bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A discriminative analysis framework for multi-modal information fusion
Authors: Gao Lei
Published: May 2021

Since multi-modal data contain rich information about the semantics presented in the
sensory and media data, valid interpretation and integration of multi-modal information
is recognized as a central issue for the successful utilization of multimedia in a wide range
of applications. Thus, multi-modal information analysis is becoming an increasingly important
research topic in the multimedia community. However, the effective integration
of multi-modal information is a difficult problem, facing major challenges in the identification
and extraction of complementary and discriminatory features, and the impactful
fusion of information from multiple channels. In order to address the challenges, in
this thesis, we propose a discriminative analysis framework (DAF) for high performance
multi-modal information fusion.

The proposed framework has two realizations. We first introduce Discriminative
Multiple Canonical Correlation Analysis (DMCCA) as the fusion component of the
framework. DMCCA is capable of extracting more discriminative characteristics from
multi-modal information. We demonstrate that optimal performance by DMCCA can be
analytically and graphically verified, and Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA), Multiple
Canonical Correlation Analysis (MCCA) and Discriminative Canonical Correlation
Analysis (DCCA) are special cases of DMCCA, thus establishing a unified framework for
canonical correlation analysis.

To further enhance the performance of discriminative analysis in multi-modal information
fusion, Kernel Entropy Component Analysis (KECA) is brought in to analyze
the projected vectors in DMCCA space, and thus forming the second realization of the
framework. By doing so, not only the discriminative relation is considered in DMCCA
space, but also the inherent complementary representation of the input data is revealed
by entropy estimation, leading to better utilization of the multi-modal information and
better pattern recognition performance.

Finally, we implement a prototype of the proposed DAF to demonstrate its performance
in handwritten digit recognition, face recognition and human emotion recognition.
Extensive experiments show that the proposed framework outperforms the existing methods
based on similar principles, clearly demonstrating the generic nature of the framework.
Furthermore, this work offers a promising direction to design advanced multi-modal
information fusion systems with great potential to impact the development of intelligent
human computer interaction systems.
The PH domain from the Toxoplasma gondii PH-containing protein-1 (TgPH1) serves as an ectopic reporter of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate in mammalian cells
Authors: Chintaluri Krishna
Published: May 2021

Phosphoinositides (PtdInsPs) lipids recruit effector proteins to membranes to mediate a variety of functions including signal transduction and membrane trafficking. Each PtdInsP binds to a specific set of effectors through characteristic protein domains such as the PH, FYVE and PX domains. Domains with high affinity for a single PtdInsP species are useful as probes to visualize the distribution and dynamics of that PtdInsP. The endolysosomal system is governed by two primary PtdInsPs: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate [PtdIns(3)P] and phosphatidylinositol-3,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,5)P2], which are thought to localize and control early endosomes and lysosomes, respectively. While PtdIns(3)P has been analysed with mammalian-derived PX and FYVE domains, PtdIns(3,5)P2 indicators remain controversial. Thus, complementary probes against these PtdInsPs are needed, including those originating from non-mammalian proteins. Here, we characterized in mammalian cells the dynamics of the PH domain from PH-containing protein-1 from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (TgPH1), which was previously shown to bind PtdIns(3,5)P2 in vitro. However, we show that TgPH1 retains membrane-binding in PIKfyve-inhibited cells, suggesting that TgPH1 is not a viable PtdIns(3,5)P2 marker in mammalian cells. Instead, PtdIns(3)P depletion using pharmacological treatments dissociated TgPH1 from membranes. Indeed, TgPH1 co-localized to EEA1-positive endosomes. In addition, TgPH1 co-localized and behaved similarly to the PX domain of p40phox and tandem FYVE domain of EEA1, which are commonly used as PtdIns(3)P indicators. Collectively, TgPH1 offers a complementary reporter for PtdIns(3)P derived from a non-mammalian protein and that is distinct from commonly employed PX and FYVE domain-based probes.
The effect of parallel execution on multi-site computation offloading in mobile cloud computing
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Ismail
Published: May 2021

The demand for running complex applications on smart mobile devices is rapidly increasing. However, the limitations of resources are restricting the development of intensive applications on these devices. The restrictions can be overcome by offloading the computation of an application in the powerful cloud servers. The objective of the computation offloading is to offload the parts of an application to the cloud server to minimize the response time, energy consumption and monetary cost of the application. Unlike prior work in computation offloading, this work considers the effect of parallel execution—on different devices (external parallelism) and on the different cores of a single device (internal parallelism). This work models each device as a multi-server queueing station. It uses genetic algorithm to determine the near-optimal offloading allocation. The results show that considering the effect of parallel execution yields better pareto-optimal solution for the allocation problem compared to excluding parallelism.
Forgotten memories: the notion of sacrum in artistic expression
Authors: Pacanowskj Radek
Published: May 2021

