bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generic framework for multi-objective design space exploration for dynamically reconfigurable systems
Authors: Ivanova Irina
Published: May 2021

In recent years the Run-Time-Reconfigurable (RTR) computing systems have become the core of next generation of adaptive embedded systems. One of the major problems in this class of systems is run-time adaptation of their architecture to the dynamic workload and environmental conditions. In most cases this adaptation is considered as multi-objective optimization process which should be conducted in run-time.
Therefore, the goal of this research work was to explore the existing methods of doing multi-objective optimization and analyze their applicability for a system with potential of reconfiguration (i.e. a situation when constrains of the system can change during the course of operation). Then the development of generic framework of this optimization mechanism has to be done. This required analysis and selection of proper approach for multi-objective space exploration. The methodology based on Architecture Configuration Graph was chosen and its searching technique improved to allow faster convergence to a solution that satisfies objective constraints while optimizing specified objective. The run-time complexity analysis was done for modified methodology as well as the testing of the implemented framework to demonstrate its faster performance. The experimental results have shown the ability for run-time architecture adaptation and further utilization of the proposed framework as a core of real-time operating systems (RTOS) for dynamically reconfigurable computers.
Simulation study of solar chimney assisted solarium
Authors: Ravanfar Afrooz
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study is to develop a modelling method for optimizing the design of a solar chimney integrated solarium to maximize the ventilation rate in the solarium.

A thermal model is developed and implemented in SIMULINK to simulate the thermal response of the solarium combined with a solar chimney based on the first principle of thermal engineering. Thermal simulations are performed for critical summer days. The greenhouse air temperature and its ventilation rate with various geometrical configurations are calculated on the basis of solar irradiance intensity and ambient temperature. The preliminary numerical simulation results show that a solar chimney, combined with an appropriately inclined roof of a solarium, would be a better option for ventilation improvement in the solarium. The solarium height and solarium/solar chimney cross section areas are the critical parameters. The combination of a shorter solar chimney with a high solarium would be suitable for Toronto.
Effect of Time Delays in Characterizing Continuous Mixing of Aqueous Xanthan Gum Solutions
Authors: Patel Vishal Kumar
Published: May 2021

Aqueous xanthan gum solutions are non-Newtonian fluids, pseudoplastic fluids possessing yield stress. Their continuous mixing is an extremely complicated phenomenon exhibiting non idealities such as channeling, recirculation and stagnation. To characterize the continuous mixing of xanthan gum solutions, three dynamic models were utilized: (1) a dynamic model with 2 time delays in discrete time domain, (2) a dynamic model with 2 time delays in continuous time domain, and (3) a simplified dynamic model with 1 time delay in discrete time domain. A hybrid genetic algorithm was employed to estimate the model parameters through the experimental input-output dynamic data. The extents of channeling and fully-mixed volume were used to compare the performances of these three models. The dynamic model parameters exerting strong influence on the model response were identified. It was observed that the models with 2 time delays gave a better match with the experimental results.
Natural Convection and Soret Effect in a Multi-Layered Liquid and Porous System
Authors: Jawad Hussam K.
Published: May 2021

We investigated the onset of natural convection and thermodiffusion in an initially quiescent multi-layer system consisting of a porous layer sandwiched between two layers of a binary mixture, while the whole system is being heated from above. Two different water-alcohol mixtures were used with Soret coefficients of opposite sign. Then in similar situation a hydrocarbon mixture were investigated. It was found that when the Soret coefficient is negative, the lighter species migrates towards the colder surface while the denser species migrates towards the hotter surface. When the Soret coefficient is positive, the lighter species migrates towards the hotter surface while the denser species migrates towards the colder surface. Also, increasing the temperature difference leads to a greater separation of the mixture components because of the increase in the density gradient. In addition, increasing the porosity reduces the separation ratio due to the increased fluid mixing in the pores.
Design and implementation of intelligent building / smart building
Authors: Patel Dipak
Published: May 2021

