title: A Study of Energy, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Economics in Machining: Milling and Single Point Incremental Forming

contributor:
Jeswiet, Jack
Kim, Il-Yong
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Carbon Dioxide
Energy
Milling
Optimize
Sustainable Manufacturing
Economics
Machining
Single Point Incremental Forming

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-03 19:58:07.76

abstract:
A simple model that includes energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the economics of machining is proposed, which has been published in the highly respected and cited journal, Annals of CIRP (International Academy for Production Engineering). This is a timely analysis in current government discussions on a proposed carbon tax or a carbon cap and trade regime and greater energy efficiency.
The new cost model is based on life cycle analysis methodology for the initial part production. An illustrative example is given showing that the cheapest electrical grid should not be chosen, if it also has the highest CO2 emissions. Accurate pricing is important, because the more expensive product was highly dependent on the carbon price.
A comprehensive review of machining economic models is covered. However, there is a dearth of actual machining data in the literature. This work includes studies in milling and single point incremental forming (SPIF) which can be used by other manufacturing engineers in their machining economic model development.
The first milling study involved simple straight cuts. In general, as feed rate (FD) increased (increasing the material removal rate, MRR), the energy consumed decreased as process time decreased. In contrast, as spindle speed (N) increased, energy consumed increased, since more power is drawn by the motor, without a process time reduction. Given the inverse power relationship observed for the time, energy, process CO2 and cost against MRR, the recommended parameters were the same at the highest FD and lowest N permissible. In the second milling study with constant N for a more complex part (sprocket), similar relationships were observed. However, for sprockets made at constant chip load (allowing FD and N to change together), there were varying prescribed MRRs for time, energy, process CO2 and cost minimization.
The SPIF studies showed a similar relationship to the constant N milling, and, that results for a simple part can be extrapolated to improve efficiency in more complex parts.
Finally, although the energy and carbon costs represented a small contribution to the final cost, their significance increased for higher efficiency parameters or user conditions, e.g. low labour rate.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: A Framework for the Meta-Analysis of Survey Data

contributor:
Day, Troy
Steinsaltz, David
Mathematics and Statistics

rights: This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.

subject:
Meta-Analysis
Combining Surveys

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-06 15:11:24.717

abstract: The research outlined in this thesis covers various different statistical issues relating to meta-analysis of survey data.  These issues include the creation of an original comprehensive methodological framework for combining survey data, a comparison of this framework with the traditional one proposed by Cochran for the combination of experiments, a proposal for a new weighting method that takes into account the differences in variability due to the sampling plan, an examination of the convergence of meta-analytic estimators, and a discussion on the numerous implicit assumptions researchers make when they are using meta-analysis methods with survey data along with guidelines for completing and reporting reviews when the data come from surveys.

abstract: PhD


title: Geomorphic and Fluvial Response to Recent Permafrost Disturbances in a High Arctic River, Cape Bounty, Nunavut

contributor:
Lamoureux, Scott F.
Geography

subject:
Sediment transport
Arctic
Hydrology

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-08 16:31:48.633

abstract: Using a sediment budget approach, suspended sediment transport dynamics were studied over the 2010 summer runoff season in the 8 km2 West River catchment at the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory (CBAWO), Melville Island, Nunavut.  Research was carried out in an effort to determine the longer term impacts and response of recent (2007-8) active layer detachments (ALD) on the river system.  In 2010, measured ALD inflows contributed 4.7% of the measured sediment yield, a decrease of 13.3% from 2007 when they initially formed.  This indicates that while they continue to supply sediment to the main river, the impact they have on sediment fluxes, and hence the sediment budget has diminished, with time.  Results from the sediment budget indicate that connectivity and the sediment delivery ratio within the system have also decreased with time.  Sediment budget analysis shows that in response to this additional sediment, the West River progressively stores more sediment throughout the season, storing as much as 85% of sediment inflows during baseflow.  Sediment was preferentially deposited within the channel, with coarser material deposited in the upper reaches, and finer material deposited in the lower reaches.  Similarly, the transported and stored sediment became progressively finer with time, indicating the importance that river competence and wetted perimeter have on sediment transport as the larger sediment was entrained earlier in the season under higher flow conditions when the sediment was accessible, and finer sediment transported later in the season due to decreased competence and reduced accessibility of sediment.  This sediment storage is expected to replenish sediment in the channel that is eroded during peak discharge in spring, and also dampens the effects that disturbances have on the sediment budget through storage.  Sediment stored in the channel towards the end of the season does not contribute to sediment yield and may prove to be an important source of sediment in future years under late summer rainfall events.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Seafloor Massive Sulphides: Assessment of Sustainable Mining Potential through an Iterative Decision-making Framework

contributor:
Pakalnis, Vic
Mining Engineering

subject:
sustainability
seafloor massive sulphides
IDEF0
sustainable mining

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-12 12:54:28.436

abstract:
Extraction of metals from the seafloor has been considered for decades, beginning with manganese nodules in the 1970s.  Today, the targets are massive sulphide deposits rich in copper, zinc, gold, and silver that are associated with hydrothermal vents or black smoker chimneys that occur at divergent and convergent plate margins such as mid-ocean ridges and volcanic island arcs respectively.
A recent objective of the mining industry is to develop industry practices that coincide with concepts of sustainability or sustainable development.  This objective, known by some as sustainable mining, has indeed become an essential part of the commissioning of any new project, regardless of geographical location.  While there has been much work on sustainable mining practice for terrestrial mining, these frameworks are not directly applicable to seafloor projects.
There are two problems facing the development of a seabed mining industry.  First, there is a regulatory vacuum when considering the mining of seabed deposits, leading to important policy issues.  Second, the economic, environmental, and social impacts of a seabed mining project are theoretical, and the real impacts are unknown.  Thus, the identification, characterization, and analysis of the sustainability issues facing a seabed mining project are essential steps.  To assist with performing these three steps, this thesis provides a process model based on the IDEF0 (Integration DEFinition) standard to assess seafloor massive sulphide mining projects from sustainable mining perspectives.  This adaptation of IDEF0 provides a clear, visual representation of a hierarchical framework that can be used to identify “go no-go” sustainability criteria to assist decision makers interested in the potential development of an ore body.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Characterization of Thermo-Fluid Transport Properties of Coated and Uncoated Open-Cell Metal Foam Monoliths

contributor:
Karan, Kunal
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Monolithic Reactors
Engineering
Catalysis
Heat Transfer
Chemical Engineering
Metal Foam
Packed Bed Reactor
Reaction Engineering

