bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban and place-based environmental education in the Ontario Secondary School curriculum
Authors: Mnyusiwalla Laila
Published: May 2021

This study reviews the Ontario secondary school curriculum in light of recommendations made by the 2007 Bondar Report, “Shaping Our Schools, Shaping Our Future”. It analyzes curriculum expectations and enrollment data
for the purpose of reporting upon and providing recommendations for urban and place-based environmental education (U&PBEE). The extent and prescriptiveness of U&PBEE coverage by subject, course, grade, and course
progression or pathway are reported upon. These findings are contextualized through the perspectives of diverse stakeholder groups at the “Education Experts’ Workshop: Implementing 2007 Bondar Report’s Intended Outcomes in
2015” hosted by Ryerson University in April 2015. EE in Ontario does not have its own discrete compulsory courses and despite having been “embedded” in the curriculum, the important arenas of U&PBEE are being applied inconsistently across the mandatory curriculum. Poor enrolment in senior electives shows that the focus of students remains elsewhere, fracturing EE’s progression in secondary schools.
Discourse Pertaining to Immigrants & Refugees by the Trudeau Liberal Government
Authors: Zabalotnikava Yana
Published: May 2021

To explore discourses pertaining to immigrants and refugees introduced by the Trudeau Liberal Government elected in 2015. This study employs qualitative methodology in the form of discourse analysis of 9 speeches made by the Liberal Party’s speakers. This study has two main objectives to first conduct a directive discourse analysis to analyze the presence of neoliberal discourses found within the Harper Conservative Government: economic burden, reinforcement
of traditional gender roles, security threat within the discourse of the Liberal Party’s speakers. The second objective is to discover new ways of thinking about immigrant and refugees by conductive an exploitative discourse analysis.
Analyzing impact of sensor coupling on measurement representativeness of wall surface temperature
Authors: Mansour Sadaf
Published: May 2021

Poor thermal-coupling between sensor and surface is one of the most important factors causing inaccuracy in measurement. Different methods had been suggested by scientists to solve this issue. Embedding the sensor into an object was one of these methods. The goal of these simulations was to assess the impact of sensor coupling on measurement representativeness of wall surface temperature. For this purpose, a cylindrically-shaped sensor was embedded into the internal surface of the wall assembly. The levels of tightness varied from 10% to 90%, which corresponded respectively from very loose to very tight conditions. Also, in this process the impact of other factors such size and materiality of the sensors’ accuracy were evaluated and discussed briefly.

In this study, the results proved that as the sensor decoupled more from the surrounding environment, more accurate data was generated from it. Also, the results from the simulations signified the importance of the temperature difference between the wall surface and the indoor air temperature. The temperature difference had a direct relationship with sensor accuracy and measurement representativeness, where smaller temperature difference was associated with higher accuracy.
Development of novel biodegradable nanocomposites for bone repair applications
Authors: Eftekhari Samin
Published: May 2021

The main goal of this research is to introduce novel series of biodegradable
nanocomposites that closely mimic the characteristics of real bone such as mechanical
and thermal properties. These nanocomposites are composed of cotton-sourced cellulose
microcrystals (MCC), hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA) and Poly L-Lactic Acid
(PLLA). A novel fabrication route is used to manufacture MA and MH series of
nanocomposites. MA series was developed to find an optimum range for weight fraction
of each constituent required for design of the MH series. Evaluation of the thermal
properties of MA series showed that increasing of weight ratio of MCC and HA from 0 to
21 Wt% increased the crystallinity up to 38%. Compression test results of them revealed
that increasing the weight fraction of MCC or HA from 0 to 21Wt% enhanced the
compressive yield stress from 0.127 to 2.2 MPa and the Young’s modulus from 6.6 to 38
MPa. The cytotoxicity assay results showed there was no sign of toxic material affecting
on viability of cells. The MH series was designed and fabricated by selecting a narrower
range of weight fraction of the constituents. A design of experiments was used to alter the
composition of the constituents to assess their contributions and their effect onto the
mechanical properties and biodegradation behaviour of the MH series of the
nanocomposites. The weight ratio of MCC to HA, the concentration of PLLA, and the
porogen content were chosen as varying factors. A model that accurately predicts the
optimum parameter setting was created. Analysis of variance statistical analysis showed
that the ratio of MCC to HA was the most influential factor affecting the compressive
yield and the mass loss, while the porogen content was the most detrimental factor
affecting the Young’s modulus of MH series of nanocomposites had no significant effect
on their rate of the mass loss. The nanocomposites with highest weight ratio 4 of MCC to
HA, showed maximum mechanical strength and the lowest water absorption and the
lowest mass loss. It was found two series of nanocomposites was comparable to
trabecular bone from a compositional, structural, thermal, mechanical point of view.
A computational analysis on energy consumption of a Ryerson building
Authors: Naeem Mohammad Adnan
Published: May 2021

