bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Capacity and Flow Assignment for Self-Healing ATM Networks Based on Path Restoration: Nonlinear Models
Authors: Khandaker Faria
Published: May 2021

This thesis addresses the design of self-healing Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks which is a special aspect of a more general problem, referred to as capacity and flow assignment (CFA) problem in self-healing ATM networks. We have proposed two nonlinear mathematical models for global reconfiguration strategy and failure-oriented reconfiguration strategy in our thesis. Our restoration strategies aim to minimize the capacity installation cost and the routing cost when a single link failure occurs in the network. A special case of the augmented Lagrangian method so-called Separable Augmented Lagrangian Algorithm (SALA) is proposed for solving the proposed nonlinear mathematical models. Numerical results are presented comparing the two restoration strategies in terms of five performance metrics which are capacity installation cost, total required capacity, routing cost, total network cost and required CPU time for convergence of the algorithms. Our results show that the global reconfiguration strategy has always performed better than the failure-oriented reconfiguration strategy for all the network scenarios, topologies and bandwidth requirements.
Public libraries serving newcomers to Canada : a comparison of the Toronto and Windsor Public Libraries
Authors: Quirke Lisa Clare
Published: May 2021

This study examines the programs and policies of two Ontario library systems to determine in what ways their strategies support the social inclusion of newcomers. Through interviews with library administrators and librarians in the Toronto and Windsor Public Libraries, issues surrounding the development and delivery of programs to newcomers to Canada are explored. Interview findings are used to highlight best practices, and to make recommendations designed to address current barriers to and gaps in service provision. Theories of social inclusion and acculturation, outlining stages of immigrant integration, are used to analyze the newcomer services of public libraries and their importance in the process of settlement. This study highlights the challenges faced by Canadian public institutions in responding to the needs of newcomers.
Simulations of Steady Flows Through Cylindrical Geometries With and Without Local Constrictions by Multiparticle Collision Dynamics
Authors: Bedkihal Salil K.
Published: May 2021

In this thesis, a recently developed particle-based method called multiparticle collision dynamics (MPC) is used to simulate steady flows through three-dimensional constricted axisymmetric cylinders. The work is motivated by complex particle interactions in blood flow such as aggregation and the need to be able to capture these effects in physiologically relevant complex flow geometries. This is the first time that MPC dynamics has been applied to simulate flows though constrictions. The particle collisions in MPC dynamics are numerically more efficient than other particle-based simulation methods. Particle interactions with the cylinder walls are modeled using bounce-back (BB) and loss in tangential, reversal of normal (LIT) boundary conditions. BB is an analog of the macroscopic no-slip boundary condition, and LIT gives slip. Finally, an averaging procedure is employed to make a connection with the solution to the Navier-Stokes equations. Interesting differences have been found in the velocity profiles obtained using MPC with BB and LIT, compared to Navier-Stokes.
A Local Scale Modeling Study of Mercury Depletion Event at Canadian Arctic
Authors: Panchall Minish
Published: May 2021

A modeling study was conducted on the transformation and deposition patterns of atmospheric mercury in the Canadian Arctic. One Dimensional (1-D) local scale model was used to simulate the episodic depletions of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) after polar sunrise at Alert, Canada. The model was developed by starting with existing meteorological model (LCM-Local Climate Model) which is coupled with Canadian Aerosol Module (CAM) and then adding modules specific to atmospheric mercury chemistry. The model is able to simulate local scale transport of mercury over the entire depth of the troposphere with a basic time step of 20 min. and incorporates current knowledge of transformation reactions of atmospheric mercury species. Three mercury species Hg(O), Hg(II) and Hg(p) were considered. The developed model was applied to a portion of the Canadian Arctic region, Alert, for the month of April 2002. The model was then evaluated by comparing model estimates of mercury species concentrations with the measurement data collected in the Canadian Arctic by Meteorological Services of Canada, Downsview, Ontario. The results from this modeling study agree reasonably well with some underestimation caused by lower conversion of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) into reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) and subsequent conversion to total particulate mercury (TPM). A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to examine the depositions of mercury species in response to changes in ozone and soot concentrations.
Higher dimensional probability of default in structural models
Authors: Ao Julie
Published: May 2021

This thesis describes the joint probability distribution of defaults in two, three and four dimensions. In
particular, default as defined by Merton and Black and Cox using analytical and simulated Monte Carlo
approaches. Our analytical approach in a Merton setting, utilizes the multivariate normal to compute the
joint probability distribution in any dimension. In a Black-Cox setting, analytical solutions are defined in
specific dimensions, therefore we rely on a simulated approach. The precision of our simulated approaches are
evaluated using 104, 107 and up to 107.5 paths 1. We use our results to compare the probability of defaults
in both settings as well as tail dependence, portfolio value and value at risk. Tail dependence is evaluated
in two and three dimensions with ρ=0.3 and ρ=0.9. We define covariance parameters in four dimensions;
"normal" and "crisis" market conditions, to evaluate portfolio value in a credit and market portfolio and
value at risk.
The Tourism-Migration Nexus: Towards a Theory of Global Human Mobility
Authors: Rode Nicolas Clemens Wilhelm
Published: May 2021