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-12 20:11:18.046

abstract: An improved steady-state method combining experiment and mathematical modelling has been developed to characterize the scalable convective heat transfer coefficient, hvol [W*m^(-3)*K^(-1)], of uncoated and catalyst-support coated aluminium foam monoliths. The values of hvol were recovered by parameter fitting its model values to experimental temperature data for steady-state air-cooled monoliths under a known heating flux. The model was built with experimentally recovered values of the monolith’s thermal conductivity and fluid permeability along with known values for other physical parameters. The volumetric heat transfer coefficients of 10, 20 and 40 pore-per-inch uncoated aluminium foams were determined to range between 2,700 and 20,000 W*m^(-3)*K^(-1) at channel Reynolds numbers between 85 and 1,700. The presence of a 76 micron thick anodized layer of catalyst support on monolith foams effected a small but significant reduction in the value of hvol. Coating with an anodized layer also reduced the permeabilities of the monoliths to air flow by 4-20%. Knowledge of the scalable parameter, hvol, was used to model a steady-state non-isothermal, non-isobaric heat-coupled methanol reformer. The model shows that changes to the convective transfer coefficient due to coating the monolith with catalyst support may have significant consequences for the thermal profile of the model reactor and for the product yield.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Interactions of Lipoprotein(a) with the Plasminogen System: Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Consequences

contributor:
Koschinsky, Marlys
Biochemistry

subject:
Plasminogen Activation
Plasminogen
Fibrin Clot Structure
Oxidized Phospholipids
Apolipoprotein(a)
Fibrinolysis

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-14 08:26:54.99

abstract:
Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) are associated with increased risk of atherothrombotic disease. Lp(a) is a unique lipoprotein consisting of a low density lipoprotein-like moiety covalently linked to apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)), a homologue of the fibrinolytic proenzyme plasminogen. Apo(a) is extremely heterogeneous in size with small isoforms being independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that Lp(a)/apo(a) can inhibit tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)-mediated plasminogen activation on fibrin surfaces, although the mechanism of inhibition by apo(a) remains controversial. Essential to fibrin clot lysis are a number of plasmin-dependent positive feedback reactions that enhance the efficiency of plasminogen activation, including the plasmin-mediated conversion of Glu1-plasminogen to Lys78-plasminogen.
Additionally, abnormal fibrin clot structures have been associated with both an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and elevated Lp(a) levels. Similarly, oxidized phospholipids have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease, and are not only preferentially carried by Lp(a) in the plasma but have also been shown to covalently-modify both apo(a) and plasminogen.
In this thesis, we built upon the understanding of the role of apo(a) in plasminogen activation on the fibrin/degraded fibrin surface by determining that: (i) apo(a) inhibits plasmin-mediated Glu1-plasminogen to Lys78-plasminogen conversion and identifying the critical domains in apo(a) responsible for this effect, (ii) apo(a) isoform size does not affect either the inhibition of tPA-mediated plasminogen activation or the inhibition of plasmin-mediated Glu1-plasminogen to Lys78-plasminogen conversion, (iii) apo(a) modifies fibrin clot structure to form more dense clots with thinner fibers and reduced permeability, modifications that enhance the ability of apo(a) to inhibit tPA-mediated plasminogen activation and (iv) the phosphorus content of apo(a) affects its ability to inhibit tPA-mediated plasminogen activation and the phosphorus content of plasminogen affects its ability to be activated by tPA.
By understanding these individual reactions, each of which has the potential to affect the broader fibrin clot lysis process, we have expanded our understanding of the overall effect of Lp(a)/apo(a) in the inhibition of plasminogen activation on the fibrin/degraded fibrin surface and thus broadened our understanding of how Lp(a)/apo(a) may mediate the inhibition of thrombolysis in vivo.

abstract: The thesis must be restricted from publication because we will be publishing the individual chapters at a later date.

abstract: PhD


title: Quantum Chemical Simulations of the Mechanical Activation of Pericyclic Reactions

contributor:
Mosey, Nicholas
Chemistry

subject:
Mechanochemistry
Force-modified potential energy surface
Pulling points
Quantum chemical simulations

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-14 16:47:24.197

abstract: Mechanochemistry, the use of mechanical stress to activate chemical reactions, has emerged as a significant area of interest in recent years. Two theoretical approaches have been developed to simulate mechanochemical processes: COnstrained Geometries Simulate External Force (COGEF) and External Force is Explicitly Included (EFEI). In the COGEF method, mechanical stress is simulated by increasing the distance between atoms in a molecule that serve as pulling points (PPs) at a constant rate. In the EFEI methods, a constant external force (Fext) is applied between PPs, allowing the atoms to move to maintain that force. Both methods have been used in the literature to study the ring opening of cyclobutene under mechanochemical conditions. These studies have shown that applying a force between cis PPs in cyclobutene induces ring opening along the conrotatory pathway in COGEF-based simulations and ring opening along the disrotatory pathway in EFEI-based simulations. The latter is consistent with experiments. The work in this thesis identifies the origin of the differences in the outcomes obtained with these two methods, which may be of interest in the context of researchers selecting methods to simulate mechanochemical processes. The results demonstrate that the origin of the difference in behaviour is related to the manner in which these methods alter the potential energy surface (PES) through the application of a mechanical stress. Specifically, the PES obtained with the COGEF method does not contain a minimum energy pathway (MEP) linking cyclobutene to the disrotatory product, whereas the EFEI surface does contain such a path. The differences in PESs suggest that the EFEI method is more suitable to simulate mechanochemical processes. The EFEI approach was then used to examine how the electronic structure evolves to permit a formally forbidden disrotatory reaction to occur. The circumvention of the Woodward-Hoffmann rules was not due to a change in the electronic structure. Instead, the application of an external force shifts the transition state along the reaction coordinate towards the reactants, lowering the barrier for the reactions. The orbital effects that disfavor movement from reactants to products are rendered secondary to mechanochemical factors.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Exploring the Relationship between Stories from the Land and Character Development

contributor:
Upitis, Rena
Education

subject:
Learning from First Nations' teachings
Character Development
Stories from the Land

