bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the mechanical properties of apoptotic cells using time resolved acoustic microscopy
Authors: Strohm Eric
Published: June 2021

Time resolved acoustic microscopy uses ultra-high frequencies (over 100 MHz) to image cells with a resolution up to 1⃗m. Acoustic microscopy has been used since the 1970's for biological observations, however only recently have technological advances allowed the quantification of the physical properties of cells, such as the thickness, sound velocity, acoustic impedance, density, bulk modulus and attenuation using acoustic microsopy. For the first time, the physical properties of MCF-7 cells treated with a chemotherapeutic agent to induce apoptosis were measured using a 375 MHz transducer. It was found the thickness and attenuation increased after apoptosis, while the speed of sound, acoustic impedance, density and bulk modulus were similar within measured error. Acoustic backscatter measurements showed rapid morphological variations in cells undergoing apoptosis, which correlates to optical observations. This indicates extensive activity is occuring within the cell on a time scale of seconds during apoptosis.
Reading the rebate: information at the edges of 20th century photographs
Authors: Stewart Locrin
Published: June 2021

Using the photography collection in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) as a primary source, this thesis explores the use of photographic rebate as found in the work of seven major twentieth century photographic artists working between 1920 and 1980. Investigating the use of rebate as both a manifestation of technology, and as an expressive tool employed by post-war photographers, this paper looks at the physical character of rebate in silver-gelatin prints and its role in augmenting the photographic image. This research elucidates the collection at MFAH, the history of photographic printing in the 20th century and provides a guide to future researchers about how rebate can be used to glean technical data and artistic intent.
Purchasing negativity: public opinion on "Super PAC" advertisements during the 2012 American presidential election
Authors: Chambers Jessica
Published: June 2021

This major research paper is a qualitative study of American “Super PAC” advertising during the 2012 American presidential election. Super PACs, a type of “political action committee,” have the ability to collect unlimited funds to advertise on behalf of candidates and parties. Super PACs have attracted criticism from scholars due to the Super PACs’ negativity against opposing candidates. Using Albert Bandura‘s Social Cognitive Theory of Mass Communication, and existing literature on political advertising, this study explores public opinion on negative television commercials. It employs data collected by The Super PAC App – a mobile application that recorded individual reactions to political advertising. It also employs qualitative content analysis on 20 negative Super PAC advertisements using codes created by political scientist John Geer. The results suggest that users of the App generally disliked negative Super PAC advertisements. Furthermore, the results indicate there are certain characteristics within negative advertisements that make them more liked or disliked by users of the App.
Stepping-Stones to Security: An Analysis of the Safe Third Country Agreement
Authors: Legge Rosemary Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

This major research paper examines the impacts of the Safe Third Country Agreement on North American cross border relations and on potential refugee claimants seeking to file status claims in Canada and the United States. The Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States was implemented on 29 December 2004 and will be examined in light of its relations to state security and human security. The paper will seek to address how the Safe Third Country Agreement has impacted bilateral communications between Canada and the United States, how the Agreement has woked in a post-9/11 era, and how Canada and the United States have maintained their international obligations. Similarly, this research paper will examine how the Agreement has impacted refugee claimants attempting to come to Canada, as well as the potential risks and challenges that the Agreement presents to refugees and those working with them.
3-D finite element analysis of laterally loaded short shafts in soil
Authors: Arulanantham Jasinthan
Published: June 2021

The objective of this research is to conduct an optimized design of drilled shaft foundation for noise barrier walls. A non-linear three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) program, Plaxis 3D, is used to investigate the behaviour of laterally loaded shafts. Two published cases are used to calibrate the modelling method and validate the numerical results. In the case of a field test performed by Helmers (1997), FEM results agree very well with field tests in terms of ultimate load and deflection curves. In the laboratory test conducted by Uncuoglu & Laman (2011) case, numerical results agree well with their results except the soil-shaft interface modelling part. The Plaxis 3D embedded pile model tends to overestimate the lateral load capacity of a smooth pile. Though it is satisfactory in modelling a pile with a “rough” surface. Two theoretical formulas in estimating lateral capacity of piles are also compared with the FEM results. It is found that Broms’s (1964b) theory for cohesionless soils has underestimated the lateral load capacities and Brinch-Hansen’s (1961) theory provides a more accurate estimation. In summary, 3-D FEM is able to accurately simulate the behaviour of laterally loaded drilled shafts in soil.
Subject matter identification by means of community outreach
Authors: Cral Erin
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this practical thesis project was to create a guidebook for collecting subject-based information gathered through community participation and collaboration. Specifically, this involved collecting subject descriptions for a photograph collection based on an organized and planned meeting with local residents familiar with the contents of the images. All fieldwork was completed over a nine-week period, from June 5 through August 2, 2006, at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, Southampton, Ontario with the John H. Scougall Collection. 105 images were selected for discussion and subject identification by community members. What follows is a guidebook to inform others how to carry out such a project. Each section begins with general comments and ideas, followed by specific examples of what took place with the Scougall Collection and the participating residents of Kincardine.
Analysis of periodically switched nonlinear circuits and nonlinear oversampled sigma-delta modulators
Authors: Li Quan
Published: June 2021

