bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersion Determination in VAPEX: Experimental Design, Modelling and Simulation
Authors: Kapadia Ronak A.
Published: May 2021

  

The heavy oil and bitumen reservoirs of Canada are one of the largest hydrocarbon sources in the world. Vapor extraction of heavy oil, or VAPEX, has emerged as a very promising recovery process since its inception in 1991. The principal reason is the environmental friendliness of VAPEX together with its cost-effective nature vis à vis other recovery processes. In this work, a review has been done on various factors affecting VAPEX process. Also, a lab-scale VAPEX experimental setup is designed to determine the dispersion coefficients of solvent gases in heavy oil and bitumen. Further, a mathematical model is developed based on earlier reported rectangular physical model of homogenous porous medium saturated with heavy oil and bitumen. The developed mathematical model is simulated to determine gas dispersion along with solubility during the vapor extraction of live oil from a laboratory scale physical model. At a given temperature and pressure, the block is initially exposed on its side to a solvent gas, which diffuses into the medium and gets absorbed. The absorption of gas reduces the viscosity of heavy oil and bitumen causing it to drain under gravity. The low-viscosity “live oil” is produced at the bottom of the porous block. The production of live oil with time is accompanied by the shrinkage of block as well as its increased exposure to gas from top. These phenomena of VAPEX are described by the mathematical model, which is used to calculate live oil production with various values of gas solubility and dispersion. Their optimal values are determined for the vapor extraction of Cold Lake bitumen with butane by matching the calculated live oil production with its experimental values published earlier.
Threads of Jewish identity in salon culture: Rahel Varnhagen and Florine Stettheimer
Authors: Frohlich Rachel
Published: May 2021

Florine Stettheimer's painting Soiree (1917-19), which serves as the frontispiece to this essay, depicts what may be considered a self-portrait of sorts: a scene representing a social gathering at the Stettheimer salon on the Upper West Side. As depicted in the painting, habitues of differing social, political and artistic backgrounds have come
together to socialize with other artists, enjoy the food displayed in the foreground, and view the new work painted by their hostess; in fact, Florine herself is represented in the nude in a large canvas in the centre of the painting with the guests delicately turning their backs to the painting. This ironic painting of a live salon scene at the Stettheimers allows viewers a glimpse into a social, cultural, and artistic institution that has remained somewhat under researched in the ways in which it defies some of the rules of mainstream society. Sociability, evoked in the epigraph, was also the focus of Rachel Varnhagen's early nineteenth-century salon in Berlin, a space in which racial and gender boundaries were crossed. Located in the private domestic space of somebody's home, the salon was an influential social institution and a vehicle that ultimately empowered women as this essay will document by exploring Rahel Varnhagen and Florine Stettheimer's important careers as salonieres. As this essay will argue, the salon especially empowered doubly marginalized Jewish women and allowed them to overcome limitations of the traditional roles considered appropriate for Jewish women who were able to claim strong intellectual, social, and artistic identities by using the salon as their vehicle.
A Pragmatic Pilot Study Of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Insomnia Among People Living With HIV
Authors: Tulloch Tyler Gordon
Published: May 2021

The prevalence of insomnia among people living with HIV (PWH) is considerably higher than in the general population. Cognitive, behavioural, and biopsychosocial explanations for this elevated prevalence have been proposed, but there is a lack of consensus in the literature. Sleep disturbance is associated with disrupted immune functioning at the cellular level and increased risk of contracting infectious diseases; therefore, insomnia may be particularly problematic for PWH. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line treatment for insomnia, and is effective at treating insomnia among individuals with comorbid medical disorders. Surprisingly, no study has examined its efficacy among PWH. This pragmatic pilot study examined features of insomnia among 48 PWH and was the first study to examine sleep disturbance among PWH using American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines for evaluating chronic insomnia. On average, insomnia chronicity was 8.2 years and was of moderate severity. Psychiatric comorbidity was common, as were comorbid sleep disorders. Insomnia severity was associated with psychosocial variables including sleep effort, self-efficacy for sleep, depression, anxiety, stress, and social functioning-related quality of life. This study was also the first to examine safety, feasibility, acceptability, and intervention effects of CBT-I. These were examined among a subsample of 10 PWH using single-case interrupted time-series design. Thematic analysis was used to explore participant perceptions of CBT-I. Large effect sizes were observed for improvement in insomnia severity, sleep efficiency, and total wake time. Reliable and clinically significant reduction in insomnia severity was observed for all but one participant, and half met criteria for insomnia remission. Overall, CBT-I was an efficacious treatment for insomnia, and participant feedback was consistent with quantitative results. Participants viewed
CBT-I as a safe and acceptable treatment for insomnia. Participant feedback identified preexisting needs, positive impacts and challenges of CBT-I, perceived mechanisms of change, and suggested modifications to tailor CBT-I for PWH. Given this preliminary support for the efficacy of CBT-I among PWH, future research should seek to demonstrate generalizability of these effects. Partnering with HIV community organizations may be important next step in conducting future research and increasing accessibility of CBT-I to PWH.

