bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post 9/11 Anti-Muslim racism: a critical analysis of Canada's security policies
Authors: Khan Imran
Published: June 2021

This paper examines the experience of Arab and South Asian Muslim-Canadians in the current climate of 'war against terror'. By investigating securitization of Arab and South Asian Muslims from a socio-political perspective, the paper will explore how race thinking has become entrenched into the institutional fabric of security discourse. Race thinking, as Sherene Razack has identified, is the structure of thought that divides the world between the deserving and the underserving. While Canada's historic policies around securitization of racialized minorities exemplifies the patterns of 'preferred' and 'non-preferred' immigrants; this paper will investigate such characteristics by examining the post-9/11 legislative changes and how they have impacted the Arab and South Asian Muslim experience. This paper has two parts to it. First, the paper will attempt to identify how issues become securitized by examining the recent changes to the anti-terrorism legislations. After examining the issue of securitization, the paper will then investigate whether Muslims have become the new 'Other'.
Dynamic analysis of vertical stormwater storage systems
Authors: Kang Kay Taegyeong
Published: June 2021

A below-grade vertical stormwater storage system is one of the solutions to reduce the volume of sewer overflows released into the environment. The system is submerged most of the time during filling, which can result in hydraulic problems. This research intent to provide some insight on potential hydraulic problems that can occur in a vertical storage system during intense rain events. An experimental study was conducted using a physical scale model that consists of two vertical storage shafts, a horizontal tunnel and an inflow drop shaft. The results showed that both entrapped air in the system and mass flow oscillation in the system can cause a rapid rise of water level, or a geyser, at the drop shaft. The predictions of a modified version of HAMMER compared well with the experimental result while the InfoWorks CS model was unable to simulate vertical momentum in the drop shaft.
Curvature Limitations In Bridge Codes
Authors: Khalafalla Imad Eldin Ahmed E.
Published: June 2021

In recent years, horizontally curved bridges have been widely used in congested urban areas, where multi- level interchange structures are necessary for modem highways. A series of horizontally curved bridges were analyzed in this study using a commercial finite-element program, ABAQUS. In each analysis, the behavior of bridges was investigated, and the major internal forces developed in the members were determined. Specifically, stresses, vertical deflections, vertical reactions and natural frequencies for different values of the horizontal angle of curvature. These values compared with the values of a straight bridge of similar span and cross-section configuration. Bridges taken into account were single and twospan horizontally curved concrete slab bridges, concrete T -beam bridges, concrete cellular bridges, concrete box girder bridges, slab-on-steel !-girder bridges, and composite steel box girder bridges. The design parameters considered were degree of curvature, span length, number of lanes, number of girders and/or boxes, and span-to-depth ratio. The stipulation made in bridge codes for treating a curved bridge as straight one is examined. Based on the data generated from the parametric study, sets of empirical expressions were developed to evaluate stress, deflection, reaction, and frequency distribution factors in a curved bridge system as related to a straight bridge system. Then these expressions were extended to establish more reliable expressions for curvature limitation to treat a curved bridge as straight one.  
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a Fisheries Management Tool for the Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus) in Belize
Authors: Beneditti Lisa S.
Published: June 2021

The Nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus, was once an important commercial fish species in the Caribbean, but is now considered commercially extinct throughout its range. Protection measures have included protection of adults via seasonal closures and spawning aggregation site reserves (SASRs). Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a promising fisheries management tool being used increasingly worldwide but are not specifically directed at the conservation of Nassau grouper. This thesis uses Belize as a case study location to determine how the established MPA network may contribute towards its protection. It was found that the Belize MPA network as a system may not contribute greatly, however, on an individual basis some MPAs contribute more to protection than others. Those MPAs which have characteristics most suitable for this species are Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes, Sapodilla Cayes, Bacalar Chico, Glovers Reef, Hol Chan, and South Water Caye Marine Reserves.
"Nannies strike back": the representation of live-in caregivers and the Live-in Caregiver Program in the mainstream and ethnic press
Authors: Kronfli Catrina
Published: June 2021

Utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this study examines the representation of live-in caregivers (LC) and the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP), between 2007 and 2013, in eleven mainstream Canadian newspapers (N=32) and five Filipino-Canadian newspapers (N=31). It contributes to the extant media analyses on the LCP by including the perspective of the ethnic press, and, thus, the voices of LC, LC advocates, and members of the Filipino community. It also examines the recent hype surrounding the emergence of au pairing as a suitable caregiving option for Canadian families in light of the declining number of LC following the April 1, 2010 reforms to the LCP. This study concludes that the mainstream Canadian press portrayal of LC and their children is congruous with the "Problem Approach," while that in the ethnic newspapers is congruous with the "Agency Approach," providing a space to both empower LC and resist negative mainstream portrayals.
The historical process of fandom as a participatory pastime: film discourse in newspapers from 1911 to 1918.
Authors: Whitehead Jessica L.
Published: June 2021