The intelligent building is supposed to provide the environment and means for an optimal
utilization of the building, according to its designation. This extended function of a building can
be achieved only by means of an extensive use of building service systems, such as HVAC,
electric power, communication, safety and security, transportation, sanitation, etc. Building
intelligence is not related to the sophistication of service systems in a building, but rather to the
integration among the various service systems, and between the systems and the building
structure. Systems' integration can be accomplished through teamwork planning of the building,
starting at the initial design stages of the building. This paper examines some existing buildings
claimed to be “intelligent”, according to their level of systems' integration. Intelligent buildings
respond to the needs of occupants and society, promoting the well-being of those living and
working in them and providing value through increasing staff productivity and reducing
operational costs. Intelligent Buildings considers cultural changes affecting the way people live
and work, the importance of an integrated approach to design and management and the benefits
technological developments can bring in developing sustainable buildings that meet users' needs.
Music Hath Charms : Effects of Valence, Arousal, and Absorption on the Regulation of Stress
Authors: Sandstrom Gillian M.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of valence and arousal dimensions of music on physiological and subjective recovery from stress, and how these effects might be moderated by trait absorption. In Experiment 1, 40 participants experienced stress after being told to prepare a speech, and then listened to peaceful music or white noise. In Experiment 2, 88 participants experienced stress using the same methodology, and then listened to happy, peaceful, sad or agitated music. Music with a positive valence promoted recovery better than music with a negative valence, and low arousal music was more effective than high arousal music. In both experiments, differences in recovery were largely driven by individuals who were high in absorption.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the 'fat talk' construct
Authors: Royal Sarah
Published: May 2021

The literature currently lacks a psychometrically valid and reliable assessment tool that adequately measures the fat talk construct. This research aimed to use qualitative data gathered from young adult women to guide development of a fat talk measure. In Study 1, 14 individuals participated in fat talk themed focus groups or individual interviews. In Study 2, 257 participants completed questionnaires measuring fat talk and theoretically related (e.g., body image) and unrelated (e.g., 'academic talk') constructs. In a preliminary analysis, the newly-developed Fat Talk Questionnaire was found to be reliable and valid. In future research, the Fat Talk Questionnaire should be refined to further improve its psychometric properties.
Transfer of the Catabolic Plasmid pJP4 in Bacterial Biofilms in Lab-Scale Continuous Flow-Through Cells
Authors: Shamsad Farhana
Published: May 2021

Limited information is available on how external environmental factors (e.g., the type of carbon source) affect biofilm architecture, conjugative transfer of the plasmid pJP4 and xenobiotic degradation in biofilms. The aim of this project was to investigate the influence of glucose and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, two different carbon sources which represent the absence and presence of selective pressure, respectively, on the combined effect of biofilm architecture, transfer of the plasmid pJP4 in soil derived mixed culture biofilms and consequent biodegradation of 2,4-D. The pJP4 plasmid was transferred to soil-derived mixed culture recipients in plate mating experiments and isolated transconjugant colonies were characterized as Comamonas testosteroni. Donor and transconjugant cells were not detected microscopically in biofilms and no transconjugant colonies were isolated; however, gfp, dsRed, and tfdB genes were detected in biofilm effluents with and without selective pressure. Heterogeneous biofilm architecture was observed for both with and without selective pressure.
Kinematic Modelling of a Panel Enclosed Mechanism
Authors: Yu Aaron
Published: May 2021

This thesis presents a new method for kinematic modeling and analysis of a six degree-of-freedom parallel robot enclosed by a number of sliding panels, called panel enclosed mechanism. This type of robots has been seen in applications where mechanisms are covered by changeable surfaces, such as aircraft morphing wings made of variable geometry truss manipulators. Based on the traditional parallel robot kinematics, the proposed method is developed to model the motions of a multiple segmented telescopic rigid panels that are attached to the moving branches of the mechanism. Through this modeling and analysis, a collision detection algorithm is proposed to analyze the collisions that could occur between adjacent sliding panels during motion over the workspace of the mechanism. This algorithm will help to design a set of permissible panels used to enclose the mechanism free of collision. A number of cases are simulated to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. In addition, an extra link is added to provide an additional degree-of-freedom. Various search methods are employed to evaluate optimal orientation angles to minimize collisions of adjacent panels. Finally, the effect of increased mobility is analyzed and validated as a potential solution to reduce panel collisions.
Inventory routing of industrial gases with stochastic demand
Authors: Gandhi Bhupeshkumar
Published: May 2021

This report proposes a methodology to solve the inventory routing problem of industrial gases with stochastic demand. The gas tanker distributes gases from a depot to several dispersed customers in a route, and each customer has stochastic demand modeled by a Brownian motion. The proposed model determines the optimal quantity required to refill each customer by minimizing the cost associated with earliness, which increases number of visits per year, and lateness, which increases probability of stockout. Overall, the proposed model minimizes the total system cost, helps find the optimal tanker capacity for a given route, and improves supplier and customers' relationship. Numerical examples and sensitivity analysis are given to illustrate the proposed model.
Analysis of the factors affecting hybrid ground-source heat pump installation potential
Authors: Nguyen Hiep Van
Published: May 2021