This thesis proposes a new method for time domain response and sensitivity analysis of periodically switched nohnlinear circuits and nonlinear oversampled sigma-delta modulators. Using Volterra functional series and interpolating Fourier series, it extends the sampled datasimulation and two-step algorithm of linear circuits to periodically switched nonlinear circuits. The method can handle the inconsistent initial conditions encountered at switching instants. It is applied to the analysis of nonlinear oversampled sigma-delta modulators. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method are assessed using SPICE, brute-force, and the law of charge conservation on periodically switched nonlinear circuits, and nonlinear oversampled sigma-delta modulators. The method does not require the costly Newton-Raphson iterations. It is most efficient for analysis of circuits with mildly nonlinear characteristics and simulation over a long period of time.
Multi-objective optimization of single-lane roundabout geometric design: safety, mobility, and environmental sustainability
Authors: Ahmed Hend
Published: June 2021

Mobility, safety performance and environmental sustainability are priorities in the geometric design of roundabouts. This thesis presents a multi-objective optimization methodology for the geometric design of single-lane roundabouts. Mobility is defined in terms of roundabout delay and modeled using the (UK) empirical model. The collision frequency represents the safety objective, and modeled using the methodology outlined in the Highway Safety Manual. Environmental sustainability is represented by NOX, HC, CO2, and CO vehicle emissions and is modeled using the vehicle specific power (VSP) methodology. The presented model directly identifies the optimal geometric parameters of roundabouts. Traffic data, site conditions, and guidelines limitations were used as input data while the output decision values that minimize delay, collisions, and vehicle emissions are the optimal geometric parameters. The practical application of the proposed model is illustrated using an application example. The model was validated using an actual location, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted.
Load and thermal resistance of sandwitched steel-wood composite walling systems infilled with innovative commercial form material
Authors: Yadov Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2021

This research investigated the behaviour of sandwich profiled steel sheet composite wall (PSSCW) and oriented strand board composite wall (OSBCW) with infill commercial form material (CFM). The axial load behaviour of PSSCWs and OSBCWs having different height to width ratio and PSS/OSB-CFM connector spacing was analysed based on experimental results of strength, load-deformation response, load-strain development and failure modes. In addition, flexural behaviour of OSBCW and the thermal conductivity tests on PSSCW and OSWCW specimens were carried-out. The axial load capacity of PSSCW/OSSCW was increased by 946% to 1714% compared to walls without in-fill and decreased with the increase of height to width and connector spacing to height ratio. The existing analytical equations
were found to over predict the axial load capacity of both PSSCWs and OSBCWs. The recommendation of this research will understand the axial, flexural and thermal behaviour of PSSCW/OSBCW with CFM infill for practical building applications.
Assessment of the Mixing of Polydisperse Solid Particles in the Rotary Drum and Slant Cone Mixers Using Discrete Element Method
Authors: Alchikh-Sulaiman Basel
Published: June 2021

In spite of wide applications of powders in industry, there is a lack of sufficient knowledge regarding the mixing of poly-disperse particles in rotary drum and slant cone mixers. The main objective of this study was to explore the mixing quality of mono-disperse, bi-disperse, tri-disperse, and poly-disperse particles inside rotary drum and slant cone mixers as a function of the drum speed, particle size, agitator speed, and the initial loading method through the discrete element method (DEM). To achieve this objective, experimental work and simulations were carried out. DEM results were validated using experimental data obtained from both sampling and image analysis techniques. DEM simulation results were in good agreement with the experimentally determined data, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Three major loading methods were defined: side-side, top-bottom, and back-front. Also, the mixing metric was utilized to measure the mixing quality. For bi-disperse particles inside the slant cone mixer, the mixing index increased to a maximum and decreased slightly before reaching a plateau at the drum speed of 15 rpm with different loading methods as a direct result of the segregation of particles of different sizes. The same behavior was observed in the rotary drum for bi-disperse, tri-disperse, and poly-disperse particles. The effect of agitator speed on the mixing performance for bi-disperse particles inside the slant cone mixer was also investigated. The addition of the agitator increased the mixing quality and reduced the segregation of particles with different sizes. The best mixing qualities for the tri-disperse and poly-disperse particles inside the rotary drum were recorded for the top-bottom smaller-to-larger loading method. For the slant cone mixer, highest mixing indices for tri-disperse and poly-disperse particles with the top-bottom smaller-to-larger loading method were obtained at drum speeds of 15 and 55 rpm, respectively. The impact of segregation for both mixers was reduced by introducing additional intermediate size particles.
Evaluation of the diffusion gradient in thin-films (DGT) technique for measuring trace metal concentrations in freshwaters
Authors: Parent Deborah Lynn
Published: June 2021