"Who Will Be Ruth?" was a headline that dominated small town newspapers from 1915-1918. This headline corresponded with a contest that targeted young women to participate in the new national pastime of cinema by having local women vie for the roles in a film with citizens voting for their favourite woman to play the lead character of Ruth. The "Who Will Be Ruth?" contest became a local phenomenon, which garnered tens of thousands of votes in each town the contest ran. The contest exemplifies the film contest trend that occurred in newspapers from 1911-1918, which elicited audience participation in the creation of film content. Movie contests reveal an early participatory culture, which contradicts critical theory's notion of a passive audience. Mass produced cinema in fact actualized publics that participated in the creation of the very content they consumed. The formation of movie fans can be studied by exploring early participation in collective practices, as reflexive circulation of discourse is integral to the creation of a public (Warner, 2002). My research involves studying three distinctive film contests that demonstrate the historical process of creating fandom through the use of newspaper texts. The transformation of film into American mass culture in the 191 Os is directly connected to fan groups who were largely made up of female fans who both legitimized film going and created a distinctive fan public. Film contests gave women agency in creating content for mass culture before voting rights were universal. An exploration of movie contests from 1911-1918 will provide new insights into the relationship between participatory cultures, aesthetic objects and discourse.
Behaviour of double skin profiled composite shear wall system under in-plane monotonic, cyclic and impact loadings
Authors: Rafiei Shahryar
Published: June 2021

This research investigated the behaviour of a new form of composite shear wall system consisting of two skins of profiled steel sheeting and an infill of concrete under in-plane monotonic, cyclic and impact loading. The extensive experimental, analytical and numerical investigations of composite shear walls provided information on strength, stiffness, load-deformation response, steel sheet-concrete interaction, stress-strain characteristics and failure modes.Eight composite wall specimens with overall dimensions of 1626 mm (height) x 720 mm (width) were tested under monotonic, cyclic and impact loading. Steel sheet-concrete connections were provided by intermediate fasteners to generate composite action. Two types of steel sheets classified based on strength as mild and high strength and also, two types of concrete-infill namely Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) and Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) were used to construct the walls. An analytical model for shear resistance of the composite wall was developed based on existing models taking into account the shear capacity of the steel sheets, concrete core and steel-concrete interaction. Moreover, two non-linear finite element models for the composite wall under monotonic/cyclic and impact loading were developed using proprietary ABAQUS/CAE software. The performance of developed numerical models was validated against experimental results and then the models were utilized to carry out an extensive parametric study to understand the influence of material and steel-concrete interaction on the structural behaviour of the walls.
But is it art? : the construction and valuation of illustration in Victoria's Island Illustrators Society
Authors: Grove Shannon Jaleen
Published: June 2021

In Canada, illustration, commercial art, and conservative, traditional art are often spoken of as separate from and opposite to "non-commercial", "contemporary art", a division I argue stems from the older distinction between art and craft but one that can be subverted. Using concepts from Gowans, Greenhalgh, Mortenson, Shiner, and Bourdieu's theory of the field of cultural production, this thesis traces the sociology and art history of the division between traditional and modern art that led to the formation of the Island Illustrators Society in 1985 in Victoria, British Columbia. I argue illustration is an original, theoretical art form indistinguishable from but alienated by contemporary art, that conservative art is neither static nor irrelevant, and that non-commercial contemporary art is a misnomer. I find the Society challenged the definitions of art and illustration by promoting illustrative fine art and by transcending binary oppositions of conservative and contemporary, commercial and non-commercial.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles Today and Their Impacts in the Transportation industry
Authors: Miraz Abdul M.
Published: June 2021

Canadians are concerned about their environment around them, global warming and also related issues regarding this aspect. But on the other hand many donʼt realize that the cars and trucks that they drive are a major source of these problems, and that there are alternative choices of transportation that they can make out there. Majority of us drive or ride in vehicles that are powered by petroleum based fossil fuels i.e. gasoline or diesel. But some people, however, are choosing to drive vehicles that run on smaller amounts of fuel, and/or partially or completely on fuels other than diesel or gasoline. These types of advanced and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) help reduce our dependence on foreign oil imports, save us money on fuel costs, and improve our air quality. Alternative fuels nowadays have received some attention as a potential option to curtail the carbon dioxide emissions form vehicles. My project report discusses the feasibility and desirability of the use of alternative fuels as a strategy to mitigate automotive carbon dioxide emissions. For example what types of impact are we to expect in the transportation industry due to alternative fuel vehicles and are they economically feasible to consumers? And what type of long-term benefits do they offer? And if a person is willing to know more about these alternative fuel vehicles that are out in the market, where should they go for more information? It is a type of a summary of all the aspects about alternative fuel vehicles and their pros and cons.
Close to home: holdings of Marion Faller's Work at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film
Authors: Ben-Choreen Tal-Or
Published: June 2021