This paper is a critical examination of the artistic process undertaken to complete a mixed media art installation, exploring the concept of "sacrum" as the nucleus of the peasant culture of XIX century Poland. As demonstrated by the prevalence of sacred inclinations embedded in the moral consciousness of Polish peasant history, sacrum is the innate orientation towards realities that transcend time and matter - the active and passive reflection of that which lies outside the realm of human sensory experience. At its core, this project explores sacred elements embedded in Polish culture - these elements are not merely reflected upon, but are also reacted to and acted upon by the artist, thus revealing the forgotten sacredness of the most mundane objects and practices of human life. As such, this creative process functions as a research tool, which, by using interdisciplinary illuminations, now acts as a stimulus for the creation of new knowledge. Utilizing the notion of praxis, this project determines whether artistic expression facilitates the communication and sharing of undiluted knowledge. The ultimate aim of this endeavour is to understand the extent to which the artistic process is capable of sustaining the pure essence of expression, and of mediating the transcendent elements inherent in human culture.

The approach taken is based on the richness of signals emanating from the artist's own personal history. It includes not only that which is utterly personal, but also that which is culturally determined, offering insight into the various social forces shaping the content of one's own self-identity. The process of tracing the lineage of a personal story is the chosen means used to deconstruct the complexity of cultural tectonics. Through a series of ritualistic actions, embedded with both personal and cultural significance, a transformation takes place, in that, the resulting disarray of energies, now freed from the skeletal structure of self-reality, reveal a sharper, more enlightened view of the spirit that permeates the artist's enveloping culture.

The conclusions derived, highlight the inherent complexity of the artistic cycle and the various ways in which the intended message is distorted and/or misinterpreted. However, as suggested by the study's findings, this unavoidable, resulting distortion need not detract in any way from the inherent value of artistic expression and the artistic process. The creative journey taken was truly successful in the realization of a fuller, broader understanding of personal identity within a larger cultural, historical context. In addition, the commitment to praxis, as opposed to passive reflection, successfully revealed evidence of sacrum's inherent, interwoven existence within a greater personal and cultural ontology.
A Study of Bitcoin and Blockchain
Authors: Cai Jingyi
Published: May 2021

Blockchain technology is a distributed database and a public ledger. It records every transaction that has been made from its inception. Once entered, these records cannot be modified or erased. The technology utilizes various algorithms of a cryptographic nature to reach a consensus. These cryptograhic functions also ensure the integrity and authenticity of data that has been interchanged across the network. Because of these features, blockchain technology has been implemented into various financial and non-financial fields.

In this thesis, we introduce the mathematical foundations of Bitcoin, and different cryptographic functions that are used in Blockchain, especially elliptic curve multiplication. We construct two MATLAB models to study the fork events which is the one of typical consensus problems in the system. Moreover, we use graph theory and MATLAB models to represent and describe the Bitcoin protocols.
High-fidelity multidisciplinary design optimization of flexible aircraft wings
Authors: Leonard Brian T.
Published: May 2021

Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) was performed on an aircraft wing using high-fidelity design tools. The wing aerodynamics were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with FLUENT and the wing structure was analyzed via finite element analysis (FEA) in ANSYS. MATLAB was used as a wrapper to perform computational static aeroelastic analysis on any wing configuration using the aforementioned high-fidelity tools. A main program was developed to convert pressures to forces, map the CFD grid to the FEA mesh, and to transfer the FEA displacements back to the CFD grid. The static aeroelastic software was coupled with the multidisciplinary design feasible (MDF) MDO architecture using sequential quadratic programming (SQP) to perform the optimization. The optimization was given the maximum amount of design freedom to create any wing shape. Ultimately, it was found that MDO is possible using these high-fidelity tools and that, to get a true wing design, aeroelastic effects must be included in the MDO procedure.
Self-Assembling Quaternary Ammonium Sulfonamide Antimicrobials
Authors: Mistry Kamlesh
Published: May 2021