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Education) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-17 11:03:25.805

abstract:
Abstract
This research explores the relationship between stories from the land and character education, and examines how the land forms the characters of those who live with Her. Twenty-seven participants were chosen through the snowball, or chain sampling, method from three groups of people living roughly within the boundaries of Hastings County, Ontario. Three groups of people were included: those living on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory; generational farmers, whose families had settled in this area; and relative newcomers who have come to the area as recently as twenty years ago and self-identified as coming here in order to be closer to the land. Ages varied, with the youngest participant being 30 years old and the eldest being 94. Each participant was asked to share a story from his or her experience of living with the land in this area. During personal visits, stories were conveyed through conversations between the participant and the researcher, and recorded using both audio and video equipment. After transcription, the stories were coded for evidence of character development and reflected upon using three lenses: Noddings (2003) circles of caring; Haig-Brown’s (2010) ways through which the land teaches us; and the traditional Ojibway story of the Seven Grandfather Teachings. This reflection process was guided by the notion of close reading of the transcripts, close listening to audio recordings for voice inflection and laughter, and close watching of video recordings for body language. Findings from the research revealed rich connections between the stories and the three lenses used. Every aspect of character development was evidenced in one or more stories. The stories affirmed that, as the elders have traditionally taught, the land moulds people. Those who live in the same area develop character in similar ways. There was no substantial difference shown between the character traits evident in the stories given by Mohawk people and those from the other two groups. Character traits identified were reflective of the skills necessarily developed to live and work on this land. Implications for the development of character education curriculum emerged from the consideration of the use of locally based stories within classrooms.

abstract: I am hoping to commercially publish the stories included in this dissertation within the next year.

abstract: PhD


title: Production of Medium-Chain-Length Poly(3-Hydroxyalkanoates) Using Pseudomonas Citronellolis DSM50332 and P. Putida KT2440 in Continuous Reactor Systems

contributor:
Ramsay, Juliana A.
Chemical Engineering

subject: MCL-PHA

subject: Medium Chain Length Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates)

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-19 15:48:21.808

abstract:
In vivo production of medium-chain-length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (MCL-PHA) containing a side chain carboxyl group from azelaic acid (AzA), a nine-carbon α,ω-dicarboxylic acid, was investigated using Pseudomonas citronellolis DSM 50332 in a phosphate (P)-limited chemostat. Co-feeding with nonanoic acid (NA) and inhibition of β-oxidation with acrylic acid (AA) were strategies that were used to stimulate the incorporation of carboxylated monomers, but both were unsuccessful. P. citronellolis DSM50332 was capable of growing on AzA as a sole source of carbon and energy, indicating that enzymes in β-oxidation utilized AzA and its derivatives. However, the MCL-PHA produced from AzA comprised 3-hydroxyoctanoate (C8) and 3-hydroxydecanoate (C10) monomers, which was consistent with precursor supplied via the de novo fatty acid biosynthesis pathway. This evidence suggests that one or more of 3-ketoacyl-CoA reductase (FabG), enoyl-CoA hydratase (PhaJ) and PHA synthase (PhaC) of this organism do not have the low specificity required to utilize a carboxylated substrate. Future work involving mutations may broaden the substrate specificity of these key enzymes to overcome this obstacle.
Two-stage high-cell density carbon (C)-limited chemostat cultivation of P. putida KT2440 was examined for MCL-PHA production from nonanoic acid (NA) at high intracellular polymer content and volumetric productivity. Growth conditions stimulating good PHA production were first established in single-stage chemostat, which yielded 63.1 wt% PHA containing 90 mol% C9 units and a productivity of 1.52 g L-1h-1 at a dilution rate of 0.30 h-1. This productivity was higher than any value reported in literature for continuous MCL-PHA production systems and comparable to the upper range of fed-batch results. Two-stage production yielded promising results, notably the increase in polymer content from the first to second stage. However, complications involving foaming and an unexplained decline in PHA content adversely affected system performance. The best PHA content and overall productivity were 58.5 wt% and 0.76 g L-1h-1, respectively. Nonetheless, the results demonstrate the potential to achieve high PHA content
without the need for pure oxygen at high dilution rates, warranting further investigation focusing on the
optimization of growth conditions.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: "Betting on Saskatchewan" : Nationalism, Cultural Imperialism and the Emma Lake Artists’ Workshops

contributor:
Brison, Jeffrey
Jessup, Lynda
Art History

subject:
Emma Lake Artists' Workshops
Regina Five
Ted Godwin
Nationalism
Ronald Bloore
Douglas Morton
Massey Commission
Barnett Newman in Canada
Clement Greenberg in Canada
Saskatchewan
Art History
Cultural Policy
Kenneth Lochhead
Arthur McKay

abstract: Thesis (Master, Art History) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-20 17:29:24.88

abstract:
The Emma Lake Artists’ Workshops from the 1950s to the 1970s were a series of professional workshops held in northern Saskatchewan, under the auspices of the University of Saskatchewan and Regina College, for the creation and advancement of a dynamic arts culture in the province and as a way for the individual artists there to overcome feelings of isolation from the Canadian cultural hubs.  Throughout the course of the Workshops provincial and federal attitudes, and cultural policies and perspectives on cultural nation building exerted an overarching influence in the shaping of the Workshops.
	The Workshops drew the attention and support of many established celebrity U.S. artists and it is due to their presence and influence at the Workshops that it is possible to examine the provincial and national response to perceived U.S. cultural imperialism.  The founding and maturity of the Workshops is a case study of the ways in which the politics of Canadian nationalism and the effects of U.S. cultural imperialism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries interacted to impact the growth and development of art communities across Canada.  The Workshops serve as an example of the effects, on a regional art movement, of Canada’s relationship with the United States, and Canadian response to the perceived threat of cultural imperialism from the U.S.  Because the Workshops were a microcosm of cultural production, involving artists who, aside from their participation at Emma Lake, were often fairly isolated from the ebb and flow of art currents inherent to larger cultural centers, the Workshops are also an important case study of the effects of national and provincial policy on the regional arts.  The Workshops’ history reveals that ideas of nationalism, regionalism and continentalism can come together to have a profound and unique effect on the development of an art community.

abstract: M.A.