Marion Faller (1941-2014) was a photographer and educator; this thesis explores her body of work through the collection of her photographs at George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. Hey Baby, Take My Picture, 1972–1975; Second Flora, Contemporary Work, 1987–1999, represent Faller’s independent practise. Included in the thesis is a discussion of the collaborations Faller produced with her partner, experimental filmmaker Hollis Frampton (1936-1984), Vegetable Locomotion, 1975; False Impressions, 1979. The thesis provides a detailed account of Faller’s work through an explanation of the collection’s formation, literature review, chronology of Faller’s life, and detailed catalogue records

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Potential use of GIS in hazardous waste transportation
Authors: Youssef Manal.
Published: June 2021

The objective of this project is to present a literature review of hazardous waste transportation and the impact on the environment by studying Canada's regulations and legislations and examining the potential use of GIS in reducing hazardous waste transportation. [sic] It is hard to find a specific definition for Hazardous Waste since the hazard could be generated form [i.e. from] a wide variety of sources. Therefore, the hazardous wastes defined according to the Transportation Dangerous Goods Act as those wastes that due to their nature and quantity are potentially hazardous to the human health and the environment. Hazardous wastes usually contain explosive, volatile, toxic, radioactive and flammable materials, and that therefore, requires special techniques to handle the hazard to avoid creating environmental pollution or health hazards during packing, transportation, and disposal. [sic] The government of Canada and the environmental experts made tremendous efforts to reduce the potential hazardous resulted from handling, shipping, treatment and disposal for the hazardous waste and find out alternatives to control that hazard and avoid any environmental impact. [sic]
This paper also presented and discussed some studies that point out the important role of GIS in minimizing the impact of potential hazard and reducing incidents regarding hazardous waste shipments through determination of the short and safety transportation routes. [sic]
Optimization of Image Quality in Paediatric Computed Tomography
Authors: Protik Angjelina
Published: June 2021

In this study the effects of ASIR™ and collimation on CT image quality (IQ) parameters were quantified. Catphan®600 phantom studies were performed on a GE HD750 64-slice scanner to investigate the impact of collimation 0.625mm vs. 5mm on the overall IQ. For noise and dose reduction ASIR™ was tested on 0.625mm collimation. The varying %ASIR™, scanned at 150mA and variable kVp and 50% ASIR™ compared to FBP on wide kVp/mA range was used. Image noise, CT# accuracy and uniformity, spatial and contrast resolution, MTF, CNR and Wiener spectrum analysis were performed on 0.625mmAX slices, 5mmAXMPR and 2mmCORMPR. Incremental advantages and disadvantages were seen with stepwise increase in %ASIR™. The 50% ASIR™ was found to be optimal blend for diagnostic quality and has potential for dose reduction in paediatric CT. This quantitative data could be used to design ASIR™-enhanced protocols with consideration of diagnostic task, balancing image quality and radiation dose.
The Newcomer Women of Aliddesa: Exploring Practices of Resettlement, Citizenship, and Community Development in Toronto
Authors: Hasho Shelley Marie
Published: June 2021

This qualitative and exploratory research project focuses on observing Aliddesa, a grassroots organization that is made up of Spanish speaking newcomer women based in Toronto. Via interviews, personal reflections in writing, and a focus group with three members of Aliddesa, research findings provide insight into the participant’s personal experiences of resettlement and their perceptions about community development work. Research recommendations point to the value of reconceptualising the resettlement process by documenting the real life stories of newcomer women, and also, by developing a model of resettlement that more acutely describes this process with issues of gender as the primary focus. In addition, research findings are analysed from a conceptual framework of cultural citizenship theory, suggesting that it is a relevant paradigm to discuss and highlight the contributions that are made by newcomer women and also the benefits that enrich Canadian society as a result of their activities.
Extreme Branding: Examining Brand Devotion of Fashion Companies by Customers Using Social Media
Authors: Czajkowski Caroline
Published: June 2021

