bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Affine Invariant Shape Descriptors
Authors: Mei Ye
Published: May 2021

With the increasing number of available digital images, there is an urgent need of image content description to facilitate content based image retrieval (CBIR). Besides colour and texture, shape is an important low level feature in describing image content. An object can be photographed from different distances and angles. However, we often want to classify the images of the same object into one class, despite the change of perspective. So, it is desired to extract shape features that are invariant to the change of perspective. The shape of an object from one viewpoint to another can be linked through an affine transformation, if it is viewed from a much larger distance than its size along the line of sight. Those invariant shape features are known as affine invariant shape representations. Because of the change of perspective, it is more difficult to develop affine invariant shape representations than normal ones. The goal of this work is to develop affine invariant shape descriptors.

Through shape retrieval experiments, we find that the performance of the existing affine invariant shape representations are not satisfactory. Especially, when the shape boundary is corrupted by noise, their performance degrades quickly. In this work, two new affine invariant contour-based shape descriptors, the ICA Fourier shape descriptor (ICAFSD) and the whitening Fourier shape descriptor (WFSD) have been developed. They perform better than most of the existing affine invariant shape representations, while having compact feature size and low computational time requirement. Four region-based affine-invariant shape descriptors, the ICA Zernike moment shape descriptor (ICAZMSD), the whitening Zernike moment shape descriptor (WZMSD), the ICA orthogonal Fourier Mellin moment shape descriptor (ICAOFMMSD), and the whitening orthogonal Fourier Mellin moment shape descriptor (WOFMMSD), are also proposed, in this work. They can be applied to both simple and complex shapes, and have close to perfect performance in retrieval experiments. The advantage of those newly proposed shape descriptors is even more apparent in experiments on shapes with added boundary noise: Their performance does not deteriorate as much as the existing ones.
Abrasive air jet micro-machining of highly curved surfaces
Authors: Nouhi Ali
Published: May 2021

In the abrasive jet micro-machining (AJM) process, a jet of high-speed particles is directed through a micro-nozzle which is used to erode a wide variety of materials. The micro-machining of small curved devices made of brittle and ductile materials is required in optical and biomedical equipment. This dissertation aims at fabricating axial grooves and helical micro-channels in stationary and rotating curved targets, respectively, using AJM. In addition, a model is proposed to predict the shape of machined channel profiles in glass and PMMA rods.

Since the air driven jet is divergent, the edges of the desired features are usually defined using a mask which is attached to the surface of the target material. This thesis presents an alternate technique using shadow masks that can be moved over the surface. It is demonstrated that this apparatus can be used to direct write features on the surface.

This dissertation proposes a modification to the existing surface evolution models for predicting the channel profiles machined on highly curved and tilted surfaces. It is shown that considering the change in local nozzle standoff and the divergence angle of each particle trajectory in the jet plume results in more accurate predictions.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling showed that the jet footprint difference on the flat and curved surfaces was not due solely to the expected conical divergence in the jet, but also due to differences in the erosion caused by secondary impacts of rebounding particles. This observation has important implications for the surface profile modeling of curved surfaces.

Finally, a model for the prediction of the volumetric removal of material during the machining of rotating and translating PMMA and glass rods is presented. In addition, a new experimental procedure is proposed for machining helical micro-channels in glass and PMMA rods using a cylindrical steel spring as a mask. This method of machining provides a convenient means of fabricating helical micro-channels with different aspect ratios and radii of curvature means of fabricating helical micro-channels with different aspect ratios and radii of curvature. Such helical micro-channels may have applications in inertial microfluidic devices where they can be used to aid liquid mixing and the separation of particles from a flow.
An Analysis of Pilot Power Based Power Control and Dynamic Load Sharing in Cellular CDMA Networks
Authors: Subramaniam Maheswaran
Published: May 2021

Power control is one of the most important processes in cellular CDMA networks as the interference is the predominant factor that influences the capacity and signal to noise and interference ratio (SINR). In mobile communication, minimizing the mobile transmitted power subject to maintaining the link quality is a challenging task. In this thesis, a pilot based power control (PPBPC) algorithm integrated with base station assignment is proposed which is decentralized, uses transmit power control and adapts cell sizes for load distribution. In the proposed algorithm, each base station transmits its forward link pilot power inversely proportional to the total reverse link received power. The mobile station senses the strongest pilot power received and determines its home base station. Using the proposed algorithm, dynamic propogation of base station assignment occurs which leads to re-assignment of home base stations system-wide reducing the total mobile transmit power. The simulation results are the evidence for the feasibility of the implementation of the algorithm.
Glad you're here
Authors: Kannakko Lisa
Published: May 2021

