bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of parameters screening in the design of switched reluctance motor
Authors: Davis lain Cameron
Published: May 2021

The fundamental operation of the switched reluctance motor (SRM) is arguably the simplest and most eloquent of all the universe of rotary electromagnetic machines. Contrast the elementary operation and construction, with the highly non-linear effects that the material properties and geometrical construction of the core add to the design process.
A consequence of these complexities, the efficient performance of an SRM requires an insight intensive, multivariable and highly iterative design process. For completeness, a literature survey is offered which presents a detailed review of three key papers that were instrumental in furthering the understanding of concepts, as related to; the fundamental operation, modeling and prediction methods and objective based design for the switched reluctance motor. In addition, two complete sections are reserved to review the fundamental concepts of the magnetic theory and the principles of SRM operation and design. From this review of theory and the available literature, it is clear that in order to reduce the complexity of the multivariable optimization problems associated with the complex SRM design, a method is required that can identify the significant variables in order
to remove the non-significant variables from the objective functioni this is commonly referred to parameter screening. This screening process can be facilitated by using factorial design, which is a powerful tool that can be used to test several variables simultaneously in order to determine their significance. The factorial design methodology was applied to a switched reluctance motor, whereby the design parameters were individually screened for their contribution towards the starting torque, aligned/unaligned flux-linkage and the RMS stroke torque. Due to the complexity, sheer number and likely interaction of the critical variables associated with SRM design, a method is described wherein the interaction and criticality of the interactions are sorted through an iterative process; whereby, the least important variables and interactions are weeded out so that the more critical variables and interactions can be studied and rated as to their importance to the outcome of the design
process. important variables and interactions are weeded out so that the more critical variables and interactions can be studied and rated as to their importance to the outcome of the design process.
Ultrasound detection using optical interferometry
Authors: Surovy Nusrat Jahan
Published: May 2021

Ultrasound imaging is a widely used noninvasive imaging technique for biomedical and other applications. Piezoelectric devices are commonly used for the generation and detection of ultrasound in these applications. However, implementation of two-dimensional arrays of piezoelectric transducers for 3D ultrasound imaging is complex and expensive. Optical Fabry-Perot interferometry is an attractive alternative to the piezoelectric devices for detection of ultrasound. In this method a thin film etalon is constructed and used. Light reflected from the two surfaces of this thin film produces an intensity which depends on the film thickness. When ultrasound is incident on the film, it changes the thickness of the film and consequently modulates the light intensity on the film. In our work, we made two types of etalon (Finesse 2) for our experiment. We detected lower frequency ultrasound (0.5 MHz or 1 MHz) using the build etalon. We determined a linear relationship between the strength of the optical signals and the exerted pressure on a film by the ultrasound. The dependence of the etalon performance on the light wavelength was demonstrated indirectly by measuring the signal at various light incidence angle. Simulation results are also presented. Lastly, we proposed the optimum design of this detection system based on the simulation results. This method of ultrasound detection can be a potential low-cost approach for 3D ultrasound imaging.
Triply Coupled Bending-Bending-Torsion Vibrational Analysis of Rotating Beams Using Fem and Dynamic Finite Element Formulation
Authors: Shavezipur Mohammad
Published: May 2021

This research presents the numerical analysis of the triply coupled flap-wise, cord-wise and torsional vibrations of flexible rotating blades. Euler-Bernoulli bending and St. Venant torsion beam theories are considered to derive the governing differential equations of motion. Based on Finite Element Methodology (FEM), the cubic "Hermite" shape functions are implemented where the solution of the equations results in a linear engine problem. Then, the Dynamic (frequency dependent) Trigonometric Shape Functions (DISF's) for beam's uncoupled displacements are derived. The application of the Dynamic Finite Element (DFE) approach to the solution of the governing equations is then presented. The DFE formulation, based on the weighted residual method and the DTSF's results in a nonlinear engine problem representing eigenvalues and engine modes of the system. The applicability of the DFE method is then demonstrated by illustrative examples, where a Wittrick-Williams root counting technique is used to find the system's natural frequencies. The DFE approach, an intermediate method between FEM and "Exact" formulation, is characterized by higher convergence rates, and can be advantageously used when multiple natural frequencies and/or higher modes of beam-like structures are to be evaluated.
Matching-based cache placement decision for 5G network caching
Authors: Sadeghpour Kharkan Shadi
Published: May 2021

In this thesis, we present a cache placement scheme to deal with backhaul link constraint in Small Cell Network for 5G wireless network. We formulated the cache placement problem as a graph matching problem and presented an optimal file-helper matching algorithm. We defined stability criterion for the matching and found that our matching solution is stable in the sense that every helper finds at least one file to cache given that no file exceed minimum cache size.