This paper looks at how social media is used as part of company branding to encourage customer loyalty. The research presents a case study of lululemon andIts Facebook page and customer product review page to illustrate the importance of social media, using content analysis to interpret the data gathered. The case study shows evidence that a brand community exists on lululemon’s Facebook page, illustrating the importance of social media to customers. The paper concludes that because customers have a high level of involvement in social media, companies would benefit from maintaining a high level of involvement in that same media. The Paper suggests that further research could determine whether the involvement of companies via social media does affect their level of loyalty.
Visualization of an internal sand displacement field around a laterally loaded vertical pile
Authors: Arachchi Ranga Walakulu
Published: June 2021

In this research, an internal sand displacement field around a laterally loaded vertical pile is visualized using transparent soil and an image processing technique called digital image cross-correlation (DIC). DIC is a region-based image processing technique which can calculate the displacement field between two images. Transparent soil is made of silica gel with a pore fluid having the same refractive index. Transparent soil has been studied to have the strength and deformation properties similar to natural soil. An optical test set-up is developed to capture the images during loading. This optical test set-up consists of a camera, a laser light, a line generator lens, a loading frame, a Plexiglas mould, and a PC. The saturated fine sand in loose condition is modeled in this research. A laser light sheet is generated to slice the transparent soil model by passing a laser beam through the line generator lens. A distinctive laser speckle pattern is generated through the interaction between the laser light and transparent soil. A series of images are taken from the camera while a scaled pile is being loaded laterally. The displacement fields are calculated by cross-correlating two consecutive images and the corresponding strain fields are deduced from the displacement fields. The development of both displacement and strain fields is investigated by studying deformation and strains at different loading stages. The test results are similar to the published data. This research improves the understanding of soil movement around a laterally loaded pile. It also advances the physical modeling technique using transparent soil.
Combined Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Treatment of Organic Matter and Heavy Metals
Authors: Lam Colin
Published: June 2021

In the present study, simulated wastewater containing methylene blue, Zn2+ and Ni2+ was treated by two treatment methods: photocatalytic oxidation and electrochemical deposition. It is found that methylene blue could be degraded more efficiently by combined photocatalytic and electrochemical process than by photocatalytic oxidation or electrochemical deposition alone. The percentage removal of methylene blue in combined suspended photocatalytic and electrochemical process was 46.1% after 72 hours of treatment, while it was only 36.1% for a single suspended photocatalytic process and 23.5% for a single electrochemical process. On the other hand, no significant effect was observed for the percentage removal of Zn2+ and Ni2+ in combined suspended photocatalytic and electrochemical process. The influence of liquid flowrate, wavelength and pH to the removal of methylene blue, Zn2+ and Ni2+ was also investigated.
Automatic generation of road network data from taxi GPS trajectories
Authors: Soltankhah-Bidkhti Alborz
Published: June 2021

Keeping road network databases up-to-date is crucial to Geographical Information System (GIS) applications such as road networking. The vector road centerlines extracted from field surveys and satellite images are expensive and labor intensive with long updating processes. The GPS data crowd-sourced by public transportation users, provides an expanding source for enhancing road maps because of its rich spatial-temporal coverage and reasonable level of accuracy. The overall objective of this project is to implement an optimized methodology, which generates road centerline from GPS data obtained from taxis in Beijing without using any reference plans. Since the dataset used in this project has longer time intervals between trajectories compared to previous studies, the extracted road network on straight road segments are more accurate than the extracted road network on highway ramps in this project.
Regression to the mean correction for Collision Modification Factors
Authors: James Bernard
Published: June 2021

Collision Modification Factors (CMFs) are a simple method of representing the effectiveness of road safety treatments. With the release of the Highway Safety Manual (HSM) and the recent launching of a CMF Clearinghouse website, CMFs are likely to become more widely used for estimating the effects of potential road safety treatments. The presence of regression to the mean (RTM) bias has long been shown to affect the accuracy of CMFs that did not account for the RTM in their development.
The purpose of this research was to study how the RTM depends on the number of years of data used for selecting high collision sites for treatment and on the relative number of sites selected. From this analysis, a function based on the number of years, percentage of high collision sites selected, and the mean and standard deviation of the site population from which the treated sites are drawn was developed to more accurately estimate the magnitude of the RTM effect. This function can be used to adjust CMFs that do not account for RTM, complementing the procedure developed and used to correct CMFs included in the HSM.
Non-Destructive Assessment and Remedy of Grouted Prestressed Cable Ducts in Post-Tensioned Decks
Authors: Khederzadeh Hamidreza
Published: June 2021