Keywords: HIV, insomnia, cognitive behavioural therapy, pilot study, pragmatic trial, thematic analysis
Application of Newton-Raphson method in three-phase unbalanced power flow
Authors: Sameni Ali Khadem
Published: May 2021

Renewable energy sources are in the forefront of new energy in power systems. They are predominantly connected to distribution systems at lower voltage levels. Distribution systems have three phases and are largely unbalanced in their line parameters and loads. A large percentage of these systems suffer from severe imbalance in their phases.
In the past, two methods of analysis were commonly used. The first is the 'ladder iterative technique' that consider unbalanced systems. However, this method does not possess information about the distribution system. The second method uses the 'Newton Raphson Technique' with 2N equations. It is superior since it computes a Jacobian that holds information about the distribution system. However, predominant implementations of Newton Raphson method assume that the system is balanced and they suffer from poor convergence properties.
In order to overcome these difficulties, this research furthers a recent development of single phase 3N equation model of distribution systems by enlarging it to model three phase distribution systems. The Jacobian models each of the three phases using a set of 3N equations. Modeling of network components and formulation of three phase power flow equations are presented. The important characteristics of the Jacobin matrix are also presented.
The method is developed and coded. It is tested on standard IEEE distribution systems with 4, 13,34,37, and 123 nodes. The results are compared with published IEEE data.
Wavelength Optimization in the Multispectral Photoacoustic Tomography of the Lymphatic Drainage in Mice
Authors: Nassif Ihab ABi
Published: May 2021

Multispectral photoacoustic tomography provides a mapping of the tissue chromophore distribution by using a broad range of tunable laser wavelengths. While a large number of employed wavelengths may improve the separation of exogenous and endogenous chromophores, it also decreases the temporal resolution and increases the total energy deposition, which can cause bleaching of fluorescent dyes. With the overall goal of studying the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid in mice in vivo, the work in this thesis aims to minimize the number of wavelengths in order to reduce the scanning time, improve the temporal resolution, reduce the energy deposition into the tissue and avoid photobleaching of the tracers while maintaining high image quality. Two methods were used to select small sets of wavelengths: the first method of wavelength selection was based on the minimization of the condition number of the extinction matrix, and the second method was based on the peak signal-to-noise ratio optimization of the chromophore images. 3 wavelengths set was selected based on minimum condition number proved to be enough to maintain good image quality and accurate mapping for chromophores and tracer.
Age differences in reward-motivation attention: behavioural and ERP evidence
Authors: Kudus Farrah
Published: May 2021

The attentional system is comprised of three networks: alerting, orienting, and executive control, all of which are associated with unique neural systems. Research examining motivationcognition interactions implicate the dopaminergic and locus-coeruleus norepinephrine systems in attentional and motivational processes, both of which show age differences. The current study was conducted to explore the mechanisms through which gain and loss motivation affect attention across the lifespan, using behavioural and electrophysiological markers of attentional networks. Younger adults (18-33 years) and older adults (65-80 years) completed an incentivized version of the Attention Network Test. Our behavioural results showed age differences in incentive sensitivity, such that responses were modulated as a function of incentives. We also examined cue-N1, target-N1, and target-P3, which showed transient incentive-based modulation, and depended on incentive valence. Overall, our study provides evidence for age-related differences in the modulation of attentional networks, and contributes new insights into the mechanisms behind motivation-cognition interactions.

Keywords: Attention Network Test, Motivation, Incentives, Cognitive Aging, Alerting, Executive Control
Unsprawl : The future of GTA suburbs
Authors: Lo Kelvin
Published: May 2021

This thesis will investigate the possibilities to capitalize the opportunity of the transformation process and propose an architectural response to aid Markham to reinvent a distinct identity. Therefore, this essay will be separated into two parts. Part One will examine the background information such as, philosophical concepts, precedents, academic articles
and opinions. Part Two will synthesize the research information from Part One and generate an architectural response. Additionally, it will analyze the best possible site location for this architectural response proposal.
Personalized recommender system on whom to follow in Twitter
Authors: Islam Masudul
Published: May 2021