The recently developed Diffusion Gradient in Thin-films (DGT) technique is based on a simple device that accumulates metals in situ, over time in a Na resin gel. Metal ions diffuse through a hydrogel membrane and are rapidly bound by the resin. The many advantages associated with the DGT technique (simplicity, in situ technique, low detection limits, and ability to measure many metals) have lead to its rapid application in aquatic environments. Caveats have been recognized with the DGT technique when it is used in aquatic environments. These include: the ability of strongly complexed organic-metal molecules to diffuse through the hydrogel and become complexed by the resin gel, and in freshwater lakes with a low concentration of cations (Σ [cations] ≤ 2 × 10 -4 M), it is hypothesized that the diffusion coefficient of metal ions entering the DGT device increases. Both of these caveats overestimate the concentrations of labile inorganic metals in the deployment solution. The hypothesis that deploying DGT devices equipped with two different hydrogel formulations ("open" and "tight") will provide reasonable measurements of DGT-labile "organic" and "inorganic" concentrations of Mn, Cd and Pb was tested in the field. DGT devices were deployed in three lakes (Lake Tantare, Lake 8t. Joseph and Lake Memphremagog). To compare the responses of the DGT devices with the total dissolved metal concentration (< 0.20 um) of each lake, in situ dialysis samplers were deployed simultaneously. Overestimation of DGT-labile "inorganic" concentrations of Mn and Pb, and overestimation of DGT-labile "organic" Cd was observed when compared to the measured total dissolved metal concentrations in the lakes. The hypothesis that DGT devices equipped with a Ca form of the resin gel (as an alternative to the sodium based resin gel in the DGT device) will reasonably measure Mn, Cd and Pb labile metal concentrations in freshwater lakes with low cation concentrations was tested. DGT devices with the Ca form of the resin gel were deployed in Lake Tantare, Lake 8t. Joseph and Lake Memphremagog. Overestimation of DGT-labile metal concentrations of Mn, Cd and Pb were observed with the Ca resin gel in the lakes when compared to the measured total dissolved concentrations. The implication of these findings is that the DGT technique should not be used in freshwaters with low cation concentrations (Σ [cations] ≤ 2 × 10 -4 M), typical of lakes found in the Canadian environment, until the caveats of the technique have been resolved. Extreme caution should be used when drawing conclusions regarding the concentrations of inorganic and organic metal species, since it has been found the DGT devices with the two different hydrogel formulations overestimate the inorganic metal concentration relative to the organic metal concentration in aquatic environments.
Women in the Margins: Media Representations of Women's Labour in the Canadian Press, 1935-1945
Authors: Moniz Tracy
Published: June 2021

During the Second World War, women’s participation in Canada’s ‘total war’ effort meant increased domestic responsibilities, volunteering, enlisting in the armed forces, and joining the civilian workforce. Women’s labour force participation more than doubled throughout the war, with more women working alongside and in place of men than ever before. This created a situation that could challenge the traditional sexual division of labour, and so women’s labour became a subject for discussion in the public sphere.

Through a comparative content analysis of the commercial and alternative (labour) press, this study examines representations of women’s labour in wartime in the context of women’s mobilization into the war effort through to subsequent demobilization near war’s end. It first considers the theoretical and methodological issues involved in the historical study of news media and women and then offers original empirical research to demonstrate that when women’s labour did emerge as a subject in the Canadian press, gender, not labour, was prioritized in the news. This was symbolically and systematically leveraged both within and across the commercial and alternative press, which reinforces stereotypical values about women and their labour and upheld the patriarchal status quo. In the end, while there were surface-level changes to the nature of women’s paid labour during the war, the structures of female subordination and exploitation remained unchallenged despite women’s massive mobilization into the workforce.

By setting media representations against the wartime realities of women’s labour told through archival records and secondary literature, this dissertation argues that news media generally presented a ‘history’ of women’s labour that did not reflect the lived reality or the political economic and social significance of women’s labouring lives. This not only coloured how women’s labour was represented in the news, but it can also shape the history that scholars construct from the newspaper. In contributing to feminist media and media history scholarship, this dissertation offers empirical evidence that challenges dominant ways of thinking about women’s history in terms of the domestic sphere and furthers an understanding of women’s wage labour as a provocation to such historical public-private divisions. This may, in turn, inspire histories that more fully and equitably capture women’s experiences.
Reducing linear thermal bridging in passive house details
Authors: Balicki Adam
Published: June 2021

This Major Research Project focuses on reducing the linear thermal bridging coefficient (ψ-value) in junction details in Passive Houses in North America.