A series of sensitivity analysis was performed to a variety of design parameters as a way of increasing the knowledge base of automatically sizing GSHPs as a component of a hybrid system. The present work investigates the effects of geographical location (weather patterns and utility rates), operating costs (fixed vs. time-of-use rates), inflation rates, the control strategies used, project life, heat pump entering fluid temperature (EFT), carbon taxation, and building retrofit on the sizing of hybrid GSHP systems in North America. Based on an economic approach to sizing hybrid GSHP systems by selecting the most economical design (based on minimizing the net present value of capital and operating costs), significant energy and cost savings and reductions in CO2 emissions can be achieved.
Multi-objective Tabu search based topology synthesis for designing power and performance efficient NoC architectures
Authors: Tino Anita
Published: May 2021

Network-on-Chip (NoC) communication interconnects have emerged as a solution to complex heterogeneous core systems such as those found in Multiprocessor System-on-Chip architectures. Many previous works have used the objectives of power or performance during topology synthesis for regular or application specific based NoC design. However, given the crucial requirements and demands of future on-chip applications, it is imperative that designs consider both power and performance aspects, in addition to other important system constraints. Therefore, in order to address such issues, this thesis work presents a multi-objective Tabu search based topology synthesis technique for designing power and performance efficient Network-on-Chip architectures. The methodology incorporates an analytical and simulation approach in order to compromise between computational time and effort within the algorithm. Furthermore, this work also presents a novel approach for a power and performance tradeoff during contention and deadlock removal within synthesis. The proposed method was tested using seven different multimedia and network benchmark application, where results displayed an increase in performance and decrease in power dissipation in comparison to other previous application specific and regular mesh designs. The analysis method was successful during topology generation, yielding an overall accuracy rate deviation of 19.8% within the worst case scenario.
Expanding access to post-secondary education for youth with precarious legal status: a Ryerson University case-study
Authors: Mateus Dayana A. Gonzalez
Published: May 2021

Access to post-secondary education (PSE) for people with precarious legal status (PLS) is an
understudied topic, particularly in the Canadian context, resulting in a substantial gap in the
theoretical and practical understanding of the subject and a growing pool of wasted talent and
deferred dreams. This paper explores the possibility of expanding access to PSE for students
with PLS at Ryerson University, given the university’s unique commitment to equity, diversity
and inclusion and its intention to be a City Builder. I propose an initiative that would admit
academically qualified students into Ryerson, and put in place a tuition equity policy that would
honour students’ residency in the province, thus waiving international fees. This paper is
structured as a sort of “road-map” that could be utilized by other universities in Ontario
interested in undertaking similar initiatives.
Compaction density variation in powder metallurgy components
Authors: Jafar-Salehi Elham
Published: May 2021

The main objective of this research was to study the relationship between green density and compaction pressure in powdered metallurgy. Powder metallurgy has gained popularity and importance because of its near net shape, cost effectiveness and its ability to reduce the complexity of multileveled engineering components. However, powder metallurgy poses challenges that are yet to be fully understood. There are many works performed to address challenges such as the effect of friction, the tool kinematics, handling component prior to sintering and fracture under compaction.

This work concentrates on the relationship between green density distribution and compaction pressure. In order to measure the relative density of compacted components, Electron Scanning Microscope was utilized. One can intuitively conceive that the relative density requires more than intuition. It was determined that highest relative density occurs at the center of the specimen and reduces toward the die-powder or punch-powder boundary. For completeness, the application of artificial neural network (ANN) and finite element (FE) model in estimation of green relative density was studied. The results of this research signify that ANN is an excellent technique to determine the relative density distribution of un-sintered compacted specimen. Moreover, finite element method can accurately estimate the average relative density of compacted specimen.
Functional Clothing for Natural Disaster Survivors
Authors: Ahsan Nabeela
Published: May 2021

Natural disasters occur in increasing intensity and frequency. When disasters occur, several humanitarian agencies are mobilized to provide relief aid. Donated clothing is deployed as a response to donors’ perceptions of need; however, these donations may be climatically and culturally unsuitable, creating a glut of clothing that not only undermines the domestic economy but also consumes scarce resources. This research investigates survivors’ clothing needs during the relief phase of natural disasters in order to improve current aid protocol. The study is accomplished by needs analysis focus groups with survivors, including interviews with relief aid volunteers and aid administrating agencies. Using these data, a prototype is designed using the Functional, Expressive and Aesthetic design framework as proposed by Lamb and Kallal (1992). It will provide groundwork for humanitarian agencies and future academic study in the field of functional apparel research for disaster situations.
Arguing with God: A rhetorical analysis of ‘The God Debates’
Authors: Heney Vin
Published: May 2021