This project analyses the energy consumption of 44 Gerrard St. East. This site is primarily used as the Ryerson University Theatre School and it consists of four classrooms, seventeen offices, six studios, and two theatre auditoriums. Since it is a three-storey building, plus a basement, thus, the energy level for this building is supposed to be moderate. However, because it is an old structure, constructed back in the early 1940s, this building seemingly has considerable energy consumption. The main objective of this energy assessment is to reduce the building load. This goal can be achieved by simplifying and controlling certain parameters that directly and indirectly involve energy consumption. For example, indoor temperature and relative humidity can be maintained at low level in winter and at high level in summer. In addition, monitoring heat loss, heat gain, infiltrations through the building surrounds, and the level of illumination for various types of lights helps to reduce overall energy consumption. Several other factors such as operating costs, maintenance costs, and repair costs influence the energy management of the site. With the help of energy management software, eQUEST, the structure, outlook of all the walls, windows, roof and the type of HVAC system can be developed for analysis. Through eQUEST, various tasks such as heat transfer involvement, energy consumption load calculations and load balancing in comparison with energy saving guidelines will be discussed in detail.
The Influence of Cavity Ventilation on the Performance of Brick Veneer Panels When Exposed to Wind Driven Rain: an Experimental Analysis
Authors: Richards Graeme
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the influence of cavity ventilation on the wind driven rain (WDR) performance of brick veneer walls. Two types of walls (type C and D) both bonded with N-type mortar were studied. The volume and frequency of WDR was based on weather station data from York University. Cavity conditions were mocked with a cavity chamber and ventilation was simulated with a fan providing air suction out of the cavity. Ventilation rates were simulated at 0, 5 and 10 ACH. Higher ventilation rates resulted in more efficient drying and lower RH within the cavity chamber. Wall type C exhibited more absorption with increased ventilation rates. Moisture content readings were generally irrelevant due to failure of the prescribed method. Measuring the influence of cavity ventilation on the amount of penetrated water should be further investigated by applying different ventilation rates to the same wall specimens to reduce the impact of physical variations within the same brick type.
Object extraction in video sequences based on spatiotemporal independent component analysis
Authors: Chen Zhenhe
Published: May 2021

Video object extration is one of the most important areas of video processing in which objects from video sequences are extracted and used for many applications such as surveillance systems, pattern recognition etc.

In this research work, an object-based technique based on the spatiotemporal independent component analysis (stICA) is developed to extract moving objects from video sequences. Using the stICA, the preliminary source images containing moving objects in the video sequence are extracted. These images are processed using wavelet analysis, edge detection, region growing and multiscale segmentation techniques to improve the accuracy of the extracted objects. A novel compensation method is applied to deal with the nonlinear problem caused by the application of the stICA directly to the video sequences. The recovered objects are indexed by the singular calue decompensation (SVD) and linear combination analysis. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the stICA-based object extraction technique in content-based video processing applications.
Latin American apparel: recommendations for successfully entering the Toronto fashion market
Authors: Fernandez Isabel C.
Published: May 2021

Dress has played a vital role as a form of expression for different ethnic groups in the diverse city of Toronto. This is a means by which communities have maintained their relationships to their homelands and preserved memories (Brown, 2012). Latin American fashion’s recent rise in popularity can be seen most obviously in mass-markets throughout the industrialized West (Root, 2005); however, there are only a few Latin American fashion brands available in Toronto. Hence the researcher investigated and established the process for a Latin American fashion apparel brand to successfully enter the Toronto fashion market. The secondary purpose of this major research project is to provide Canadian residents with the opportunity to experience Latin American cultures through fashion. Even though the countries that make up Latin America have their own characteristic cultural traits, this study had hoped to create a framework of recommendations that will serve as a guideline for entrepreneurs and designers (regardless of their Latin American country of origin) on the successful introduction of Latin American fashion apparel brands into the Toronto fashion market. The approach for this project consisted of the implementation of a mix of a qualitative and quantitative methodology. The conclusions and lessons learned can be applied to any Latin American fashion brand entering the Toronto marketplace.
Predicting Recidivism of Aboriginal Youth Offenders: A Look at an Established Risk Assessment Tool and Culturally-Specific Predictors
Authors: Wilson Holly A.
Published: May 2021