By analyzing a sample of details from existing Passive Houses in North America, the range of ψ-values was found to be between -0.154 and 0.124 W/mK.

A process was outlined to lower the ψ-value in junction details. Strategies that can be used to reduce the ψ-value include: localized overcladding, thermal breaks, alternative material, and alternative construction. The first and last strategies were found to be most effective at reducing the ψ-value.

Comparing the results of PHPP simulations for several houses, with and without linear thermal bridging, showed that the impact on the specific heating energy intensity can be large. The PHPP models showed that savings of 6-25% on the specific heating energy intensity can be achieved by applying the reduction process to details above 0.01 W/mK.
Novel Filtering Methods for Image and Video Processing Applications
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad T.
Published: June 2021

During the last few years, digital filtering methods for image/video processing applications have reached a satisfactory level. However, their performance degrades in the presence of noise, trend, motion, shape deformation, intensity inhomogeneity, shadows, or low image quality, to name a few. To cope with these challenges, this dissertation presents novel filtering methods for image/video processing applications that outperform the existing and state-of-the-art methods.

The dissertation starts by introducing a novel trend filtering method that transforms the inter-frame registration problem into low complexity trend filtering problem. In the proposed method, Laplacian eigenmaps in conjunction with the modified empirical mode decomposition has been used to suppress the noise artifacts and the trend term.

In multi-dimensional signals, the trend term is often referred to as non-uniform illumination or global intensity inhomogeneity. This dissertation presents a new filtering method for estimating the global intensity inhomogeneity in two dimensional and volume images. Global intensity inhomogeneity often arises due to the imperfections of data acquisition device, direction of source light, and properties of the subject under study. The proposed method generates a high-pass filter based on the grey-weighted distance transform of the frequency content of an image/volume. It provides an accurate estimation of global intensity inhomogeneity without any parameter tweaking, which makes it applicable to many imaging modalities.

The dissertation also presents a filtering methodology to cope with local intensity inhomogeneity that gives rise to shadow artifacts. These artifacts appear as sharp discontinuities and are often corrected at different scales and orientations. The proposed method makes use of decimation-free directional filter bank to suppress the local intensity inhomogeneity and shadow artifacts irrespective of scale and orientation.

In addition to intensity inhomogeneity correction, the dissertation also presents a filtering method that utilizes the Gabor filter bank to generate rotation invariant feature codes. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been evaluated in both identification and verification modes for fingerprint recognition.

The uniqueness of the presented filtering methods lies in the fact that they are essentially parameter free and can easily be scaled to higher dimensions. This makes them applicable to many different image/video processing applications with least of effort from the end user, i.e., eliminating the user biases.
Desiring a balanced identity : a Heideggerian phenomenological inquiry into the pregnancy experiences of newcomer women to Canada living with HIV
Authors: Kennedy Victoria Logan
Published: June 2021

The pregnancy experiences of newcomer women to Canada living with HIV is an important area within maternal health research which to date has been unstudied. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of pregnancy for newcomer women living with HIV. Heideggerian phenomenology was used as the methodology and guiding framework. Five women living in an urban setting in Ontario, Canada were interviewed. Through data analysis and using the four existentials of human existence Desiring a Balanced Identity emerged as the overarching theme of the pregnancy experiences of the five women. This overarching theme was intimately connected with the four essential themes which were uncovered during data analysis. These themes were The Situational Self, Living with the Good and the Bad, Support and Acceptance, and The Future Seems Brighter. Recommendations and implications for education, practice and organizational policy, and research are provided in light of the study findings.
Pakistani immigrants and their challenges in accessing culturally diverse physicians in the Toronto CMA
Authors: Raza Wafa
Published: June 2021

This research concerns the health experience of both new and long-term Pakistani immigrants living the the Toronto CMA and focuses on their experiences of utilizing culturally diverse famliy physicians. It considers their spatial context of healthcare access and the leading barriers to access they face. Attention is given to the gendered experiences of Pakistani women and the influence of culture and socio-economic factors as determinants of health. The study implies Pakistani newcomers experience significant challenges to adequate healthcare access as opposed to mature Pakistani immigrants, in terms of their English communication skills, access to transportation, lack of social/familial ties and awareness.
Experimental Study On The Flexural Behavior Of Structural Insulated Headers
Authors: Benadova Dana
Published: June 2021