Recently published pro-atheist books by Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens have reignited the age-old debate about the existence of God. Many pro-faith books have been written in response. The deliberations between theists and atheists have moved beyond the written word and onto the public debate platform. The present paper observes three such ‘God debates’ through the theoretical lens of rhetoric. Using a modified Grounded theory approach, and borrowing from literature concerning public debates and religious rhetoric, a number of rhetorical strategies are identified. Thomas Kuhn’s incommensurability theory (1962) is then applied to the results in an effort to locate evidence of compatibility and incompatibility between the speakers championing the opposing paradigms. Findings suggest that the speakers are able to achieve meaningful communication when appealing to a shared means of persuasion (secular, scientific language) and recognizing the diversity in their opponents’ position. onversely, the Speakers are unable to achieve meaningful communication when engaging in one- side attack-based rhetoric and disagreeing on the constitution of evidence. Such findings are useful for communications professionals tasked with supporting meaningful communication between divergent perspectives.
Managing the mosaic: diversity of voices and deliberative policy making in English Canadian media
Authors: Blake Sylvia
Published: May 2021

This study investigates viewpoints on policy for diversity in media subsequent to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)’s 2007-5 diversity of voices proceedings and subsequent CRTC 2008-4 regulatory changes. The policy proceedings were designed to aggregate and act upon the many policy preferences and conceptions of media diversity within Canada’s complex media mosaic. Research reported here uses Q methodology, complemented with conventional survey questions and open-ended qualitative questions, to identify and interpret the plurality of subjective viewpoints surrounding the diversity debate and the CRTC’s deliberative policymaking processes. Research identified four principal viewpoints regarding policy for media diversity, based on concerns about minority representation, industry consolidation, Canadian cultural expression, and a comprehensive marketplace of ideas. It also considers various stakeholder viewpoints on the CRTC’s 2007-5 deliberative proceedings, and the extent to which the Commission’s deliberative processes meet the four deliberative democratic pillars of inclusiveness, equality, reasonableness and publicity.
Panopticon’s Relationship with South Asian Women within a Eurocentric Society
Authors: Chaudhry Zonaira Sajjad
Published: May 2021

This qualitative research utilizes hermeneutic phenomenology to study the experiences of South Asian women and panopticon. The theoretical framework comprises a multitude of theories, each encompassed under the umbrella of anti-oppressive practise (AOP). Through three semi-structured interviews themes of Eurocentrism/South Asia, spectrum, causes, perpetrator, marriage, consequences, and conformity emerge. These findings indicate that the phenomenon of surveillance lives in multiple complexities interlacing itself with power, control, resistance, gender, patriarchy, and autonomy. It is through these narratives and research that the phenomenon of panopticon and its impacts on South Asian women is brought to life and unpacked.
Studies of mercury species in the atomosphere in downtown Toronto
Authors: Song Xinjie
Published: May 2021

This study had been carried out in downtown Toronto from December 2003 to November 2004. Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous mercury (RGM, also called gaseous oxidized inorganic mercury, GOIM) and mercury associated with particles having size (PM<2.5) were simultaneously measured using Tekran mercury speciation unit. Mean concentration, standard deviation and distribution of GEM, PM<2.5 and RGM were 4.52 +/- 3.13 ng m⁻³ (98.7%), 21.51 +/- 16.35 pg m⁻³ (0.5%) and 14.19 +/- 13.24 pg m⁻³ (0.3%), respectively. Local and regional anthropogenic sources are believed to contribute [to] the elevated value and high temporal variations. Overall, the mercury species concentrations are lower in winter than in the other three seasons. Nighttime GEM, PM<2.5 and RGM concentrations are higher than those of daytime. Correlation analysis was conducted between each mercury species and the meteorological parameters (i.e., surface ambient air temperature, relative humidity, wind direction), as well as among the mercury species in this study.
Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Create a Travel Planning System Based on Users' Preferences and Behaviours
Authors: Bui Trang
Published: May 2021

Travel and tourism have become a worldwide trend, and the market for this industry continues to grow extensively. Although most people enjoy traveling, planning trips can take hours, weeks or even months to ensure the best place, the best itinerary, and the best price is found. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), large datasets can be analyzed and an AI-infused travel system can be utilized to generate highly personalized suggestions.
The main purpose of the project is to create a travel planning application to provide an efficient and highly personalized experience for users. The app will help users plan their trips, choose activities, restaurants, mode of transportation and destinations that fit their preferences, budgets, and schedules in minutes without having to spend hours researching on the Internet or downloading multiple travel apps.
Predicting Adverse Events in a Forensic Psychiatric Population: a Developmental Approach
Authors: Lavrinsek Sofija
Published: May 2021