Recommender systems have been widely used in social networking sites. In this thesis, we propose a novel approach to recommend new followees to Twitter users by learning their historic friends-adding patterns. Based on a user’s past social graph and her interactions with other connected users, scores based on some of the commonly used recommendation strategies are calculated and passed into the learning machine along with the recently added list of followees of the user. Learning to rank algorithm then identifies the best combination of recommendation strategies the user adopted to add new followees in the past. Although users may not adopt any recommendation strategies explicitly, they may subconsciously or implicitly use some. If the actually added followees match with the ones suggested by the recommendation strategy, we consider users are implicitly using that strategy. The experiment using the real data collected from Twitter proves the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The integration experiences of young Ghanaian-born women in Toronto
Authors: Nketiah Winnifred
Published: May 2021

This study examines the trajectories and meaning-making of transnationalism for Ghanaian-born young women living in Toronto--a population often silenced and/or categorized within other identities (Tettey & Pampulampu, 2005; Wong, 2000; Yesuf, 2005). This investigation highlights how family, gender, race, and culture inform cross-bordering. Narratives of three Ghanaian-born females living in Brampton identify how Ghanaian-born women
understand what it means to be both Ghanaian and Canadian, and explore how gender, race and culture may inform these understandings. Lastly, this study considers whether the intersection of gender, race and culture complicate Ghanaian female identity. This research illustrates that socio-political circumstances in their country of origin and in Canada shape the women's experiences, life goals and overall practices. In exploring the complexities associated with how gender, culture and race influence identity formation, this research suggests that Ghanaian-born
women are constantly renegotiating and redefining their hyphenated-identities, and their place within Ghana and Canada.

Keywords: Ghanaian-Canadian women, Ghanaian-born, transnational/multiple identities, migration, African-Canadian women.
Peer Mentoring Canadian University Student-Athletes: An Analysis of NCAA Division I Academic Mentoring Program Handbooks
Authors: Wilson Lauren
Published: May 2021

For many Canadian students, varsity athletics is an important part of their University experience. Prior to attending University many high level athletes are greatly influenced by their parents and/or extended family, and once at University that role is often replaced by their teammates and peers. Some students are fortunate to find a positive mentor-like figure in a veteran player. However, too often this is not the case, and bad academic habits are developed early before the student-athlete has a chance at academic success.
Transitioning into post-secondary education is challenging enough for students who are not on a varsity team, and student-athletes are expected to balance twice as much responsibility. A university’s reputation is affected if student-athletes are continually forced to withdraw from their studies, providing an even further disadvantage for athlete recruitment. It is the university who is allowing student-athletes to take on additional responsibility to represent the university and even accepting student-athlete who are not as academically prepared. Therefore, it should be the university’s responsibility to provide proper assistance and support, because student-athletes should not be sacrificing their academic experience to play their sport. All students, including student-athletes, should be graduating with the same education and skills.
Anthony Giddens’ Structuration Theory looks at the recursive nature and “duality” of structure (Orlikowski & Yates, 2007). When applying the principles of structuration theory in a grounded theory analysis of five National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) academic mentoring handbooks, it becomes clear that when student-athletes enter university they are entering a completely different social structure and university experience than non-athletes. What becomes clear is that any assistance and support needs to be tailored to student-athletes at that specific institution, and different from non-athletes. Furthermore, implementing an athlete academic peer mentoring program could help to change negative views of academics that have developed in the student-athlete social structure. Considering that Kerr and Miller (2002) found Canadian university student-athlete to be experiencing similar challenges to those in the NCAA, then they should also have provided to them academic assistance specific to their needs.
Hardware-Software Co-Synthesis for Distributed Memory Architectures
Authors: Ahmed Usman
Published: May 2021

Hardware software co-synthesis problem is related to finding an architecture, subject to certain constraints, for a given set of tasks that are related through data dependencies. The architecture consists of a set of heterogeneous processing elements and a communication structure between these processing elements. In this thesis, a new algorithm for co-synthesis is presented that targets distributed memory architectures. The algorithm consists of four distinct phases namely, processing element selection, pipelined task allocation, scheduling and best topology selection. Selected processing elements are finally mapped to a regular distributed memory architecture comprising of mesh, hypercube or quad-tree topology. The co-synthesis method is demonstrated by applying it to MPEG encoder application and various size large random graphs.
Uncloaking the anxiety behind professional dress
Authors: Rubinger Julie Rebecca
Published: May 2021

Graduating from university is one of life’s greatest milestones. Students expect their stress to subside upon graduation; however, the transition from student life to career track entails a new set of stressful circumstances, including how to dress professionally. Using a mixed methods approach, this study examined how recent graduates prepare their clothing for the professional workplace. Participants included 15 recent, professionally employed, postsecondary female graduates who completed a demographic questionnaire, a modified version of a standardized anxiety scale, and a phone interview. In order to determine best wardrobe practices, research included interviews with 5 fashion advisors. Although results revealed recent graduates did not experience any quantitatively significant anxiety, interview responses demonstrated both concern and uncertainty. This research provides insight into the lived experience of recent female graduates. Findings may be used to assist retailers, create guides, and develop workshops for new graduates entering the professional realm.
Experimental Parametric Study of the Factors Leading to Elevated Femoral Intramedullary Pressure and Fat Embolus Syndrome in Orthopaedic Procedures
Authors: Dobrjanski Daniel
Published: May 2021