A series of novel sulfonamide based quaternary ammonium (QUAT’s) antimicrobials containing a variety of chemical anchors R-SO2-NH-(CH2)3-N(CH3)2-(CH2)3-Y (where R = alkyl or aryl and Y = organosilane (Si(OMe)3), organophosphorus (P(O)(OR1)) and benzophenone (-OC6H4-C(O)-C6H5)) were used to immobilize them on different substrates. Sulfonamide organosilane QUAT’s were immobilized on to textiles substrates, whereas benzophenone QUAT’s were used to exclusively coat plastic surfaces (polyethylene (PE), and polyvinylchloride (PVC)), and organophosphorus QUAT’s were prepared for testing on metal surfaces (stainless steel). The covalently attached antimicrobial coatings were found to kill gram +ve and -ve bacteria on contact, hindering their attachment and colonization without any leachate. The partially water soluble sulfonamide QUAT’s presented are readily prepared, easy to apply and are relatively inexpensive. Textile samples were prepared by immersion in a MeOH:H2O (30:70) solution of organosilane QUAT’s followed by curing/drying at room temperature for 2 – 24 hours. Plastic samples were prepared by electrospraying an EtOH:H2O (10:90) solution containing benzophenone QUAT’s followed by UV curing using for 2 – 5 minutes. All samples showed a 100% reduction (107– 106 cells) of viable Arthrobacter, S. aureus, and E.coli after 3 hours of contact time and maintained their activity over 24 hours versus the control (untreated) samples.
Robust Wake Rollup Modelling Using Dyes
Authors: Janardhan Tejas
Published: May 2021

This project report gives details on a modification of VAPTOR, a program that can predict the aerodynamic performance of aircrafts using a potential flow method with a relaxed wake model. In VAPTOR the wake is modelled using distributed vorticity elements (DVEs). DVEs can induce velocities at certain points used to relax the wake. A DVE has inbuilt singularity protections i.e. prevents the calculated velocity to approach infinity, but when two adjacent DVEs have a very low relative angle, these protections lead to an error in the calculation of the velocity at its shared midpoint during the relaxation process. In most cases these errors are negligible until a rotor is analysed during hover or vortex ring state. In these special cases the wake rollup is more intense leading to relatively small angles. The subsequent errors caused by the singularity protections cannot be ignored since they cause the solutions to be erratic and not smooth. It also causes the wake DVEs to deform disproportionally which is a visual indication of the errors.
The modification uses a method that involves splitting the DVE in order to eliminate the errors when calculating the velocity at the junction of two adjacent DVEs. The splitting is temporary and only applied during the calculation of the velocity at the junction. The algorithm for the splitting of the DVE and its implementation into MATLAB is provided in this report. The implementation is tested by ensuring that all conditions are kept the same except when splitting is enabled or disabled. A number of test runs were conducted, and an index called the Smoothness Index was created in order to quantify the improvements of the DVE splitting method. The results shown are promising as the solution with splitting enabled is twice as smooth as when the splitting is disabled. There is also a noticeable improvement during visual comparison of the wake diagrams when splitting is enabled and disabled. The results combined with the fact that the extra computation required to execute the DVE splitting method is negligible, the author recommends it be enabled in all cases. Having said that, the end user has full control whether he or she would like to use it or not. They can also change the parameters of splitting to suit their needs.
Bonded-bolted combination repair of a composite fuselage section
Authors: Isaacs Romeo
Published: May 2021

Composite repair is an area of great importance, especially in the aerospace industry, due to the fact that an increasing number of modern aircrafts are utilizing these materials in larger quantities and in numerous areas in an effort to take advantage of their superior mechanical and physical properties. However, as result of their higher costs when compared to metals, replacing damaged structures could be a costly endeavour which is why composite repair is an excellent avenue to explore. This project aims to examine the suitability of a bonded-bolted combination repair for a damaged fuselage section through simulation by means of a finite element analysis on a CAD model. Catia V5 was used to create the model and the analysis was done in Ansys workbench. The repair section was compared with an
undamaged section and after the application of pressure loads, the results indicated that there was a 10% increase in the stress and structural deformation of the repaired model when compared to the undamaged model. In addition, the stress in the materials used in the model was below that of their endurance limit.
Recovery of valuable incompletely recorded CN tower lightning return stroke current derivative signals
Authors: Perera Lakmini
Published: May 2021

Lightning is a captivating natural phenomenon but indisputably terrifying. Therefore, lightning studies have played an essential role in establishing safety regulations to protect lives and infrastructures. Among the many simulating functions that were utilized in the past for modelling the lightning return-stroke current, Heidler and Pulse functions overcame certain limitations, including the time derivative discontinuities. Incompletely-recorded current derivative signals represent another challenge in lightning research. This thesis proposes a double-term Pulse function that could be investigated with the double-term Heidler function for modelling the lightning return-stroke current. The time derivative of both Pulse and Heidler functions have been used to simulate the current derivative signals recorded on June 10, 1996. Some of these return-stroke signals exceded the maximum set level.
Consequently, the double-term simulating functions were used to recover a large incompletely recorded return-stroke current derivative signal. The R2 fitting factor was used to evaluate the quality of each fitting to determine which simulating function is better suited to model and recover valuable return-stroke current signals.
The effect of early therapeutic alliance on treatment dropout in cognitive processing therapy and client factors as moderators of this relationship
Authors: Sijercic Iris
Published: May 2021