The application of standard risk assessment tools with Aboriginal youth offenders has been a highly controversial practice. Criticisms are premised on the fact that risk/need tools are largely founded on the social and historical experiences of non-Aboriginal offenders. In turn, scholars and practitioners have recommended the use of culturally- specific risk/need factors considering Aboriginal culture and the unique context of Aboriginal people in Canada. The current project consists of two studies designed to contribute to our understanding of these concerns. Study 1 examined the predictive validity (both discrimination and calibration) of the YLS/CMI with both Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal youth offenders. Results found that although the YLS/CMI provides adequate discrimination for Aboriginal offenders (AUCs from .555 to .606), it underestimates the absolute recidivism rates of low and moderate risk Aboriginal youth compared to non-Aboriginal youth. Study 2 explored the utility of PSRs as sources of culturally-specific information and examined the predictive validity of those factors included. Results indicate that although a number of culturally-specific factors predicted re-offending, particularly family breakdown and community variables, PSRs are an inconsistent source of this information. Overall, the findings suggest that the predictive validity of the YLS/CMI with Aboriginal offenders may be improved with increased focus on family breakdown and home community. Implications and next steps for both practice and research are discussed.
Multi-Body Dynamic Analysis of Cervical Spine for Helicopter Pilots
Authors: Fathollahi Hojjat
Published: May 2021

Helicopter pilots use helmets equipped with night vision goggle and counter weight. This increased load can lead to disc injury, so it is necessary to evaluate the load and moments applied to each cervical disc when pilot head is moving in different flight conditions. A 3D multi-body dynamic model of cervical spine is provided to investigate the effect of weight of the helmet in flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation of the spine. The whole study was done in several steps: 1) to develop a non-linear dynamic model of spine. 2) to validate the model against the published data under flexion, extension, lateral bending and torsinal moments. 3) to solve three case studies to simulate a moving head in different direction. 4) to run the simulations again with consideration of adding a helmet into the model with different weight to find out the effects on the cervical discs loading. The results demonstrate that C2C3, C4C5 and C7T1 carry the highest loads depending on direction of imposed displacement on the head. Experts in the area of neck injury can study the results and locate the regions at risk of injury or they can feed this information into FEA model to get stress distribution in discs, bones or ligaments.
The Influence of Discourses of Vulnerability and Resiliency on Climate Change Migrants' Agency: 'Migration With Dignity' in Kiribati
Authors: McDermott Tearney
Published: May 2021

This research paper presents a critical review of scholarly and policy literature discussing the relationship between climate change and migration. Focusing specifically on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the climate change discourses of vulnerability and resiliency as they commonly operate are explored. A case study of Kiribati – a low-lying SIDS in the Pacific – is used to illustrate the complexities of climate change and the migration decisions of populations presently experiencing climate change. A discourse analysis focusing on how different stakeholders’ understandings of Kiribati as vulnerable and resilient influence the agency and migration decisions of the people of Kiribati is conducted. This research utilizes concepts from climate justice theoretical literature as a framework for understanding vulnerability, resiliency, and responses to climate change.
Moving toward gender fluid discourses in early childhood settings: ECEs share their experiences and ideas
Authors: Waters Chloe
Published: May 2021

The dominant, yet dated discourse surrounding gender has been discussed primarily using developmental theory. Over the last thirty years, scholars have been challenging this discourse, but this is often not reflected in practice. This qualitative study is informed by a phone interview and a focus group session with educators, who believe that adopting a more gender fluid perspective with children is important. Inspired by Queer theory, employing a critical paradigm and social justice framework, it investigates how a queering of current gender discourses is being incorporated into ECEC practice. By consulting educators, the research gains insight on how gender fluid discourses can be incorporated into the field of ECEC through learning how educators are already incorporating gender fluid discourses in a proactive manor with preschool age children in ECEC settings. In the findings, five main themes were identified focusing on materials, practices, parents, ECEs, and ECE education and support.

Keywords: early childhood education and care, educators, gender fluid, reconceptualizing
The enhanced mentoring program for skilled Korean immigrants: an effective tool for successful integration into the Canadian labour market? (A Grant Proposal)
Authors: Lee Yang-Gyu
Published: May 2021

Koreans have immigrated to Canada in the last twenty years seeking a better quality of life. The vast majority of recent Korean immigrants have been accepted under the economic class category, which indicates that they have either human capital or financial capital. However, most Korean immigrants experience downward mobility and reside in an ethnic bubble. Furthermore, mainly low confidence in English communication and cultural differences have impeded the participation in multicultural settlement services. Even some of the existing employment programs offered by settlement service providers are not approachable due to the limitation of eligibility.

This practical MRP attempts to find a pragmatic solution to address the skill under-utilization issues experienced by skilled Korean immigrants. A specialized mentoring program is examined as a support for skilled Korean immigrants. The program aims to give them access to the Canadian labour market by integrating multiple facets of settlement and employment services.