During orthopaedic procedures such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), total hip arthroplasty (THA), and intramedullary nailing, it is necessary to hammer implants into the intramedullary canal of long bones. This hammering action can generate a high intramedullary pressure, leading to the release of bone marrow fat globules into the cardiovascular system, and ultimately, the possible development of fat embolism syndrome. In the present study, the effect of parameters such as implant tip geometry, peak impact force, hammer tip material, bone to implant radial gap, and marrow viscosity, on the resulting intramedullary pressure generated when hammering implants into a simulated femur analogue was examined. The bone analogue consisted of a porous plastic cylinder, having similar porosity and pore size to human femoral bone, with bone marrow being represented by a paraffin wax/petroleum jelly mixture. It was found that intramedullary pressure is only slightly lowered by a change in implant tip geometry, and that the use of a steel tipped (as opposed to rubber) hammer resulted in an increase in average pressure in the proximal portion of the bone, but a decrease distally. A lower implant insertion speed, lower hammering force, and a larger bone to implant radial gap were found to significantly reduce the intramedullary pressure. The number of hammer strikes required to insert an implant was found to increase significantly with marrow viscosity, but the average intramedullary pressure was found to decrease with increasing viscosity. Numerical modelling was also found to offer great promise for analysing hammering procedures for orthopaedic research into fat embolism syndrome. Numerical and experimental results were matched with approximately a 20% deviation.
Developing pseudo random number generator based on neural networks and neurofuzzy systems
Authors: Tirdad Kayvan
Published: May 2021

Pseudo random number generators (PRNGs) are one of the most important components in security and cryptography applications. We propose an application of Hopfield Neural Networks (HNN) as pseudo random number generator. This research is done based on a unique property of HNN, i.e., its unpredictable behavior under certain conditions. Also, we propose an application of Fuzzy Hopfield Neural Networks (FHNN) as pseudo random number generator. We compare the main features of ideal random number generators with our proposed PRNGs. We use a battery of statistical tests developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to measure the performance of proposed HNN and FHNN. We also measure the performance of other standard PRNGs and compare the results with HNN and FHNN PRNG. We have shown that our proposed HNN and FHNN have good performance comparing to other PRNGs accordingly.
Redesigning the Iglu| ᐃᒡᓗ : towards an architecture of Inuit dwelling in the 21st century
Authors: Rosada Michael
Published: May 2021

The Canadian North has gained significant interest as of late due to expansive availability of natural resources, and the opening up of commercial shipping routes, resulting in economic and development potential. There is thus a demand to develop and build, but this has often occurred with little vision while the extreme conditions of this region make viable inhabitation a challenge.
Presently, the Inuit who have maintained a sustainable way of life in the Canadian North have seen their lifestyle and culture erode due to rapid modernization, resulting in numerous challenges and no resolutions. One such challenge is the absence of affordable, adequate, and cultural appropriate housing, complicated by a housing shortage and a growing population. In order to ensure successful inhabitation in this region, a reinterpretation of the contemporary Inuit home is required. The following thesis project |explores how the adoption of a regionally responsive architecture responds not only to economic and environmental conditions, but reinforces the unique cultural identity of the Inuit.
Public Broadcasting & Paid Membership: A Pilot Study to Assess the WNED Buffalo-Toronto Dilemma
Authors: Wilson Andrea-Jo
Published: May 2021

Using mutually-reinforcing components, this pilot study seeks to identify the barriers that are preventing viewers of WNED Buffalo-Toronto, a public broadcaster, from becoming paid members. A review of literature considers the changing nature of membership, the success of televangelism, and PBS’s own experience with paid membership. Drawing on organizational commitment theory, and the notional categories of membership developed by Gruen, Summers & Acito (2000), this study analyzes both the external communications documents produced by WNED and feedback from Canadian viewers, both members and non-members. From these results, the study makes three preliminary recommendations. It suggests that WNED take steps to increase the amount of coproduction implied in membership, that it begin investing in Web 2.0 to better leverage its content and foster brand communities, and that it augment membership with crowdfunding initiatives. The study concludes with the suggestion that membership is changing and that more relational models may be more attractive to viewers.
The art of anxiety: an analysis of female anxiety memoirs
Authors: Varsava Emily M.
Published: May 2021