While adverse events such as inpatient violence, recidivism, and readmission to hospital are extremely common among individuals found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCRMD), very little is known about developmental risk factors that predict these adverse events in this population. Developmental risk factor research (RFR) focuses on childhood risk factors and later outcomes, and allows for establishing a timeline for events, experiences, and the onset of behaviours or illnesses. The present study is a retrospective file review of inpatients and outpatients at Forensic Mental Health Hospital in South Central Ontario who have been found NCRMD. Developmental risk factors that have been found to predict adverse events in criminal, psychiatric, and forensic psychiatric populations, and adverse events over the period of 1 year were coded. Overall, risk factors occurring in childhood did not predict adverse events. Risk factors occurring in adolescence, specifically trauma, abuse or neglect, predicted adverse events.
A peer-to-peer delivery system for internet short video sharing
Authors: Tajali Maryam Bashardoust
Published: May 2021

In this thesis, we considered the effect of the content delivery network architecture on the popular short video sharing websites such as YouTube. The high number of users demanding videos impacts YouTube scalability which requires a new content delivery structure. Considering the high performance of P2P overlay networks, we propose an efficient peer-to-peer based system for short video sharing in the Internet in which all participant peers are responsible to distribute video replicas they have stored. This system comprises of a BitTorrent like network and a central media streaming server. To proficiently utilize P2P in our system, we propose some important approaches including an efficient and reliable indexing scheme, an efficient downloading strategy, a reliable content distribution mechanism, and a fairness policy. The simulations results demonstrate that the proposed system significantly increases client peers download speed while reduces the server workload and the startup delay for an improved playback quality.
(En)countering oppression: an argument for self-skepticism
Authors: Wadden Jordan Joseph
Published: May 2021

Political philosophy has a lot to say about oppression, but does it adequately address the issue? This project asserts that it does not. The primary goal of this thesis is to redefine how we look at this socio-political problem, and to create a new model for analysis and application. I begin with a discussion of social contract theory and the many ways it has changed in an attempt to properly address the issue of oppression. Following this, the project turns towards an ethico-epistemological analysis of the elements of oppression in the modern social sphere. In this analysis, I look at prejudice, bias, disagreement, virtue, and vice as they pertain to the problem of oppression. Notably, this project considers the epistemic effects/affects of both the oppressed’s and the oppressor’s viewpoint. Finally, the project culminates in the development of the Argument for Self-Skepticism, my alternative to current social contract theory.
Investigating building information model to building energy model data transfer integrity and simulation results
Authors: Sun Xi (Stacy)
Published: May 2021

Traditional energy modeling methods are usually time-consuming and labour-intensive, so energy simulation is rarely performed early in building design. If a Building Energy Model (BEM) can be seamlessly generated from a Building Information Modeling (BIM) model, the energy simulation process can be much more efficient and better integrated in design. The concerns about BIM to BEM data transfer integrity and the reliability of simulation results are preventing wider adoption of BIM-based energy simulation. This study aimed to address these two obstacles and increase energy modelers’ confidence in using BIM for energy analysis. Green Building Studio (GBS) was used to simulate energy use and generate eQuest and EnergyPlus input files. Two building types were modeled in Revit with various iterations and BEM input files downloaded from GBS were compared line by line to identify and classify discrepancies. Simulation results from BIM-based and traditional modeling were compared to test reliability and showed unexpectedly good agreement across methods.
Thickening of the city : a city is a living organism with a complex tissue of events
Authors: Yekanians-Tazehkandi Sanahin
Published: May 2021

The industrial revolution and modernism brought dramatic changes to our cities and had a negative effect on people's social lives. This thesis considers cities as living organisms and develops systems thinking in city design with the aim of providing a vision that includes a healthier social life. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how an architecture that views cities as social and natural systems can mitigate the negative effects of the industrialized era on our cities and bring social life into our neighbourhoods.

Since the primary emphasis of this thesis is on the design process and the logic behind the application of some new scientific fields, an abstract architectural formal language is employed to illustrate the design development. The result is an iterative design process that has been repeated in a variety of mediums. The process uses Five Topics from different disciplines. At each stage of the research, some of the data collected supports a distinct approach to design intervention. However, in order for the Five Topics to work at the same time, the design intervention proposes a three dimensional solution for the city instead of a two dimensional traditional plan. Consequently, the thesis design provides an abstract model for the thickening of the city. This model applies some well-studied social principles to the existing pattern of the city.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Single-Needle Thermal Conductivity Probe
Authors: Dang Lam
Published: May 2021

The thermal conductivities of materials (km) are important in many fields such as agriculture, mining and biomedical engineering. For example, better knowing the km values of biomaterials can be useful in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat and/or cure tumor and cancer cells (Liu et al. [3]). Thermal conductivity probes (TCPs) have proven to be very attractive in obtaining relatively accurate km values due to their inline measurements, inexpensiveness, portability, and versatility. 