Key words: Skilled Korean Immigrants; Mentoring Services for Skilled Immigrants; Internet Based Employment Services; Labour Market Integration; Grant Proposal
Five-level parallel current source converter for high power drives with DC current balance control and superior harmonic performance
Authors: Binesh Navid
Published: May 2021

In this thesis, space vector modulation is developed for a 5-level parallel current source converter for high power drives. The modulation scheme is designed to bring superior harmonic performance to the currents on the AC sides. This method synthesizes the rotating reference current vector in the converter's space vector's plane with three adjacent switching vectors. Unbalanced currents of DC links become a practical challenge when two converters are connected in parallel. To balance the DC currents, the proper switching state for every Small and Medium switching vector is chosen from redundant switching states corresponding to the vector based on circuit circumstances and the designed switching sequence. Simulated results verify the effectiveness of the method. In addition, the switching sequence is designed to lower the switching frequency and minimize the switching loss. Finally, the proposed converter and switching scheme are simulated and steady state and dynamic performance are investigated in detail.
Evaluating security measures of a layered system
Authors: Razavi Sanaz Hafezian
Published: May 2021

Most distributed systems that we use in our daily lives have layered architecture since such architectures allow separation of processing between multiple processes in different layers thereby reducing the complexity of the system. Unauthorized control over such systems can have potentially serious consequences ranging from huge monetary loss to even loss of human life. Hence considerable research attention is being given towards building tools and techniques for quantitative modeling and evaluation of security properties. This thesis proposes a high-level stochastic model to estimate security of a layered system. It discusses evaluation of availability and integrity as two major security properties of a three-layered architecture consisting of Client, Web-server and Database. Using Mobius software, this study models the change in vulnerability of a layer owing to an intrusion in another layer. Furthermore, it analyzes the impact on the security of the upper layers due to an intruded lower layer. While maintaining a system availability of 97.73%, this study indicates that increasing the system host attack rate in the Database layer from 10 to 20 will reduce system availability to 97.55%. Similar modification made to a Web-server layer will contribute to 97.04% availability. This set of results imply that increasing attack rate in Web Server layer has a more severe impact on system availability, while the same modification in Database layer will less severely influence system availability. Similar results have been gathered when measuring integrity of the system under identical set of modification. At system integrity of 96.88%, increasing host attack rate in Database layer has resulted in achieving integrity of 96.68%, similar experiment for Web server layer resulted in system integrity of 96.57%.
Posthuman Contours : New Museum Infrastructures
Authors: Peci Aris
Published: May 2021

Contemporary architectural discourse continues to use humanist definitions of the user leading to incompatible built interfaces. This thesis speculates on what potential modalities arise when we radically shift our understanding of the user from that of the Human to the Posthuman. The museum is utilized as a typology to explore the conceptual framework of a Posthuman user for the development of an architectural system. By approaching the museum as an infrastructural network rather than an insulated boundary condition we can begin to understand the emergent networks and autonomous processes that constitute contemporary built ecologies. Design systems that are developed through a Posthuman perspective begin to engender design ecologies that operate through autonomous states in collaboration with artifacts, actors, and interfaces.
Ratcheting response of biological tissues over asymmetric loading cycles
Authors: Hashemi Mahboubeh Sadat
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the ratcheting phenomenon in a variety of biological tissues including the trabecular bone, meniscus, articular cartilage and skin, and propose a parametric model to predict the ratcheting strain of these tissues. Furthermore, utilizing experimental data, and the influence of different mechanical and biological parameters on the ratcheting strain are discussed. The dependency of ratcheting on frequency, stress rate, stress variation, physiological environment, and tissue sites is demonstrated. Besides, stiffness of the toe and linear regions in each cycle, and the modulus of the failure region of the stress-strain curve are computed. The energy dissipation in different cycles at two frequencies of 1 Hz and 10 Hz is discussed. A parametric model was employed to predict ratcheting behavior of the said biological tissues. The model predictions of the strain accumulation in tissues are found in agreement with the experimental data.
Actuator hysteresis modeling and compensation with an adaptive search space based genetic algorithm
Authors: Chan Che-Hang Cliff
Published: May 2021

The thesis presents a Genetic Algorithm with Adaptive Search Space (GAASS) proposed to improve both convergence performance and solution accuracy of traditional Genetic Algorithms (GAs). The propsed GAASS method has bee hybridized to a real-coded genetic algorithm to perform hysteresis parameters identification and hystereis invers compensation of an electromechanical-valve acuator installed on a pneumatic system. The experimental results have demonstrated the supreme performance of the proposed GAASS in the search of optimum solutions.
Examining the Equitability of Public Transit Policies in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver
Authors: Johnston Aaron Robert William
Published: May 2021