[Introduction]: "While the objective well-being of women as measured by career achievement and reproductive rights has increased over the past 35 years, women’s anxiety levels continue to rise.Today, women are twice as likely as men to be anxious or depressed (World Health Organization 2020). Antonella Santuccione Chadha, co-founder and CEO of the Women’s Brain Project, suggests that this anxiety may be linked to women’s traditional roles as caregivers (“What’s Driving the Female Anxiety Epidemic?”), which places a burden on them to constantly perform and achieve success in both private and public spheres. While women’s anxiety has been studied from a health perspective, there is less known about how women cope with anxiety through writing memoir. My essay will analyze three memoirs to understand how memoir writing can help alleviate anxiety and delve into the factors that cause anxiety in the first place; specifically, I examine how personal writings about anxiety can help other women deal with their own anxiety. On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety by Andrea Petersen (2017) is a memoir fueled byjournalistic reportage and research in psychology, that provides insight into why women’s anxiety is rising. Her memoir provides insight into the pressures placed upon women to be perfect. First, We Make the Beast Beautiful: A New Journey Through Anxiety by Sarah Wilson (2017) provides potential solutions to the problems presented by Petersen. Wilson encourages women to reject perfectionism to focus on a personal sense of growth by working with anxiety, not against the illness. Lastly, Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson (2015) offers an upbeat and humorous perspective on contemporary notions of success and anxiety. Lawson rejects perfectionism and urges her readers to embrace their imperfections.She accepts who she is, quirks and all. Although different in style, all three memoirs are written by women who, in their own way, has felt burdened by the expectation to achieve more."
Exploring the use of systematic and heuristic processing in the courtroom: the effect of evidence modality on jurors’ decision-making processes
Authors: Freedman Stuart
Published: May 2021

The use of technology in the courtroom is increasingly commonplace. While some research has explored how technology may influence jurors throughout the trial itself, there has been little focus on how it might influence jurors during the deliberation period, or whether it affects their verdicts. The current study assessed whether the form of evidence available during the decision-making period, along with the mock juror’s level of motivation for the task, affects how trial information is processed and how verdict decisions are made. Mock-jurors (N = 243), half of whom were explicitly informed of the task’s importance, watched a video of a murder trial. During the decision-making phase, some jurors were then given the opportunity to review the trial video, transcript, or both before rendering a final verdict. While there were no differences in verdicts as a function of review condition, the amount of content mock-jurors reviewed differed by review condition.
Vertical phosphorus migration in biosolids-amended soils : concentrations in soils and leachates
Authors: Markunas Yulia
Published: May 2021

The impacts of biosolids land application on soil phosphorus and subsequent transfer to aquatic ecosystems in the condition of the minimal slope were assessed. Soil, representing typical "Non response" Ontario soil, was amended with anaerobically digested biosolids at a rate of 8 tonnes/ha. Over five months, soil samples from two different depths were sequentially fractionated to determine various inorganic and organic phosphorus pools in order to evaluate phosphorus vertical migration within a soil profile. Soil leachate was analyzed for soluble reactive phosphorus and added to the aquariums mimicking receiving surface waters. Water from aquariums was tested for the presence of eutrophication. The results indicated that biosolids application did not significantly affect phosphorus concentrations in soil and did not cause phosphorus vertical migration. The concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus also were not affected by biosolids. No signs of eutrophication were observed in receiving waters.
Attachment Denied? : The Experience of Separation for Live-In Caregivers' Children
Authors: Vahdat Parvin
Published: May 2021

The live-in caregivers' non-citizenship status in Canada results in separation from their children. So far, rare studies have addressed these children and the impacts of separation on them. This paper, through relying on some aspects of attachment theory, discusses the negative impacts of separation on the children of live-in caregivers and argues that race and class inequalities have rendered them invisible in psychological and other scholarly studies. The paper also addresses the problems faced by these children in the countries of origin. Live-in caregivers perform mothering for their children from afar. However, as the result of traditional ideology, their transnational mothering is stigmatized there. The stigmatization affects immigrant live-in caregivers and their separated children negatively. The paper calls for removing restrictions that separate children from their immigrant mothers and asks for other changes that improve the lives of these children.
Fashion 2.0: the uses and gratifications of fashion blogs
Authors: Johnson Sasha
Published: May 2021

There has been limited research in the field of fashion blogs. This study attempts to begin filling this void by examining fashion blogs from the user’s perspective as they relate to other forms of fashion media. From the uses and gratifications perspective, this study employs a qualitative investigation to identify the motivational factors for fashion blog use. A two-step process, made up from an initial online questionnaire and in-depth interviews was used. The online questionnaire was answered by 247 women between the ages of 18 and 35. Respondents for the second portion of the study, the in-depth interviews, were made up of 10 women who had previously participated in the questionnaire. Three new motivational factors were identified: habit, entrance, and retrieve/save content. Adhering to the belief that new media technologies supplement rather than succeed one another, these findings have been explained in relation to the use of fashion magazines.
Binomia: an exploration of fashion and art in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Jonk Megan Catherine
Published: May 2021