However, due to the vast number of designs and applications of TCPs, sources of errors with using the probes are diverse. As a result, in this thesis, possible sources of errors in TCPs (single needle) were investigated. The sources include probe sizes, heating powers, sampling media, selection of TCP materials, location of the thermocouple, axial heat conduction, thermal contact resistance, initiating time t0, decision to use heating or cooling period for km calculations and tolerance in the thermal properties of epoxy.
Levinas and the ethical turn : a Nietzschean critique and response
Authors: Thut Ian
Published: May 2021

The contentious ‘ethical turn’ in continental philosophy motivates this project. Emmanuel Levinas is among the leaders of this movement to draw renewed attention to ethics in the continental tradition. Levinas describes the transcendence that transpires in the self-Other encounter as the source of ethical obligation. However, given Friedrich Nietzsche’s ethical critique, his followers view the category of transcendence with suspicion. They think it presupposes an ontology of unchanging being. Since Nietzsche and his disciples reject ontologies of unchanging being, preferring immanence instead, they think that transcendence inevitably appeals to some imaginary world beyond the one we inhabit. Consequently, they view all philosophers of transcendence as escapist. To assess whether Levinas’ philosophical project is viable, I draw from Nietzsche’s work to mount a Nietzschean critique of Levinas. I subsequently consider a Levinasian reply to the Nietzschean
critique, arguing that Levinas’ transcendence provides a compelling alternative to a Nietzschean ethics of immanence.
Gendered ESL : accommodating immigrant women's cultural diversity in ESL classes
Authors: Landsborough Jennifer Kathleen
Published: May 2021

Research indicates that immigrant women have lower levels of English than men in English speaking regions including Canada. In Canada, Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a government-funded language program which assists immigrants in improving their language levels. However, immigrant women face a number of barriers to accessing this program. These barriers suggest that LINC does not successfully accommodate immigrant women's diverse gender-based roles. This study examines the barriers that exist including the barriers reported by four Spanish speaking female immigrants. With the help of LINC key informants, this study suggests that the LINC Home Study program, a distance study program, any assist women who are unable to use the in-class LINC course to improve their English language level.
Skin lightening in an age of enlightenment: an exploration of the history, risks, and pedagogical implications of a beauty trend
Authors: Perretta Antonietta
Published: May 2021

Historical and contemporary data demonstrates that people with darker skin have often participated in skin lightening practices (by blending home remedies, using skin care products designed to lighten or brighten skin, and undergoing cosmetic medical treatments) in order to alter their appearance to fit Eurocentric beauty ideals. This major research project explores the practice of lightening or brightening skin, the marketing strategies that perpetuate this trend, and the risks to consumers and practitioners. It also seeks to point to ways the research may be used to improve the teaching and learning environment for the next generation of spa and cosmetic professionals.

Keywords: skin lightening, hydroquinone, medical spa, medical esthetician, esthetic education standardization
Ambivalent Architecture: The Architecture of “Distraction” : the Influence of Tele-Technology on Architecture and Urbanism
Authors: Ghiyaei Mohammad M.
Published: May 2021

The physical environment is being transformed by tele-technology and the emerging space of communication networks. Wireless tools, our instruments to engage with the emerging space of media, distribute our attention and dynamically switch between two distinctive operating logics to deal with the media and physical space. In addition to distracting us, they allow the users agency and fluidity of function in the physical space.

Through synthesized research into the socio-technical effects of media space and cybernetic architecture influenced by this emerging space, this thesis aims to find an architectural approach that approximates the simultaneous and distractive aspects of virtual space(s) we inhabit through our devices. An ambivalent architecture is proposed which reflects this pseudo-hyperconnectivityof cyberspace in the physical collective space, and promotes this socio-spatial transparency and gives agency to the inhabitants to engage with the space in different ways. In this architecture, the architect is the initiator of the spatial decisionmaking process which allows the public to constantly transform the nature of the architectural element with their active participation.
Technology on Trial: Facilitative and Prejudicial Effects of Computer-Generated Animations on Jurors' Legal Judgments
Authors: Rempel Emma
Published: May 2021

The recent emergence of electronic courtrooms (i.e., courtrooms that are equipped with advanced digital technologies) has generated novel ways to present evidence to jurors. Computer-generated animations, which recreate or illustrate the alleged sequence of events in a crime, are increasingly being used by lawyers to present testimonial evidence to jurors. The current study used a 3 (modality: oral vs. static visual vs. animation) x 2 (congruence: incongruent vs. congruent) between-subjects design to investigate whether presentation modality and evidence congruence affect jurors’ ability to properly evaluate evidence and render ‘accurate’ verdicts. In a laboratory setting, mock jurors (N = 238) read a transcript from a fictitious second-degree murder trial. Participants read testimony from eight witnesses, and heard the oral testimony of the defendant with a static visual aid, a computer-generated animation, or no visual aid. Results demonstrated that mock jurors were more likely to acquit the defendant when his testimony was illustrated with a computer-generated animation compared to a static visual aid or with no additional aid. Research in this area can inform the development of evidentiary regulations which adequately govern the admissibility of computer-generated animations in the courtroom, so as ensure that they are used in a way that maintains a defendant’s right to a fair trial.