We achieved a unique placement of a file within a cluster of helpers to increase the number of files cached within a cluster. Further, our experimental evaluation demonstrates that our algorithm increases local and neighbor hit ratios as compared to a random placement, which in turn significantly decreases the traffic that goes over the backhaul bottleneck link.
Ground station scheduling optimization for a model of a real-world problem instance
Authors: Wildish Bryce
Published: May 2021

Effective scheduling of communication windows between orbiting spacecraft and ground stations is a crucial component of efficiently using spacecraft resources. In all but the most trivial cases, this forces the operator to choose a subset of the potentially available access windows such that they can achieve the best possible usage of their hardware and other resources.

This is a complex problem not normally solvable analytically, and as a result the standard approach is to apply heuristic algorithms which take an initial guess at a solution and improve upon it in order to increase its quality. Various such algorithms exist, with some being in common practice for this particular problem.

This thesis covers the application of several of the most commonly-used algorithms on a problem instance. Additionally, a real-world problem instance is used, and the resultant practical constraints are addressed when applying the heuristics and fine-tuning them for this application.
The Corporate Crisis Management Of Colour Blind Advertising : A Case Study of Dolce & Gabbana’s and H&M’s Racially Charged Campaigns
Authors: Goldentuler Jessica
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this Masters Research Paper is to analyze the methods of crisis communication utilized by H&M and Dolce & Gabbana in response to their racially charged ads launched in January 2018 and November 2018 respectively. After thorough research, it is clear that many retail groups have suffered irreparable damage to their images from a crisis (Liu et al., 2011). Image Restoration Theory (IRT) and the Social-mediated Crisis Communication model will act as a lens through which the companies’ techniques will be examined. The Literature Review aiding the research gathered in this paper will provide insight into the growth of the advertising industry, examples of modern corporate crises, and a recap of each corporation’s controversial pasts. The review will also cover theories of crisis communication and social media’s role in crisis communication. After manually collecting data from Dolce & Gabbana’s Instagram and Twitter accounts, it is clear that the Italian fashion house misused denial in combination with William Benoit’s other strategies within IRT. The public swiftly accused Dolce & Gabbana of lying and avoiding blame. After Dolce & Gabbana turned to mortification, their image had been damaged as many users labeled the apology as insincere. Similarly, the data collected on H&M reveals that the retail group attempted to evade responsibility. Later, H&M retracted their statement and released an apologized. The apology received a marginally warmer reception by Instagram users, where as many users on Twitter were demonstrably skeptical of its genuineness. When corrective action is employed the public recalls each company’s racist past. After thorough analysis, it is evident that in racially charged corporate crises it may be in the best interest of the company’s image to take full responsibility for the act and release a denial free apology.
Effects of a Cyanobacterial Toxin and Macrophyte composition on Amphibian Parasitism
Authors: Milotic Marin
Published: May 2021

Amphibians are experiencing global declines with habitat loss and degradation, and infectious diseases as major contributors. Environmental changes such as eutrophication and climate alterations can cause the proliferation of primary producers, including cyanobacteria, and both native and invasive macrophytes. Cyanobacterial blooms can be toxic due to the production of microcystins such as MC-LR, and invasive macrophytes can alter the structural complexity of aquatic habitats – both can affect host-parasite dynamics. I examined the effects of MC-LR on larval amphibian susceptibility to infection by a trematode parasite as well as host growth and anti-parasite behaviour, finding increased susceptibility to infection at low concentrations. I also investigated how MC-LR affected the longevity and activity of trematode infectious stages (cercariae), and demonstrated variable effects among species. Lastly, I examined how environmental structural complexity, modeled as macrophyte complexity and density, affected tadpole infection by a trematode parasite and host anti-parasite behaviour but found no impact.
Energy storage planning in distribution systems considering life-cycling-usage relationship
Authors: Hajia Nastaran
Published: May 2021

Asset expansion planning in Distribution System is important and should be expanded to consider utility scale energy storage systems such as batteries, flywheels, compressed air, thermal, etc. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are maturing for utility scale applications and are considered in this thesis for asset planning exercise.

Unlike other electromechanical assets such as generators, transformers, motors, feeders, distribution lines, etc., usage parameters such as number of storage cycles and depth of discharge have a dramatic nonlinear effect on the life of Battery Energy Storage Systems. Hence, in the optimal asset planning formulation of electric power distribution systems considering BESS, it is imperative to include their relationship between life in years, number of storage cycles and extent of usage in terms of depth of discharge.

A new optimal asset expansion planning formulation and algorithm for distribution systems is developed and presented in this thesis that considers (1) new sources of energy supply, and (2) BESS, while modeling nonlinear relationship life-cycling-usage of BESS.