This research examined the relationship between fashion and art in the Arabian Gulf and sought to determine if fashion can function as art in the latter geopolitical location. In-depth interviews with study participants revealed attitudes towards the two creative industries that helped create a capsule collection consisting of 5 garments that illustrate the findings of this project and highlight the importance of value differences, regional demographics, and cultural understandings of art. The resulting collection, Binomia, reflects Durkheim’s ideas on individuals’ ability to read symbols and the difference in opinions that result from these culturally informed understandings.
Coverage Based Tool-Path Planning For Automated Polishing Using Contact Mechanics Theory
Authors: Rososhansky Michael
Published: May 2021

Presented in this thesis is a method for tool-path planning for automated polishing. This work is an intergral part of the research program on automated polishing/deburring being carried out at Ryerson University. Whereas tool-path planning for machining is treated as a geometry problem, it ks shown here that tool-path planning for polishing should be treated as a contact mechanics problem because of the contact action between the polishing tool and the part surface. To develop this algorithm, contact mechanics is applied for contact area modeling and analysis, Once the contact area is determined, for multiple contact points along the given polishing path, a map of the contact area is generated and utilized to show the coverage area during polishing. This map is then used to plan a polishing path that ensures complete coverage for polishing, Simulation has been carried out to show the effetiveness of this new polishing path algorithm.
Reducing chloride corrosion of stainless steel in the nuclear fuel manufacturing industry : an electrochemical-environmental perspective
Authors: Spence David
Published: May 2021

Chloride extraction from nitric acid is an important technique for reducing corrosion of stainless steel. However, there has been a limited amount of research conducted in this area. Pumping ozone-enriched air through nitric acid is a corrosion reduction method that is widely used in the nuclear fuel manufacturing industry, including the Blind River Refinery (BRR), to purge chlorine gas out of the acid. However, this method has been shown to produce significant environmental impacts. Overall, it is an inconsistent and cost-deficient method for reducing chloride corrosion of stainless steel in nitric acid mediums below 7.2M (37.0% volume). This thesis builds on existing literature and demonstrates that oxidizing chloride ions in nitric acid using oxygen, nitric oxide and nitrous oxide is an efficient and cost-effective chloride extraction method for the case study (BRR). It was shown that the level of chloride extraction from nitric acid increased significantly when the acid strength was elevated above 8.4M (42.0%volume) and sparged with various oxidants. The most effective oxidants at this nitric acid strength were: oxygen, ozone, nitric oxide and nitrous oxide. Nitric oxide and nitrous oxide can be produced by sparging 43.0% nitric acid with air or sparging 43.0% nitric acid with NOx fumes. In terms of the BRR case study, it was shown that using operational-specific combinations of these methods can drastically reduce the environmental impacts associated with their chloride removal process; significantly increase the level of chloride extraction; reduce energy consumption and operating costs by as much as 54.0%; and reduce material requirements by as much as 80.0%.
Nonconvex and game theory optimization for resource allocation in wireless communications
Authors: Illanko Kandasamy
Published: May 2021

Designing wireless communication systems that efficiently utilize the resources frequency spectrum and electric power, leads to problems in mathematical optimization. Most of these optimization problems are difficult to solve because the objective functions are nonconvex. While some problems remain unsolved, the solutions proposed in the literature for the others are of somewhat limited use because the algorithms are either unstable or have too high a computational complexity. This dissertation presents several stable algorithms, most of which have polynomial complexity, that solve five different nonconvex optimization problems in wireless communication. Two centralized and two distributed algorithms deal with the power allocation that maximizes the throughput in the Gaussian interference channel (GIC)with various constraints. The most valuable of these algorithms, the one with the minimum rate constraints became possible after a significant theoretical development in the dissertation that proves that the throughput of the GIC has a new generalized convex structure called invexity. The fifth algorithm has linear complexity, and finds the power allocation that maximizes the energy efficiency (EE) of OFDMA transmissions, for a given subchannel assignment. Some fundamental results regarding the power allocation are then used in the genetic algorithm for determining the subchannel allocation that maximizes the EE. Pricing for channel subleasing for ad-hoc wireless networks is considered next. This involves the simultaneous optimization of many functions that are interconnected through the variables involved. A composite game, a strategic game within a Stackelberg game, is used to solve this optimization problem with polynomial complexity. For each optimization problem solved, numerical results obtained using simulations that support the analysis and demonstrate the performance of the algorithms are presented.
Configurable simultaneously single-threaded (multi-)engine processor
Authors: Tino Anita
Published: May 2021