Keywords: computer-generated evidence, computer animations, legal decision-making, information processing, electronic courtrooms
A Computational Study of Structure Development and Texture Formation in Carbonaceous Mesophase Fibers
Authors: Hong Shujuan
Published: May 2021

In this thesis, thermal relaxation phenomena after the melt-extrusion of a rigid discotic uniaxial nematic mesophase pitch were studied using mathematical modeling and computer simulation. The Eriksen and Landau-de Gennes continuum theories were used to investigate the structure development and texture formation across mesophase pitch based carbon fibers. It is found that during the thermal relaxation, discotic nematic molecules stored elastic free energy decays. The distorted nematic molecular profile reoriented to release the stored elastic free energy. The difference in time scales for molecular reorientation and thermal relaxation resulted in different transverse textures. The rate at which the fibers are cooled is the main factor in controlling the structure development. A slow cooling rate would permit nemiatic discotic molecules to reorient to a well developed (radial or onion) texture. The random texture is a result of rapid quenching. The numerical results are consistent with published experimental observations.
A new look at Korean Canadians and the immigrant experience in Toronto as explored in Canadian media: CBC’s Kim’s Convenience
Authors: Ganeshalingam Withya
Published: May 2021

CBC’s Kim’s Convenience (2016) is a play by Ins Choi that was adapted into a TV show in October 2016. This show focuses on a Korean–Canadian family and their convenience store situated locally in Regent Park, Toronto, Ontario. The show speaks to the immigrant experience and life in Canada as described through first generation parents, and second-generation Korean Canadian children. This MRP will analyze the ways in which stereotypes are presented in Kim’s Convenience to subvert naturalized dominant negative discourses and tropes of racialized bodies, while simultaneously being used as a tool to produce counternarratives. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a methodological tool, this paper will explore the use of stereotypes in the portrayal of racialized accents, intergenerational conflicts, intercultural relationships, and the use of Regent Park as a setting for the show.
Pre-Migration Planning : Strategies for Post-Migration Settlement
Authors: Mak Anita Ka Ying
Published: May 2021

Proper pre-migration planning could assist individuals in post-migration settlement. This paper explores the unique pre-migration experience of six Chinese immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area. The study attempts to examine whether pre-migration planning alleviates some of the negative impact of migration and assists in settlement of Chinese immigrants in Canada. In the case of the Chinese immigrants in this study, there are indications that pre-migration planning has prepared the participants for the various barriers that they encountered during their initial settlement stages. Key words: Chinese immigrants, pre-migration planning, post-migration settlement.
mTOR controls lysosome function by modulating the Rab7 GTPase
Authors: Martin Zechariah
Published: May 2021

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that integrates signals including stress and nutrient availability, to modulate the metabolic state of the cell. Interestingly, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is specifically found on lysosomes where it regulates lysosome function, trafficking and morphology. However, little is known about how mTOR interfaces with lysosomal regulators, like the Rab7 GTPase, the canonical mediator of lysosome function, including biogenesis and trafficking to lysosomes to control processes such as antigen presentation and cell signaling. Rab7 can exist in two states. GDP-bound Rab7 is inactive but can be converted to GTP-bound Rab7, the catalytically active form of Rab7. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are responsible for this conversion. Conversely, GTP-hydrolysis activating proteins (GAPs) facilitate Rab7 GTP hydrolysis, resulting in the conversion of GTP to GDP, rendering Rab7 inactive. We hypothesized that mTOR and Rab7 are functionally linked. Here we show that mTOR negatively controls Rab7. mTOR inhibition through the use of torin, EBSS (an amino acid deprived media) and A-769662 (an AMPK activator), increased levels of both total and active Rab7 (Rab7-GTP) on the lysosomal membrane. This was observed through fractionation, fluorescence microscopy and biochemical pull-down assays. This negative regulation is specific to mTOR, acting through TBC1D15, a Rab7 GAP. mTOR inhibition resulted in a significant reduction in levels of TBC1D15 via ubiquitination, which can be restored upon inhibition of the proteasome. Additionally, mTOR inhibition increased lysosomal proteolytic activity, and enhanced trafficking of material toward the lysosome. Our work suggests that under starvation conditions, trafficking to the lysosome is accelerated, re-establishing nutrient homeostasis. This research could provide a novel link between membrane regulation (Rab7) and metabolic stress sensors (mTOR), allowing insight into the pathogenesis of several metabolic
diseases, including certain forms of cancer.
Constructing criminals: a critical frame analysis of Canada’s policy responses to people smuggling and the erosion of refugee protection
Authors: Ellis Claire
Published: May 2021