This paper is written in support of the ten-minute film Glad You’re Here, a visually stunning personal film, told through the eyes of an artist. Engaging themes of love and betrayal, hope, belonging and place, Glad You’re Here documents my nineteen-year journey through building a family life, seeing it suffer the damage of mental illness, grief and separation, and then rebuilding with empathy. A story about an extreme moment of crisis has turned into a documentary that deals not just with the subjective but with the important issue of spousal abuse. The story is summarized, and context is provided. Ethical issues in autobiographical film are discussed with regard to motive, consent, and disclosure. Issues specific to filming family, treatment of archival material, and use of place and landscape are considered. The film’s social relevance is contextually set in reference to autoethnography and an existing body of work concerning trauma.
A validated finite element study of stress shielding in a novel hybrid knee implant
Authors: Mahboob Ziauddin
Published: May 2021

This study (1) proposes a hybrid knee implant design to improve stress transfer to bone tissue in the distal femur by modifying a conventional femoral implant to include a layer of carbon fibre reinforced polyamide 12, and (2) develops a finite element model of the prosthetic knee joint, validated by comparison with a parallel experimental study. The Duracon knee system was used in the experimental study, and its geometry was modelled using CAD software. Synthetic bone replicas were used instead of cadaveric specimens in the experiments. The strains generated on the femur and implant surfaces were measured under axial compressive loads of 2000 N and 3000 N. A mesh of 105795 nodes was needed to obtain sufficient accuracy in the finite element model, which reproduced the experimental reading within 10-23% in six of the eight test locations. The model of the proposed hybrid design showed considerable improvements in stress transfer to the bone tissue at three test flexion angles of 0°, 20°, and 60°.
FPGA based computing platform with temporal partitioning mechanism
Authors: Kirischian Valeri
Published: May 2021

In the presented work the FPGA based run-time reconfigurable platform with temporal partitioning of hardware resources is proposed. This platform is based on the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device that can be reconfigured "on-fly" to provide the optimal adaptation of a processing architecture to the algorithm and data structure by utilization of developed mechanisms of temporal partitioning of computational / logic resources. It was shown that the proposed approach allows reaching very high cost-effectiveness of the computing platform oriented on processing of framed data-streams. On the other hand, the hardware programming and compilation processes could be simplified by utilization of library of precompiled Virtual Hardware Components stored in the on-board FLASH memory. Paper presents theoretical proof of the proposed approach by analytical comparison of the performance that could be reached on the conventional processors and FPGA platform with Temporal Partitioning Mechanism (TPM) of hardware resources. The implementation of the proposed TPM on the basis of Xilinx Spartan-3 and Xilinx Virtex II FPGA devices is described. Experimental results gained on the prototype of the FPGA based platform with TPM are discussed and analyzed. Keywords: reconfigurable computing, data-stream processing, FPGA, run-time reconfiguration, temporal partitioning.
Crowned sisters: object analysis of court dress during Queen Alexandra and Empress Marie Feodorovna's influential reigns
Authors: Mackey Elizabeth Emily
Published: May 2021

This Major Research Paper examines female court dress regulations during Queen Alexandra of England and her younger sister, Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia’s tenures as societal heads during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Through object analysis of a court gown of Queen Alexandra’s from the Royal Ontario Museum, and a Russian Maid of Honour’s court gown from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this research compares how each nation utilized court dress to express wealth, and if the court dress of each nation could communicate the wearer’s court rank within a foreign court. While both nation’s court dress communicated wealth, the motives were different: England’s court dress was highly influenced by fashion trends, whereas Imperial Russian court dress was unchanging in its appearance as its primary purpose was to display a national character. Combining the analysis of each court gown with secondary research and the theory of Thorstein Veblen regarding luxury dress, this paper concludes that each nation’s court dress was highly communicative of a wearer’s rank and wealth.
The African Heritage Program: community members speak
Authors: Nkiwane Nomathemba
Published: May 2021

In this study, the extent to which African heritage is important in the schools under the Toronto District School Board is explored using the anti-racism and social constructivism frameworks. Phenomenology guided the research process and open ended questions were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The major findings indicate that some of the needs of students of African descent were met through: identity affirmation; the integration of the African experience; reinforcement of culture and connectedness. The study contributes to anti-oppressive practices which stipulate that social programs and services should respond to multiple forms of oppression. Several recommendations that could potentially improve the program were made. These recommendations are: community based curriculum development and program delivery; the need for comprehensive government funding of the program and the need for the program to address contemporary gaps in skills development.
Traversing physical barriers and activating social voids
Authors: Ruffolo Sara
Published: May 2021