Post-tensioned concrete bridge decks have been in service in Ontario for more than 30 years. Many of such bridge deck have been operating without any waterproofing/asphalt protection from their initial construction. Concerns currently exist as to the condition of the prestressing cables in the grouted ducts, particularly in the negative moment regions where the cables are closest to the deck surface. Deterioration of post-tensioned bridge decks due to prestress cable corrosion is matter of considerable concern since the repair or replacement is proved to be a costly process. As Ontario bridge infrastructure enters the era of maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement, there is an urgent need for investigating non-destructive inspection methodologies or procedure to assess the conditions of the grouted ducts and cables inside without invasive concrete work involving major concrete removal to expose the ducts for visual inspection. As such, the main objectives of this research were to (i) conduct state-of-the-art and state-of-practice review on the available non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques; (ii) conduct laboratory testing on simulated bridge deck segments with grout-encased prestressing cables to evaluate promising candidate method identified from the literature review that may be applicable to detect voids in the ducts, cable fracture or corrosion in post-tensioned decks; and (iii) propose a remedial procedure to fill the detected voids with grouting materials. Eight concrete specimens were caste to investigate the applicability of selected NDT methods on locating the reinforcing steel bars, ducts, corrosion in cables and voids. These methods were (i) Ground Penetration Radar ; (ii) Impact-Echo ; and (iii) Half-cell Potential. Also, Remedial procedure using vacuum grouting was experienced to fill the detected voids.
Nickolas Muray, Environmental Portraiture, Vanity Fair
Authors: Du Pont Corser
Published: June 2021

This thesis is a case study of five environmental portraits made in Europe by New York studio photographer Nickolas Muray (1892-1965) for a 1926 commission by Vanity Fair magazine (1913-1936). The thesis, in the form of a sixty-three page illustrated essay, describes the circumstance of his photographic production, and the magazine's subsequent use of his photographs. Muray produced environmental portraits by photographing his assigned subjects in their workplaces, homes and gardens. He retouched, and then contact-printed the negatives; the prints he surrendered to Vanity Fair. The magazine cropped and otherwise manipulated the images in order to effectively place them in page layouts. From negatives, to prints, to offset-printed reprodutions, the photographic materials bear aesthetically significant images of environmental portraiture that testify to Muray's versatility, technical control, and creative vision.
Investigation Of Water Leakage Through Direct Tension Cracks In Reinforced Concrete Panels
Authors: Bozorgzadeh Seyyednezameddin
Published: June 2021

In this study the leakage of pressurized water through direct tension cracks in reinforced concrete (RC) panels is investigated experimentally. The results of the experiment can contribute to the field from different aspects since not many experimental studies of this kind have been reported in the literature. In this experimental program, three RC panels are subjected to direct tension force in order to form a major crack. The leakage test is then performed on the cracked specimens and the leakage of water through the crack is measured for different crack widths. The collected data consists of reinforcement strains, crack widths and the leakage rate through the cracks. Related theoretical models are compared against the experiment results. These results indicate that the leakage of water through a crack depend on the pressure of the water, cube of the crack width and crack width gradient.
A database development and analysis of selected side impact collisions in Toronto
Authors: Bou-Younes John Zaki
Published: June 2021

This thesis is based on the initial phase of a project that developed an in-depth collision database and performed an analysis of police reported side-impact collisions for the City of Toronto intersections between 1998 and 2000. Currently, collision data exists through several different sources in Ontario. The development of a database involving the amalgamation of collision forms, the selection of data fields, and the collection of real collision data from selected, thoroughly investigated side impact collisions involving late model vehicles (1998 and newer), is described. For analysis, Statistical Analysis Software Release 8.02 was used to investigate causation and causal factors of side impact collisions. Statistically significant collision factors determined by fault propensity included apparent driver action, driver age, front seat passenger age, maximum posted speed, approximate vehicle speed, road character, and number of lanes. For intersection collision propensity, statistically significant findings included the system used, presence of flashing signals, intersection legs, roadway volume, and intersection leg road classifications. It is anticipated that the findings from this analysis can provide insight into significant factors in side-impact collisions that will be applied with greater focus to the in-depth collision database, once developed. Traffic accidents
Toward the use of high volume recycled concrete aggregate in new concrete production
Authors: Sucic Anto
Published: June 2021

This thesis reports the findings of a study carried out to determine the feasibility of using Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) in the production of newly made concrete at high replacement levels of conventional coarse Virgin Aggregates (VA). The study evaluated the properties of new concrete produced with coarse RCA, in order to address the issues typically associated with the characteristics of the recycled material. Concrete specimens were tested for fresh properties, hardened properties, as well as overall durability of mixes. Making minor modifications in mix design, the drawbacks typically associated with the use of RCA were successfully mitigated at high replacement levels, making up to a full 100% replacement feasible. Through the use of higher replacement levels of RCA in the production of concrete, the environmental impacts of VA harvesting may be significantly reduced, as well as providing a more economical means of waste concrete disposal for ready mix producers.
Community-School Partnerships: Assisting Newcomer Youth In Montreal
Authors: Tremblay Yamie
Published: June 2021