The formulation aims to minimize annualized cost of the optimal expansion plan while satisfying forecasted demand and other distribution system service requirements. The proposed method in this thesis is then used to develop optimal expansion plans for a 6-bus synthetic system and an IEEE 33-bus distribution network. The results show the
effect of considering the life-cycling-usage relationship of BESS on optimal asset expansion plans.

Further, using sensitivity analysis, the effect of ratio off-peak load to peak load on total asset costs are analyzed and reported.
The future of the past : Toronto's palimpsest
Authors: Ryan Lee
Published: May 2021

The architecture of the city is constantly being built and erased and rebuilt again, leaving traces behind. These traces can be read and reused in further designs. However, today new designs disregard these traces of the past, or ‘palimpsest.’ The preservation and renewal of historic buildings may be seen as presenting an obstacle to the future of the city; however, these buildings hold great meaning for residents. Preservation in architecture often fails to consider the palimpsest that exists within buildings. By finding ways to preserve existing buildings, not as time capsules but as palimpsests, new layers of meaning can be added to architecture.

This thesis will explore palimpsest as an alternative method to preservation and its use in architectural practice. It will present the history and evolution of palimpsest and preservation, and propose a design for Stanley Barracks within the Exhibition Grounds to which palimpsest can bring new depth and meaning.
Mixed Metal-Organic Dyes With Dual Electrophores: Designing More Robust Dyes for Light-Harvesting Applications
Authors: Huynh Jennifer
Published: May 2021

Donor-π-spacer-acceptor architectures are a favourable motif in the design of dyes for light harvesting applications. Organic compounds offer cost-effectiveness and synthetic design versatility, while inorganic compounds possess long term redox stability and wide range for absorption. Uniting both types of molecules allows utilization of these properties. Several
projects were undertaken with the theme of a hybrid dye system and study of their redox stability. Chapter 1 gives a brief overview of the inorganic and organic compounds that paved the research in DSSC dyes. Chapter 2 details a review on copper(I) dyes in the literature and preliminary synthesis towards a D-π-A templated copper(I) dye. Chapter 3 looks into the robust potential of novel BODIPY dyes that utilize ferrocene as an electron rich donor. Chapter 4 represents a series of BODIPY-redox active donor dyads, the study of their redox stability provide insight on the decomposition pathway of these conjugates.
The rise of a media empire in the former Communist space : A case study of central European media enterprises
Authors: Kohlenberg Monica  Beatrice
Published: May 2021

During the transition from authoritarian regimes to democracy, media have changed along with the other components of social and economic life. They have evolved from propaganda vehicles to real business entities that are functioning in free markets. However, relations between the media, state, society, and market have led to the development of unique dynamics of media systems in the ex-communist countries. Among all media groups that have formed in the ex-communist space, there is one company that stands out. Central European Media Enterprises (CME) - a Bahamas-based American-owned company was the first to bring Western marketing and management styles, along with American programming. CME knew how to commercially exploit the market's underdeveloped potential and consumers' thirst for information and entertainment. This paper looks at CME mainly from a business perspective. It attempts to document and explain the company's strategies and decisions, and the way in which they were influenced by politics. The theoretical framework of the paper builds on the Splichal's concept of "political capitalism" and on Doyle's and Mosco's theories of media economics. The conclusion is that CME's financial success has been highly influenced - though not totally determined - by factors that have nothing to do with a normal, healthy business environment.
A telepresence system for canine search in an urban search and rescue environment
Authors: Tran Jimmy
Published: May 2021

Two crucial factors in urban search and rescue operations are time and data acquisition to establish situational awareness. In a fluid progression, emergency responders locate casualties and develop rescue plans, as timely response usually leads to more saved lives. The main challenge is to rescue casualties quickly without emergency responders being injured in the process - in a harsh and often unpredictable environment. Our research demonstrates that emergency responders can improve their situational awareness in a dangerous disaster situation with the aid of search canines augmented with our telepresence system - Canine Augmentation Technologies (CAT). CAT is a system that integrates a set of technologies: wireless mesh network; wearable computing; sensors; and actuators. The goal of our research is to show that it is possible to impart the sensed, real-time situation of a dog through telepresence to a remote human who can use this information to safely find trapped people in buildings having suffered structural collapses.
Run-time thermal management based on task migration techniques in 3D chip multiprocessors
Authors: Aljeddani Sulaiman Obaid
Published: May 2021