Although efficacious treatments, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), are available for treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a substantial number of clients do not receive a full course of CPT due to clients dropping out prematurely. Examining factors associated with treatment dropout may increase our understanding on how to tailor interventions to prevent treatment dropout. This study examined the relationship between early therapeutic alliance and
treatment dropout, and client age and pretreatment PTSD symptom severity as predictors of dropout and moderators of the alliance-dropout association. Clients were part of a larger randomized implementation trial, and either began CPT and dropped out (n = 38) or completed 12 sessions of CPT (n = 74). Results indicated early therapeutic alliance did not significantly predict treatment dropout, and age and PTSD severity were not significant predictors or moderators of the alliance-dropout association. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
A Newtonian approach to predict the parameters required to machine high aspect ratio channels of prescribed topography
Authors: Ghazavi Aria
Published: May 2021

Control of the microchannels’ cross-sectional shape may be of interest in micro-heat sinks, microfluidic particle sorting, and micro-machine lubrication applications. Previously, inverse methods have been used to determine the abrasive jet micromachining (AJM) traverse speed and path required to sculpt the desired cross-section for low Aspect Ratio (AR, the ratio of depth to width, see page xiv) topographies (<0.06). This thesisintroduces an iterative inverse method which
allows prediction of the machining procedure required to sculpt high AR (>0.06-1) microchannels of prescribed cross-sectional shape using mask-less AJM. The predictions were experimentally verified for trapezoidal and semi-circular micro-channels and protruded features in borosilicate glass, and symmetric and non-symmetric wedges in poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA). Overall, the average accuracy of the machined profiles was 93.6 % in borosilicate glass and 91 % in PMMA. The methodology opens up new possibilities for the micro-fabrication of high-aspect-ratio micro-features of virtually any desired shape.
Parametric analysis of energy recovery ventilation performance in the high rise residential sector: a Toronto case study
Authors: Barker Adam
Published: May 2021

The performance of energy recovery ventilation (ERV) units is analyzed for high rise residential buildings in the Toronto climate. ERV units are scrutinized by their ability to recover heating and cooling energy throughout the year. The rated effectiveness of ERV units is well documented through applicable Standards. Several factors are identified which have the potential to influence the impact of ERVs under actual operation conditions, including infiltration rate, ERV leakage flows, temperature set points, and operation schemes. EnergyPlus is used to represent a typical residential suite, through which the impacts of the parameters are studied. Performance of the ERV model is validated through comparison to collected temperature and humidity data from an operating ERV unit in the GTA. Results indicate that leakage flows within the ERV represent the highest potential contributor to ERV performance. Economizer control strategies are determined as a viable option for improving performance during warmer seasons.

The performance of energy recovery ventilation (ERV) units is analyzed for high rise residential buildings
in the Toronto climate. ERV units are scrutinized by their ability to recover heating and cooling energy
throughout the year. The rated effectiveness of ERV units is well documented through applicable
Standards. Several factors are identified which have the potential to influence the impact of ERVs under
actual operation conditions, including infiltration rate, ERV leakage flows, temperature set points, and
operation schemes. EnergyPlus is used to represent a typical residential suite, through which the
impacts of the parameters are studied. Performance of the ERV model is validated through comparison
to collected temperature and humidity data from an operating ERV unit in the GTA. Results indicate
that leakage flows within the ERV represent the highest potential contributor to ERV performance.
Economizer control strategies are determined as a viable option for improving performance during
warmer seasons.
Error locating: degree constraints
Authors: Dennis Christopher
Published: May 2021

Error graphs are a useful mathematical tool for representing failing interactions in a system. This representation is used as the basis for constructing an error locating array (ELA). However, if too many errors are present in a given error graph, it may not be possible to locate all interactions. We say that a graph is locatable if an ELA can be built. Bounds on the total size of an error graph are known, bounds on the degree an error graph can have have not been considered. In this thesis we explore the maximum degree an error graph may have while still guaranteeing its locatability. We consider special cases for 3 and 4 partite error graphs as well as developing bounds on the degree of a general error graph. We describe a linear time algorithm which can be used to generate tests which have at most one failing interaction.
High level synthesis design flow for multi parametric optimization with hybrid hierarchical design space exploration
Authors: Zeng Zhipeng
Published: May 2021