This paper charts the anti-people smuggling policy changes to Canada’s immigration system and uses data since 2010 from government documents, parliamentary speeches and ministerial activity generated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and related officials. The aim of this study is to demonstrate policy actions and intentions using critical frame analysis to expose underlying narratives and political ideological commitments within the people smuggling discourse. The result shows a constructed understanding of people smuggling as a threat to Canada, and policy violations of international humanitarian obligations according to United Nations protocols. I argue that the current legislation deals with people smuggling through harsh criminalization despite research that shows that the scope, motivations and function of people smuggling vary across time and space. I find that Canada’s anti-people smuggling reform, the Designated Foreign National regime, violates Canada’s international and domestic humanitarian obligations yet is justified by discursive framing of people smuggling under a neoliberal lens that disconnects the phenomenon from humanitarian considerations. I conclude with policy recommendations and areas for future research needed to better understand people smuggling and develop effective, comprehensive rights-based policy responses.
Adoption of high frame rate live-action video content on social media platforms
Authors: Soundrarajah Vibhushan
Published: May 2021

New cinema technology has always been dictated by Hollywood studios and theater exhibitions. With emergence of video streaming technology and smart display availability to the mass population, cinema technology no longer needs to overcome the approval made by studios and exhibitors.
High frame rate is an emerging technology that has the ability to enhance realism and temporal resolution in the production process. This technology is supported by various social video streaming platforms and allows users to experience high frame video. Though this technology is available and accessible, this project assesses the value and adoption of 60 frames per second video content versus the standard 24 frames per second.
What factors contribute to the effectiveness of public service delivery networks? : the case of community networks of specialized care in Ontario
Authors: Jaskulski Christine
Published: May 2021

The public administration literature in support of network governance has grown in the past two decades. Some empirical evidence suggests that if a range of public services are integrated through a network of service providers, a more coordinated seamless service system will be created, reducing fragmentation, gaps, and replication of services, and increasing capacity to plan for and address complex problems with improved client outcomes. There is limited empirical evidence about the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of public service delivery networks. The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services moved to a network model of service delivery in 2005 to address the needs of citizens with developmental disabilities and mental health/behaviour problems. Using secondary sources and key informant interviews, this research analyzes the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of social service delivery networks by examining Community Networks of Specialized Care in Ontario four years after implementation.
Trust Me, You Should Buy This: Cosmetic Marketing and Product Reviews on YouTube
Authors: Spiteri Jennifer
Published: May 2021

YouTube beauty gurus, in combination with traditional marketing and advertising techniques, manipulate the opinions of cosmetics consumers. Today, advertising techniques are not only being applied online by companies and corporations using conventional strategies (e.g. banner ads and text-based Google ads), but are becoming blended, integrated, and disguised as user-generated content. So-called “beauty gurus,” for example, are using online advertising platforms to spread messages that promote cosmetic products to the public on behalf of corporations. This paper will examine how beauty gurus on YouTube review products while offering advice that is accepted as truth on an allegedly democratic, or at least user-generated, online platform.
This Major Research Paper will examine the application of advertising models and propaganda techniques to YouTube beauty marketing using the insights of Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky (1988), as well as Edward Bernays (1935), whose ground-breaking and influential methods of analyzing advertising and public relations can offer new insights into contemporary online media and the ways these seemingly open platforms are being taken over by private interests and large corporations (all while projecting the images and ideals of authenticity, amateurism, and open access). This study will demonstrate that YouTube beauty reviews are a form of advertising that utilize trust and bias, two important factors that Herman and Chomsky (1988) and Bernays (1935) explore, in order to disguise advertising as individual opinion expressed in the interest of the consumer. My findings suggest that corporations have been able to adapt traditional methods of beauty marketing to YouTube (and, implicitly, other online video platforms beyond the scope of this study) through the use of “beauty gurus.” Despite disclaimers in these “beauty gurus’” YouTube channels that products have been sent to them for free, the lines between what constitutes an advertisement and what constitutes user generated content are being blurred. My suggestion is that this blurring leaves the public confused and more susceptible to influence within the realm of online beauty guides, reviews, and tutorials.