This major research paper (MRP) will provide a comparative analysis of the equity policies within the transportation networks of three major Canadian cities: Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver. During the course of researching this MRP, it became evident that Vancouver’s TransLink transit system would be a useful model to utilize as the basis of this comparative study, due to its extensive equity policies, and funding of its transit network, in relation to the transportation systems of Toronto and Montréal. In addition, TransLink has implemented these equitable measures without being mandated to do so by the Government of British Columbia. Vancouver’s transit policies employ a number of comprehensive equity measures, which were examined using two theoretical lenses of horizontal and vertical equity, and these were then compared to Montréal’s Société de Transport and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). These lenses aid in providing a deeper understanding of the policies employed by these transportation networks; as well as affording a basis for the comparative analysis.
Sculpting Desired Topographies Using Abrasive Jet Micro-Machining
Authors: Sookhaklari Mohammadreza
Published: May 2021

Abrasive jet micromachining (AJM) uses a jet of high-speed particles to erode a wide variety of materials. Given a set of process parameters, surface evolution models capable of predicting the shape of straight, constant-depth channels in a wide variety of materials are well-established. This dissertation presents novel methods for solving the unaddressed more challenging and industrially relevant inverse problem of determining the process parameters required to machine a particular user-specified feature topography.
Since the air driven jet used in AJM is divergent, the edges of the desired features are usually defined using a mask which is attached to the surface of the target material. This dissertation presents alternate techniques using stationary or moving shadow masks that can be moved over the surface and maskless techniques, in order to allow direct writing of desired features on the surface. A mathematical framework is then introduced to determine the direct writing source velocity function and path required to create a desired shallow topography. It is also shown how the methodology can be used with existing surface evolution models to predict the feature shape at any depth. The methodologies are demonstrated to work well for the AJM of constant depth micro-channels with user-specified cross-sectional shape, gradient etched micro-channels with specified texture along their length, and pockets with texture in two perpendicular directions.
Finally, a new technique is introduced that utilizes a rotating patterned mask in order to control the AJM erosive footprint size and shape. Models for predicting the rotating mask pattern required to create virtually any desired footprint are presented, and experimentally verified for symmetric and asymmetric W-shaped, trapezoidal and wedge shaped footprints.
Scale effects on hybrid rocket engine performance
Authors: Velliaris Alexander
Published: May 2021

In the current study, the effects of scaling up a hybrid rocket engine (HRE) in size has on its performance is investigated. A HRE design from a past RU study is selected as the base model to be progressively increased in size while geometric scale is maintained, up to ten times the original’s size. A computer program employing a quasi-steady convective heat feedback burn rate model is used to conduct simulated engine firings. One finding from this study is that the drop-
off in performance for this engine, in going up in size, is not as much as expected. This can be attributed to a conservative oxidizer injection temperature setting in the model, and an oxidizer-fuel ratio mixture influence for this engine that is more impactful. The results presented here however do, to some degree, concur with established trends, with respect to thrust prediction, as the reference HRE is scaled up in size.
Lovesick : a short documentary film investigating the changing environment and landscape of a small Canadian lake
Authors: Bridle Lauren
Published: May 2021

The short documentary film, Lovesick, explores the changing environment and landscape of a small Canadian lake through the testimonies of the people who live on its shores. Lovesick Lake is one of the smallest bodies of water along the Trent-Severn canal system – a waterway that connects Lake Huron to Lake Ontario. What once was a prosperous region used by Canada’s First Nations people for hunting and fishing, is now a popular location for summer cottages and resorts. Over the last 60 years, shoreline development has increased exponentially while the health of the lake and surrounding land has declined as a result. Now, the lake and local communities face an uncertain future as new vacation developments are being proposed. The film asks: At what cost does Canada’s cottage country come?

Lovesick is a response to the materialistic thinking of Canadians and the land that many people take for granted. It aims to enlighten viewers in the hopes that they begin to question the space they occupy and encourage them to respect the delicate balance between nature and humankind. While cottage country is primarily an Ontario lifestyle, Lovesick is a microcosm that aims to shed light on development of natural areas all over North America – and the detrimental effects development can have on the ecosystem.
Stories and strategies of resistance: multi-stakeholder advocacy efforts in publicly-provided home support services in Ontario.
Authors: Connolly Amy
Published: May 2021

This Major Research Paper conducted analysis of narrative interviews that explored the experiences of individuals involved with a multi-stakeholder advocacy group, Quality Care Alliance. During its period of operation, the Alliance advocated around intersecting issues facing home care workers, service users, and family members. The research sought to learn about the efforts of QCA and experiences of its members, in terms of the enabling factors, successes, barriers and challenges faced. This research aims to contribute to knowledge about multistakeholder advocacy within the context of neoliberalism. Six themes were uncovered around: participants’ roots of involvement in advocacy, (dis/non)engagement, making solo struggles shared, value of connections and relationships, group processes and challenges related to the work. Anti-oppressive social work practitioners could benefit from supporting advocacy efforts that involve diverse stakeholders, and employing decolonizing practices while engaging in such efforts, especially within the constraints of a neoliberal context.
You’re not gay enough: the experiences and challenges of LGBTQ refugees during the asylum determination process in Toronto
Authors: Holder Allison T. E.
Published: May 2021