A series of flexural tests were conducted on 18 structural insulated header panels with timber flanges and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) webs to predict their behavior when subject to gravity loading when used in residential and low rise non-residential buildings. The experiments were designed and performed to test full-scale Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) headers for exterior or interior wall residential construction. The structural adequacy of the header panels of various sizes is investigated in order to meet both strength and serviceability limit-state design requirements per Canadian Standards for timber design. Strength requirements included flexure and shear, while serviceability check included limiting deflection under operating conditions. Results from experimental testing were used to draw conclusions with respect to the structural qualifications for these SIP headers to be "as good as" the structural capacity of conventional wood-frame buildings.
Effects of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound And Low Level Heat on Bone Cells
Authors: Weidman Judith
Published: June 2021

Both Low Intensity Pulsed UltraSound (LIPUS) and low level heat have separately been shown to improve mineralization in bone cell cultures (Unsworth et al 2007, Leon et al 1993). This study examines the effect of concurrent LIPUS and low level heat on MC3T3-E1 bone cell cultures. The treatment groups were: LIPUS, heat, LIPUS + heat, and control. The LIPUS intensity was ISATA=10 mW/cm2 at f=1.5 MHz, and heat was applied at 40ºC for 40 minutes each day over 15 days. The LIPUS + heat group received the treatments concurrently. The groups were compared using Alizarin Red staining to measure the degree of cell mineralization. All treatment groups showed statistically significantly improved mineralization over the control; however, there was no statistical difference between the LIPUS and the LIPUS + heat groups. Early results suggest that concurrent heat and LIPUS on MC3T3-E1 bone cells has no additive effect on mineralization.
Analytical modeling of bond stress at steel-concrete interface due to corrosion
Authors: Hussein Luaay
Published: June 2021

An analytical model that describes the deterioration of bond strength, due to corrosion of steel reinforcement, at the steel-concrete interface in a reinforced concrete is developed. Concrete is assumed as a thick-walled cylinder subjected to internal pressure exerted from the growth of corrosion products on the concrete at the steel-concrete interface. The concrete in the inner cylinder is considered as an anisotropic material with stiffness degradation factor as an exponential function, while at the outer cylinder, the concrete is treated as an isotropic material. A frictional model is used to combine the action of confining pressure resulted from radial pressure produced by principal bar ribs on surrounding concrete, and corrosion pressure resulted from the expansion of corrosion products. The results of the proposed model are validated with experimental results by several researchers and a good agreement was noted; this shows that the derived analytical model was able to satisfactory [sic] predict the reduction of bond strength between steel and concrete.
Attitudes towards face-mounting in contemporary photography
Authors: Vernon Dawn
Published: June 2021

This thesis is a survey of current issues surrounding face-mounting; a mounting method for large scale photographs where the face, or front of the photography is permanently adhered to a sheet of clear acrylic. This relatively new process is controversial because of the preservation concerns in combination with a high monetary value that is now being applied to the work of some contemporary artists utilizing this process for large scale photographs. Through interviews with photographers, gallerists, curators, and conservators, this paper explores the rationale behind the use of face-mounting, as well as its aesthetic and preservation impact, its presence on the fine art market, and its future in private and public collections.
"Viele herzliche grüsse" : with heartfelt greetings: translating and cataloguing a German WWI postcard album
Authors: Chiang Elizabeth Li Hung
Published: June 2021

Individual and Group Portraits Germany WWI is an album of postcards from the First World War that contains fifty-nine silver gelatin photographic postcards and two mechanically printed picture postcards. The album was compiled by an unidentified individual. Twenty-six of these postcards have handwritten correspondence, which are written by several authors but addressed to the same person. This thesis is an applied project that focuses on cataloguing the images in The Museum System (TMS), the George Eastman House collection database. The goal of this project is to make the album more accessible to researchers through cataloguing and digitization of the images, and translation of the correspondence. This paper provides contextual research about the First World War, photographic postcards, and German handwriting. The paper will also discuss the cataloguing methodology and includes an illustrated appendix with full catalogue records.
Statistical and numerical analyses of pressuremeter tests in glacial tills
Authors: Balachandran Kanagaratnam
Published: June 2021

This study is performed on pressuremeter tests (PMT) in glacial tills based on comprehensive geotechnical investigation programs for a light rail transit project in the City of Toronto. The main objectives are to establish a correlation between SPT-N values and PMT parameters, and the Menard “α” factors for glacial tills. Currently, there are no such relationships available. So first, the pairs of PMT data and SPT-N values are collected at the same depth and test area. With these paired data, two linear correlation equations are established. Then, the numerical simulation is performed for PMTs in glacial tills by using finite element software, Plaxis 2D. The Mohr-Coulomb material model is used to model the different types of soil. The Menard “α” factor is suggested based on the best match between numerical prediction and field PMT. Ranges of SPT-N, EPMT and PL are also suggested for glacial tills.
Human analogues of rodent spatial pattern association, separation, and completion memory tasks
Authors: Paleja Meera
Published: June 2021