High Level Synthesis (HLS) has definitely bridged the pathway between the Electronic System Level (ESL) and its respective structural block at the Register Transfer Level (RTL). However, the most critical task during HLS is to assess and find a superior architecture from the design space that meets the design objectives. This thesis introduces a novel mechanism for efficient Design Space Exploration (DSE) based on Priority Facgtor using the Fuzzy search technique to achieve the optimum result. This novel approach is more efficient than traditional DSE approaches and is capable of drastically reducing the number of architectural variants to be assessed for architecture selection. The proposed method, when applied to a number of benchmarks, yielded improved results with remarkable speedup compared to the existing approach. The HLS design flow shown in this thesis uses the proposed approach for DSE with optimization of three parameters, hardware area, execution time and power consumption.
Brewing up brand loyalty: the rhetorical construction of the Starbucks rewards user interface and how consumer behaviour is influenced through gamification and visual tropes
Authors: Collins Emily
Published: May 2021

Today, in the absence of a company’s product or service offering, a mobile-based loyalty application can be used as a non-transactional mechanism to shape consumer behavior. This Major Research Paper takes a look into the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program platform, both from a mobile application as well as a desktop website perspective, to understand how Starbucks generates customer loyalty in the multi-billion-dollar coffee market through the application of game elements and strategic document design within the platform’s user interface.

Based on a comprehensive review of Starbucks Rewards, this project addresses the following research questions: 1) In the development of a loyalty application, has Starbucks employed elements that address a consumer’s behavioural motivations for autonomy, competence and relation? and 2) Within the scope of gamification and document design, how are the rhetorical appeals of ethos, pathos and logos employed in the user interface visuals of the Starbucks Rewards app and website?

Starbucks has carefully employed principles of design within loyalty marketing efforts to manipulate the communicative intent of visualizations, capitalizing on the human mind in favour of company objectives.
The role of perceived threat to freedom of choice in children's preference for scarcity
Authors: Harper Kathryn
Published: May 2021

The present research investigated the role of perceived threat to freedom of choice in children’s development of preference for scarcity. In two experiments, 5- to 7-year-olds assisted a fictional agent in choosing between relatively scarce versus abundant toys in a “virtual shop.” Experiment 1 investigated the role of extremity of scarcity in children’s preference for scarcity, while Experiment 2 investigated the role of the presence of competition. These two factors were anticipated to activate perceived threat to freedom to choose the scarce objects, resulting in motivational arousal to choose the scarce objects. Overall, a preference for scarcity increased with age. When threat to freedom of choice was induced, 7-year-olds showed a robust preference for scarcity in both experiments. The findings are discussed in the context of reactance theory and other factors influencing children’s patterns of responses, including prosociality. This research contributes to our understanding of children’s use of statistical information.

Key words: scarcity, threat to freedom of choice, psychological reactance
What’s in an @reply? A case study of two-way communication in Target Canada’s Twitter @replies
Authors: Lee Annabel
Published: May 2021

This paper analyzes the Twitter @replies (responses to a user’s initial tweet) of Target Canada as the organization entered the Canadian retail landscape in the Spring of 2013. The @replies posted by Target Canada are analyzed through two lenses: Grunig’s (1992) two-way symmetrical model of public relations and Kent & Taylor’s (2001) dialogic theory of public relations. Grunig’s model argues that the symmetrical model of communication serves the interests of both organizations and their publics by emphasizing dialogue and mutually beneficial relationships (Grunig & Jaatinen, 1999). Similarly, Kent & Taylor advocate for relational interaction and relationship building between organizations and their audience. This case study will contribute to the small body of literature that focuses on Twitter’s @reply function. As social media use is an increasingly important marketing and branding tool, it is important for organizations to realize the potential that each platform can offer. Through Twitter @replies, organizations can create a balanced dialogue (where both the organization and its public participate in a dialogic exchange) and build open, mutually beneficial relationships.
The impact of the attention training technique on attention control and worry
Authors: Stewart Kathleen
Published: May 2021

The present study examined whether the Attention Training Technique (ATT; Wells, 1990) is more efficacious at reducing worry and modifying GAD-related attention processes than a control intervention. Adults with Probable GAD (N = 29) monitored their worry for a week and were then randomly assigned to one of two audio recording interventions: ATT, or a control intervention that was not expected to train attention. Following one practice session at the laboratory, participants were instructed to listen to their assigned recording once per day for 7 consecutive days. Neither intervention showed a reduction in worry and most processes, although there was a significant reduction in attentional bias to threat from pre to postintervention that did not vary as a function of experimental condition. Findings suggest that overall, neither ATT nor the control intervention had a significant impact on worry and worry-related features. Explanations for the null findings are offered.
Robust UV-Curable Antimicrobial Polymeric Coatings for Medical Plastics Prepared by Controlled Radical Polymerization
Authors: Shum Rachel L.
Published: May 2021