From much of the previous literature, it has been assumed that the IRB refugee determination system is inherently unfair to LGBTQ claimants, and that it demands queer refugees disclose a great deal of intimate personal information to meet heteronormative markers of gayness. Although these experiences still occur for queer asylum seekers today, the participants in this research pointed towards a shift in the IRB claim process. Overall, the participants recognized that the system is made and maintained by those who view the world through a heteronormative lens. Ultimately, the research pointed towards the fact that claimants have adapted to meet the
expectations of the IRB’s LGBTQ refugee determination system. Through the sharing of information amongst fellow claimants, service providers, and legal counsel, queer refugees have become outstanding social actors who have learned how to perform their ‘queerness’ to gain a positive IRB result that ensures their protection from their countries of origin. It is important to note that this does not mean that anyone who wishes to seek asylum in Canada can do so under the guise of LGBTQ identities. Instead, this category of refugees has always been and will remain valid, and claimants have learned to perform the aspects of their identity which meet the stereotypical demands of the IRB and other heteronormative Canadian systems.

Key words: LGBTQ, LGBTQ refugees, LGBTQ asylum-seekers, refugee claimants, IRB, Canada, Toronto, immigration, SOGIE, social actors, heteronormative, waiting
The dawn of the Somali written word: an analysis of the creation and implementation of the Somali written language
Authors: Amin Warsan
Published: May 2021

My major research paper (MRP) is grounded in the history of Somalia’s first orthography implemented in 1972 by President Mohamed Siad Barre. This meant that for the first time Somali history, there would be a written
language that mirrored the Somali oral tradition in all its complexity. The nation’s longstanding cultural tradition of oral poetry has both impacted, and been impacted by the implementation of the orthography. Through the use of semi-structured interviews and grounded theory as my method of analysis, the purpose of this MRP is to explore this reciprocal impact between Somalia’s oral tradition and the implementation of the orthography, and also to explore how Somali poetry provides a unique lens into this reciprocal impact. After stating the data, I present the findings in two stages: (a) in the form of short stories that provide insight into the topic from the perceptions and perspectives of each interviewee, and (b) as overarching themes that have emerged from the interviewees collectively. The findings reveal that the colonial period in Somalia gave rise to the necessity of an orthography for the oral Somali language which then introduced a level of cultural anxiety as the oral tradition of knowledge preservation eventually weakened. Nonetheless, although the Somali orthography is now seen first and foremost as a means of knowledge preservation, the Somali culture still demonstrates a deep connection to their oral heritage.
More than what we eat: food as a relationship builder and cultural transmitter
Authors: Jackson Lindsay Elise
Published: May 2021

The purpose of my research was to explore how people use food as tool to build relationships with family and transmit their culture. Using interpretive phenomenology as my methodology, I hoped to uncover an “essence” about food that incorporates and transcends different generations, genders, races, religions, ethnicities, etc. I used a conceptual framework of neoliberalism and cultural hegemony to examine the effects of Western ideologies on the relationships between food, family and culture. Ten participants from diverse backgrounds were interviewed. My findings discuss five major themes – necessity, togetherness, navigating through food, nostalgia, and passing down skills and culture. The implications for my research show that social workers need to have a better understanding of the importance of food in people’s lives and the effects of neoliberalism on everyday interactions.

Keywords: food, cooking, family, culture, neoliberalism, cultural hegemony
Signal Analysis In The Ambiguity Domain
Authors: Sugavaneswaran Lakshmi
Published: May 2021

Time-Frequency Distributions (TFDs) are accounted to be one of the powerful tools for analysis of time-varying signals. Although a variety of TFDs have been proposed, most of their designs were targeted towards obtaining good visualization and limited work is available for characterization applications.

In this work, the characteristics of the ambiguity domain (AD) is suitably exploited to obtain a novel automated analysis scheme that preserves the inherent TF connection during Non-Stationary (NS) signal processing. Following this, an energy-based discriminative set of feature vectors for facilitating efficient characterization of the given time-varying input has been proposed. This scheme is motivated by the fact that, although, the interfering (or cross-) terms plague the representation, they carry important signal interaction information, which could be investigated for usability for time-varying signal analysis.

Once having assessed the suitability of this domain for NS signal analysis, a new formulation for obtaining AD transformation is introduced. The number theory concepts, specifically the even-ordered Ramanujan Sums (RS) are used to obtain the proposed transform function. A detailed investigation and comparison to the classical approach, on this novel class of functions reveals the many benefits of the RS-modified AD functions: inherent sparsity in representation, dimensionality reduction, and robustness to noise.