The industry trend of Chip Multiprocessors (CMPs) architecture is to move from 2D CMPs to 3D CMPs architecture for obtain higher performance, more reliability, and reduced memory access latency. However, one key challenge in designing the 3D CMPs is the thermal issue as a result of maximizing the throughput . Therefore, applying Runtime Thermal Management (RTM) has become crucial for controlling thermal hotspots. In this thesis, two methods of run-time task migration are presented to balance the temperature and reduce the number of hotspots in 3D CMPs. The proposed techniques consider hotspots both in the core and the memory layers simultaneously to make the optimum run-time task migration decisions. The first proposed approach is divided into two algorithms working in parallel, which aim at maximizing the throughput on the 3D CMPs while satisfying the peak temperature constraints. Experimental results show that the proposed architecture yields up to 60% reduction in overall chip energy. The proposed architecture improves the IPC for canneal and fluidanimate applications by 18% and 14%, respectively. In the second method, the proposed technique migrates the hottest core with the optimal coldest core instead of the coldest core in the core layer. The optimal coldest core is selected by considering hotspots.
The Interactions Between Cognitive Control, Aging, and Emotion
Authors: Truong Linda
Published: May 2021

The dual mechanisms of control framework proposes that age-related declines in cognitive control are due to deficits with continuous goal maintenance (proactive control). Older adults default instead to another form of control (reactive control). In contrast to these declines, older adults demonstrate preserved emotional processing. According to the socioemotional selectivity theory, perceived time constraints related to advancing age results in emotional regulation goals in which older adults prioritize positive well-being or mood. To achieve this, they devote more cognitive resources and pay greater attention to positive versus negative information (“positivity effects”) than younger adults. Research on the interactions between cognitive control and emotion is increasing but work focused on the interactions in older adults is limited. Thus, it is unknown how older adults' emotional goals may influence their goal maintenance deficits. This study manipulated mood and emotional face stimuli to examine whether these factors affect age differences in cognitive control between younger (ages 18-30) and older adults (ages 65+). Experiment 1 induced neutral or negative moods prior to a cognitive control task (the standard letter AX-CPT task). Results indicated typical patterns of proactive control in younger adults and reactive control in older adults that did not vary substantially by mood. Experiment 2 examined the effects of neutral, negative, and positive mood inductions on a less cognitively demanding version of the AX-CPT (with face cues as contextual information). Results showed evidence of enhanced proactive control in older adults that was comparable to that of younger adults across all mood conditions, although this was limited to response time data. Additionally, there was evidence of small mood effects on cognitive control. Finally, Experiment 3 examined the effect of positive, negative, and neutral contextual information (face cues) on older adults' cognitive control performance using a different variant of the AX-CPT (face AX-CPT). Results indicated strong engagement in reactive control that did not vary by the emotionality of the contextual information. Together, the results of this study suggest that older adults’ proactive control patterns are affected by the task demands of the AX-CPT, but there is less evidence of mood or emotional stimuli effects.
Development of an Optical Method to Measure the Thermal Conductivity of Transparent Nanofluids
Authors: Anpalagan Winsle
Published: May 2021

A comparative technique to measure the thermal conductivity of nanofluids was developed using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The technique is based on one-dimensional heat transfer occurring through a layer of deionized water and a layer of nanofluid, separated by an aluminum barrier. The fluid layers were heated from above to produce thermal stratification and to minimize free convection. The temperature gradient at the surface of both fluid domains, where the heat transfer occurs by pure conduction, was measured optically. The model was designed and evaluated using computational fluid dynamics. An experimental model was fabricated, and preliminary experiments were conducted with a SiO2-water nanofluid. The results indicate that this comparative optical method is viable. However, the thin optical windows used in the current experiments made accurate measurements difficult, due to stress-induced bending of the optical windows. Recommendations for improvements in the model design are discussed.
Healing Neighbourhoods through Urban Acupuncture
Authors: Pascaris Jonathan P.
Published: May 2021

Well-being is a holistic concept of human health, and it is inextricably linked to environment. Built landscapes that do not service real human needs can be extremely detrimental to the growth of community. In the context of Toronto, this is no more apparent than in suburban neighbourhoods where changing demographics have left a populati on with diverse and urgent needs, but in which homogenous and auto-centric built environments inhibit the informal socializati on that contribute to both individual and urban vitality. This thesis purports that architecture has a parti cularly important role in the future of such neighbourhoods because of its capacity to intensify program and create opportuniti es for people to comingle. Drawing upon the metaphor of therapeutic acupuncture, this thesis will explore the ways in which punctual interventions can activate places. Objectives of connectivity, hybridity and porosity will be explored as the means by which this activation can occur. Ultimately, this thesis aims to assert the importance of architecture in facilitating more holistic understandings of urban health.
Power efficiency estimation based health monitoring and fault detection of modular and reconfigurable robot
Authors: Yaun Jing
Published: May 2021

Power efficiency degradation of machines often provides intrinsic indication of problems associated with their operation conditions. Inspired by this observation, in this thesis work, a simple yet effective power efficiency estimation base health monitoring and fault detection technique is proposed for modular and reconfigurable robot with joint torque sensor.