title: Validation of 3D Surface Measurements Using Computed Tomography

contributor:
Ellis, Randy E.
Computing

subject:
3D Surface Contours
Computed Tomography
Stereovision
Laser Scanner

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-10 11:37:50.374

abstract: Objective and accurate surface measurements are important in many clinical disciplines. Non-irradiating and low cost alternatives are available but validation of these measurement tools for clinical application is variable and sparse. This thesis presents a three dimensional (3D) surface measurement method validated by gold standard Computed Tomography (CT). Forty-one 3D surface data sets were acquired by two modalities, a laser scanner and a binocular camera. The binocular camera was tested with three different texture modifiers that increased the colour variability of the imaged surface. A surface area calculation algorithm was created to process the data sets. Relative differences were calculated for each area measurement with respect to its corresponding CT measurement. The laser scanner data sets were affected by movement and specular reflection artefacts. The measurements were statistically equivalent to CT if less than 20% error were considered acceptable. The binocular camera with the slide projected texture modifier was shown to be statistically equivalent to CT gold standard with less than 5% error (p < 0.0005). The surface area measurement method can easily be expanded and customized. By following the protocol outlined by the example in this work, researchers and clinicians would also be able to objectively asses other vision systems' performance and suitability.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Role of Dispersal During the Recovery of Acid-Damaged Zooplankton Communities

contributor:
Arnott, Shelley E.
Biology

subject:
Recovery
Zooplankton
Dispersal
Killarney Park
Acidification

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-20 22:49:05.193

abstract:
Ecologists studying acid-damaged zooplankton communities have often documented a time lag in recovery following pH increases. While previous work has provided a solid understanding of the local factors that may delay recovery (e.g. competition), less is known about the role of dispersal. The work in this thesis was conducted to test the hypothesis that dispersal limitation contributes to delays in the recovery of acid-damaged zooplankton communities. To assess the role of dispersal during recovery I pursued three objectives: 1) To measure dispersal in the field and determine the relative importance of various dispersal vectors for contributing acid-sensitive colonists to lakes; 2) to determine if spatial structure in recovering zooplankton communities exists across the landscape independent of environmental gradients; and 3) to determine if an interaction between dispersal and local environmental variables could influence recovery.
Data collected for Objective 1 demonstrated that overland dispersal rates for acid-sensitive species in Killarney Park were relatively low, but some species were found emerging from the diapausing egg bank or dispersing through streams to recovering lakes. Spatial modeling and variation partitioning analyses for Objective 2 revealed spatial patterns indicative of dispersal limitation in recovering Killarney Park zooplankton communities. Enclosure experiments conducted for Objective 3 suggested that the colonization of the acid-sensitive copepod Epischura lacustris may be influenced by an interaction between dispersal levels and pH, such that higher dispersal levels may be required for establishment in lakes that are early in the process of pH recovery. Enclosure experiments also indicated that community resistance and low dispersal levels might hinder the reestablishment of the acid-sensitive copepod Skistodiaptomus oregonensis.
Taken together, my results strongly suggest that dispersal limitation could contribute to delays in zooplankton community recovery. The recovery of acid-sensitive copepod species may be particularly difficult, as their reestablishment in recovering lakes appears to be influenced by Allee effects, community resistance, and an interaction between pH and dispersal levels. While dispersal rates could be artificially increased by human intervention, this would carry the risk of introducing invasive species. As a result, patience and continued monitoring of recovering lakes may be the best management approaches at this time.

abstract: PhD


title: The Assessment of Functional Sympatholysis Post-Exercise in the Human Skeletal Muscle

contributor:
Tschakovsky, Michael E.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
functional sympatholysis
muscle blood flow
blood pressure
post-exercise

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-21 17:17:09.037

abstract: To optimize muscle blood flow to the skeletal muscle during exercise, the vascular bed of the muscle is partially protected from sympathetic nervous activity (SNA) vasoconstriction via a phenomenon termed functional sympatholysis. Functional sympatholysis has been documented during exercise periods in human skeletal muscle. However, it remains unknown whether functional sympatholysis is specific to the exercising period, or if it may persist for a period of time following skeletal muscle exercise. Through this study, we aimed to confirm the presence and duration of post-exercise functional sympatholysis in the human skeletal muscle. The cold pressor test (CPT) was administered to 9 male (mean age = 21.1 ± 0.8 years) participants at various time points during four different experimental trials (Rest, Exercise, Recovery 1 and Recovery 2). Exercise consisted of 7 minutes of moderate isometric handgrip exercise (15% below critical power). Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded continuously throughout each trial. Brachial artery mean blood velocity measurements as well as brachial artery diameter measurements were recorded on each participant’s exercising arm throughout each trial. Deep venous blood samples were drawn pre- and post-CPT administration from a catheter inserted into an antecubital vein of each participant’s non-experimental arm. The cardiovascular response to the CPT was repeatable across experimental days as it consistently resulted in MAP elevations regardless of the experimental time point of administration. The CPT also resulted in a significant elevation in plasma norepinephrine concentration from 0.49 ± 0.04 ng/mL at “pre-CPT” measurement to 0.66 ± 0.05 ng/mL at the end of the CPT in the Rest trial (P < 0.05). The percentage reduction in forearm vascular conductance (FVC) due to CPT administration during Exercise (4.5 ± 6.6%) and Recovery 1 (4 minutes post-exercise; -11.6 ± 8.8%) was significantly blunted in comparison to that measured during Rest (-34.8 ± 7.4%) (P < 0.05). The percentage change in FVC during the Recovery 2 trial (10 minutes post-exercise; -20.1 ± 7.1%) was not significantly different from that measured at Rest. These findings support the concept of a lingering presence of functional sympatholysis 4 minutes, but not 10 minutes, post-moderate exercise.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Kinetic Modeling of Homo- and Co- Polymerization of Water-Soluble N-vinyl Monomers

contributor:
Hutchinson, Robin A.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Quaternized Vinylimidazole
N-vinylimidazole
Free-Radical Polymerization
Aqueous-Phase
N-vinylpyrrolidone
Kinetic Modeling
N-vinylformamide

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-21 16:05:14.904

abstract:
Functional water-soluble polymers find applications in a variety of fields including waste-water treatment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, drug delivery, and hygiene. Despite the increased demand for these products, understanding of their synthesis by free-radical aqueous-phase polymerization has lagged behind that of polymers produced in organic solvents. In this doctoral work, the free-radical batch and semibatch aqueous-phase polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), N-vinylformamide (NVF), N-vinylimidazole (NVI) and quaternized vinylimidazole (QVI), as well as NVP polymerized in n-butanol, has been studied. Kinetic models are developed to describe monomer conversion and polymer molecular weight (MW) behaviour of these systems. The expressions developed from independent pulsed-laser studies for propagation (kp) and termination (kt) rate coefficients, including their variation with monomer concentration and conversion, are shown to provide an excellent description of aqueous-phase NVP polymerization. Polymerization of NVP in butanol and of NVF in water are well-represented by the base NVP model, with differences in polymerization rate and polymer MWs simply accounted for by the differences in kp for the systems, indicating that the kt behaviour must be quite similar. The NVI/QVI study demonstrates the importance of a pH-dependent degradative addition reaction to monomer for NVI, with polymerization behaviour identical to that of QVI for pH 1, an effect captured in the model developed to describe the system.