This paper argues that, despite multidisciplinary efforts, migration and tourism studies remain restricted by the paradigms to their own specialized industries: policy-relevant approaches geared towards government agencies and their fields of intervention in the case of migration studies as well as management perspectives directed to the expansion, marketing, and consumption of the travel industry in the case of tourism studies. The aim of this paper is to critique the trend of securitization in both fields of research and to hint at similarities in impact and meaning. Apart from the differentiation between consumption and production-led migration, both phenomena tourism and migration have a lot in common. Both are major driving forces of globalization and social change on the local level. By discussing recent critical literature on transnationalism, migration and tourism, this paper argues that hybrid forms of human mobility and the similar economic, environmental and social impact of tourists and migrants lead to the urgent reconfiguration of the social science paradigm through which the governance of human mobility is being studied. Ultimately, this paper wants to cross both perspectives and hint at similar issues of identity, social diversity, and sustainability.
Narratives as reflective practice in multi-age child care centres
Authors: MacDonald Jean
Published: May 2021

This study used narrative inquiry to collect the stories of educators working in a multiage setting. Interviews with five staff from two centres in Ontario and one in British Columbia yielded six rich narratives. Some of the themes that emerged from the findings were 1) Perceived Preparedness 2) Experience in the field and 3) Development of a Professional Philosophy. The results of this study support the value of narratives as a tool for professional practice, peer collaboration and reflective practice.
Ultrasound mediated study of the electrokinetic effects in biological tissues and phantoms
Authors: Pandya Aditya
Published: May 2021

Traditional ultrasound imaging monitors the backscattering properties of the object being imaged. Many hybrid imaging techniques such as photo-acoustic imaging, electro-acoustic imaging etc. have been developed to enhance the contrast in imaging. The main objective of this study was to monitor the electrically induced mechanical changes (EIMC) in ultrasound phantoms. Changes in time shifting of the signals and amplitude changes were investigated. Images were formed using a linear array ultrasound probe based on the time-delay estimates and the amplitude changes occurring in the tissue/phantom structure. EIMC in phantoms were found to depend on the applied electric field, gelling agent concentration, and salt concentration. The dependence of EIMC on the various parameters can be explained by the stiffness and fixed charge densities (FCD) of the phantoms. Knowledge gained from experimental results and its future extensions might culminate to form a method to image tissues based on their electrokinetic properties.
Study of estimation of distribution algorithms applied to neuroevolution
Authors: Holker Graham
Published: May 2021

This thesis proposes a methodology for the automatic design of neural networks via Estimation ofDistribution Algorithms (EDA). The method evolves both topology and weights. To do so, topol-ogy is represented with a fixed-length, indirect encoding; weights are represented as a bitwise en-coding. The topology and weights are searched via an incremental learning algorithm and a GuidedMutation operator. To explore suitable EDA ensembles, the study presented here interchangeablycombined two representations for topology, two for weights, and two learning algorithms. Testsused in the analysis include: XOR, 6-bit Multiplexer, Pole-Balancing, and the Retina Problem. Theresults demonstrate that: (1) the Guided Mutation operator accelerates optimization on problemswith a fixed fitness function; (2) the EDA approach introduced here is competitive with similarGP methods and is a viable method for Neuroevolution; (3) our methodology scales well to harderproblems and automatically discovers modularity. 
A library of the mind
Authors: Lee Dami
Published: May 2021

In order to adapt to the explosion of technology and information, our culture has organized knowledge into distinct categories, and has privileged the “known” as the ideal truth. While this reductionist approach allows us to efficiently examine a specific topic, it has also led to a fragmented and oversimplified understanding of an otherwise enigmatic world. Umberto Eco, semiotician and novelist, criticized this rigid categorization and preferred a more complex, labyrinthine system, organizing his personal ad-hoc collection of books into unconventional categories. Venice, the labyrinthine city, is a physical manifestation of the concept of non-linearity and becomes a metaphor and strategy for
exploring the idea of mystery and the dérive. The thesis explores the themes of slow reading, serendipity, and mystery, through the design of a Research Library that brings together Eco’s collection.
Canada's spousal sponsorship process: challenges of cross-national couples
Authors: Qu Sophie
Published: May 2021

Family reunification is a key objective of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Despite this, cross-national couples continue to experience challenges during the spousal sponsorship process. The spousal sponsorship regime must be situated in the context of Canada’s history of racist immigration policies, and consider the nature of neo-racism, and the function of securitization. It is evident in the negative social construction of foreign spouses, and the conflation of cross-national couples with marriage fraud, that the government prioritizes fraud
detection over family reunification. Interviews with ten individuals of cross-national marriages revealed challenges related to finances, emotional well-being, power imbalances, and the stigmatization of marrying a foreign spouse. The process was made more difficult by the government due to inadequate information, communication, and transparency. While processes of racialization can be seen to inform practices and policies of the spousal sponsorship system, other factors such as bureaucracy and socioeconomic status also appeared to play a role.