The following body of work is a culmination of theoretical analysis and design research that emerges on the recognition that within Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods exists both physical and social barriers that weaken community ties and social resiliency. The physical barriers it refers to are the city’s infrastructure and natural geographic features that
commonly divide such neighbourhoods and create mobility issues for those residing within. At the same time they fracture social connections.
This thesis investigates environmental psychology to better understand the relationship between the physical environment and its effect of human behaviour so that architecture can be conceived of as designed environments that indirectly influence the mood and behaviours of those occupying the space. The outcome is a complex system of applied architectural strategies that respond to physical, social, and psychological influences regarding the individual and the built environment. Collectively, the design strategies aim to reduce physical barriers, activate social voids, and create environments that enhance social behaviour among socially hesitant individuals and the development of community ties. This becomes a larger internal issue as the majority of the population within priority neighbourhoods being new immigrants and visible minorities share mutual feelings of social isolation, segregation and discomfort
Depression and the Devil of Hell's Kitchen: Exploring How Mental Illness Is Depicted in Daredevil Comic Books
Authors: Siddiqui Zaeem
Published: May 2021

This MRP explores how depression is depicted in Marvel’s Daredevil comic books through multimodal metaphors. It seeks to answer the following research questions:
1) How do the visual, textual, and spatial elements in Daredevil comic books work together to communicate depression?
2) What role does depression play within each Daredevil comic book narrative?

A close reading was conducted to analyze how depression was communicated in two Daredevil comic books that explicitly discuss depression. This project found that characters discussed their mental illness experience through chaos and quest illness narratives, using a combination of visual and textual metaphors. Their accounts resembled medical representations of depression symptoms. The depiction of mental illness within the two Daredevil comics suggests that mainstream American superhero comics can both depict mental illnesses in a medically accurate manner and present them as authentic character experiences. This MRP provides a meaningful foundation for future research that explores how mainstream American superhero comics can play a larger role in graphic medicine and mental health communication. Keywords: comics, depression, mental illness, graphic medicine, illness narratives, superhero
Effects of Parameter Change on Neural Network and Deep Neural Network
Authors: Naseri Soufia
Published: May 2021

Parameters in neural network such as number of neurons and layers have a direct effect on efficiency and accuracy of the network. On the other hand, it is observed that structure of a network is dependent on data complexity. It is perceived that choosing a complex network for a simple data (e.g. linearly separable data) may not only result in a weak learner but also an increase in computation time. Here, accuracy of the network has been challenged by adding Gaussian Noise to these data to investigate the effect of noise. This additive noise flags overcomplexity thus, decision boundary is generalized which it directs the learner to have better classification as if the number of parameters have been decreased. Throughout these comparisons, other constrains have been minimized in MATLAB to solely observe the effect of each change.
The First Prime Minister of the Instagram Age: The Visual Rhetoric and Image Management of Justin Trudeau
Authors: Dingwall Loren
Published: May 2021

This research focuses on an analysis of the visual rhetoric and image management of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Instagram photographs. As Instagram has grown in popularity, politicians and celebrities alike have harnessed the platform to convey their stories, brands, and messages to audiences, thereby curating and controlling the images presented to a wider audience. In Trudeau’s case, Instagram is employed as a strategic tool for image management. The literature review draws from key relevant subject areas: visual rhetoric and rhetorical studies, research on Instagram, political communication, and visual methodologies. Drawing on key elements from Hill (2006), Filimonov et al. (2016), and Kress and van Leeuwen’s (Harrison, 2003) research, research questions focused on examining the use emotional appeals, image management strategies, and how Trudeau engages his audience. This research investigates how Trudeau’s image is crafted using visual rhetoric and image management in his Instagram photos through a content analysis. The project involved coding fifty of Trudeau’s Instagram images—through content analysis—systematically from October 19, 2015-March 2, 2017. Examining these images provides insight into the rhetoric and image management constructed through the visual images Trudeau presents on Instagram. Findings reveal that emotional appeals are a prominent factor in the images, that Instagram is used as a strategic tool for image management, and that Trudeau’s images engage his audience by balancing personalization and professionalism while inviting users in on private personal and professional moments. This research highlights key techniques in strategic political communications with key tools for image management and building visual rhetoric through visual means on social media. The methods explored in this research can inform professional communicators’ decisions regarding the images posted to social media (and Instagram in particular) and their content, their captions, and how they work to construct a narrative on social media that aligns with offline communications goals.
"You have the right to remain silent, so why are you talking?" : interrogation rights, decision making, and the availability heuristic
Authors: Basarke Sonya
Published: May 2021

A police interrogation is one mechanism by which a false confession is sometimes obtained, which in turn can lead to a wrongful conviction. Given the severity of this consequence, rights for criminal suspects have been developed to protect the innocent. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these rights has been called into question, as there is evidence that most people do not fully understand their rights, and the rate at which people choose to waive their rights is extremely high.