As universal and mandatory institutions, schools are the first institutional frame of reference newcomer youth encounter upon their arrival in Canada, and as such they play a central role in their settlement process. Although the Quebec Ministry of Education provides guidelines regarding the integration of immigrant students into Quebec educational institutions, some secondary schools in Montreal seem unprepared to respond to theunique needs of newcomer youth.This qualitative case study involving six key informantsreveals that schools need experts from community organizations who have a greater capacity to assist youth in their settlement experiences. However, partnering between school and community organizations are often based on difficult and unequal relationships which have a negative impact on the programs and services offeredto newcomer students. It is crucial that the various ministries involved in the well-being of youth provide long-term funding for collaborative programs targeting newcomers. This could fortify programs that are already implemented, encourage new initiative, and spread them to educational institutions around the province.
Lost in translation? : coverage of the federal election campaign in selected ethnic press in the greater Toronto area
Authors: Phillips Aldith Dahlia
Published: June 2021

This paper seeks to determine what ethnic press reveals about immigrant political behaviour and/or participation during the federal election campaign, and if any linkages between ethnic press and immigrant political behaviour can be established. The federal election campaign between November 2005 and January 2006 presents a cross sectional panel of time during which a content analysis of three papers targeting the Italian, Portuguese and Jewish communities will be analyzed. The research also applies theories of media effects and influence and Media of Diaspora framework in an attempt to assess the coverage of the federal election campaign in the ethnic press selected for this study. The research suggests that ethnic press will continue to play an important role and may be an essential tool to motivate or promote immigrant and ethnic political participation.
A laboratory examination of emotion regulation skill strengthening in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Metcalfe Rebecca K.
Published: June 2021

The present study examined emotion regulation skill strengthening among individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) compared to healthy controls (HCs). Participants were instructed to repeatedly implement two emotion regulation strategies (i.e., distraction and mindful awareness) in response to BPD-relevant stimuli across multiple trials. Throughout the task, both self-reported negativity and positivity, and physiological indices of emotion (i.e., heart rate and skin conductance response) were collected. Results indicated that individuals with BPD and HCs displayed improvements in distraction compared to the control condition, but not in mindful awareness over time. When comparing the two emotion regulation strategies to each other, rate of skill strengthening varied by group. Specifically, HCs evidenced improvements in distraction. In contrast, individuals with BPD evidenced improvements in mindful awareness. These findings suggest that individuals with BPD do not show deficits in skill strengthening as compared to HCs.
Application of Laplacian Mixture Model to Image and Video Retrieval
Authors: Amin Tahir
Published: June 2021

In this study we present a new approach to feature extraction for image and video retrieval. A Laplacian mixture model is proposed to model the peaky distributions of the wavelet coefficients. The proposed method extracts a low dimensional feature vector which is very important for the retrieval efficiency of the system in terms of response time. Although the importance of effective feature set cannot be overemphasized, yet it is very hard to describe image similarity with only low level features. Learning from the user feedback may enhance the system performance significantly. This approach, known as the relevance feedback, is adopted to further improve the efficiency of the system. The system learns from the user input in the form of positive and negative examples. The parameters of the system are modified by the user behavior. The parameters of the Laplacian mixture model are used to represent texture information of the images. The experimental evaluation indicates the high discriminatory power of the proposed features. The traditional measures of distance between two vectors like city-block or Euclidean are linear in nature. The human visual system does not follow this simple linear model. Therefore, a non-linear approach to the distance measure for defining the similarity between the two images is also explored in this work. It is observed that non-linear modelling of similarity yields more satisfactory performance and increases the retrieval performance by 7.5 per cent. Video is primarily mult-model, i.e., it contains different media components like audio, speech, visual information (frames) and caption (text). Traditionally, visual information is used for the video indexing and retrieval. The visual contents in the videos are very important; however, in some cases visual information is not very helpful for finding clues to the events. For example, certain action sequences such as goal events in a soccer game and explosion in a news video are easier to identify in the audio domain than in the visual domain. Since the proposed feature extraction scheme is based on the shape of the wavelet coefficient distribution, therefore it can also be applied to analyze the embedded audio contents of the video. We use audio information for indexing video clips. A feedback mechanism is also studied to improve the performance of the system.
Expert system for dimensioning reinforcement and connections of wood with steel
Authors: Vosskuehler Janne
Published: June 2021

Ecological and sustainability values in the construction sector have become increasingly important, likewise the demand for timber constructions have increased. Simultaneously opportunities have developed to enhance the structural disadvantages of timber, leading to more economic and efficient structures. The engineering office Knippers Helbig does not only design timber structures frequently but is also a pioneer regarding the use of timber as a solid building material. This leads to the idea to develop a tool for a particular project and as a preparation tool for following project which enables the firm to evaluate advance calculations. Solutions were sought for strengthening in flexure and tension perpendicular to the grain of timber with steel as well as dimensioning connections with glued-in steel sections.
With the tool, quick feasibility and variant studies for reinforcement and connection types are possible. Furthermore each dimensioning method is based on standardized calculations, so detailed verification can be performed.