In response to hospital acquired infections stemming from biofilms and the impending antibiotic resistance crisis, the development of non-traditional, non-leachable antimicrobials have gained significant traction. Contact-active antimicrobial coatings physically attached to surfaces with cationic active sites, such as ammonium and phosphonium, are of particular interest in the prevention of pathogenic bacterial transfer. Previously reported antimicrobial coatings are found to be susceptible to abrasion, significantly limiting their potential applications. In this work, a range of robust, antimicrobial polymeric coatings synthesized by control radical polymerization are presented. Polymeric thin film coatings possessing cationic groups with n-alkyl substituents of n ≤ 4 demonstrated antimicrobial properties against gram-positive bacteria, while species containing bulkier substituents were biologically inactive, contradictory of previously reported monomeric coatings. Cationic polymeric brush coatings were found to have a higher antibacterial activity against the gram-positive model compared to its non-brush equivalent, but failed against the gram-negative model. These polymeric thin films demonstrate the complexity of antimicrobial coating designs and facilitates the investigation into the architecture of these coatings.
The effect of comorbid anxiety in youth with ADHD: an ERP analysis of attentional control and impulse control
Authors: Klymkiw Deanna F.
Published: May 2021

Differences in attentional and impulse control may underlie the increased impairment associated with youth with ADHD and comorbid anxiety (ADHD+ANX) compared to youth with ADHD without anxiety; however, findings from studies using behavioural and self-report measures have been mixed. This study addressed this issue by exploring the impact of the addition of anxiety on attentional and impulse control at a neural level, using event-related potentials (ERPs). Youth aged 11 to 17 with ADHD without anxiety (n = 34) and ADHD+ANX (n = 33) completed a Go/No-Go and Selective Auditory Attention task. Results indicated that the addition of anxiety in youth with ADHD was associated with enhanced early attentional processing, as well as stronger activation of impulse control, as exhibited by greater EFP and N2 amplitudes, respectively. Future directions and clinical implications of these results are discussed.
A centrality-based history prediction routing protocol for opportunistic networks
Authors: Bamrah Amarpreet
Published: May 2021

Opportunistic networks are a subclass of delay tolerant networks based on a novel communication paradigm that aims at transmitting messages by exploiting direct contacts among nodes, without the need of a predefined infrastructure. Typical characteristics of OppNet include high mobility, short radio range, intermittent links, unstable topology, sparse connectivity, to name a few. As such, routing in such networks is a challenging task since it relies on node cooperation. This thesis focuses on using the concept of centrality to alleviate this task. Unlike other nodes in the network, central nodes are more likely to act as communication hubs to facilitate the message forwarding. In this thesis, a recently proposed History-Based Prediction Routing protocol is redesigned using this concept, yielding the so-called centrality-based HBPR protocol. The proposed CHBPR is evaluated by simulations using the ONE simulator, showing superior performance compared to HBPR without centrality and the Epidemic protocol with centrality.
Reframing the Individual Stress Response
Authors: Liu Jenny
Published: May 2021

Our society is preoccupied with stress. Previous research demonstrates that the majority of the sampled population perceives the consequences of stress to be primarily negative. By reframing the consequences of stress to highlight both positive and negative effects of stress, individuals may experience more efficient and adaptive stress responses (Liu et al., 2017). The extent to which we can reframe the consequences of stress to elicit more adaptive responses thus merits further investigation. This dissertation investigated the effects of reframing (positive, negative, balanced, and control) on stress responsivity, while also priming individuals on personal strengths (resilient strengths or non-resilient/control strength) to further enhance coping. Through two studies, the current dissertation examined whether different information presented on the consequences of stress via reframing contributes to improved responsivity to stressors, and whether priming an individual to believe in select strengths further enhances receptivity to reframing and reactivity to stressors. Outcome measures included both objective, physiological indexes of stress (heart rate, blood pressure, and electrodermal activity), test performance on stressor-task, and subjective ratings of stress (self-report responses via visual analogue scales). Mixed-ANOVA, linear regression, and exploratory hierarchical modelling were used to analyze the data. Results via visual analogue scales support the efficacy of balanced reframing in reducing self-reported stress, and provide some evidence for its efficacy across physiological parameters of stress via electrodermal activity. Across measures, results provide little support for the efficacy of strength priming in eliciting more adaptive responsivity to stressors. However, balanced framing and resilient strength priming may interact to reduce perceptions of stress as threatening and uncontrollable. Taken together, findings across two studies suggest that reframing stress by presenting both positive and negative information on the outcomes of stress may be an important step in the education of stress to better manage everyday stressors. Further, efforts to personalize this intervention approach by tailoring it to individual may be an area worthy of future research.