The current study examined factors relating to people's interpretation of their rights when asked to speak with police. It was found that participants retained their rights at higher rates than expected. In addition, the results indicate that it is possible to affect waiver rates by manipulating the availability of information relating to negative or positive interrogation outcomes. This could have practical implications for how criminal suspects' rights are administered.
The new spectator : a study of the cognitive experience of spectators with three cinematic platforms
Authors: Thom Jessica
Published: May 2021

t is necessary, with the revolution from analog to digital platforms, to evaluate the effect these "new media" have on audience's comprehension of information. The New Spectator examines the varying experiences of audiences with three cinematic platforms: the theatre, online, and mobile media. By testing the experience of seventy-five individuals, watching two short films, the study examines the difference between the cognitive experiences of the spectators. Using an anonymous questionnaire to gain empirical data about the participant's understanding of the films, the study provides evidence of the shift in how the contemporary spectator views a film and their differing apprehensions of the information received from the films.
Effect of sources and meteorological conditions on the concentration and distribution of gaseous elemental mercury in the urban atmosphere
Authors: Prete Daniel
Published: May 2021

Atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and meteorological parameters were monitored
at two sites in downtown Toronto, Canada from Oct. 2015 to Oct. 2016 using Tekran 2537A
mercury vapour analyzers. The average concentration was found to be 1.78 ± 0.89 ng/m3 for Kerr
Hall North (KHN) and 1.46 ± 0.54 ng/m3 for Jorgenson Hall (JOR) site. Analysis of the data reveals
that sporadic events of high mercury concentration are related to local sources.
Comparing this data set with that collected in 2004 revealed that the average atmospheric GEM
concentration in downtown Toronto dropped from 4.5 ng/m3 to 1.78 ng/m3. Decreases in GEM
were also observed over the same period in rural areas as measured by CAMNet. The decrease
might be a result of policy change, as three key national and provincial environmental policies
have been enacted since 2004.

The data collected in Toronto suggest GEM concentration and distribution are influenced by local
and regional sources, meteorological conditions, and changes in environmental policy.
The experiences of young caregivers of older adults living with complex health Issues
Authors: Mpela-Aren Mathabo
Published: May 2021

The research regarding the experiences of younger caregivers is limited and this study is an attempt to understand the experiences of young informal caregivers of older adults with complex health issues. Using a grounded theory approach allowed for development of a theory that focused on the process, action, and interactions that shaped the experiences of the participants. Grounded theory research was conducted using one-on-one in-person interviews with two young caregivers to understand how they experienced caregiving for older adults living with complex health issues. This study revealed that these caregivers dealt with the challenges associated with caregiving and sustain themselves in their caregiving role by primarily utilising informal interventions, which were interventions that were outside of healthcare supports. Culture and family dynamics also affected the caregiver experience. This study highlights the need to examine existing caregiver interventions and expand our understanding of how to support caregivers, who are a diverse group with diverse needs. Caregiving is dynamic and is affected by factors outside of caregiving, thus interventions should be flexible and context-led to better meet the needs of caregivers.
Environmental stress effects on illness in Southern Ontario
Authors: LeBlanc Chelsea Blair
Published: May 2021

A spatial analysis of smog events in Southern Ontario and prevailing winds reveals various patterns that occur during smog advisories. Smog events cause numerous excess deaths and illnesses each year throughout Southern Ontario due to high levels of air pollutants that are generated in North America. Cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses are the main hospital admissions that occur during summer smog episodes These effects are experienced throughout regions located along the Windsor-Quebec corridor, but there are variations in the numbers of affected people due to the effects of surrounding geographical features and the local contribution of air contaminants. Meteorological differences play a major role n the effects of smog events with factors such as temperature and prevailing winds. This study examines the effects of long distance transport of contaminants from origins in the United States into Canada as indicated by respiratory and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity effects during 9 smog events. This study found that during certain conditions there is a correlation between wind direction and smog-related mortality and morbidity.
Water resource management in the southern Ontario region : water market simulations under scarcity conditions
Authors: Pepin Shane
Published: May 2021

