media environment
Authors: Ozege Siobhan
Published: May 2021

The Canadian media landscape is changing at an unanticipated pace, catching public and private broadcasters off-guard and ill equipped to meet the changing demands of the market. This is placing significant strain on the regulator's existing approach to new media regulation. Since 1999, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has employed a policy of non-regulation-or as I will argue in this paper, a policy of non-policy regarding new media broadcasting undertakings (NMBUs). While NMBUs cast a wide net in terms of what we would classify under this term, its most widely known proponents-"over-the-top" (OTT) providers like Netflix Inc., Hulu, Apple TV, and countless others are taking the lion's share of the criticism and concern in Canada by broadcasters and social groups like ACTRA, and the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA). This paper will provide an environmental scan of the existing approach to new media regulation in Canada by examining The Broadcasting Act, the New Media Exemption Order (NMEO), and the OTT Fact-Finding Mission (and results). This exploration will identify existing policy gaps, provide a history of the regulatory model, and highlight a brief case study on the Office of Communications (Ofcom) in the United Kingdom that has adopted an umbrella regulatory model that may be useful when exploring new options for new media policy in Canada. Finally, it will identify some existing roadblocks for undertaking such a policy review by looking specifically at the legislative confines of The Broadcasting Act.
A Need for New Relations Between the Third Sector and the State: an Examination of the Case of Immigration Settlement Services in Canada
Authors: Morris Taylor Elizabeth Margaret
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this paper is to explore the need to restructure the relations between the Third Sector and the State. The case of Third Sector settlement services in Canada is examined this proposition. This paper takes the approach of a critical literature review to analyze the changing relationship between the Third Sector and the State in Canada from the early 1600’s to the contemporary era. This paper will demonstrate that the State has become restructured to follow neoliberal priorities thereby restricting settlement services and negatively impacting the integration of newcomers. The adoption of collaborative governance is proposed as a way to facilitate access to settlement programming that will support the development of partnerships, capacity-building and the sharing of best practices among settlement service providers. This paper is a call for action to Third Sector organizations and the State to begin to reconcile and strengthen their relationship to better serve newcomers to Canada.
Accuracy improvement of SOC estimation in lithium-ion batteries by ANFIS vs ANN modeling of nonlinear cell characteristics
Authors: Amir Jamlouie Mohammad Hassan
Published: May 2021

Over the last century, the energy storage industry has continued to evolve and adapt to changing energy requirements. To run an efficient energy storage system two points must be considered. Firstly, precise load forecasting to determine energy consumption pattern. Secondly, is the correct estimation of state of charge (SOC).

In this project there is a model introduced to predict the load consumption based on ANN implemented by MATLAB. The Designed intelligent system introduced for load prediction according to the hypothetical training data related to two years daily based load consumption of a residential area.

For another obstacle which is accurate estimation of SOC, two separate models are provided based on ANN and ANFIS for Lithium-ion batteries as an energy storage system. There are several researches in this regard but in this project the author makes an effort to introduce the most efficient based on the MSE of each performance and as a result the method by ANN is found more accurate.
The use of indicators in Canadian corporate sustainability reports
Authors: Roca Laurence Clement
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the use of sustainability indicators in Canadian corporate sustainability reports. The literature review highlights that few details are available on how indicators are currently used by corporations. To address this gap, this research focues on a content analysis of sustainability reports published by Canadian corporations in 2008. This thesis provides the first comprehensive review of indicators used in Canadian corporate sustainability reporting. Thematic categories of indicators, their use by industry sector and their associated targets are discussed. The use of existing sustainability indicators programs, such as composite indices, the GRI and Balanaced Scorecard, is also presented. The GRI indicators selected by Canadian corporations are also reviewed in detail. Finally, the way corporations report on the selection, development, and use of indicators int the management of sustainability issues is analysed.
Recognizing Facial Expressions of Emotion in Infancy: The Role of Face Familiarity
Authors: Safar Kristina
Published: May 2021

Recognizing Facial Expressions of Emotion in Infancy: The Role of Face Familiarity
Comparison of flow-based versus block-based programming for naive programmers
Authors: Kruti Dave
Published: May 2021