Key Words: Beliefs; Coping; Personal Strengths; Reframing; Responsivity; Stress
The Responsible Fashion System: a Re-Conceptualization of the Role of Fashion Design
Authors: Kozlowski Anika
Published: May 2021

Sustainable fashion has developed as a response to the growing prominence and awareness of the negative environmental and social impacts of fashion apparel throughout its life cycle. Responses to these wide-scale impacts have focused on piecemeal strategies that lack a cohesive perspective. The notion of design thinking and a holistic viewpoint are increasingly being seen as valued strategies for developing a sustainable fashion system. Fashion designers generally lack the tools to enable change and are caught within a system that cannot fulfill the potential of design-driven solutions for sustainability. Transformations to the design process, business practices, consumer behaviours and supply-chain sustainability are needed. This dissertation presents a series of manuscripts investigating a re-conceptualization of fashion design for system sustainability. Concepts put forth in the first manuscript, Theorizing the Fashion System provide context for a design focus. This study reviews existing theories of fashion production and consumption, for the purpose of establishing a theoretical framework to support subsequent research and tool design. The second manuscript Tools for Sustainable Fashion Design: An Analysis of their Fitness for Purpose examines existing design tools developed specifically for sustainable fashion designers. This research led to the creation and proposal of two conceptual frameworks: an innovation framework and five-dimensional model of sustainable fashion. Using the frameworks to analyze the tools and sustainable strategies within the tools resulted in the identification of three tool archetypes: 1) Universal, 2) Participatory and 3) Assessment. The third manuscript investigates and analyzes current design practices of sustainable fashion micro and small enterprises (MSE) and available sustainable design tools. The fourth manuscript, The reDesign Canvas: Fashion Design as a Tool for Sustainability, is a qualitative in-depth case study with a small fashion start-up. Utilizing observations in the field, interviews and design sessions, this study was able to identify leverage points within the design process to integrate sustainable strategies. The data collected informed the development of a sustainable fashion design tool, the reDesign Canvas. This framework was tested and refined with the case study. This work aims to contribute a reconceptualization of the fashion design process to provide designers with the tools necessary to achieve a sustainable fashion system.
Growing up with black hair in the GTA: three women share their stories
Authors: Bagirakandi Melissa
Published: May 2021

The literature demonstrates that Black hair affects the identity of Black women. However, there is little research on how Black hair affects the identity of Canadian Black girls. For the purpose of this study, Black hair will refer to coiled textured hair, often referred to as “kinky”. The goal of the present study was to understand the effects of Black hair on the identity of Black girls between the ages of 5 and 12. Three Black women between the ages of 20 and 35 were asked to recall their experiences growing up in Canada with Black hair. Following a Black feminist approach, data was collected through story telling in an open-ended interview and four themes were identified : caring for Black hair, hair altering, the future of Black hair, and influences on Black hair styling. The women in the study have a hopeful vision for the future of Black hair.

Keywords: Black hair, identity, Canadian context, childhood
The role of perceptual load and sensory degradation on cross-modal selective attention
Authors: Sandhu Rajwant
Published: May 2021

To understand our sensory environment, our perceptual system must employ selective attention; the ability to attend to target information while ignoring distracting information. In the uni–modal domain the main determinant of selective attention success is capacity limitation, where only when processing capacity is taxed by the target (high load; HL) is distraction eliminated (perceptual load theory; PLT). Conversely, data limits while also increasing task demands, do not benefit selective attention as these limits are often driven by sensory degradation (SD) such that placing additional resources towards the target is not beneficial. Investigations of PLT to the cross–modal domain have produced mixed results, and no study has yet directly contrasted the impact of capacity and data limits in the cross–modal domain. The present dissertation focused on examining the impact of Perceptual Load (PL) and SD on cross–modal selective attention, in addition to examining how these factors would interact with the attended modality and individual differences (ID) in attentional control. Experiment 1 used a go–no–go manipulation of PL to show that distractor effects were not reduced at HL compared to low load (LL) condition and instead displayed trends for increased distraction under HL regardless of the attended modality. Experiment 2 used the addition of noise to create SD, and found that distractor processing increased under SD, again regardless of the attended modality. Experiment 1 and 2 used a uni–modal measure of attentional control, and overall both studies did not find a consistent pattern of correlation with cross–modal selective attention, suggesting important differences between the two. Experiment 3 used a single manipulation to create HL and SD conditions in a single experiment, and also found that both HL and SD showed trends of increased distraction relative to LL conditions. Overall the current dissertation suggests that capacity limitations arise at the modality level, and so do not impact cross–modal selective attention. As such, the findings of the current dissertation suggest there is no difference between capacity and data limited conditions in the cross–modal domain. Results are interpreted within a cross–modal selective attention framework.
A multi-country study of household energy saving behaviour
Authors: Tabaku Ela
Published: May 2021