As the multi-core computing era continues to progress, the need to increase single-
thread performance, throughput, and seemingly adapt to thread-level parallelism
(TLP) remain important issues. Though the number of cores on each processor
continues to increase, expected performance gains have lagged. Accordingly, com-
puting systems often include Simultaneously Multi-Threaded (SMT) processors as
a compromise between sequential and parallel performance on a single core. These
processors effectively improve the throughput and utilization of a core, however often
at the expense of single-thread performance as threads per core scale. Accordingly,
applications which require higher single-thread performance must often resort to
single-thread core multi-processor systems which incur additional area overhead and
power dissipation. In attempts to improve single- and multi-thread core efficiency,
this work introduces the concept of a Configurable Simultaneously Single-Threaded
(Multi-)Engine Processor (ConSSTEP). ConSSTEP is a nuanced approach to multi-
threaded processors, achieving performance gains and energy efficiency by invoking
low overhead reconfigurable properties with full software compatibility. Experimen-
tal results demonstrate that ConSSTEP is able to increase single-thread Instruc-
tions Per Cycle (IPC) up to 1.39x and 2.4x for 2-thread and 4-thread workloads,
respectively, improving throughput and providing up to 2x energy efficiency when
compared to a conventional SMT processor.
Force Analysis of Human Lumbar Spine Using a Forward Kinematics Model
Authors: Patel Krunal
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study is to present a forward kinematics model of the human lumbar spine and to compare the internal loads and trunk flexion extension with existing literature. The forward kinematics model of lumbar spine with 30 DOF was designed using Solidworks and used Matlab to simulate the results for different postures. The forward kinematics model predicted similar trend for trunk flexion extension, compression force, shear forces and moment as described in literature for in vivo studies. The comparison between the proposed model and in vivo measurement showed a pressure difference of less than 15% on the disc L4-L5 for all activities whereas the compression force and moment differed by ~17% on the disc L5-S1. The modeling methodology presented in this thesis provides a more accurate representation of compression forces and moments of the human lumbar spine since the model makes no assumptions regarding muscle force and does not rely on any other software for kinematics data.
Indices Of Force
Authors: Lantot Michael
Published: May 2021

This thesis investigates the morphogenetic capacities of material systems far from equilibrium and attempts to draw from them a set of architectural principles. The approach taken toward materiality here is not based on structural performance or sensual quality; rather, it looks to processes by which systems of matter and energy spontaneously develop local order, persisting by continuously adapting their configurations in response to shifting forces. From an introductory discussion of the formation of a familiar but surprisingly complex architectural material, granite, a number of simpler systems will be described in order to elucidate individual mechanisms. A design project integrating several aspects of material systems thinking is then developed, in this case, a proposal for a dairy farm as an element within an extended infrastructural/agricultural framework. The project develops form and program synergistically, creating a system of linked material and energy flows coupling the production of food and fuel.
Transnational governance and its impact on the settlement process of Eritrean refugees in Canada
Authors: Berhane Aaron
Published: May 2021

This paper will examine the transnational governance and its impact on the settlement process of Eritrean refugees. It will pose three questions: 1) What kind of challenges do Eritrean refugees face in the process of their resettlement? 2) How do the illegal activities of the Eritrean consulate disrupt their settlement process? 3) What difficulties do newcomers have in accessing law enforcement authorities? The paper will focus on the cases of Eritrean immigrants in Canada and investigate how the state of their country of origin continues to affect their day to day life in the country of reception and particularly how the home state regulates the flow of money and works to silence its critics. The paper further will investigate how the activities of Eritrean government can undermine Canadian sovereignty and leave refugees defenseless. Although the analysis is based on the experiences of Eritrea and its refugees in Canada, the paper will argue that such transnational governance can emasculate the autonomy of any country that hosts refugees or immigrants.
Recruited to get suited: the contemporary diversity recruitment tactics of the Canadian Military
Authors: Nava Rebecca
Published: May 2021

This study includes an analysis of secondary literature on the issue of diversity in the Canadian Forces, and includes an extensive review of how employment equity regulations have impacted the Canadian military. Interviews were conducted with first generation immigrants who have joined, or are contemplating, joining the Forces, as well
as with experts on diversity in the military. The purpose of the interviews was to glean experiential anecdotes, and professional knowledge about the issue of increasing the representation of visible minorities in the Canadian Forces, and the relative success of that endeavour.
The intention of this research is to explore an area of research that is undeveloped outside of military-commissioned inquiry, and to provide recommendations to the government concerning how to improve the public's awareness of the military, how to address misconceptions, and the problems that deter newcomers in Canada from wanting to join.
Characterization of the hemodynamic response of the hippocampal and parahippocampal regions using FMRI
Authors: Mehta Priyanka
Published: May 2021