The aqueous-phase copolymerization of NVP and NVF was also studied, and reactivity ratios were determined to be very close to unity. This information was combined with the kp and kt expressions used to describe NVP and NVF homopolymerizations, with no other additional parameters required to model the copolymerization rate, copolymer composition and copolymer MW. This result demonstrates that the improved homopolymerization knowledge of these water-soluble monomers can be easily extended to understand their behaviour in copolymerization.

abstract: PhD


title: Role of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 in Neoangiogenesis in Endometriosis Lesions

contributor:
Tayade, Chandrakant
Anatomy and Cell Biology

subject: Endothelial progenitor cells

subject: EPCs

subject: Endometriosis

subject: Sndometrium

subject: Mouse Model of Endometriosis

subject: Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1

subject: cEPCs

subject: Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells

subject: SDF-1

subject: Angiogenesis

abstract: Thesis (Master, Anatomy & Cell Biology) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-21 19:34:43.054

abstract: Endometriosis affects 5-10% of women and is characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus.  Treatment for endometriosis primarily focuses on symptom relief, is short term with severe side effects and often leads to recurrence of the condition.  Establishing new blood supply is a fundamental requirement for endometriosis lesions growth.  This has led to the idea that antiangiogenic therapy may be a successful approach for inhibiting endometriosis.  Recent evidence indicates that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to neoangiogenesis of endometriotic lesions.  These EPCs are recruited to the lesion site by stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1).  We hypothesize that SDF-1 is central to the neoangiogenesis and survival of endometriotic lesions and that administration of SDF-1 blocking antibody will inhibit lesion growth by inhibiting angiogenesis in a murine model of endometriosis.  Immunohistochemistry for SDF-1 and CD34 was performed on human endometriosis and normal endometrial samples.  Quantification of SDF-1 and EPCs was performed in the blood of endometriosis patients and controls using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively.  A new mouse model of endometriosis was developed using BALB/c-Rag2-/-/IL2rg-/- mice to investigate role of SDF-1 in neoangiogenesis.  Either SDF-1 blocking antibody or an isotype control was administered on a weekly basis for four weeks.  Weekly samples of peripheral blood from mice were analyzed for SDF-1, other cytokines of interest and EPCs.  Mice were euthanized at seven weeks to observe lesion growth and blood vessel development.  Our results indicate overabundance of SDF-1 and CD34+ progenitor cells in human endometriotic lesions compared to eutopic endometrium.  In the mouse model, SDF-1 and circulating EPC levels decreased from pre-treatment levels after one week, and remained constant over the course of the treatment in both SDF-1 blocking antibody and isotype control groups.  In the SDF-1 blocking group, reduced vascularity of lesions, identified by immunofluorescence staining for CD31, was revealed compared to isotype controls.  These findings suggest that SDF-1 may be responsible for CD34+ progenitor cell recruitment to the neoangiogenic sites in endometriosis.  Blocking of SDF-1 reduces neovascularization of human endometriotic lesions in a mouse model.  Further studies on blocking SDF-1 in combination with other antiangiogenic agents are needed.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Contested Terrains: Visualizing the Nation within Global Military Conflict

contributor:
Jessup, Lynda
Art History

subject:
affect
War on Terror
art
globalization
9/11
Canada
Australia
military conflict

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Art History) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-22 00:54:55.819

abstract:
In this study, I use visual and material culture that addresses the contemporary war in Afghanistan to critically assess the ways in which national conflict history is envisioned. I focus in particular on cultural production related to the involvement of Australia and Canada in the conflict. I do so to question the ways in which Australia’s and Canada’s engagements with this particular conflict are visualized in relation to their official narratives, which posit their military activities in Afghanistan as undertaken in the name of security, peacekeeping, and rebuilding.  Such a query is important, because it allows me to investigate which visualizations contribute to the history and narrative of national engagements with conflict, and which are ignored. Moreover, it allows me to ask how visual and material culture not only constitutes, but also legitimates national conflict narratives. And finally, it allows me to locate examples within this field of cultural production that renegotiate, contest, subvert, and resist state representations.
	These lines of inquiry help to situate my study of visual and material culture by suggesting that such objects can act as lenses through which to address what Jon Stratton and Ien Ang describe as the “unstable, provisional and often jeopardous status of the national” (1996, 381). Following Stratton and Ang, I approach the concept of the “nation” as “a contested terrain between historically specific ‘cultures’ structured in relations of dominance and subordination to each other” (367). Using exhibitions and cultural objects produced post-9/11 in Australia and Canada (that is, after 11 September 2001), I analyze the visual and material culture of conflict within the “contested terrain” of national/ist narratives. The particular process of culture-making exemplified in exhibitions and cultural objects is crucial when it comes to advancing national/ist narratives, since as I argue throughout this study, it represents part of the larger historical transition from the state enlistment of cultural production in support of nation-building to the neoliberal mobilization of visual culture for the global marketplace.

abstract: I would like to protect my rights to publication.

abstract: PhD


title: Effects of the Natural Environment on Positive Emotional Health Among Young People in Canada

contributor:
Craig, Wendy M.
Pickett, William
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Nature
Determinants of Health
Pediatrics
Green Space
Adolescence
Emotional Health

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-22 06:01:18.593

abstract:
Background: Positive emotional health is an important component of overall health, and it is linked to many social and health outcomes among youth. The natural environment is thought to influence emotional health. Psychological and experimental research have each shown links between exposure to nature and both stress reduction and attention restoration. Some population studies have suggested positive effects of green space on various indicators of health. However, there are limited large-scale epidemiological studies assessing this relationship, specifically for populations of young people and in the Canadian context.

Objectives: To examine possible effects of natural space on positive emotional health among young adolescent Canadians.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was based upon the Canadian 2009/10 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Survey with linked geographic information system (GIS) data. Following exclusions, the sample included 17 249 (mostly grades 6 to 10) students from 317 schools. Features of the natural environment were extracted using GIS within a 5 km radius circular buffer surrounding each school. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between the presence of natural space and students’ reports of positive emotional health, while controlling for salient covariates and the clustered nature of the data.

Results: Over half of Canadian youth reported positive emotional health (58.5% among boys and 51.6% among girls). Relationships between the amount of natural space and positive emotional health were weak and lacked consistency. Compared to the lowest quartile of natural space, the most notable protective effect existed for students who lived in the third quartile (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00-1.10). The relationship appeared to differ by urban/rural geographic location, suggesting protective effects in small cities. Positive emotional health was, however, more strongly associated with other factors including demographic characteristics, family affluence, and perceptions surrounding neighbourhoods.