Key words: family; spousal sponsorship; cross-national; racism; marriage fraud
Tangible cultural analytics: how tangible Augmented Reality can enhance cultural heritage research
Authors: Kalinda Daniella
Published: May 2021

How do we explore history in a new way? Current digitization and archival methods do not have the richness and versatility necessary for researching cultural heritage. In this paper, the role of augmented reality in cultural heritage research is investigated. Then, a formative study is described and analyzed to gain an understanding of the workflow, desired insights and reported pain points that scholars face when working with cultural heritage collections. Finally, the findings from this study are used to propose design concepts for an augmented reality prototype for searching within a collection of artifacts and visualizing selected artifacts. In conclusion, possible directions for the potential of augmented reality in cultural heritage are discussed.
Pediatric clinical exercise testing system project
Authors: Jouni Ahmad
Published: May 2021

Commercially made exercise testing equipments are designed for testing adults with greater exercise capacity and relatively large minute ventilation compared to pediatric population. As the size of breaths becomes smaller and irregular, as in small children with pulmonary diseases, measurement delay errors may introduce errors to the final results in the exercise testing system. For this reason, a custom made Exercise System was built at the Exercise Laboratory Department at the Hospital for Sick Children. It incorporates a special algorithm that corrects measurement delay errors caused by small breaths. The algorithm calculates the lag time of the expired breath to reach the sampling port and re-aligns the gas concentration reading in time with the corresponding real-time recording of the breath. The Exercise System is currently used for clinical and research purposes. The system shows satisfactory results for adult testing; however, the system requires validation of increase in accuracy of results for testing in pediatrics, especially for ill patients with very small tidal volumes. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate that incorporating the lag time in the algorithm to process and calculate the oxygen (0₂) consumption improves the accuracy of the results in small children exercise testing. In addition, investigate the theory and operation of the Exercise System and document the system designs and testing results for publishing purposes.
Quadrotor UAV control : online learning approach
Authors: Pipatpaibul Pong-In
Published: May 2021

Quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are recognized to be capable of various tasks including search and surveillance for their agilities and small sizes. This thesis proposes a simple and robust trajectory tracking controller for a quadrotor UAV utilizing online Iterative Learning Control (ILC) that is known to be effective for tasks performed repeatedly. Based on a nonlinear model which considers basic aerogynamic and gyroscopic effects, the quadrotor UAV model is simulated to perform a variety of maneuvering such as take-off, landing, smooth translation and horizontal and spatial circular trajectory motions, PD online ILCs wirh switching gain (SPD ILCs) are studies, tested and compared. Simulation results prove the ability of the online ILCs to successfully perform certain missions in the presence of considerably large disturbances and SPD ILCs can obtain faster convergence rates.
Conflict monitoring, error detection, and inhibition: behavioural and electrophysiological features
Authors: Egeto Peter
Published: May 2021

Event-related potentials of performance monitoring, including N2 (conflict monitoring), error-related negativity and error positivity (ERN and Pe; error monitoring), and P3 (inhibition) have been studied. However, conflict monitoring lacks a behavioural measure, and the functional significance of ERN, Pe, and P3 are debated. To address these issues, a behavioural measure of conflict monitoring was tested by subtracting the reaction time (RT) of a simple from a choice RT task to isolate conflict monitoring; the functions of error monitoring and inhibition were examined.

The RT difference correlated with the N2 area (longer conflict monitoring related to a larger N2). ERN and Pe areas were negatively and positively correlated with errors, respectively. P3 magnitude and onset were correlated with an inhibition index.

The new behavioural measure provides an accessible way to study conflict monitoring. Theories of conflict monitoring for ERN, error awareness for Pe, and inhibition for P3 were replicated and extended.
Underground Energy Storage Utilizing Concrete Building Foundation: Experimental and Numerical Approach
Authors: Mousa Magdy M. , Bayomy Ayman M. , Wang Julie , Dworkin Seth , Saghir M. Z.
Published: May 2021