There is general agreement that most people should have some programming ability, whether
to investigate the vast amount of data around them or for professional purposes. Visual
Programming Languages comprise two broad categories: Flow-based, functional programming
or Block-based, imperative programming. However, there has been a lack of empirical studies
in the visual programming domain to evaluate the relative benefits of the two categories. This
research provides an empirical study to analyze the effects of the comparison between Flowbased
and Block-based paradigm, to determine which of the two representations is easier for
non-programmers or novice programmers. Each user is given a random, simple problem to
program in a random environment. Both of the environments, Flow-based and Block-based
are designed to be as similar as possible to make the comparison useful. The results indicate
that Flow and Block are equivalent environments for non-programmers or novice programmers
in terms of usability and effectiveness.
Comparison of flow-based versus block-based programming for naive programmers
Authors: Dave Kruti
Published: May 2021

There is general agreement that most people should have some programming ability, whether
to investigate the vast amount of data around them or for professional purposes. Visual
Programming Languages comprise two broad categories: Flow-based, functional programming
or Block-based, imperative programming. However, there has been a lack of empirical studies
in the visual programming domain to evaluate the relative benefits of the two categories. This
research provides an empirical study to analyze the effects of the comparison between Flowbased
and Block-based paradigm, to determine which of the two representations is easier for
non-programmers or novice programmers. Each user is given a random, simple problem to
program in a random environment. Both of the environments, Flow-based and Block-based
are designed to be as similar as possible to make the comparison useful. The results indicate
that Flow and Block are equivalent environments for non-programmers or novice programmers
in terms of usability and effectiveness.
A hardware based technique to reduce the timing complexity of number factoring problem
Authors: Pourdowlat Pirouz
Published: May 2021

Most digital circuits which have been developed to implement algorithms, can benefit from an increase in clock speed, but do not completely map the problem to all available silicon resources. We have introduced a hardware based scheme capable of effectively using technology, specifically the increase in silicon area, to improve the computational time of complicated applications. In this thesis, we applied this scheme to solve the factoring problem, which requires exponential time (with respect to the number of bits in n) in conventional computers and could be only solved in polynomial time with quantum computers. The scheme successfully mapped the problem to most of the silicon area of Altera Stratix FPGA. The results show that the scheme is capable of reducing the time complexity to a polynomial rate with respect to the number of bits of the number n. The results also show an exponential rate of use for silicon with respect to the number of bits of n. Our analysis shows that the new scheme is scalable with technology speed and available space, could be applied to other applications to solve the performance limitations of conventional systems.
IC testing using thermal image based on intelligent classification methods
Authors: Al-Obaidy Furat
Published: May 2021

The goal of this thesis is to propose an algorithm which would can locate the defect IC on the PCB during their manufacturing phase based on a thermal image. A 3-dimensional PCB finite-element model is developed to estimate the temperature profile of stacked ICs. Image processing by noise removing and region of interest segmentation are applied. Two sets of feature extraction are presented; first-order histogram features and Gray Level Co-occurrence
Matrix (GLCM) features. The Principle Component Analysis (PCA) method is applied to decrease the feature's extractions into smallest uncorrelated input. Three main intelligent techniques; Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) are used to classify the thermal conditions of ICs into normal and faulty status.

On validation, the proposed approach applies to do thermal testing on Arduino UNO. The experimental evaluation is performed to detect the fault condition on the real time operating PCB.
The Lost Seahorse
Authors: Montoya Lizeth
Published: May 2021

The Lost Seahorse is a short documentary about my grandmother Irene, who has Alzheimer’s disease. The film is a poetic portrait composed of testimonies by her primary caregivers. Recalling memories of Irene, they tackle issues such as absence, loss, and the difficulty of caring for someone you love that has forgotten who you are. Ultimately, the film asks if it is Alzheimer’s that ends the identity of a person or if that happens when we forget who they were. This paper exposes the themes that served as a basis for the creation of this project as well as the process of its development.
A genetic algorithm based partition generation and optimization method for finite element problems
Authors: Jirasek Lubomir
Published: May 2021

A two-step partitioning algorithm for FE meshes is proposed in this work for the purposes of time savings. A direct method based on the concept of 'separateness' was applied first, followed by a partition optimization process that used a Genetic Algorithm (GA). A total of 9 applications were evaluated to demonstrate the durability, versatility, and effectiveness of this partitioning algorithm with respect to interface node count and subdomain load balance. Beyond this wingbox optimization problem was performed on a single processor using a GA to demonstrate the possible time savings of the method. With a 30% decrease in compute time witnessed, it can be said with confidence that the propose partitioning algorithm was a success.
Transition into the workforce : economic integration of former government assisted refugees and former refugee claimants
Authors: Taraky Hila
Published: May 2021