Conclusion: Exposure to natural space in youth’s immediate living environment may not be a leading determinant of their emotional health. The relationship between natural space and positive emotional health may be context specific, and hence different for Canadian youth compared to adult populations and those studied in other nations. The main contributors to emotional health among youth were personal factors.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Dynamics Of Internal Solitary Wave And Bottom Boundary Interaction

contributor:
Boegman, Leon
Civil Engineering

subject:
Sediment  Re-Suspesion
Stratified Flow
Wave Breaking
Global Instability
Environmental Fluid Dynamics
Internal Solitary Waves

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 15:03:29.76

abstract:
The breaking of internal solitary waves (ISWs) of depression shoaling upon a uniformly sloping boundary in a smoothed two-layer density field was investigated using high-resolution two-dimensional simulations. The simulations were performed for a wide range of boundary slopes S∈[0.01,0.3] and wave slopes. Over steep slopes (S≥0.1), three distinct breaking processes were observed; surging, plunging and collapsing breakers which are associated with reflection, convective instability and boundary layer separation, respectively. Over mild slopes (S≤0.05), nonlinearity varies gradually and the wave fissions into a train of waves of elevation after it passes through the turning point where solitary waves reverse polarity. The dynamics of each breaker type were investigated and the predominance of a particular mechanism was associated with a relative developmental timescale. The breaker type was characterized in wave slope S_w versus S space and the reflection coefficient (R), modeled as a function of the internal Iribarren number, was in agreement with other studies.
The same 2D model was applied to investigate boundary layer separation-driven global instability, which is shown to play an important role in breaking of shoaling ISWs. The simulations were conducted with waves propagating over a flat bottom and shoaling over relatively mild (S=0.05) and steep (S=0.1) slopes. Combining the results over flat and sloping boundaries, a unified criterion for vortex shedding is proposed, which depends on the momentum thickness Reynolds number and the non-dimensionalized ISW-induced pressure gradient at the point of separation. The criterion is generalized to a form that may be readily computed from field data and compared to published laboratory and field observations. During vortex shedding, the bed shear stress, vertical velocity and near-bed Reynolds stress were elevated, implying potential for sediment re-suspension.
Laboratory experiments were also performed to study three-dimensionality (3D) of global instability. Our results agree with previous laboratory experiments, using the proposed pressure gradient parameter and Reynolds number. The 3D effects prevent the vortices from ascending as high as they do in 2D simulations. The instabilities were not able to re-suspend sediments with 20 µm median diameters, which suggests applying lighter sediments, as finer sediments will be cohesive and dynamically different.

abstract: PhD


title: Optimization of Rateless Code Based Video Multicast

contributor:
Chan, Wai-Yip Geoffrey
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Optimization
Multicast
Rateless Codes
Video

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 14:11:26.378

abstract:
Multimedia services have become one of the major demands in wireless systems. As a result of growing demands for media services, traffic in wireless networks are increasing. Hence, optimization of multimedia delivery systems to efficiently consume the valuable transmission resources in wireless networks has gained a lot of interest. Raptor codes, with linear encoding and decoding time complexity are one branch of  fountain codes (also known as rateless codes) which have found their ways in many recent communication standards as  application layer forward error correcting (FEC) codes. Various attempts have been made in order to  adapt these codes to wireless channels with their time varying nature. When multimedia delivery is targeted, some other issues such as delay should also be considered. Moreover, in multicast solutions, the system has to address demands of multiple clients.

In this thesis, we investigate some optimization scenarios for wireless multimedia multicast systems wherein clients with heterogeneous channels and media quality demands subscribe to a video program. The video program is assumed as a multilayer source with possible spatial, temporal and fidelity layers. The point of optimization under various systems is to provide the clients of different quality constraints with  their demanded services while imposing the minimum network/client cost (e.g. delay, power consumption, outage probability) or maximize the provided utility to the clients while considering their heterogeneous capabilities. To achieve these tasks, we study  outage probability which serves as a measure to quantify the reliability of a service in a client's side.  Packetized rateless multimedia multicast (PRMM)  with  few optimization criteria regarding the experienced delay in clients are studied and analytical solutions are obtained.  A new optimization framework for rateless multimedia multicast is proposed in which, the provided utility to heterogeneous clients are maximized with respect to the clients channel and their quality demands.  Application of this optimization in a rateless multimedia multicast system wherein the utility is defined based on perceptual quality experience of clients is also investigated.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Composite Bioscaffolds for Adipose Tissue Engineering

contributor:
Flynn, Lauren E.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Tissue Engineering
Scaffold

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 15:12:37.772

abstract: A composite bioscaffold was constructed by encapsulating human decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) within a photopolymerized polysaccharide hydrogel towards the goal of forming an injectable scaffold for adipose tissue engineering. Methacrylated glycol chitosan (MGC) and methacrylated chondroitin sulphate (MCS) were investigated as the hydrogel base materials with varying DAT concentrations. Glycol chitosan and chondroitin sulphate were converted to photopolymerizable prepolymers through graft methacrylation using glycidyl methacrylate and methacrylate anhydride respectively to achieve a degree of substitution (DOS) of 15% and 16%, respectively. MGC and MCS gels containing 0, 3 and 5 w/v% cryo-milled DAT were fabricated and characterized by measuring sol content, equilibrium water content and compressive mechanical properties (n=4, n=3). An increase in stiffness and a decrease in sol and water contents were observed in the gels with higher DAT concentration, suggesting that the DAT was acting as a filler material that contributed to the crosslinking reaction. In vitro studies were conducted with primary human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) encapsulated in the DAT-polymer constructs to assess cellular viability (n=3, N=3) as well as adipogenic differentiation, quantitatively via glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) enzyme activity (n=3, N=3) and qualitatively through end-point RT-PCR analysis of key adipogenic genes (LPL, PPARγ, and CEPBα) (n=2, N=3) and intracellular lipid staining (n=3, N=3). Incorporating the DAT with MGC or MCS hydrogels enhanced cell viability as compared to the MGC and MCS scaffolds alone, with the MCS + 5 w/v% DAT scaffold having the highest overall cell viability and total cell number. The addition of the DAT in the MGC and MCS scaffold groups enhanced ASC adipogenesis as measured by an increase in GPDH levels, adipogenic gene expression and intracellular lipid accumulation characteristic of adipocytes. The highest GPDH levels were observed in the induced MCS with 5 w/v% DAT scaffolds, as compared to all other scaffold groups and tissue culture controls. The GPDH activity in this group increased by almost three times between 3 and 14 days, consistent with the progression of differentiation. The results indicated that the MCS-based scaffolds incorporating the DAT promoted cell viability and adipogenesis, demonstrating great promise as composite scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration.