Space heating and cooling represents 63% of total building energy demand. In the present study, the concept of concrete foundation piles was used as an underground storage medium. This system requires no additional drilling costs or space, unlike conventional boreholes. A lab-scaled experiment facility was designed to experimentally investigate the thermal response of a concrete pile during the charging and discharging processes. The amount of energy stored and released during each process was evaluated. A flow rate parametric study was also conducted to explore the effect of the laminar and turbulent flow behaviour. In order to complement the experimental study, an extensive CFD model was developed and compared with the experimental data. There was good agreement between the numerical and experimental results for each process at different flow rates. The results revealed that increasing the flow rate increases not only the heat rejection and extraction but also the storage efficiency.
Keywords: borehole, energy pile, thermal storage, thermal response, ground source heat pump
Energy performance analysis of Region of Peel Headquarters Building as a sustainable building using the "Carrier HAP", "eQUEST" simulation program and "RETScreen" cost analysis program
Authors: Siddique Afzal Siraj
Published: May 2021

The principles of building energy simulation and its relationship with heating and cooling energy calculation help to make an integrated evaluation of building energy consumption. This is used to achieve a better and more energy efficient building. The sensitivity analysis of energy efficient HVAC design was used to create an energy efficient Peel Region Headquarters Building. An energy audit was conducted on the existing building to establish the Base Case Model "Peel Region Headquarters Building" to determine its annual energy consumption across all current usage. To reduce the total energy cost of the Base Case Model, different HVAC Systmes were investigated to analyze their energy-based performance and impact on the Greehouse Gas Emission (GHG). The sensitivity analysis was conducted using two whole building simulation programs, "Carrier HAP" and "eQUEST", with three different air systems, namely, "2-Fan Dual Duct Variable Air Volume System", "1-Fan Dual Duct Variable Air Volume System" and "1-Fan Dual Duct Variable Air Volume System with two Rooftop Packaged HVAC System'. Three different types of heat pumps, namely, Open Loop Water Source Heat Pump, Closed Loop Water Source Heat Pump, and Ground Source Heat Pump, were used to determine the efficiency and viability of the three proposed HVAC System with the existing infrastructure. RETScreen International Clean Energy Project Analysis Software (Version 4) was used to evaluate the energy production and savings, life-cycle costs, emission reductions and financial viability. MNECB/CBIP and ASHRAE 90.1 (2004) Building Compliance Program was used for determining the key elements for analyzing the building components and for providing recommendations for an energy efficient building. The improvement from the conventional HVAC System to implementation of an Open Loop Water Source Heat Pump resulted in 75% energy cost savings for the Peel Region Headquarters Building. The percentage contribution of CO₂ was reduced by 78%.
Political discourse, the media and campaign communications: a grounded theory analysis of how the 2011 General Election was manifested in unsigned editorials in The Globe and Mail and The National Post
Authors: Murray Anne
Published: May 2021

Traditionally, the Canadian political environment has been predicated on a left-right ideological split, with the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC) on the left and iterations of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) on the right (Cochrane, 2010). However, this changed after the 2011 General Election when the NDP won enough seats in Parliament (102, an increase of 65 seats from the last election) to form the Official Opposition. The LPC lost a drastic number of seats, from 77 seats to 34 seats (-43), reducing them to third party status in the House of Commons for the first time in history.

This paper explores how this phenomenon was manifested in the media by analyzing unsigned editorials in two national English language Canadian newspapers, The Globe and Mail and The National Post, from April 20, 2011 to May 2, 2011. This time period was chosen to reflect the period between expressed public support for the NDP rose above support for the LPC and the end of the campaign on election day. To analyze this phenomenon, this paper uses grounded theory as the methodological framework.

Grounded theory is a qualitative and explorative form of research that differs from other forms of qualitative research because the data collection phase and analysis phases of the project are conducted concurrently (Glaser, 1978; Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Strauss, 1987; Strauss & Corbin, 1990; Banks, et al., 2000; Schreiber, 2001; Lindlof & Taylor, 2002; Gibbs, 2007; Charmaz, 2000). This approach provides a flexible framework to explore new phenomena, free of preconceived ideas about findings (Strauss and Corbin, 1998). A series of coding phases - open coding, axial coding, notional coding - are used to identify patterns within the textual data and the observed patterns are used to form theories to explain the phenomenon.

The analysis in this paper suggests that prior to the General Election outcome, the NDP emerged as a serious political contender to the CPC. This theory emerges from two patterns observed in the data centred around political discourse and campaign communications. The first observed pattern is how the editorials described each partyʼs leader using a narrative of leadership and capability. The CPC and NDP leaders, whose parties gained the most in the General Election, were described under the narrative of leadership and reflected this narrative in their campaign communications. The second observed pattern was the way certain issues were highlighted in the editorials as salient election issues. These issues - Quebec, healthcare, and the economy - were more closely related to the campaign communications from the NDP and the CPC than they were to the LPC.
Witnessing the Genetic Self: How Non-Specialists use Reveal Videos to Approach Genetics and Race Through Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Ancestry Testing
Authors: Berry Megan
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the interpretation and expression at work when those without a higher education in genetics take a direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic ancestry test (i.e. AncestryDNA) and then communicate this experience through online video on YouTube, most commonly through the Reveal genre of videos. Through non-random quota sampling a diverse corpus for analysis was created and then analyzed through the lenses of critical race theory, intersectionality, and María Lugones’s concepts of transparency and thickness, with focusing guidance from Gubium and Holstein’s narrative components to uncover how the test-takers approached genetics and race. The variations in how individuals approach their DTC genetic ancestry test results and communicate them through the videos, touching on topics such as race, family, self-identity, and stories, were discovered to work well alongside Roth and Ivemark’s recently presented genetic options theory.
Energy efficient QPP-MAC protocol with dynamic cycle length for smart building wireless sensor networks
Authors: Latif Sajjadul
Published: May 2021