The next contribution in this work, is the proposal of kernel modifications in AD for obtaining high resolution (and good time localization) distribution. This is motivated by the existing trade-off between TF resolution and interfering term reduction in TF distributions. Here, certain variants of TF kernels are proposed in the AD. In addition, kernels that are derived from the concept of learning machines are introduced for discriminative characterization of NS signals.

Following this, two novel AD-based schemes for neurological disorder discrimination using gait and pathological speech detection are introduced. The performance evaluation of these AD-based schemes, using a linear classifier, resulted in a maximum overall classification accuracy of 93.1% and 97.5% for gait and pathological speech applications respectively. The accuracies were obtained after a rigorous leave-one-out technique validation strategy.These results further confirm the potential of the proposed schemes for efficient information extraction for real-life signals.
Greg Curnoe’s home movies: recording an oral history commentary
Authors: Brossoit Jesse
Published: May 2021

This paper documents an applied oral history project that focuses on the moving image works of Canadian artist Greg Curnoe (1936-1992). In order to document these works in a manner appropriate to their subject matter, a series of oral history interviews were arranged with a group of the artist's friends and family. Participants were asked a series of questions and were shown footage from a selection of Curnoe's films and videos, including two 16mm films—No Movie (1965) and Souwesto (1969)—and a three-part video series entitled The Laithwaite Farm (1974). While watching these works, the participants were asked to comment aloud and their resulting commentaries were recorded and transcribed for the E.P. Taylor Research Library and Archives at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Also included in this paper is a brief analysis of these oral history documents, as well as a history of Curnoe's work with moving image technologies.
Development of a soot concentration estimation library for industrial combustion applications using Lagrangian parcel tracking
Authors: Alexander Raymond
Published: May 2021

Soot emissions from combustion devices are known to have harmful effects on the environment and human health. This project leverages existing knowledge in soot modelling and soot formation fundamentals to develop a stand-alone, computationally inexpensive soot concentration estimator to be linked to CFD simulations as a post-processor. The estimator consists of a library generated using the hystereses of soot-containing fluid parcels, which relates soot concentration to the aggregated gas-phase environment histories to which a fluid parcel has been exposed. The estimator can be used to relate soot concentration to computed parcel hystereses through interpolation techniques. The estimator shows the potential ability to produce accurate predictions with very low computational cost in laminar coflow diffusion flames. Results also show that as flame data representing a broader set of conditions is added to the library, the estimator becomes applicable to a wider range of flames.
Surface-constrained continuous-time extended Kalman filter: optimal estimation of a state of a constrained dynamic system-ball-rover rolling on a known surface
Authors: Demjanenko Maksims
Published: May 2021

The Surface-constrained Continuous-time Extended Kalman Filter (SCEKF), derived in thesis, contains a novel approach for handling surface or equality constraints, in which the surface-constrained CEKF is the projection of the unconstrained CEKF onto the set of state estimate rates that satisfy the constraints. The filter is used for optimal estimation of a state of a ball rolling on a known surface with uneven elevation. The state consists of surface contact point and geometrical center positions, attitude and angular velocity of the ball. The dynamics of the ball is affected by "unknown" to the filter disturbances, due to off-center point mass and variable wind.
Thesis includes derivations of the SCEKF and the constraint dynamics of a rolling ball. The numerical computation results show that the surface-constrained filter can produce an accurate state estimate of the rolling ball and demonstrate that the estimate is significantly better than that produced by unconstrained filter.
Mainframe Architecture: Projecting the Digital Human
Authors: Ramelson Jason
Published: May 2021

In today’s society we are in a post-digital age and as a result humans are offered the ability to enter into a range of spaces not facilitated by the built environment. The virtual realm unveils opportunities for architecture to become an interpretive platform for the sensing and actuation of our built environment. This shift allows us to identify ourselves differently in forms that exceed our physical bodies which is indicative of a new type of human; the digital human. By revealing the relationships between activities in both physical and virtual spaces we may find a place in architecture that allows the augmented human to thrive within the built environment. This poses an opportunity for architecture to become a platform for the projection of the “humans” and their experiences; a feat that is becoming relevant in capturing the current social conditions of the 21st Century
Somali mothers religious socialization and discussions around Islamophobia with their school age children
Authors: Abdille Sadiyo
Published: May 2021

This small-scale study examines Somali-Canadian Muslim mothers’ religious socialization of, and discussions around Islamophobia with their school-age children. This qualitative research employs the use of semi-structured interviews with six Somali-Canadian Muslim mothers with school-age children between the ages of five to ten years. Guided by a constructivist paradigm and Critical Race Theory, three themes were identified: 1. Somali mothers use Islamic books, modeling behaviour and Islamic classes to formulate a religious identity; 2. Somali mothers suggested that age and gender are factors informing their discussions around Islamophobia and 3. Somali mothers framed curriculum on Islamophobia like curriculum on other minority groups (i.e. Jewish, LGBTQ, and Aboriginals, etc.). The mothers in this study suggested formulating a religious identity for their children to build a positive religious foundation to combat the negative perception of their religion in society. Somali-Canadian mothers stated, it is possible to represent Muslim identity and discuss Islamophobia in the classroom.