The design of the Ryerson modular and reconfigurable robot system is first introduced, which aims to achieve modularity and compactness of the robot modules. Critical components, such as the joint motor, motor driver, harmonic drive, sensors, and joint brake, have been selected according to the requirement. Power efficiency coefficients of each joint module are obtained using sensor measurements and used directly for health monitoring and fault detection.

The proposed method has been experimentally tested on the developed modular and reconfigurable robot with joint torque sensing and a distributed control system. Experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
How do Pakistani immigrant women in transnational astronaut families navigate their settlement in Canada?
Authors: Farooqui Reema
Published: May 2021

This study explores the settlement experiences of ten women of Pakistani origin who belong to transnational astronaut families. It examines their reasons for choosing to live as an astronaut family, the challenges they face, and the strategies they use for settling down in Canada in the absence of their husbands. The sample was recruited from among Pakistani immigrant families who had moved to the Greater Toronto Area in the last 10 years. Semi structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the women. Several important findings emerged from this study including: the privileges these women enjoy alongside their many oppressions; the impact of the traditional Pakistani cultural patriarchy on their lives; the unrecognized potential mental health problems these women face due to the repetitive cycle of reunions and separations. In conclusion, recommendations for future practices and policy changes as well as areas for further research are discussed.
The effects of a fault management architecture on the performance of a cloud based application
Authors: Zamani Ghazal
Published: May 2021

Increasingly, the application providers are using a separate fault management system that offers out-of-the-box monitoring and alarms support for application instances. A fault management system usually consists of a set of management components that does both fault detection and can trigger actions, for example, automatic restart of monitored components. Such a distributed structure supports scalability and helps to ensure that an application meets its quality requirements. However, successful recovery of an application now depends on the fault management architecture and the status of the management components. This thesis presents a model that accounts for the effect of management-architecture based coverage on the mean throughput of an application. Such a model would benefit the application providers for choosing the right fault management architecture for their applications. Comparing five different sample fault management architectures, shows that for higher workload, the case with highest number of detection paths has the maximum throughput.
Globalizing Campuses: The Effectiveness of Post-Secondary International Student Recruitment
Authors: Tsoukalas Paraskevi (Vivi)
Published: May 2021

As the world continues to become more globalized, so does education. The internationalization of higher education is inevitable with globalization and institutions continue to recruit students from around the globe to diversify their institution. The question is how institutions do this and why it matters. This paper answers these questions by uncovering the best practices of recruiting and supporting international students at post-secondary institutions in the
City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. In order to determine the best practices and support services interviews have been conducted with employees in the international student recruitment (ISR) industry and surveys have been provided to international students. Interviews have been analyzed to identify the ISR strategies currently in place at post-secondary institutions in Toronto, and surveys have been analyzed to identify the student perspective of these methods and the support provided to them. Both sets of responses have also been compared to identify ways to improve ISR and international student support services. This paper will uncover the ways in which ISR is conducted, the ways students perceive these methods, and how best meet student needs in the future. Based on the research conducted it has been determined that the most effective strategies for ISR are relationship development, transparency of institutional expectations, and the use of effective cross-cultural communication practices. Students have assisted in determining that institutions in the GTA do have support services in place and most do provide adequate services to students. Many recommendations have been made to improve ISR including obtaining feedback from students to incorporate student needs into ISR practices and ensuring that a clear outline of the Canadian education system is provided to students.
Reverberations: how modern video game design relies on audio and haptic communication to enforce rhetorics of procedure and play
Authors: Waterman Saunder
Published: May 2021

Modern video games are increasingly becoming a more mature and respected form of storytelling and art. The way in which games can interact with players provides those players with a control over their product that is unmatched by literature or cinema. Games communicate with players in many direct and indirect ways. This paper explores how audio and haptic modes of communication are employed by different types of video games to support both elements of gameplay and the themes and rhetoric that a game possesses. Specifically, this paper focuses on how Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild express different aspects of control and procedural rhetoric through audio and haptic communication. This paper also takes into account philosophical concepts of play, widening the scope of the paper to consider why video games are an essential pastime to generations of players.
CN Tower current wavefront parameters
Authors: Burnazovic Elvir
Published: May 2021

This work is focused on the establishment of comprehensive statistics concerning the characteristics of the lightning current measured at the CN Tower during five years (1992-1996). Negative lightning currents are characterized with two distinguished impulses: short risetimes’ impulses, and impulses with substantially larger risetimes and larger current peaks in comparison with fast impulses. The slower negative current impulses were found to occur either in single stroke flashes or as first strokes in multiple stroke flashes, suggesting that they may belong to downward-initiated lightning to the CN Tower.
The statistical analysis illustrates that there is a substantial difference in current wavefront parameter of ordinary negative fast wavefront impulses and those for slow wavefront negative impulses.
The obtained statistics are very important for building lightning protection means against direct strikes to power lines, substation and communication equipments, as well as against lightning occurring in their vicinities.
Novel power control and adaptive rate transmission in W-CDMA mobile systems
Authors: Luo Gang
Published: May 2021