Spatial pattern association (SPA), separation (SPS), and completion (SPC) have been shown to be dependent on distinct subfields of the hippocampus in rodents, but these processes have not been assessed using analogous paradigms in humans. In this thesis I developed three computerized tasks analogous to well-established rodent tasks used to assess these processes. Participants showed improved performance across trials in the SPA task, indicating increasing familiarity with the environment. Participants showed performance differences that were dependent on the amount of demand on the subprocesses used in SPS and SPC, specifically, poorer performance with decreasing separation distance between target and foil in the SPS task, and poorer performance with decreasing number of wall cues in the SPC task. These results support sensitivity of the tasks to these subprocesses in humans. These tasks set the stage for valuable future directions including the use of these tasks with imaging and clinical populations.
Analysis of passing sight distance using first-order reliability method
Authors: Serrano Andres
Published: June 2021

Current passing sight distance requirements for two lane highways by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials are based on field studies conducted between 1938 and 1941 which use deterministic values for its design variables such as passing sight distance, speed of the passing vehicle, speed differential between the passed and passing vehicle etc. This report presents three methods to analyze reliability and serves as an extension to the revised model presented by Yasser Hassan, Said Easa and A.O.Abd El Halim whose model sought to improve older models by equally considering both observed passing behaviours of drivers and passing maneuvers that are consistent with two lane highways. Analysis of passing sight distance using first order second moment reliability method, advanced first order second moment and the ellipsoid approach to measure the probability of failure of the passing sight distance design, rely solely on the mean and variance (moments) of each randomly distributed variable in contrast to methods that rely only on deterministic values. Results show the advanced first order second moment and the ellipsoid approach provided more accurate results than first order second moment method which in turn provide a greater safety margin with the later also proving to be a much more robust and efficient method of performing a reliability
Generative Modelling and Machine Learning Methods for Travel Behaviour Analysis
Authors: Wong Melvin
Published: June 2021

The dissertation outlines novel analytical and experimental methods for discrete choice modelling using generative modelling and information theory. It explores the influence of information heterogeneity on large scale datasets using generative modelling. The behaviorally subjective psychometric indicators are replaced with a learning process in an artificial neural network architecture. Part of the dissertation establishes new tools and techniques to model aspects of travel demand and behavioural analysis for the emerging transport and mobility markets. Specically, we consider: (i) What are the strengths, weaknesses and role of generative learning algorithms for behaviour analysis in travel demand modelling? (ii) How to monitor and analyze the identiability and validity of the generative model using Bayesian inference methods? (iii) How to ensure that the methodology is behaviourally consistent? (iv) What is the relationship between the generative learning process and realistic representation of decision making as well as its usefulness in choice modelling? and (v) What are the limitations and assumptions that have needed to develop the generative model systems?

This thesis is based on four articles introduced in Chapters 3 to 6. Chapters 3 and 4 introduces a restricted Boltzmann machine learning algorithm for travel behaviour that includes an analysis of modelling discrete choice with and without psychometric indicators. Chapter 5 provides an analysis of information heterogeneity from the perspective of a generative model and how it can extract population taste variation using a Bayesian inference based learning process. One of the most promising applications for generative modelling is for modelling the multiple discretecontinuous data. In Chapter 6, a generative modelling framework is developed to show the process and methodology of capturing higher-order correlation in the data and deriving a process of sampling that can account for the interdependencies between multiple outputs and inputs. A brief background on machine learning principles for discrete choice modelling and newly developed mathematical models and equations related to generative modelling for travel behaviour analysis are provided in the appendices.
Hans Bellmer's "Les Jeux De La Poupee"
Authors: Sulick Amber R.
Published: June 2021

This thesis is concerned with Hans Bellmer's 1949 book Les Jeux de la Poupée (The Games of the Doll) and includes a detailed physical description of its first edition, its design, the techniques used to print the photographs. It contains, the circumstance of its making, its deterioration issues, recommendations for preservation, and Bellmer's historical context.
A Comprehensive Planning Framework for Urban Inland Oil Spill Management
Authors: Eric Marija
Published: June 2021

Oil spills occurring on land have accounted for at least one third or over 24,000 of all land spills (approximately 76,000) of various substances reported in Ontario from 1988 to 2013. The objective of this research was to develop a comprehensive planning framework for urban inland oil spill management encompassing all three stages of spill management: (1) prevention, (2) control and (3) response. An inland oil spill database was developed and the source of each spill was analyzed. Preliminary analyses determined that approximately 46 % of spills occur at fixed locations (stationary spills), 21 % of spills involve moving vehicles (transportation-related), 13 % involve moving vehicle accidents (transportation-related accidents) and 20 % were categorized as other kinds of spills.