Water scarcity is a increasingly important issue in many parts of the world. Population pressures, climatic changes, and general resource management are placing increasing strain on water supplies that provide for ecosystems and economies alike. This thesis addresses the issue of water resource management with an investigation of free market principles to effectively manage end-use demand. A water market is designed for the Southern Ontario region, which consists of a large central population with extensive water use related to industrial, residential and agricultural users alike. A comparison to a traditional centralized utility model is used to measure market dynamics and overall efficacy. The results indicate that a free market system produces economic advantages to a utility model while still demonstrating an ability to reduce demand. The model also suggests that the inclusion of certain end-use functions, such as agriculture, must be examined carefully for a free-market model implementation.
Designing, Implementing and Evaluating a Cross-Modal Sensory Substitution System for the Effective Communication of the Emotional and Informative Aspects of Music
Authors: Pouris Michael
Published: May 2021

Visualizations have existed for millennia as ways to communicate information. Visualizations are ubiquitous tools used every day to help navigate cities and aid in learning complex tasks. Tasks are made simpler when applying various visualization methods to large data sets to discover trends that are otherwise difficult to notice. More recently, music visualization systems have been created to convey music in the visual domain; however, they are not based on any psychological model of auditory and visual equivalents. This thesis discusses a music visualization system called MusicViz, which facilitates in the visual communication of the informative and entertainment aspect of music based on psychologically justified translation principals. MusicViz is combined with a vibro-feedback chair called the Emoti-Chair, which translates auditory music to vibrations along the user’s back. The combined system is coined VITA (Visually Immersive and Tactile Animation). A usability evaluation of the VITA showed it is an enjoyable experience.
A numerical fitting procedure for the embedded atom method interatomic potential and a bridged finite element-molecular dynamics method for large atomic systems
Authors: Narayan Karthik
Published: May 2021

This thesis presents a powerful numerical fitting procedure for generating Embedded Atom Method (EAM) inter-atomic potentials for pure Face Centred Cubic (FCC) and Body Centred Cubic (BCC) metals. The numerical fitting procedure involves assuming a reasonable parameterized form for a portion of the EAM potential, and then fitting the remaining portion to select thermal and elastic properties of the metal. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation is used to effect the fitting procedure. The procedure is used to generate an EAM potential for copper, an FCC metal. This resulting EAM potential is used to conduct MD simulations of perfect copper crystals containing voids of different geometries. Following this, a bridged Finite Element-Molecular Dynamics (FE-MD) method is presented, which can be used to simulate large atomic systems much more efficiently than MD simulation alone. The method implements a novel element discretization scheme proposed by the author that is so general that it can be applied to any system of objects interacting with each other via any potential (simple or complex, EAM or otherwise). This bridged FE-MD method is used to reanalyze the voids in the copper crystal lattice. The resulting virial stress increment patterns are found to agree remarkably with the earlier MD simulation results. Furthermore, the bridged FE-MD method is much quicker than the pure MD simulation. These two facts prove the power and usefulness of the bridged FE-MD method, and validate the proposed element discretization scheme
Preliminary design of unmanned aircraft using genetic algorithms and data mining
Authors: Neufeld Daniel J
Published: May 2021

Aircraft design is a complex process involving multiple co-dependent design variables and many design decisions. For commercial aircraft design, this difficulty is offset somewhat by the wealth of knowledge available. Observing existing designs has provided useful empirical relationships and insights for the designer to apply, yielding a relatively well defined problem. The wide variety of configuration possibilities, mission profiles, and the relative lack of historical data leave the problem of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design less defined. The purpose of this research was to develop a robust optimization package for UAV design using data mining to aid configuration decisions and to develop empirical relationships applicable to a wide variety of mission profiles. An optimization software package was developed using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Data Mining. The algorithm proved successful in carrying out the preliminary design phase of a number to test cases similar to existing UAVs. Designs produced by the algorithm promise improved performance flight performance relative to existing systems, and reduced development time when compared with conventional design methodology. Future work will introduce high fidelity analysis to the framework developed in this research.
A system level implementation of wavelet based filtering for GNSS signals
Authors: Leon Jorge
Published: May 2021

A project is presented to study the Global Positioning System and learn how to apply wavelet analysis to mitigate the effects of multipath errors on GNSS signals. The analysis is carried out using the SystemC language to demonstrate how one may try to implement the GPS signal wavelet filter in hardware. Wavelet analysis, the SystemC library and additional tools are discussed in detail. Design issues such as control signaling and position estimation are explained. System evaluation is performed at two levels, one using cross correlation of signals and the second by measuring the amount of clustering in position plots.
Computational modeling of fire safety in metro-stations
Authors: McKeen Philip
Published: May 2021

This research investigates and attempts to quantify the hazards associated with fire in metrostations. The use of numerical simulations for the analysis of fire safety within metro-stations allows for the prediction and analysis of hazards within the built environment. Such approaches form the growing basis of performance based design (PBD), which can optimize design solutions. The simulations utilize Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model and Pathfinder, an evacuation modeling software.