Radio resource management (RRM) plays an extremely important role in efficient utilization of the limited radio resources to provide guaranteed quality of service (QoS). Power and transmission rate cotrol are considered as two primary RRM components in mobile cellular systems. The former method is well-known for upholding required signal quality and reducing the energy consumption, while the latter is used to maximize the system throughput. In this thesis, the algorithm of simultaneously adapting transmission power and data rate to maximize system throughput and minimize the power consumption for W-CDMA system is proposed [1]. The greedy rate packing (GRP) allocation scheme is applied in the rate adaptation, where the higher transmission rate is assigned to the users with better channel conditions meanwhile mminimizing the transmission power. It can be interpreted that more resources, such as power and transmission rate, are allocated at time instants when channel conditons are favourable. As a result, the resource allocation will be working in an efficient way. Another problem in power control is that using fixed stepsize power control (FSPC) can not fully react to the changing of the fading fluctuations when mobile speed changes. A novel dynamic stepsize power control (DSPC) algorithm [2] is presented as well, so as to enhance the system performance. The performance of the proposal algorithms are evaluated through computer simulations, and compared with the traditional approaches from the literature. We model and stmulate all major components of the system within an accurate frame/time slot structure specified in the UMTS W-CDMA system. Numerical results verify that significant performance improvement can be achieved with the proposal algorithms.
Identification and Functional Characterization of Protest SWI/SNF and ISWI Complexes
Authors: Chipana Alejandro Saettone
Published: May 2021

The thesis aims to identify and initiate functional characterization of the SWI/SNF and ISWI complexes in Tetrahymena thermophila. Through affinity purification of the conserved subunit Snf5 followed by mass spectrometry (AP-MS), I identified the first SWI/SNF complex in protists. One of the subunits I found is a small bromodomain containing protein named Ibd1. Through AP-MS of Ibd1 I found Ibd1 is versatile and interacts with several additional chromatin remodeling complexes. Bromodomains are known to have affinity for acetylated lysine residues within proteins such as histones. A peptide array experiment suggests that Ibd1 also has affinity for acetylated chromatin. Indirect immunofluorescence (IF) of Ibd1 hints at a role in transcription. My analysis of Tetrahymena Iswi1 shows expression during meiosis, vegetative growth and starvation. IF data shows its localization is consistent with Iswi1 function in mitosis/meiosis or maintenance of silent chromatin. AP-MS of ISW1 discovered several interacting proteins of unknown function.
The effect of essential oils on the growth of bacteria from municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Bokhari Syed M. Raza
Published: May 2021

Bacterial sensitivity to essential oils has been reported in the case of soil isolated bacteria, food isolated bacteria but there is little evidence available to support the fact that wastewater isolated bacteria show sensitivity to essential oils. Keeping in view this fact the present investigation aims to determine the wastewater isolated bacterial strains sensitivity to six commercially available plant essential oils including clove, cinnamon, oregano, tea tree, fennel, and wintergreen. The essential oils were tested against ten laboratory bacterial strains (Acinetobacter baumanii, Escherichia coli: DH5α, E.coli: AD202, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas poae, Pseudomonas putida, staphylococcus aureus, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) (2) and ten wastewater isolated bacterial strains (Acinetobacter baumanii, Acinetobacter bouretii, Aeromonas hydrophila, E.coli, Enterobacter cloaceae, Flavobacterium branchiophilum, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas staurtii, Serratia fonticola, and Staphylococcus muscae) using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay, and the broth tube macrodilution MIC assay. The disc-diffusion assay showed that three of the oils, clove, cinnamon and oregano, were the most effective at inhibiting the growth of all the known single isolates. The broth tube MIC assay found that the WWTP isolated bacterial strains such as E. coli, Staphylococcus muscae, Enterobacter cloaceae, Acinetobacter baumanii were most sensitive to clove oil at MIC concentration ≤ 0.52 mg/ml, cinnamon oil at MIC concentration ≤ 0.51 mg/ml, and oregano oil MIC concentration ≤ 0.47 mg/ml. Finally, wastewater microbial community samples from activated sludge, returned sludge and anaerobic digesters were reduced by 0% > 94.24%, 46% > 99%, 70% > 97% percent when tested against clove, cinnamon, and oregano oils.
A regime switching model with exogenous variables in a study of hedge funds
Authors: Adamopoulos Pauline
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to investigate the correlation between states of the global economy, and returns of hedge fund indices while assessing exposure to macroeconomic risk factors.