Keywords: Somali mothers, religious socialization, Islamophobia, Critical race theory, anti-racism.
Photoacoustic Detection of Red Blood Cell Aggregation
Authors: Hysi Eno
Published: May 2021

The potential of photoacoustic imaging for detecting red blood cell (RBC) aggregation is explored. Enhanced aggregation is observed in disorders such as diabetes impairing oxygen release into tissue. Simultaneous measurements of aggregation and oxygenation levels cannot be made using current tools. Photoacoustic detection of aggregation and assessment of oxygen saturation was investigated. A theoretical and experimental model of aggregation was developed using human and porcine RBCs. Frequency-domain analysis of the PA signals was used to derive the spectral slope and midband fit of the normalized power spectra for various hematorit and aggregation conditions. Oxygen saturation was assessed using multiple wavelengths of illumination. The experimental spectral slope (~0.3 dB/MHz) for non-aggregated samples agreed with the theory decreasing with increasing aggregate size. The midband fit increased by ~5 dB when the aggregate size reached the largest level while the oxygen saturation increased by > 20%. These results suggest that photoacoustic-radio-frequency-spectroscopic-parameters have the potential to monitor RBC aggregation and oxygenation level.
Hypercoordinated Organotin(IV) Compounds Containing ĸ²-C,O- And ĸ²,N- Chelating Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, and Polymerization Behaviour
Authors: Loungxay Julie
Published: May 2021

Rigid homopolystannanes and alternating polystannanes containing a benzyl methoxy ether (C,O) or benzyl dimethyl amine (C,N) ligand were prepared using either a direct approach, lithiation and transmetallation, or an alternative approach, either sequential chlorinations or brominations. X-ray crystallographic studies of 41 and 45 were conducted to find 41 in a distorted tetrahedral geometry with moderate hypercoordinate interaction (Sn-N: 2.917 Å) while 45 in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal with strong hypercoordinate interaction (Sn-N: 2.403 Å). Hydrogenation of 31 and 33 produced 42 and 43 in moderate-to-good yields. Dehydrocoupling polymerization produced modest molecular weight, rigid C,O- (Mw = 3.03 × 10⁴ Da, PDI: 1.4) and C,N- (Mw = 3.10 × 10⁴ Da, PDI: 1.82) homopolymers 56 and 57. Finally, condensation polymerization was attempted to produce low molecular weight (Mw = 1.30 × 10⁴ Da, PDI: 2.0) C,O- alternating polymer 60 and oligomer 61 (Mw = 0.92 × 10⁴ Da, PDI: 2.71).
An investigation of cardiac indices in normal sleepers and those with insomnia disorder
Authors: Lachowski Angela
Published: May 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s leading cause of death. Insomnia, a prevalent disorder among Canadian adults, has been identified in some studies as an independent risk factor for CVD. Heart rate variability (HRV), often used as a proxy for autonomic activity in the body, has been demonstrated to be impaired in individuals with insomnia. Scientists have suggested that results implicate exaggerated sympathetic activation in people with insomnia, which can lead to impaired cardiac reactivity and poorer heart health. Much of the research in this field has been with poorly classified clinical groups and potentially confounding comorbid disorders, making the results difficult to interpret. Findings of the present study extend our understanding of the relationship between insomnia and CVD by addressing the weaknesses of prior research and by utilizing contemporary statistical methods. A well-classified clinical group meeting Research Diagnostic Criteria for Insomnia Disorder (ID; N = 26) was compared to normal sleepers (NS; N = 23) on two well-validated indices of cardiovascular health and autonomic activity, cardiac output (CO) and pre-ejection period (PEP). Values of these indices were derived from an acoustic challenge paradigm that allowed the heart to adapt to the environment via autonomic influence. A multi-level modeling (MLM) approach was used to evaluate both the within-person and between-person differences in autonomic activation and cardiac functioning using a group of predictors that are known to be associated with insomnia and/or CVD. Results of the level two MLM analyses revealed that sleep variables are not significantly predictive of cardiac reactivity indices. A post-hoc linear regression analysis using the same predictor variables to predict HRV revealed that insomnia was significantly predictive of HRV. These conflicting results raise important questions about research methodology, validity of chosen indices, and statistical techniques.