The safety of underground metro-stations is analyzed through the simulation of smoke spread and egress modelling. CFD models of TTC’s Union Station and TransLink’s Yaletown Station are developed to allow for simulations of smoke spread scenarios. These models are evaluated in regards to the preservation of tenability and influence on the Available Safe Egress Time (ASET). The egress of metro-stations is modelled and analyzed to determine the Required Safe Egress Time (RSET).
Expert System for Aerial Vehicle Deployment System Selection
Authors: Lau Ming Yui Edwin
Published: May 2021

An expert system is a programmable device developed to provide automation for engineering problem solving. It is composed of artificial intelligence modules, subroutine functions, and databases. Under this framework, a design process is proposed to assist the conceptual design of aerial vehicles' deployment systems. The problem is first defined by a set of design requirements for take-off, landing, and cruise. The values are then translated to a set of performance parameters needed for the design process via a newly developed parametric search algorithm. Such parameters are categorised by a fuzzy inference module to determine the most suitable deployment-propulsion system, for conventional and V/STOL vehicles. Through the use of linear and neural network regression, a number of aerodynamic terms are estimated to support flight mechanics analyses, where the optimal take-off and landing thrust vectors are determined. Engine specifications are deduced in terms of unit thrust, weight, bypass ratio and dimension. The design process demonstrates effectiveness in sizing engines for V/STOL operations.
Using dynamic pricing to target off-peak hours in a brick-and-mortar service environment to increase revenue
Authors: Wheeler Luke
Published: May 2021

This paper will analyze and consider the effect dynamic pricing (also known as: flexible pricing, demand pricing, time-based pricing and surge pricing) has on the current business environment and how it can potentially be applied to small to midsized brick and mortar service businesses specifically through the use of dynamic discounts. Utilizing a metasynthesis research method, this paper will analyze existing qualitative research and overarching themes and provide a simplified interpretation. The interpretation will be applied to several real-world use cases, analyzing the similarities and differences between those cases. This paper will propose a solution, that utilizes dynamic pricing through discounts to increase revenue by utilizing the metasynthesis and cases as justification.
Developing a standard methodology for testing field performance of residential greywater reuse systems: Case study of a greywater reuse system installed in 23 homes in Southern Ontario
Authors: Craig Madeleine Jean
Published: May 2021

Using shower wastewater to flush toilets decreases the potable water demand of residential buildings, reducing pressure on existing water supplies. “Off- the-shelf” greywater reuse systems intended for single-family residential dwellings have recently become commercially available, but have variable field performance. A standard field testing methodology was developed and applied to a greywater reuse system installed in 23 homes in Southern Ontario. Performance was quantified by measuring the water balance, water quality, energy consumption, durability, maintenance requirements, installation process, economics and user satisfaction with the system. The tested system was found to save, on average, 40.9 litres per household per day, occasionally meet water quality guidelines and generally have less maintenance and durability issues than previous generations, resulting in satisfied users. However, due to low water rates and high capital costs, there is a need for government subsidization of these systems which will ultimately, reduce pressure placed on centralized water infrastructure.
Studiogo and the Importance of User-Centred Design
Authors: Bebis Christian
Published: May 2021

In helping creative students and professionals find nearby spaces that are conducive to them working on their projects and crafts, I have shown how the Stanford Design Thinking model can be used to help empathize, design, ideate and prototype a mobile application. This design thinking model has been applied to solve a set of common problems for creatives, which are
finding adequate workspaces, while creating and maintaining connections with others in their field. This paper will allow readers insight to the design thinking process and will attempt to contribute to a greater understanding of the methodology while attempting to create a solution that best fits the needs of the creative community.

Keywords: creative, design thinking, studiogo, creative workspaces, crowdsourcing, user interface design
A Presentational Theory of Ornament
Authors: Maj Daniel Richard Konstanty
Published: May 2021

Although ornament is typically understood to be a system of communication that operates representationally, this stance is problematic. While some ornament seems to represent disparate or even contradictory concepts, other ornament does not seem to represent anything at all. In both instances representation does not promote communication, it inhibits it. This thesis argues that while ornament may communicate representationally, its primary function is simply presentational. In this capacity ornament is used to communicate information regarding the qualities and relationships of material objects. The first half of the thesis engages with key texts and precedents in order to describe the mechanisms by which ornament is able to communicate. The second half of the thesis provides an example of how these mechanisms can inform the processes of architectural design. The thesis concludes with a reflection on the significance of ornamental communication and its role within the discipline of architecture. Ultimately, this thesis suggests that the practice of ornamentation not only helps us to define our world, but also to define our place within the world.
The A.I. storyteller: Perpetuating orality using developments in machine learning
Authors: Mahabir Soo Anne Mahabir
Published: May 2021