Sub-databases were developed for both stationary and transportation-related spills which include numeric and non-numeric data variables. Hot spot analyses (optimized version) were performed on a subset of transportation-related spills to develop a highway spill model. The highway spill model illustrates that the majority of highway spills (75 %) occur at interchanges and the remaining spills occur either on the highway (8 %) or at unknown locations (17%).

A macro program was developed to simulate future spill events based on historical spill events of gasoline spills within the case study area. The variables under study were fitted with distributions and Monte Carlo or Iman Conover methods were used to generate simulation results spreadsheets of spill series data based on the fitted distributions. The final macro program generated 30,000 simulation results spreadsheets and compiled the results in an aggregate spreadsheet. Descriptive statistics of the numeric variables were calculated and used to recommend spill management strategies.

A simulation results spreadsheet with predicted spill records was used to develop a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model to delineate spill pathways and calculate travel-time for overland flow and channel flow within the storm sewer system (geometric network). The model delineates the overland spill path and traces the spill path through the storm sewer network. The travel-time for each type of path is calculated and can be summed to determine the total travel-time for each predicted spill.

Keywords: inland oil spill, comprehensive planning framework, spill management, prevention, control, response, stationary, transportation-related, hot spot analysis, macro program, Monte Carlo, Iman Conover, simulation, GIS, travel-time, spill path, geometric network
Load Distribution Factors for Curved Concrete Slab-on-Steel I-Girder Bridges
Authors: Al-Hashimy Mohammed A.
Published: June 2021

The use of complex interchanges in modern highway urban systems have increased recently in addition to the desire to conform to existing terrain; both have led to increase the demand for horizontally curved bridges. One type of curved bridges consists of composite concrete deck over steel I-girders which has been the preferred choice due to its simplicity in fabrication, transportation and erection. Although horizontally curved steel bridges constitute roughly one-third of all steel bridges being erected today, their structural behavior still not well understood. Due to its geometry, simple presence of curvature in curved bridges produces non uniform torsion and consequently, lateral bending moment (warping or bi-moment) in the girder flanges. The presence of the lateral bending moments would significantly complicate the analysis and the design of the structure. Hence, a parametric study is required to scrutinize a simplified method in designing horizontally curved steel I-girder bridges. A parametric study is conducted, using the finite-element analysis software "SAP2000", to examine the key parameters that may influence the load distribution on the curved composite steel girders. Based on the data generated from the parametric study, sets of empirical equations are developed for the moment and shear distribution factors for straight and curved steel I-girder bridges when subjected to the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (HCHBDC) truck loading.
Family Reunification? A Critical Analysis of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s 2013 Reforms to the Family Class
Authors: Neborak Jacklyn
Published: June 2021

In 2011, the beginning of significant reform to Canada’s Family Class for immigration took place with the freezing of applications for parent and grandparent sponsorship. In May 2013, a package of reforms was proposed to the Family Class to bolster substantial change to implement more stringent conditions for sponsorship of parents, grandparents, and dependent children under the Family Class. In response, a coalition of civic stakeholders in Ontario mobilized to lobby Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to oppose the implementation of these changes through the “My Canada Includes All Families” campaign. I analyze the package of reforms and explore the implications these reforms have upon the value of the family unit in Canada. This paper aims to support the “My Canada Includes All Families” campaign by presenting practical research to illustrate the social capital benefits that parents, grandparents, and family reunification has for the Canadian social fabric.
Quantification of trace metals in deciduous tooth enamel using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Kirkham Brian
Published: June 2021

A non-destructive, multi-elemental analytical method using energy dispersive x-ray flourescence (EDXRF) spectrometry was developed for the quantification of enamel-manganese (MnE) for comparison to dietary and tap water intakes of Mn, as well as children's height, Weschler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test scores and Santa Ana (SA) dexterity test scores. Using the novel analytical method, enamel-iron (FeE), copper (CuE), zinc (ZnE) and lead (PbE) were also quantified and correlated to one another and to children's height, IQ test scores and SA dexterity test scores. Significant positive correlations were observed between all essential trace elements in surface enamel (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn). MnE was found to have a weak correlation with estimated dietary intake of Mn (p<0.01). No significant correlations were found between oral ingestion of Fe and FeE. Metals concentrations were observed to be highest in incisor enamel for all elements except zinc.
Between Art And Photojournalism : An Examination Of Henri Cartier-Bresson's The People Of Moscow
Authors: Walker-Lečić Kova
Published: June 2021