Da ökologische und nachhaltige Werte in den letzten Jahrzehnten auch im Bausektor von immer größerer Bedeutung werden, ist die Nachfrage nach Holzkonstruktion kontinuierlich gestiegen. Gleichzeitig oder grade deswegen entwickelten sich Möglichkeiten die strukturellen Nachteile von Holz auszubessern, was zu ökonomischeren und effizienteren Strukturen führte. Das Ingenieurbüro Knippers Helbig plant nicht nur gerne und häufig Holzkonstruktionen, sondern ist auch Vorreiter, was die Verwendung von Holz als Massivbaustoff betrifft. Daraus ergab sich die Idee, dass für ein Projekt im Speziellen und als Vorbereitung für folgende ein Tool entwickelt werden sollte, dass es ermöglicht weiterführenden Dimensionierungen zu berechnen. Dabei ging es darum Biege- und Querzugverstärkungen von Holz mit Stahl zu bemessen sowie Anschlüsse mit eingeklebten Stahlquerschnitten zu dimensionieren.
Mit dem Tool dieser Masterarbeit ist es möglich zum einen schnelle Machbarkeits-, sowie Variantenstudien von Bewehrungs- oder Anschlusstypen durchzuführen, aber zum anderen liegen jedem Nachweis genormte bzw. bauaufsichtlich zugestimmten Berechnungen zugrunde, sodass Detailnachweise geführt werden können.
Conceptual Design Of A Modular Morphing Wing
Authors: Finistauri Allan D.
Published: June 2021

In this dissertation a new modular design method for morphing wings is presented. First, a design method was created, applying modularity and recon gurability to a morphing wing system. With modularity being a requirement for the morphing wing system, a discretization method is developed to determine the discrete number of modules required to perform a desired morphing maneuver. Then, a specialized, modular, recon gurable variable geometry truss mechanism is proposed to facilitate morphing. The specialized modular wing truss is a recon gurable, limited mobility parallel mechanism, adapted to t within the volume of a wing. The mobility of the wing truss module is analyzed via a branch-based mobility and connectivity analysis that imposes kinematic requirements on the truss mechanism. The mobility and connectivity requirements are used to perform an enumeration analysis to isolate candidate module con gurations for morphing. Then, a parametric kinematic constraint system is developed and applied to the wing module and the kinematic performance of the module is evaluated. The kinematics are applied to a mechanical prototype of the wing module for validation purposes. Finally, the kinematics are used to evaluate the motion response of a wing skin system to lay the foundation for detailed design.
Whiteness, Orientalism and Immigration: A Critique of Two Iranian Exilic Memoirs
Authors: Saljoughi Sara
Published: June 2021

This paper is a critique of two Iranian exilic memoirs: Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir by Azar Nafisi and Marina Nemat’s Prisoner of Tehran: A Memoir. By reading both texts as “native informant” (Spivak, 2003; Dabashi, 2006) memoirs, this paper analyzes how the authors’ performance of marginality within Iranian society and sameness with their Western readers results in their adoption of a ‘white’ Western feminist gaze at post-revolutionary Iran, which is located within an Orientalist discourse regarding differences between ‘East’ and West’. Nafisi and Nemat contribute to the racialization of Muslims and they racialize a ‘white’ identity that is primarily expressed through the unveiled body and strong support for Western values and democracy. I argue that their representations of Iran are part of a discourse of racialized whiteness that is a feature and governing principle of Western immigration and its attempt to control and ‘liberate’ the Muslim migrant subject.
Modeling and Analysis of a Flywheel Energy Storage System for Voltage Regulation
Authors: Farahani Kamran Masteri
Published: June 2021