Oral histories are a part of all cultures and societies, however, our knowledge and interest in these practices has waned, and arguably with it, a sense of social identity and belonging in many contemporary communities and cultures. This paper pulls from aspects of experiential and theatrical design, generative art philosophy, physical computing, and machine learning in artificial intelligence research combined with a theoretical foundation of Adorno, Benjamin, and Ong to discuss and propose the creation of an embodied and immersive story experience.
This project will overturn key aspects of traditional orality to encourage interactivity with, and ownership of, the stories and will prompt discussion about its use as an archival process that will promote perpetuation rather than preservation, moving beyond the current processes of audio and video recordings.
Actibles: design and development of a new platform for active tangibles
Authors: East Brien G.
Published: May 2021

In this thesis, we present a new kind of active tangible call an Actible. Actibles are an open source
hardware/software platform for designing and implementing active tangibles for Tangible Embodied
Interaction (TEI) applications. Web technologies and a smartwatch core are leveraged for ease of development,
and enables the active tangibles to act coupled to a server, or act as their own server. This
kind of connectivity enables the use of the Actibles independently or in combination with other devices
and displays ubiquitously. We derived an expanded set of input and output interactions based on previous
work on active tangibles, including tilting, shaking, neighboring, stacking, on-screen gestures, and
integrated LED feedback. We describe the design and technical implementation of these interactions,
and demonstrate it's use in a multitude of published example applications.
Industrial Archaeology As Urban Informer: The Wellington Destructor
Authors: Petrocelli Daniel
Published: May 2021

The city identity, city image and the recognition of its industrial past are at question in a quickly developing post-industrial urban context. The voices of industrial archaeology, of obsolete infrastructure, of unintended industrial monument in dialogue between fast developing new urban and past locus are all ingrained in the city’s memory. This urban discourse, if allowed to happen, will inform the development of contemporary urban fabric. It is vital that continuity of the built environment structures
the contemporary post-industrial city identity

This thesis engages with the Industrial artifact of the Wellington Destructor and suggests a conservation strategy for the obsolete and abundant industrial built artifact that will inspire new development and integrate within the masterplan. It will activate city’s past and future dialogue and it will inform the emerging urban development while preserving the continuity of urban heritage with industrial past. Industrial Archaeology becomes agent to changing urbanity.
Modeling environmentally responsible supply chains
Authors: Bazan Ehab A.
Published: May 2021

Numerous literature reviews and research studies have highlighted the increasing environmental
concerns of supply chain stakeholders (managers, legislative bodies, customers, etc.).
Guaranteeing environmentally conscious supply chain operations is closely linked to an
organization’s sustainability and success. A large part of this is the responsible management of
product return flows in production and inventory environments. Reverse logistics is inevitable in
today’s business environment with the most common reasons being product returns, incorrect
product delivery, damaged products, and product exchange programs. Green concepts and should
be operationalized in a supply chain context. The literature emphasizes that the modelling of
reverse logistics and closed-loop supply chains from a green and/or environmental aspect lacks
investigation and development. Mathematical modelling of such systems will assist decisionmaking
processes and provided a better understanding of environmentally responsible inventory
models.

This thesis reviews the literature on the modelling of reverse logistics inventory systems that are
based on the economic order/production quantity (EOQ/EPQ) and the joint economic lot size
(JELS) settings so as to systematically analyse the mathematics involved in capturing the main
characteristics of related processes. The literature is surveyed and classified according to the
specific issues faced and modelling assumptions. Special attention is given to environmental
issues. There are indications of the need for the mathematics of reverse logistics models to follow
current trends in ‘greening’ inventory and supply-chain models. The modelling of waste disposal,
greenhouse-gas emissions and energy consumption during production is considered as the most
pressing priority for the future of inventory models. Mathematical models for two-level supply
chains with different coordination policies, a manufacturing-remanufacturing inventory model and
a two-level closed-loop supply chain model with remanufacturing under different coordination are
developed in this thesis. Numerical examples are presented and discussed presenting managerial
insights and implications. Input-Output system analysis and multi-objective optimization
modeling are suggested future research directions.
Synergistic Cisplatin-induced cell death by ultrasound-microbubble mediated intracellular delivery in breast cancer cells
Authors: Jetha Sheliza
Published: May 2021