Henri Cartier-Bresson's (French, 1908-2004) career spanned more than fifty years during which he was involved with the surrealist movement, produced work for various picture magazines, helped found Magnum Photos Agency and published numerous photobooks. While his body of work is often discussed in terms of either fine art photography or photojournalism, prior to 1950s these elements tended to be isolated to separate venues. This thesis is concerned with Henri Cartier-Bresson's 1955 book The People of Moscow, a photographic survey of the Soviet people. It considers the significance of this book as a venue that combined the two aspects of Cartier-Bresson's photography, the formal aesthetics and the documentary content and thereby marked a turning point in his career. The essay describes and analyzes the elements of the book's design, such as the layout, sequencing and use of text by comparing them to the earlier Cartier-Bresson monographs, as well as to the use of the photographs from the book in Life and Paris Match.
A mapreduce relational-database index-selection tool
Authors: Alsayoud Fatimah
Published: June 2021

The physical design of data storage is a critical administrative task for optimizing system performance. Selecting indices properly is a fundamental aspect of the system design. Index selection optimization has been widely studied in DataBase Management Systems (DBMSs). However, current DBMS are not appropriate platforms for many data nowadays. As a result, several systems have been developed to deal with these data. An index-selection optimization approach is still needed in these systems. In fact, it is even more necessary since they process Big Data. Under these circumstances, developing an index-selection tool for large-scale systems is a vital requirement. This thesis focuses on the index-selection process in HadoopDB. The main contribution of the thesis is to utilize data mining techniques to develop a tool for recommending an optimal index-set configuration. Evaluation shows significant performance improvement on the tasks running time with the tool index-set configuration. 
"Nannies strike back": the representation of live-in caregivers and the Live-in Caregiver Program in the mainstream and ethnic press
Authors: Kronfli Catrina
Published: June 2021

Utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this study examines the representation of live-in caregivers (LC) and the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP), between 2007 and 2013, in eleven mainstream Canadian newspapers (N=32) and five Filipino-Canadian newspapers (N=31). It contributes to the extant media analyses on the LCP by including the perspective of the ethnic press and, thus, the voices of LC, LC advocates, and members of the Filipino community. It also examines the recent hype surrounding the emergence of au pairing as a suitable caregiving option for Canadian families in light of the declining number of LC following the April 1, 2010 reforms to the LCP. This study concludes that the mainstream Canadian press portrayal of LC and their children is congruous with the “Problem Approach,” while that in the ethnic newspapers is congruous with the “Agency Approach” providing a space to both empower LC and resist negative mainstream portrayals.
Using Extensive Reading to Develop Non-major Students’ Reading Skill at Hochiminh City University of Food Industry in Vietnam
Authors: Anh Nguyen Thi Kim
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the benefits extensive reading can bring to non-major students and lectures at Hochiminh City University of Food Industry (HUFI). The study addressed a main research question and two sub-research questions related to extensive reading: How does extensive reading develop students’ reading comprehension and improve vocabulary at Hochiminh City University of Food Industry? Two sub-research questions: To what extent could extensive reading help to enhance students’ reading skill? The participants of this study were non-major students at HUFI in Vietnam. The research instruments used in this study to collect data were three main instruments, namely Reading Tests (including Pre-Reading Test and Post-Reading Test), Questionnaire, and Interview. The result of data analysis revealed a significant difference. The findings suggested that innovating lectures’ teaching methods by extensive reading could help students improve their reading ability, particularly their reading comprehension and vocabulary, by engaging them in a systematic extensive reading program.
Contrastive Analysis of Consonants in English and Vietnamese
Authors: Huyen Nguyen Thanh
Published: June 2021

Language is an intensely indispensable tool. It has tremendous functions in communication. One is communicating and conveying messages, thoughts and ideas, feelings, insights, and mental treasures and values of a communicative society. Also, it enhances and strengthens fellowships, companionships, relationships and economic and cultural cooperation. However, language is very indistinct, unclear and confusing. This contrastive linguistics analysis will compare the consonants between English and Vietnamese. Thus, the author synthesizes stored information from various sources to compare differences in consonants between English and Vietnamese in comparative points. Then, some implications and discussion would be drawn for teaching English pronunciation, aiming at helping English learners pronounce like native speakers. The findings show that there are significant differences between English and Vietnamese consonants. This paper is intended to help teachers and English learners review English and Vietnamese consonants to minimize mistakes in their pronunciation, accommodating learners to build their confidence to communicate in L2.