While research in the sphere of settlement and integration is wide in scope and subject, it largely focuses on the labour market outcomes and economic integration of skilled immigrants. Such research exemptions do not capture the economic integration of other immigrant classes such as refugees. In light of such research gaps, this study aimed to examine the economic integration of former Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) and former refugee claimants in Hamilton, Ontario. Through a series of four interviews with former GARs and former refugee claimants who are working within Hamilton's social service sector, this study found that the experiences of refugees can be captured by a combination of human capital and social capital frameworks. Similar to skilled immigrants, refugees are better able to transition into professional fields upon enrolling in post-secondary educational institutions, volunteering, and networking with members outside of their own ethno-cultural community. This study also found that immediate settlement supports, offered by the Resettlement Assistance Program, had positive long term affects on the economic integration of GARs. Former refugee claimants did not have such immediate services and as a result had frustrating immediate settlement experiences. It is therefore argued that the RAP mitigates many systematic and structural barriers which otherwise pose as barriers for the economic integration of refugees.
Investigations on Flow and Flow-Induced Vibration of CANDU Fuel Bundles
Authors: Bhattacharya Alokendu
Published: May 2021

Excitations induced by three-dimensional unsteady flows of ordinary water coolant through a string of CANDU fuel bundles in a fuel channel are investigated in this thesis. Several comprehensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are developed and solved by means of large eddy simulation (LES), high performance computers and parallel processing scheme. The 12-bundle flow model is the first ever developed concerning flow in a very complex CANDU fuel channel. The lateral fluid flow and flow-induced excitations on every fuel bundle are obtained and analyzed for various combinations of bundle angular positions. The coherent nature of the flow through the multiple bundles inside the fuel channel exhibiting fluid excitations of frequencies spreaded over a wide band in the power spectra is a source of bundle lateral vibration. The flow features of different bundle regime are correlated both in time and frequency domain and they are sensitive to the bundle-to-bundle angular position. This finding directs that, to study the flow and flow-induced excitations and vibrations of a bundle string, it is necessary to include all bundles for fluid-structure interactions. Results from the computational model reveal that the misaligned interface changes the flow pattern in the fuel channel. The mean lateral fluid forces increase by an order of magnitude and their RMS values raise about 3 to 4 times at some configurations compared to fully aligned situation. Experiments are also performed using the simulated CANDU bundles in an out-reactor setup to verify the computational results. An analysis of a complete fuel channel of a nuclear reactor using LES is at the forefront of current research worldwide and this study is a major step forward towards understanding and unfolding the fuel bundle vibration phenomenon.
Prevalence and Characterization of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance in Various Aquatic Sources
Authors: Yusuf Farhan
Published: May 2021

Bacterial isolates found in aquatic ecosystems often carry antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). These ARGs are often found on plasmids and transposons, which allows them to be proliferate throughout bacterial communities via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) causing dissemination of multidrug resistance. The increase in antibiotic resistance has raised concerns about the ability to continue to use these drugs to fight infectious diseases. Novel synthetic antibiotics like ciprofloxacin that are not naturally found in the environment were developed to prevent resistances. However, ciprofloxacin resistance has occurred through chromosomal gene mutations of type 2 topoisomerases or by the acquisition of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistances (PMQR). A particular PMQR, qnr genes, encoding for pentapeptide repeat proteins that confer low levels of quinolone resistance and protect DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV from antibacterial activity. These qnr genes have been identified globally in both clinical and environmental isolates.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria in aquatic environments in the Greater Toronto Area and the potential dissemination of ciprofloxacin resistance. With the selective pressure of ciprofloxacin, we hypothesize that ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria (CipR) in the environment may carry PMQR mechanisms while the sensitive population (CipS) would not carry PMQR genes. Isolates were tested for resistance to an additional 12 different antibiotics and identified using Sanger sequencing PCR products of the 16S rRNA gene. To determine which genes are responsible for ciprofloxacin resistance, multiplex PCR of associated qnr genes, qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS, was carried out on 202 environmental isolates. Our data demonstrate a similar prevalence of qnr genes was found in CipR
(19%) and CipS (14%) populations suggesting that the presence of these genes was not necessarily correlated with the phenotypic resistance to the antibiotic. Furthermore, ciprofloxacinresistant bacteria were found in all locations at similar frequencies suggesting that resistance genes are widespread and could possibly arise through HGT events. Overall, determining the underlying cause and prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance could help re-establish the effectiveness of these antimicrobial compounds.
60 seasons : a conversation around the future of food
Authors: Breward Jeannette
Published: May 2021