Previous neuroimaging studies have suggested a dominant role of the right medial temporal lobe (MTL) structures- the hippocampal and parahippocampal regions in spatial memory processing. However, the underlying physiological hemodynamic response functions (HRF) of the MTL substructures remain undefined. Given the neuroanatomical differences between these substructures, it is posited that their hemodynamic characteristics are distinct. In this study, the hemodynamic responses of the MTL substructures are investigated using an optimization algorithm that penalizes the curvature (i.e. second derivative) of HRF. The time-to-peak characteristic of the hemodynamic responses revealed that the right CA3 and DG subfields of the hippocampus are significantly more active than the right CA1 subfield during
a specific spatial memory task. Further, the hemodynamic responses of the entorhinal, perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices are presented. Together, these findings may help advance our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease that are strongly associated to hippocampal dysfunction.
A finite element analysis approach to predicting intramedullary pressure during the insertion of prosthetic implants
Authors: Saadetian Paul
Published: May 2021

Fat embolism syndrome is a serious post-operative complication of orthopaedic procedures such as fracture fixation and total joint replacement. Fat embolism syndrome can be a result of increased intramedullary pressure during the insertion of prosthetic implants in long bones. A macro was developed that automates the creation of finite element models representing a simplified bone/fluid/implant system and a hammering event. The finite element models were validated by computing the peak stresses at various locations in the bone and comparing them to pressures measured at similar locations in experimental tests. Finite element models were used to test the effect of using hollow implants on intramedullary pressure in the bone, in some cases yielding an average reduction of 19.1%. It has been shown that it is acceptable to use finite element models for such parametric studies and that hollow implants have the potential to decrease intramedullary pressure during insertion.
Fatigue in chronic hepatitis C infection a mixed method study
Authors: Zalai Dora  Marta
Published: May 2021

Fatigue is a main patient reported outcome of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection; yet its contributors are unknown. Objectives: The study (1) evaluated fatigue predictors, (2) tested the mediating role of fatigue cognitions, (3) screened for sleep disorders, and (4) explored fatigue from patients’ perspectives. Participants: Both sexes (age>18 years, N = 115) with chronic HCV infection. Design: Cross-sectional. Results: Sixty percent reported severe fatigue (FSS≥4). Fatigue perceptions were the main predictors of fatigue (ß=.58, bias corrected CI = .070-.163). Fatigue perceptions mediated the relationship between comorbidities and fatigue. Half of the sample reported clinically significant symptoms of insomnia and/or sleep apnea. Eight main fatigue themes were endorsed by the participants. Conclusions: Fatigue and sleep disorders were clinically significant issues. Fatigue cognitions may contribute to severe fatigue outcomes. Significance: Integrating the findings into existing sleep and fatigue treatments could improve clinical outcomes.
Fuzzy control of a resonant vibration dryer
Authors: Sudera Vinay
Published: May 2021

This thesis presents a fuzzy control method for a vibratory grain dryer. The proposed control methol maintains the resonant condition for a dynamical system having constant linear stiffness, variable mass and variable damping coefficient. The MATLAB simulation results have confirmed that the fuzzy control method based on amplitude measurement is reliable and efficient.
Power allocation in OFDM-based cognitive radio systems using iterative algorithms
Authors: Antora Aniqua Tasnim Rahman
Published: May 2021

As spectrum scarcity is becoming a serious problem, the worth of finding a general solution
for such issue has become even serious due to the rapid development of wireless communications.
The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the optimal power allocation
procedure that maximizes the capacity in OFDM based Cognitive Radio Systems.

The main purpose of the search is to modify the conventional water-filling algorithm applied
in general OFDM based Cognitive Radio systems due to the per subchannel power
constraints and individual peak power constraints. For Radio Resource Allocation (RRA),
one of the most typical problems is to solve power allocation using the Conventional Water-
filling. As communication system develops, the structures of the system models and the
corresponding RRA problems evolve to more advanced and more complicated ones.

In this thesis Iterative Partitioned Weighted Geometric Water-filling with Individual Peak
Power Constraints (IGPP), a simple and elegant approach is proposed to solve the weighted
radio resource allocation problem with peak power constraint and total subchannel power
constraint with channel partitions. The proposed IGPP algorithm requires less computation
than the Conventional Water-filling algorithm (CWF).

Dynamic Channel Sensing Iterative (DCSI) approach is another algorithm proposed to optimally
allocate power for OFDM based Cognitive Radio Systems. DCSI is a innovative
concept which will allow us to solve the same problem intelligently with less complexity. It
provides straight forward power allocation analysis, solutions and insights with reduced computation
over other approaches under the same memory requirement and sorted parameters.