abstract: Project is related to supervisor's (Dr. Lauren Flynn) patent currently being filed.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Stability, Performance, and Implementation Issues in Bilateral Teleoperation Control and Haptic Simulation Systems

contributor:
Hashtrudi-Zaad, Keyvan
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Teleoperation Systems
Haptic Simulation Systems
Robust Stability

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 01:19:47.535

abstract:
Master-Slave teleoperation systems are designed to extend a human's manipulation capability to remote tasks. Recent applications of these systems are in robotic therapy, telesurgery, and medical simulators.
In practice, due to the uncertainties in the operator and environment dynamics, and time delay, stability and performance are compromised. Stability-based and performance-based controllers are introduced for these systems. A major class of the former controllers are based on the passivity theory and suffer from the assumed unbounded range of dynamics which is rather unrealistic. The latter class of controllers are mostly adaptive methods that are based on performance optimization.
The theme of this thesis is on the development of new stability analysis methods, control strategies, and implementation techniques for enhanced trade-off between stability and performance. I have developed a less conservative passivity-based robust stability method and introduced, for the first time, the notion of Bounded Impedance Absolute Stability. The method provides mathematical and visual aids to incorporate bounds of the passive environment impedance for less conservative guaranteed stability conditions, promising a better compromise between stability and performance.
I have extended the new method to include the dynamic range of the human operator for increased stability margins. I have also used the new method to develop a bilateral controller robust to time delays. Furthermore, I have investigated the effect of sampling position versus velocity for various sampling models to obtain less conservative coupled stability conditions for haptic simulation systems.
Estimates of the environment dynamics are required to include their variations. Therefore, I have proposed two new real-time parameter estimation methods for linear and nonlinear contacts and experimentally evaluated and compared them with the available techniques.
Finally, I have introduced needle insertion as a task in telerobotic systems to combine the expertise of the surgeon with robotic control.  Here, the very first few steps needed to effectively control the targeting needles have been taken. I have developed a mechanics-based dynamic model for bevel-tip flexible needles inserted into soft tissues. Finite element models are used to estimate soft tissue deformation, while the mechanics-based model is used to predict needle deflections due to bevel-tip asymmetry.

abstract: PhD


title: "A Challenge and A Danger:" Canada and the Cuban Missile Crisis

contributor:
Dubinsky, Karen
History

subject:
Cuban Missile Crisis
Social/cultural history
Cold War
Canadian History

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 09:01:36.5

abstract:
President John F. Kennedy’s announcement, on Monday 22 October 1962, that there were offensive missiles on the island of Cuba began the public phase of what would be remembered as the Cuban missile crisis.  This Cold War crisis had ramifications in many other countries than just the Soviet Union and the United States.  Due to the danger involved in this nuclear confrontation, the entire globe was threatened.  If either side lost control of negotiations, an atomic war could have broken out which would have decimated the planet.  As the direct northern neighbors of the United States and partners in continental defence, Canadians experienced and understood the Cuban missile crisis in the context of larger issues.
	In many ways, Canadian and American reactions to the crisis were similar.  Many citizens stocked up their pantries, read the newspapers, protested, or worried that the politicians would make a mistake and set off a war.  However, this dissertation argues that English Canadians experienced the crisis on another level as well.  In public debate and print sources, many debated what the crisis meant for Canadian-Cuban relations, Canadian-American relations and Canada’s place in the world.  Examining these print and archival sources, this dissertation analyzes the contour of public debate during the crisis, uniting that debate with the actions of politicians.   Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker hesitated for two days before making a statement which fully committed Canada to a position which supported the American quarantine of Cuba, and shortly after the crisis,  was defeated at the polls.  This dissertation argues that understanding the Canadian reaction to and experience of the Cuban missile crisis necessitates an understanding of how different Canadians talked about and understood the actions of their leaders.  The shifting terrain of memory also serves to demonstrate the manner in which this history is told and remembered in Canada.  This dissertation, therefore, examines the intersections between this Cold War confrontation and Canadian identity in the postwar period.

abstract: PhD


title: Factors Affecting the Stability of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

contributor:
Deluzio, Kevin J.
Bryant, J. Tim
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject: Biomechanics Stability Shoulder Arthroplasty

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 11:42:21.592

abstract:
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a relatively new procedure that is used to treat shoulders with massive rotator cuff tears combined with arthritis, a condition that is not well managed using conventional shoulder arthroplasty. By reversing the ‘ball-and-socket’ anatomy of the shoulder, the constraint of the joint can be increased. Despite the success of this prosthesis in improving pain and function, complication rates remain high and instability is often reported as the most commonly occurring complication. The mechanism of dislocation as well as factors that can be modified to decrease the risk of dislocation are not well understood for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to create a platform for examining the stability of reverse shoulder arthroplasty and use this to investigate factors affecting stability, including shoulder orientation (abduction and abduction plane angles), loading direction, glenosphere eccentricity and diameter, and humeral socket constraint.

An anatomical shoulder simulator was developed using a synthetic bone model and pneumatically actuated cables to represent the three heads of the deltoid. A displacing force was applied to the humeral head by a material testing machine in an anterior, posterior, superior, or inferior direction. The force required to dislocate the joint was used as a measure of stability and the identified factors and the interactions between factors were examined using a half-fraction factorial design experiment.

Increases in glenohumeral abduction or inferior-offset of the glenosphere were found to improve the stability of the prosthesis. Additionally, increased humeral socket depth resulted in greater stability for all loading directions, with the exception of inferior loading. Abduction plane angle and glenosphere diameter had no effect on the stability of reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: The Unnatural Likeness of Deference: The Supreme Court of Canada and the Democratic Process

contributor:
Rose, Jonathan
Political Studies

subject:
Deference
Supreme Court of Canada
Democratic Process

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Political Studies) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 12:12:53.51

abstract: This dissertation examines the behaviour of the Supreme Court of Canada in cases involving electoral/referendum laws and the alleged violation of freedom of expression and/or the right to vote. In 2007, it declared that the judiciary should adopt "a natural attitude of deference" towards Parliament's decisions about the democratic process when determining, under section one of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, whether the infringement is reasonable and justified. This declaration reflected institutional concerns about judicial competence to review legislative choices in this area of public policy and the democratic legitimacy of it doing so. It was made even though the Court had found laws unconstitutional in a majority of the cases that it had heard to date. Deference is often simply equated with government 'wins' in court. Such an equation ignores the effect that the decision has on judicial reasoning. It sets the standard of review the court uses when applying the Oakes test, the framework within which the section 1 analysis occurs. It also establishes the standard of proof that the Crown must meet to demonstrate that an infringement is justified. The outcome of constitutional disputes can turn on the decision about deference, pointing to a need for structure and coherence in the judiciary's approach. A review of the Court's jurisprudence shows that this need has not been met. In spite of its importance to constitutional adjudication, the analytical process by which the decision is made has garnered little attention from those who study the Charter. This dissertation seeks to fill this gap by examining deference theory and the use of deference in disputes involving the democratic process and by proposing an approach for specific use in these cases. The approach links the decision to the nature of the legislation, the nature of the right and the nature of the parliamentary discourse that preceded the enactment or amendment of the impugned law. Before setting the standards of review and proof used during the Oakes test, courts should determine whether: they have the necessary competence and legitimacy to act; the right warrants stringent constitutional protection; and parliamentarians engaged in serious deliberations that included the Charter and the reasonableness of any infringements.