The current state of food production in the Western world is leading to the devastation of our land, soil, and air. industrial farms are contributing not just to poor human health, but to the ever increasing depletion of our natural esources, a reduction in the biodiversity of plants and animals and in the sustainability of the planet. 60 Seasons – A Conversation around the Future of Food aims to stimulate the dialogue around healthy and sustainable means of food production by depicting the efforts of two small groups within Northumberland County, Ontario. Their aim is to bring sustainable farming methods to their community, while expanding the discourse around environmentally sound food production and providing healthy food choices to those in need.
A culture of reaction : Canadian refugee policy in an era of environmental migration
Authors: Omeziri Eric
Published: May 2021

In 2010, forty-two million people worldwide were displaced from their homes due to environmental causes. These environmental migrants lack international recognition and have no recourse to the protections of the international refugee regime. This paper examines contradictions inherent in the environmental migration concept, and argues that state-level migration policies related to issues of environmental displacement are reactive and ad hoc in nature. Examining Canadian and US migration policies, this paper demonstrates that national governments have developed a "wait and see" approach towards environmental displacement. With a long history of responding to incidences of displacement, Canada is an important country in terms of its refugee resettlement policies. Accordingly, a review of Canadian refugee policy will provide insights relating to the policy response of western countries to future incidences of environmental displacement.
Elevating the Lab Grown Diamond: A Critical Review of the Contemporary Jewellery Industry
Authors: Memme Amanda C.
Published: May 2021

DeBeers' iconic 1938 “A Diamond Is Forever” campaign associated diamonds with everlasting love and singlehandedly constructed the value of, and public demand for, these gemstones (Epstein, 1982). This event is known as the “diamond invention” (Epstein, 1982). However, the purity of natural diamonds was challenged in the 1990s because of rising concern about blood diamonds (Siegel, 2009). In the same era, gem-quality lab-grown diamonds entered the market though they remained largely unknown (Kitawaki, Abduriyim, Kawano, & Okano, 2010). Recently, awareness of synthetics has increased given millennial values (IGDA, 2019). Today more jewellery companies have adopted lab-grown diamonds, many of which maintain the romantic associations from the diamond invention despite changes in social values over the last eighty-one years. The industry requires differentiation of natural and lab-grown diamond sectors for several reasons including to uphold diamond value (e.g. Sherman, 2014; Siegel, 2009a; Whiteley, 2016). Not much scholarship exists on the current state of the lab-grown diamond industry. Thus, this study delves into the debate between both sectors to devise a strategy for lab- grown diamonds, considering the current social climate.
Disabling language practices: discursive constructions of children in individual education plan resource documents
Authors: Boyd Victoria
Published: May 2021

Background: The Individual Education Plan (IEP) and related resource documents shape the lived realities of children in special education programs. Although these documents aim to assist children in achieving their educational goals, a point of disjuncture can exist between the documents’ intentions and the actual experiences of children. Addressing this issue is crucial in order to prevent inequality and to foster educational development and social well being for children.
Purpose: This study explores the discursive construction of children in IEP resource documents in order to illuminate the underlying implications of the language comprising these texts.
Method: Data was collected by gathering IEP resource documents from the Ontario Ministry of Education website. Discourse analysis was then employed to examine the presence of the equative and attributive models, the passive voice, and the possessive construction. Lastly, disability theory was used to explore how these language practices conceptualize children.
Results: The data set included zero instances of the equative model, an infrequent use of the attributive model, and a strong presence of both the passive voice and the possessive construction. These findings contributed to representations of children as exceptional, passive, and subordinate despite an explicit attempt to resist such conceptions.
Conclusion: This study serves as a model through which the language practices of other special education documents can be critically evaluated, and offers potential avenues for creating documents that avoid disabling children further.
An architecture for people: a vertical neighbourhood for fostering social interactions
Authors: Gust Joanne
Published: May 2021

Architecture should respond to the human need for social interaction, which can contribute to human health and well - being and support the sustainable growth and development of cities. Currently, world growth and development of cities. Currently, world–wide, high-density developments are recognized as a way to grow sustainably. Similarly, this has been recognized in the City of Toronto. However current condominium developments have primarily responded to the influx of young professionals and have overlooked the necessity for social interaction and consequently these facets have contributed to creating a monoculture in the downtown core.

Nevertheless, to grow sustainably, the City of Toronto should focus on making densification a viable solution for a greater number of people, by accommodating for a variety of family types, and by responding to peoples’ need to interact socially. To achieve both of these goals requires: the management of large populations through the generation of clusters ,the integration of communal spaces, a circulation system to provide choice and generate encounters ,and a response to context.