The wireless sensor network is an important element of energy efficient "Smart Buildings" to collect different types of data and to optimize the energy demand management (EDM) system. It is very important to save energy of the wireless sensor network to prolong the network life-time. In this thesis, a distributed, quasi-planned Medium Access Control (MAC) scheduling algorithm with priority control has been proposed for smart building's WSN. The protocol reduces the wasted energy of sensors during idle listening, collision, and overhearing processes. The system considers multiple classes of sensors based on their roles. The protocol establishes confirmed communication for steady traffic and gives adaptive control for varying traffic load. Hence, it reduces the total energy requirement for each sensor class. It uses a novel statistically inspired algorithm to dynamically configure the cycle length for reducing latency. Overall, the new algorithm shows better energy performance than many conventional WSN MAC protocols.
A secure multiparty micropayment protocol for internet access over WLAN mesh networks
Authors: Biswas Nitish
Published: May 2021

Presently, multi-hop WLAN mesh networks have become an alternative to wired networks for last-mile user access enabling numerous internet-based services. Thus, we have proposed MMPay, a secure multiparty micropayment protocol for internet access over WLAN mesh networks, enabling:  a secure network access anywhere and anytime according to user desire; seamless user roaming across the independent operator’s networks; and lightweight real-time payments to all involved parties that eliminate huge user trust relationships, online remote user authentications and mutual roaming agreements among the participating parties. The incontestable MMPay scheme has been devised from existing micropayment schemes emulating their good attributes and eliminating security vulnerabilities and difficulties, which includes: hash-chain based variable length payment instrument, user’s payment certificate at smartcard, shared and mixed signature scheme, and an efficient redemption approach.  The OPNET-simulation results show that the pricing contract response-times are little lengthy but have no effect on data communication; payments and hand-offs are efficient; and the scheme has no effect on data communication ETE-delay and throughput. Thus, the scheme is secure, efficient and lightweight, and will be a practical solution for future small to large-scale WLAN mesh networks enabling faster hand-off. 
Art hacks and mash-up play: introducing BitFlows
Authors: King Robert  Blair
Published: May 2021

A new software tool called BitFlows has been developed to support creativity, collaboration, performance and innovation in New Media. New Media practitioners already have a diverse range of tools at their disposal. This range of tools is constantly growing fueled by hardware and software hacks, which allow individuals to creatively use and abuse consumer products in ways not intended by their original creators. Software such as Ableton Live, MaxiMSP and VVVV give creators the ability to perform and demonstrate works in a live setting. Influenced by Csikszentmihalyi's concept of Flow in creative work (Csikszentmihalyi, 1996) and Shneiderman's suggestion that creativity can be aided by smoother flow between applications (Shneiderman, 2000a), BitFlows provides a simple
means for users to mash-up the data-flows from all of these diverse pieces of hardware and software, over the network, in single or collaborative settings.
Parent-child connectedness : moving beyond traditional attachment theory
Authors: Lechcier-Kimel Rachel
Published: May 2021

The present paper provides a systematic review of the current literature on parent-child connectedness (PCC) through a critical analysis of existing research on the topic. By focusing on the numerous ways the construct of PCC extends beyond the scope of traditional attachment theory, this paper attempts to make PCC more relevant to individuals of varied age, gender, culture and socioeconomic backgrounds. An explanation of PCC as a dependent variable is presented as a means of strengthening the understanding of the construct, and an extensive evaluation of its theoretical foundations is included in order to operationalize this understanding. This paper concludes by suggesting the benefit in broadening the awareness of PCC and by providing recommendations for future research.
Structure/Function Analysis of the Hif1 Histone Chaperone in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Dannah Nora Saud
Published: May 2021

Understanding the regulation of chromatin structure is a vital aspect of molecular biology regarding its influences on biological processes such as DNA replication, transcription (gene expression), DNA repair, chromosome segregation and recombination. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a histone chaperone called Hif1 has been found in the nuclei as having a functional role in chromatin assembly. Hif1 is a homolog of the human protein NASP that is involved in the maintenance of genome stability. Previously, Hif1 has been shown to physically interact with Hat1, Hat2 and H3/H4 to form the NuB4 complex directly involved in chromatin assembly. A molecular genetic approach was conducted to determine which domain of Hif1 is involved in the interaction with the HAT1 complex.
A short cavity fiber laser for microwave and radio-wave generation
Authors: Basnayaka Udari M.
Published: May 2021

Broadband and low loss capability of photonics has led to increasing interests in its use for generating, processing, controlling and distributing of microwave and radio-wave signals with low phase noise for applications such as Radio over Fiber systems (RoF), broadband wireless access networks, sensor networks and satellite communitarians.