States of the economy are assumed to follow a three-state Markov chain, and are estimated using the MSCI World Index; estimated states appear to capture most significant global events. State-dependent exposure to macroeconomic and financial factors is assessed with a multivariate regime-switching model which, is then extended to a multivariate quadratic one.

It is concluded that the exposure to any given factor is largely state dependent: different hedge fund indices exhibit exposure to different factors conditional upon the state of the global economy, the ensuing changes in economic indicators, and the changes in capital flows. Furthermore, macroeconomic factors are found to be significant in estimating the returns of hedge fund indices, and quadratic models using both financial and economic factors yield significantly better estimates.
Dynamic Modelling and Predictive Control for Insect-Like Flapping Wing Aerial Micro Robots
Authors: Sakhaei Alborz
Published: May 2021

The outstanding potential capability of flapping-wing aerial micro robots to perform gamut [sic] of applications ranging from indoor and confined space missions to perilous environment explorations elevates them from conventional fixed and rotary wing micro aerial vehicles. Despite the remarkable progress in development of manufacturing paradigms to fabricate an at-scale insect-like aerial micro robot, the existing methods are still incompetent to mimic even the most basic maneuvers [sic] of the flying insects. This incompetency comes from technological limitations in terms of size and power density as well as lack of thorough insight into the complex neuromuscular actuation mechanism of the insects' wing. These limitations raise the motivation to develop a simulation framework to be used to analyze the stability and flight dynamics of the insect-like aerial micro robots, and provide a means by which the controller design for these systems could be accomplished.

This thesis describes the development of such simulation framework in the context of dynamic modelling and controller design. A consistent set of dynamic and kinematic equations of motion are developed, and the application of the model predictive control strategy for insect-like flapping wing aerial micro robots is investsigated.
Visualisation of flow pattern and measurement of liquid distribution in a random packed column using electrical resistance tomography (ERT)
Authors: Aoda Nazar
Published: May 2021

The aim of this research is to use Electrical Resistance Tomography technique (ERT) to measure factors that affect local mass transfer at various axial locations in a random packed column with diameter 0.3m and bed height 150cm filled with 2 cm plastic spheres. These factors are: liquid maldistribution, velocity profiles, and flow pattern. The system was designed to run in a trickling down-flow mode and a full liquid up-flow mode. Experiments were performed at flow rates of 3, 6, and 9 gpm (or 0.27 x 10⁻², 0.54 x 10⁻² and 0.8 x 10⁻² m³/m² s) and under normal operating conditions of 25C° and atmospheric pressure. The liquid maldistribution factors were measured via ERT technique and the conventional liquid collection method. Both measurements were conducted at various fluid flow rates at different bed heights. The results of ERT were in very good agreement with the conventional method. The standard deviation values were 17% and 21% at flow rates 3 and 6 gpm respectively. The numerical values of velocity for full liquid up flow at 3 gpm were 0.83cm/s, 1.2cm/s, 1.2 cm/s and 1.11 cm/s for different heights of 30, 60 and 90 cm respectively and the numerical values of velocity for trickle down flow at 3 gpm were 16.5 cm/s, 22.5 cm/s and 24 cm/ for different heights of 30, 60 and 90 cm respectively. The values of the liquid maldistribution factor for flow rate 3 gpm were 0.43 (30cm), 0.33(60cm) and 0.30 (90cm) and for flow rate 6 gpm were 0.33(30cm), 0.27(60cm) and 0.22 (90cm). By comparison with findings of many studies conducted on liquid distribution in packed bed column, a good agreement was observed on the relation of Mf and flow rates and bed heights.
Cluster profiles of mild traumatic brain injury : neurocognitive and psychological symptoms
Authors: Mainland Brian J
Published: May 2021

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) comprise roughly 80% of all brain injuries and represent the majority of TBI patients seen in hospitals. mTBI can result in a wide-range of cognitive deficits and patients often develop co-morbid psychological disorders post-injury. The current study identified whether co-morbid psychological diagnoses are associated with specific patterns of cognitive deficits in 232 mTBI patients, aged 17-78 years, by means of cluster analyses. The presence of a co-morbid adjustment disorder was related to deficits in mental flexibility and attention, and the presence of a pain disorder was associated with deficits in abstract reasoning. Also, the presence of multiple co-morbid diagnoses was related to deficits in visual-spatial construction, abstract reasoning, mental flexibility and attention. Demographic variables, such as greater months since injury and fewer years of education, were also linked to deficits in cognitive functioning. This study highlights the influence of psychological diagnoses on cognitive test performance and provides support for the need to address co-morbid diagnoses during rehabilitation.
The Intersectional Integration: Examining The Integration Experiences Of Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ Refugees In Canada and Service Providers Response
Authors: Alhajali Yazan
Published: May 2021