Ultrasound-microbubble (USMB) potentiated cisplatin (CDDP) therapy was assessed in human breast cancer cells. Cells, MDA-MB-231, in suspension were exposed to USMB and CDDP at varying conditions, during which microbubble cavitation activity was measured using passive cavitation detection and 48 hours post-treatment cell viability and intracellular platinum concentration were measured using MTT assay and mass cytometry, respectively. USMB synergistically enhanced cell death (~20 fold) when combined with CDDP and significantly increased intracellular CDDP concentration (~8 fold) compared to CDDP treatment alone. Cell death and intracellular CDDP concentration were correlated to microbubble cavitation activity, which increased with peak negative pressure and microbubble concentration. Combined treatment of USMB and CDDP at relatively lower integrated cavitation dose (ICD) induced a synergistic effect on cell death whereas ICD greater than 10 induced an additive effect. USMB mediated CDDP intracellular accumulation synergistically enhances cell death in CDDPresistant breast cancer cells.
Exploration Of Contemporary Poetry In The Digital Age Using Rupi Kaur As a Case Study
Authors: Hood Lysle
Published: May 2021

In the digital age, technology and digital media shapes virtually every aspect of our lives. Poetry, which has seen a surprising revival in recent years, is no exception. One of the most popular contemporary poets today is Rupi Kaur, made famous for her verse posted on the social media platform Instagram. This MRP seeks to answer the following research questions:
1) In what ways has the digital age effected contemporary poetry?
2) What role has digital media played in shaping the success and formal elements of Rupi Kaur’s body of work?

This MRP begins by offering a brief history of poetry’s relationship with media and an account of how poetry is produced and consumed in the digital age. The core of the MRP is a case study of contemporary Insta-poet Rupi Kaur. Through qualitative visual and textual analysis, the case study considers: 1) Kaur’s poetry, 2) her Instagram content, 3) her readership, and 4) the criticisms of her work. As to the discussion, the analysis of the four categories reveals that Kaur’s rise to Instagram fame is due to three factors: 1) Kaur’s use of social media, 2) her readership’s values, and 3) the publisher’s motives. To conclude, this MRP offers some suggestions for future research, including identifying poets suitable for additional case studies.
Movable Possessions: alternative housing through adaptable design
Authors: Marshall Lisa
Published: May 2021

Poor communities around the world have developed architecture without architects. Subsidized low-income housing has been built as if to provide only a shortterm solution. Poverty and lack of affordable housing is not a short-term problem but an ongoing issue that demands creative adaptable solutions for a changing world. Adaptable architecture is essential for the redesign of affordable housing that is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. In order to mend the broken bond between lower-incomes and the architectural quality of space, this design research strives to both defend and produce affordable architectural alternatives to housing through the use of adaptable design principles and strategies found within Barbados’ Vernacular Architecture, the Chattel house.
Performance measurement and operations control in advanced public transit systems
Authors: Azizi Nader
Published: May 2021

In most major cities, levels of traffic congestion are rising along with their associated problems such as travel delays and pollution. While any increase in public transit rider-ship could reduce the level of traffic congestion and related costs, most transit agencies are not able to expand their existing services because of fiscal• and physical constraints. As a result, a growing interest has been developing recently to maximize the transit system efficiency and productivity using new emerging technologies.

Recently, the emergence of new technologies such as automatic vehicle location (AVL) and

global positioning systems (GPS) has facilitated the design of computer-based real-time decision support systems for public transits. These technologies could significantly help transit agencies improve their operations monitoring and control. In the context of public transit systems, operations monitoring refers to real-time service performance measure and problems detection, and control refers to implementing real time control actions to remedy those problems.

This thesis presents a new approach for operations monitoring and control in public transit systems with real-time information. First, an integrated model that combines both headway-based and schedule-based services is presented. To measure the headway or schedule adherence, the model uses predicted arrival times of vehicles at downstream stops. This feature allows the operational managers to avoid major service interruptions by proactively taking necessary corrective actions. Transit agencies have used and continue to use real-time control strategies to improve quality of their services. These strategies are employed by inspectors at various points along a route to remedy the problems as they occur. Practice shows that it is difficult to apply such strategies effectively without real-time information. In the second part of this thesis, a mathematical model for holding control strategy with real-time information is described. The proposed model aims at minimization of the total passengers waiting time and considers both cases of overcrowded and underutilized services. Due to complexity of the holding problem, several metaheuristics are proposed and tested. Among all intelligent search algorithms, a new version of simulated annealing algorithm is proposed to solve the real-time holding control model.