Due to the increased worldwide demand for electricity, governments and policy makers are looking to identify tools to help reduce household energy consumption. This study examines the relationship between the empirical and attitudinal variables and the likelihood of implementation of household energy conservation measures and investments, using a wide data set involving household level characteristic from 10,252 respondents from ten different countries (Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden). Moreover, the effects of time varying electricity pricing on household energy saving measures and investments is evaluated. Using the multivariable probit model, this project makes comparison across the ten countries incorporating socio-demographic characteristics, and allows for the potential correlation between energy saving decisions (measures and investments).
Monitoring vascular changes induced by photodynamic therapy using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography
Authors: Nasui Otilia Cristina
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to determine if contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography can be used to non-invasively image the response of vasculature in tumours that have been treated with photodynamic theraphy (PDT). The subjects used were C3H mice with RIF-1 tumour implanted subcutaneously and allowed to grow for 3 weeks prior to treatment. The subjects in this study were divided into PDT treated groups (150 J/cm², 50 J/cm²) and control groups (150 J/cm² light-only, untreated). The contast-enhanced micro-computed tomography imaging procedure consisted of eight-second scans taking place before treatment and up to 24 hours after treatment. The treatment response was evaluated through the ration of blood-to-tumour volume. Significant changes were detected at 8 and 24 hours in the 150 J/cm² PDT group (p< 0.01). Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the effects of each treatment in comparison to the control groups.
Fragments: A Poetic Approach To Place-Making
Authors: Lishak Ekaterina
Published: May 2021

The notion of regional particularity and sensitivity to place remains in constant struggle with the persistent autonomous approach evident in most contemporary architecture, which under the pressures of globalization has paved the path toward commodification and the creation of universal non-places. Meanwhile the decline of craftsmanship within architecture and the perpetual emphasis on visual images and iconic forms continues to undermine human connection to the built environment.

The use of Fragments in architectural design involves a distinct understanding of perception of space that takes its theoretical basis in the communicative and situational character of Synthetic Cubism and Picturesque Landscape theory. Brought into an architectural context, these theories work in contrast to the rational approach based on proportion and perspectival imagery, bringing focus towards the experience of the body moving through space with emphasis on the poetics of construction, materiality, corporeal experience, and details that express craftsmanship, meaning, and emotion. Guided by Kenneth Frampton’s theory of Critical Regionalism with the aim of resisting placelessness, the nature of such tectonic articulation is informed by the context and specificity of a site.
Acknowledging non-human persons: reconstituting our conception of personhood
Authors: Kovacs Rebecca
Published: May 2021

This thesis seeks to reconstitute our conventional conceptions of personhood, and open this privileged status to many non-human animals. I begin with a discussion of the concept of personhood and some of the intricacies of the classification process. Many conventional conceptions require “higher” functions, like language and rationality, for personhood. In Chapter Two I challenge such views. Chapter Three articulates and defends my own conception of personhood. I define persons as those who can directly and personally be harmed. Such beings are subjects with emotions and interests. I discuss evidence that many non-human animals possess these characteristics and, as such, should be classified as persons. In Chapter Four I explore the practical application of my conception and potential policy implications, focusing on issues around the confinement of non-human animal persons in zoos and aquariums.
The Nintendo 64: Nintendo's Adult Platform? The Dichotomy Of Nintendo And Children's Video Games
Authors: Ashmore Nicholas
Published: May 2021

Introduction

When the Nintendo 64 was released in 1996, TIME Magazine gave it the distinction of “Machine of the Year,” arguing that Nintendo had revitalized the somewhat stagnant video game console market of the 1990s, which had offered little more than incremental hardware upgrades and mostly unsuccessful add-on devices. In his enthusiastic end-of-year review of the console, TIME’s Michael Krantz contended that “Nintendo's marquee product will be the machine that most fully influences our children's introduction to the mind-boggling potential of digital technology,” and that the platform represented “the first glimpse of [the] future” of video game hardware (73).
Network-On-Chip Topology Generation and Analysis For Transaction-Based Systems-on-Chip
Authors: Dumitriu Victor.
Published: May 2021

The Network-on-Chip concept is emerging as a promising new method of addressing the communication requirements of complex Systems-on-Chip. However, network design at this level must take into consideration the specific communication protocols of on-chip components. This thesis presents a topology analysis and design method for networks-on-chip based on the transaction-oriented protocols common to on-chip systems. The generated topologies target the latency of critical links in the system, while the analysis method can predict the degree of contention in a system prior to the simulation phase. The proposed topologies are tested using various applications, including an MPEG4 Decoder, and are found to perform the same or better than regular topologies, while using less network resources. The contention prediction method is found to be accurate to within 27% in the worst case scenario.