The intersectional identities of Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ (ME-LGBTQ+) refugees expose them to different forms of discrimination and persecution throughout the asylum experience, whether in their home countries, proxy countries or even in Canada, which results in increased difficulties and challenges in integration. By interviewing six ME-LGBTQ+ refugees and conducting a content analysis on 27 websites of refugee-serving organizations, this study explores how the intersectional identities of ME-LGBTQ+ refugees have shaped their integration, and examines the role of the services providers in response to their intersectional integration. The findings revealed that ME-LGBTQ+ refugees suffered intersectional forms of discrimination at the intersection of nationality with gender and sexuality, which resulted on aggravated mental stresses, in addition to gaps in access to services which ME-LGBTQ+ refugees mitigated through their personal solidarity networks. The content analysis revealed gaps in mental health service provision and representation of LGBTQ+ refugees coupled with a complex and overlapping structure of services that hindered the ability of ME-LGBTQ+ refugees to leverage these services. Recommendations include allocating more efforts to understanding the intersectional backgrounds of ME-LGBTQ+
refugees, providing tailored orientation and guidance services in their native language and creating LGBTQ+ friendly housing communities and safe spaces that would allow ME-LGBTQ+ refugees to socialize, express their identities and feel safe, and, therefore, facilitating their successful integration in Canada.

Keywords LGBTQ+, Refugees, Immigrants, Canada, Toronto, Middle Eastern, Service providers, Resettlement organizations, Refugee organizations, intersectionality.
This Thesis is Garbage: Rethinking Waste, Empowering Communities, Experimenting with Informality for an Unsettling Future
Authors: Potovszky Nicholas A.
Published: May 2021

In order to counter contemporary threats to the security of contemporary societies radical experimentation into new ways of living is needed. Taking inspiration from the global phenomenon of informal cities and their unique relationship with waste materials and spaces, this thesis proposes alternative ways of approaching community development in Affluent World cities. It envisions a development paradigm that incorporates user control in the design and construction of housing and other community infrastructure, encouraging the scavenging of materials and the re-appropriation of underused land. In line with the successful development practices now being carried out in informal settlements around the world, this bottom-up approach to development has surprising and encouraging implications for the practice of architecture and the quality of the built environment. Far from a dystopian view of society, this thesis presents an approach to building resilience into cities in a manner that does not shy away from the most pressing problems of today.
The potential value of academic practice organization partnerships in facilitating a positive transition experience for Canadian new graduate nurses
Authors: Ghatora Rajkiran
Published: May 2021

Canadian nurse leaders have called for academic and practice organizations to address ongoing issues in undergraduate nursing education and the new graduate nurse transition to the nursing role in the practice setting. The purpose of this study was to explore Canadian nurse leaders’ perspectives of the potential value of academic-practice organization partnerships in facilitating a positive transition experience for Canadian new graduate nurses. An exploratory qualitative descriptive approach was employed using semi-structured interviews and conventional content analysis. Nurse leader participants reported value in academic and practice organizations communicating and collaborating to address matters contributing to the new graduate nurse transition to the practice setting. Implications for practice, education, policy and research are explored.
A discourse analysis of the College of Early Childhood educators communications: how do they shape the professional identity of Ontario's registered early childhood educators?
Authors: Cameron Chanequa
Published: May 2021

The College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) regulates registered early childhood educators (RECEs) in Ontario, Canada. The CECE distributes numerous communications to RECEs, whereby the text (both implicitly and explicitly) works to situate ECEs within a particular professional identity. This research study applies discourse analysis to code and categorize text from 66 communications disseminated by the CECE to RECEs. I identify five key discourses as well as several discursive strategies used to reinforce the discourses that contribute to the construction of a professional identity for Ontario RECEs. This study also employs two theoretical frameworks, feminist theory and critical race theory (CRT), to examine “what is not being said” by the CECE about the realities of RECE working conditions. I offer a counter-discourse to provide a narrative account of how particular RECE working conditions and real life professional experiences collide with the five discourses, and create a professional crisis in a current patchwork system.

Keywords: professional identity, discourses, constructionism, feminist theory, critical race theory (CRT)
The atonement pages
Authors: Hermoza Anibal Bullon
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the process of atonement beyond its religious significance as a powerful tool to rewire our brain, reconsider our old beliefs and establish new patterns of behaviors to improve our daily lives, repair relationships and live in harmony with ourselves and others. The work in this paper is based on self-exploration as well as a dive into the relevant scholarship with the overall goal of finding and sharing tools; and building road maps to help others heal themselves as well as relationships with others. The project relies primarily on personal exploration and a broad social media platform like Facebook to provide access to many others who can benefit from engaging with the topic and process of atonement