In this thesis, I have introduced and demonstrated a short cavity Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser operating in two stable longitudinal modes to generate microwave and radio-wave frequency signals. In the laser, Er/Yb core doped fiber has been used as the gain medium and two wavelength matching fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) of 99.9% and 90% reflectivity in C-band were used as end reflectors. The dual mode operation was achieved by reducing the cavity length of the fiber laser to 8 mm. It was pumped with a 980 nm pump laser and the laser output has an optical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) larger than 65 dB at 1533 nm. Due to the birefringence introduced during FBG fabrication two orthogonal polarization modes were observed for each longitudinal mode. Microwave and radio-wave signals were generated by beating these longitudinal polarization laser modes on a fast photo detector. The generated microwave signals were at 1.2687 GHz, 1.2828 GHz, 14.6962 GHz and 14.7103 GHz with a SNR of 45 dB. The generated radio-wave signals were at 14.1 MHz with a SNR of 30 dB. The 3dB bandwidth of microwave and radio-wave signals were measured to be less than 30 kHz and the Allan variance measurements indicate that the signals are highly stable for temperature variations while the generated microwave signals demonstrated a linear relationship with temperature at 1 MHz/Celsius. Due to high stability of the generated radio-wave signal and low complexity of the overall system this short cavity fiber laser has potential applications such as ultrasonic sensors and optical clocks
Male parody, sketch comedy and cultural subversion : the work of Scott Thompson, Rick Mercer and Steve Smith
Authors: Deveau Danielle
Published: May 2021

"Male Parody, Sketch Comedy and Cultural Subversion" is a Master's thesis that analyzes the male performances of Canadian comedians Scott Thompson, Rick Mercer and Steve Smith. Queer and feminist scholars suggest that subversive gender performance techniques such as camp can destabilize compulsory heteronormativity and binary gender constructions. Through the study of sketch comics Thompson, Mercer and Smith, it is evident that a range of masculine performances, both implicitly and explicitly in support of queer politics, are supported within popular comedy and Canadian maninstream media. The diverse comic techniques used by these actors prove effective in critiquing aspects of patriarchy, masculinity and heteronormativity as well as questioning essentialist assumptions behind social notions of hierarchy and marginality.
Material Politics of Micro Urban Housing
Authors: MacDougall Shea
Published: May 2021

This thesis investigates various socio-material trends that influence housing culture within increasingly intensified urban conditions. These trends indicate emerging societal values relating to affordability, the sharing economy and the reterritorialization of both domestic and urban environments. Design research contemplates how these values align with emerging theories related to material politics and how the design of our built environment can inform society’s perception of a greater affective density. These theories describe the interrelationships between architecture, our shared consumption of energy and resources, material agency, and designed flexibility of urban and domestic space. These interrelationships define a set of objective comparators that are used in the evaluation of various housing types that are familiar to western cultures. An analysis of this evaluation describes a morphology of domestic architecture that guides the design process of creating a micro housing model located in Toronto’s urban core.
A multiple regression analysis of cardiovascular health risks of exposure to environmental stressors in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Sadakhom Danielle
Published: May 2021

This thesis examines the effects of exposure to ambient noise and air pollution and access to available greenspace on cardiovascular health in Toronto, Ontario. The study is focused around the population health approach which is used to understand the health of the whole population and to reduce health inequalities amongst population groups. The study utilizes population data from the 2012-2014 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), air quality data from 2010-2014, noise exposure data from 2016, and the DMTI land use parks and recreation data to conduct a logistic regression analysis. The results from the analysis showed significant effects for noise when evaluated individually and measured cumulatively with air pollution and greenspace. Greenspace showed significant results when controlling for behavioural covariates, whereas air pollution displayed conflicting results for acute exposure. Future research on multiple environmental stressors should look to validate the importance of both ambient stressors through a longitudinal study.
The effects of acute psychosocial stress on executive functioning in young and older adults
Authors: Nasser Leen
Published: May 2021