Ontario in 21st century is progressing rapidly to source a bulk of its energy supply from green and renewable energy sources, including wind energy. However there are technical challenges. A significant limiting factor in the large-scale integration of wind energy is the inherent intermittent nature of wind supply. The purpose of the research project is to develop appropriate control systems to integrate energy storage into the Ontario electricity grid given that energy storage constitutes a fundamental component of a modernized electricity grid. The challenges are multiple. Given that wind generators driven by wind have an output that is intermittent and highly variable, as a result the power supply voltages on distribution lines change at a rapid rate. This research develops a control strategy for the flywheel system to inject or draw real power to or from the connected line on a voltage command, thereby mitigating voltage swings created by variable and intermittent power supply from wind generators.
Improving the Accuracy of Urban Environmental Quality Assessment Using Geographically-Weighted Regression Techniques
Authors: Faisal Kamil
Published: June 2021

Population growth around the world may cause an adverse impact on the environment and the human life. Thus, modeling the Urban Environmental Quality (UEQ) becomes indispensable for a better city planning and an efficient urban sprawl control. To evaluate the impact of city development, this study aims to utilize remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to assess the UEQ in two major cities in Ontario, Canada.

The main objectives of this research are: 1) to examine the relationship of multiple UEQ parameters derived from remote sensing, GIS and socio-economic data; 2) to evaluate some of the existing methods (e.g. linear regression, GIS overlay and Principal Component Analysis (PCA)) for assessing and integrating multiple UEQ parameters; 3) to propose a new method to weight urban and environmental parameters obtained from different data sources; 4) to develop a new method to validate the UEQ results with respect to three socio-economic indicators.

Remote sensing, GIS and census data were first obtained to calculate various environmental, urban parameters and socio-economic indicators. The derived parameters and indicators were tested to emphasize their relationship to UEQ. Three geographically-Weighted Regression (GWR) techniques were used to integrate all these environmental, urban parameters and socio-economic indicators. Three key indicators including family income, the level of education and land value were used as a reference to validate the outcomes derived from the integration techniques. The results were evaluated by assessing the relationship between the extracted UEQ results and the three indicators. The findings showed that the GWR with spatial lag model represents an improved precision and accuracy up to 20% with respect to GIS overlay and PCA techniques. The final outcomes of the research can help the authorities and decision makers to understand the empirical relationships among regional science, urban morphology, real estate economics and economic geography.
Aerodynamic optimization of building augmented wind turbines
Authors: MacQuarrie John Adam
Published: June 2021

The omnipresence of wind, low production cost and much advancement within the field, wind power provides a vast and promising renewable energy resource. With the current high prices of oil and pressure to reduce carbon emissions, wind energy has achieved great interest creating high demands for innovative wind technology. Additionally, producing energy at the door step of consumers, such as at consumer dwellings in urban areas, wind power provides a means of producing efficient and reliable energy. The use of architectural structures to provide an augmentation source for the wind has been pursued by some ambitious architects but the effects of building augmentation are still uncertain. This study used computational fluid dynamic models to analyze varying building geometries and their effects on power augmentation. A porous region was used to model a wind turbine back pressure across the gap between the buildings. Results show augmentation increases power production one to two times compared to equivalent size free-standing wind turbines. Results also show that certain wind incidence angles provide the best augmentation indicating that building geometry is optimal when design takes into consideration winds regularity azimuth.
An Excessive Demand: Immigrants with Disabilities and Medical Admissability in Canada’s Immigration System
Authors: Penner Anna
Published: June 2021

This paper explores barriers to immigration and settlement for people with disabilities attempting migration to Canada. Existing literature on immigration and disability in Canada supplements the stories of three immigrant women with disabilities who shared their experiences of immigration and settlement in loosely structured interviews. This paper draws upon a critical disability studies perspective to emphasize the ways in which immigration policies and practices limit access, particularly the excessive demands provision of the Immigrant and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). A gendered analysis is employed to recognize the specific experiences of women with disabilities immigrating to Canada. This paper finds that the barriers faced by immigrants with disabilities extend beyond the excessive demands provision into other policies and practices that fail to address the intersection of disability and immigration status, and that immigrants with disabilities develop alternative approaches and resistive strategies in navigating their lives during and post-migration.
Habitat suitability index models for the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata maculata) in the foothills parkland natural sub-region and Bow River sub-basin, Alberta
Authors: Otke Zachary Edward
Published: June 2021

Habitat suitability index (HSI) models were developed for the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and for the boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata maculata) in the Foothills Parkland Natural Sub-region and Bow River Sub-basin in west-central Alberta. The models are based on key habitat variables that had significant relationships with the . . population estimates detennined from night calling surveys. The models were first derived from literature that was related to ·wood frog and boreal chorus frog habitat and then tested in the field. Using chi-square analysis with a  significance level of 0.01, fish presence, water movement, and dominant vegetation were discovered to be key habitat variables for both species. The key habitat variables for each species were integrated into HSI models. The HSI models can bt} used to determine the baseline and future quality of habitat for each species. 