It has been evidenced that, with aging, older adults exhibit increased behavioral and physiological responses to stress. Older adults also often experience declines in executive functioning performance. The acute psychological stress induced through the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) has been evidenced to negatively impact executive functioning in young adults. This relationship, however, has yet to be examined in older adults. In the current thesis, two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of stress on executive functioning (Experiment 1), as well as age related differences in stress responsivity and in the effect of stress on executive functioning (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, acute stress exhibited a negative effect on executive functioning. In Experiment 2, there were no age differences in stress responses, and a positive effect of acute stress on executive functioning in young adults only. The contradictory findings encourage further research on the effects of stress on executive functioning, and how they may differ between young and older adults.
Single-step synthesis of three-dimensional particles using non-uniform UV polymerization
Authors: Hakimi Navid
Published: May 2021

Polymer-based microparticles are increasingly utilized in a range of biotechnology application. There is growing evidence that microparticle shape is an important parameter governing its functionality. Yet, there currently exists no straightforward method to controllably synthesize a large number of highly three-dimensional (3D) microparticles. In this thesis, we develop a one-step two-dimensional (2D) stop-flow lithography method that exploits the non-uniformity of the polymerizing ultraviolet (UV) light, UV adsorption by opaque nanoparticles in the precursor solution, and discontinuous photomask patterns, to make highly curved 3D microparticles. We investigate the microparticle shape dependence on each parameter by independently tuning the field and focus of the UV light, adding opaque magnetic nanoparticles to the precursor solution, and using a variety of photomask patterns.We also perform numerical simulations of oxygen concentration and monomer conversion in the microfluidic channel, to predict the particle shape.
By simplifying the synthesis of high curvature 3D particles with 3D surface features and branched structures, our method may lead to the expanded use of microparticles in research and in industry.
Fill in the blank: an architectural intervention to restore the continuity from infrastructural residue in the densely built Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Shin-Yi Shiny
Published: May 2021

Transport Infrastructure has played a significant part in reforming the built fabric of our cities. Highways were constructed to facilitate connectivity the urban fabric ever more. The linear cuts incised through the continuity of both the physical and social fabric of the city. Left behind are impermeable accidental spaces, voids that are inaccessible to the surrounding users. Like no man’s land, the interstitial spaces is its own realm and separates itself from the rest of the system; neglecting its potential as an in-between state, bounded by the edges of communities, infrastructure and landscape. Simultaneously, recognizing architecture as an instrument organization and its capacity to impose order within an increasingly complex and problematic environments. This thesis attempts to address the residual space created from highway infrastructure by investigating the problematic relationship between infrastructure and the urban fabric. Using architecture as the agent to unfold its potential as a junction, it proposes a design process that focuses on the integration of all fields that defines the urban fabric. The thesis incorporates the utilization of leftover spaces as the site for architectural intervention to restore the continuity of the broken city fabric.
It's all about needs: the role of Christian congregations in addressing the social exclusion barriers of seasonal agricultural workers
Authors: Groot-Nibbelink Carissa
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the role of Christian congregations in addressing the social exclusion barriers experienced by seasonal agricultural workers (SAWs). This research study reviews the ways in which local churches support SAWs specifically in the Niagara Region. This paper also examines the benefits and limitations of this support and thus offers recommendations to enhance the future work of congregations in this area. This study reveals the evolving role of Christian congregations from offering only fellowship and spiritual services to SAWs to responding to their true needs in areas such as transportation, health care, language, and social inclusion. Because SAWs continue to face significant social exclusion barriers and still remain ineligible for settlement services in Ontario, it is important that congregations continue to do this work, meeting the needs of SAWs and growing in their ability as social service providers.

Key words: seasonal agricultural workers (SAWs), congregations, Christian, the Niagara Region, social services, settlement support, social exclusion, needs
Numerical Analysis of Film Cooling Performance of Micro Holes and Compound Angle Sister Holes
Authors: Abd Alsalam Sana Milud Muftah
Published: May 2021

In the present research, micro holes and compound angle sister holes have been numerically investigated as two different techniques to enhance the cylindrical hole cooling performance, which suffers from a low cooling performance at high blowing ratio. The numerical analysis is performed over a flat plate model to assess the film effectiveness and the associated flow field at low and high blowing ratios.

The performance assessment of the discrete round micro hole with a 200 µm diameter reveals that the micro hole yields the best cooling performance at low blowing ratios, and there is nearly 30% increase in the overall film cooling effectiveness compared to that of the round macro hole. The flow field results demonstrate the presence of a Counter-Rotating Vortex Pair (CRVP) at a smaller size and less strength, thus, contributed to better spanwise spreading of the coolant jet and lateral film cooling effectiveness. Micro holes present an improvement in the lateral film cooling effectiveness at high freestream turbulence intensity and high blowing ratios.

Computational evaluation of the CFD prediction capability of the sister holes cooling effectiveness using five RANS turbulence models has been carried out as well as an assessment of the effects of the near-wall modeling on the predicted lateral effectiveness. The turbulence models used are realizable k-epsilon, standard k-epsilon, RNG k-epsilon, Reynolds stress model, and Spalart-Allmaras model. It is generally found that realizable k-ε combined with the enhanced wall treatment provides the best prediction of the numerical results in comparison to the experimental measurements at a low blowing ratio while an underprediction of the lateral performance is found at a high blowing ratio from all examined turbulence models.

The compound angle upstream sister holes (CAUSH) have been proposed as a novel and simple design of the cooling hole whereas the numerical results have shown a notable increase in both centerline and lateral effectiveness for all tested compound angles at all blowing ratios. The anti-counter rotating vortices pair (ACRVP) structure generated from the compound angle upstream sister holes has actively controlled the flow field and maintained the coolant jet fully attached to the plate surface while restraining the coolant lift-off at high blowing ratios.

Finally, the influence of the compound angle sister holes streamwise location on the thermal and flow field performance has also been analyzed, whereas three locations: upstream, midstream, and downstream are examined. It is found that the midstream and downstream locations offered a considerable increase in the cooling effectiveness, which is very much dependent on the blowing ratio and the area downstream of the cooling holes. In addition, the optimum centerline effectiveness is obtained by the downstream location, while the best lateral effectiveness is attained through the midstream location.
Examining Chronic Insomnia and Cardiac Symptom Experience in the Cardiovascular Population
Authors: Siadat-Khoo Mona
Published: May 2021

Background: Chronic insomnia affects 10-15% of the world population and is associated with development of cardiovascular diseases [CVD], which remain the second leading cause of death in Canada. CVD is associated with cardiac symptoms and decreased quality-of-life.

Purpose: To examine the experience of chronic insomnia, as well as its association with cardiac symptoms, in individuals with CVD.

Methodology: Secondary analysis with a descriptive correlational design, among two groups (CVD [n=33] and non-CVD [n=36]).

Results: Individuals with CVD experienced greater difficulty maintaining sleep (t=-2.69, p=.01, d=.66). In the CVD and non-CVD groups, insomnia severity and daytime sleepiness were positively and moderately associated with cardiac symptoms. In the CVD group, insomnia severity was negatively associated with dyspnea (r=-.46, p=.01).

Implications: Future research can examine assessment of, and behavioural treatment for, chronic insomnia among differing cardiovascular populations to determine its effect on cardiac symptoms, morbidity, and mortality from cardiovascular diseases.
Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter Based Statcom with a Novel DC-Voltage Detection Technique
Authors: Li Yidan
Published: May 2021

This thesis is dedicated to a comprehensive study of state synchronous compensator (STATCOM) utilizing cascaded H-bridge (CHB) multilevel inverter. Two challenging problems exist in the CHB-based STATCOM. Firstly, unbalanced voltages across de capacitors of H-bridge units would occur because a large number of capacitors are utilized in the CHB inverter for high-voltage operation. The de capacitor-voltage unbalance may result in uneven voltage stress on swithces and the distortion of inverter output voltage due to the degradation of total harmonic distortion (THD). Secondly, all de-voltages should be measuresed and controlled separately to perform de capacitor-voltage balance control. In doing so, a large number of voltage sensors are requuired, which increases the cost and complexity of the SATACOM system. Therefore, the main objectives of this thesis are to develop new techniques for the balance of de capacitor voltages and reduction of the number of voltage senors used in the CHB-based STATCOM system. Therefore, the main objectives of this thesis are to develop new techniques for the balance of de capacitor voltages and reduction of the number of voltage sensors used in the CHB-based STATCOM system. A novel de-voltage detection technique, referred to as single multiple-voltage (SMV) detector, is developed to obtain de voltages of all H-bridges. The proposed SMV algorithm can substantially reduce the number of voltage sensors. Only three voltage sensors are needed to obtain all de capacitor voltages from the measured inverter output voltage. As a result, the CHB-based STATCOM with SMV detector reduces the cost and complexity of the system. The system reliability is enhanced as well. Furthermore, this technique can be extended to the STATCOM with high-level CHB inverter and suitable to high-voltage high-power applications. A new de-voltage balance control method is proposed to assure balanced voltages accross all capacitors in the CHB inverter. The method combines the phase shifting technique and sinusoidal pulse modulation strategy for the de-voltage control. PI refulators in all control loops can be identical due to the modular structure of CHB topology and phase-shifted PWM strategy. This feature makes the de capacitor-voltage balance easy to be implemented. To verify the performance of the CHB-based STATCOM and the effectiveness of the proposed STATCOM shows superior performance in steady-state operation and can rapidly respond to the reactive power demand as well. All individual de-voltages can be detected accurately from the SMV detector without direct de-voltage measurement. With the detected de-voltages, all capacitor de-voltages can be well balanced based on the proposed de-voltage balance control method.