abstract: PhD


title: Point-Based Registration of Brachytherapy Implants

contributor:
Ellis, Randy E.
Fichtinger, Gabor
Computing

subject:
Medical computing
Brachytherapy
Registration
Prostate cancer

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 13:28:07.348

abstract:
Prostate brachytherapy, a treatment for prostate cancer, was a procedure that typically involved placing radioactive sources in a cancerous prostate using percutaneous needles.  The placement of these
sources determined the dose that the prostate and healthy tissues surrounding it received.  However, because a needle could bend, tissue
could deform, and a patient could move, each source may have been displaced from its planned position.  This source misplacement could later cause some cancer to be spared or healthy organs to be further
damaged.  To better understand patterns of source misplacement, and eventually reduce the phenomenon, this work matched and registered implanted sources with their planned positions.

Each implant was registered to its plan using a sequence of four successive registrations.  A rough initial registration was first found, using features known in the planned dataset and estimated from the implanted dataset.  Second, subsets of sources were reconstructed
in the implanted dataset.  The implanted sources were next matched to the planned sources using the subsets as constraints.  Finally, the optimal rigid transformation between the implants and the plan was
found.

The algorithm was tested on both simulated and clinical datasets. Simulations placed limits on how properties of the subsets affected registration accuracy.  When tested on 9 clinical datasets, the algorithm found 100% of correct plan-implant source matches within seconds on commonly available computers.  When the implanted strands
were reconstructed as sine waves, 97% of t strands had an amplitude of less than 2mm.  The clinical accuracy result generally agreed with simulation: subsets with amplitudes less than 2mm were expected to produce an accuracy >90%.  The high accuracy of the algorithm may enable its use in finding patterns of source misplacement.  The fast run-time of the algorithm may additionally make it useful for use in a clinical setting.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Modeling and Characterization of Microfabricated Emitters: In Pursuit of Improved ESI-MS Performance

contributor:
Cann, Natalie M.
Oleschuk, Richard
Chemistry

subject:
Nano-ESI
Multi-nozzle Emitter
Computational Fluid Dynamic

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 13:36:08.754

abstract:
Electrospray ionization (ESI) has been an invaluable technique to mass spectrometry (MS) especially for analyzing large bio-molecules with unparalleled sensitivity, robustness, and simplicity. Great effort in the development of ESI technique has been devoted in the emitter design, as its shape and geometry have proved pivotal to the electrospray performance and further MS detection. Intrinsic problems for the traditional single-hole emitters including clogging and low throughput limit the applicability of the technique. To address this issue, the current project is focused on developing multiple electrospray (MES) emitters for improved ESI-MS analysis.
In this thesis, joint work of both computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations for electrospray and offline electrospray experiments for spray current measurement were performed. Numerical simulations were used to test the effect of various emitter designs on electrospray performance and the laboratory results serve as a guide and validation. The CFD code was based on Taylor-Melcher leaky dielectric model (LDM) and the transient electrospray process was successfully simulated. The method was first validated via a 750 μm inner diameter (i.d.) emitter and further applied to a 20 μm i.d. model. Different stages of the electrospray process were visually demonstrated and the quantitative investigations for the change of spray current under various applied electric fields and flow rates share good agreement with previous simulations and measurements. Based on the single-aperture prototype, MES simulations were performed with 2-hole and 3-hole emitters. Simulation predictions compared favorably with the experimental results. Evidence from this work has proved that CFD simulation can be used as an effective numerical tool to test emitter designs for MES. The benchmarking result on the successful simulation of a microscale emitter electrospray achieved in this work is believed to be the smallest scale of the dynamic simulation for electrospray published to date.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Ecological Differentiation in a Hybridizing Cryptic Species Complex

subject:
Phenotypic Plasticity
Ecological Speciation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-23 20:31:14.76

abstract:
The hybridizing Daphnia mendotae and D. dentifera (Crustacea: Cladocera) are sympatric
throughout much of North America, and are considered a cryptic species complex due to their lack of
phylogenetically informative morphological characters. They appear to have no biological mating
barriers: hybrids may dominate or coexist with either or both parental species, and are sexually
competent, forming both F2 hybrids and back-crosses. Nevertheless, the two species remain distinct.
There is observational evidence that separation may be enforced by adaptation to different predation
regimes: D. mendotae, with its greater anti-predator morphological plasticity, may out-compete D.
dentifera under intense invertebrate predation, while the smaller D. dentifera may be better adapted to
avoid predation by visually feeding fish. We tested this idea by examining whether D. mendotae and D.
dentifera differ in ecologically relevant life history and morphological traits. We performed a replicated
life history experiment involving 6 replicates of 6 clones within each species, and measured time until
first reproduction, fecundity, and juvenile and population growth rates. In parallel, we examined
whether these species differed in morphological traits predicted to arise from adaptation to different
predator types, and tested the ecological relevance of these traits by exposing Daphnia to predation by
the invasive cladoceran Bythotrephes longimanus. Finally, we examined the plasticity of life history,
morphology, and susceptibility to predation by rearing Daphnia under exposure to Bythotrephes
chemical cues for two generations. D. mendotae and D. dentifera differed across almost all measured
life history and morphological traits in directions that accord with our hypotheses, strongly suggesting
that their species boundaries are maintained by adaptation to different predation regimes. Plastic
reaction to Bythotrephes, however, was weak and inconsistent, suggesting that these species either do
not detect or respond to this recent invader, or that their responses are manifested in other ways.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Selective Sulphidation and Physical Upgrading of Nickel From a Nickeliferous Lateritic Ore

contributor:
Peacey, John
Pickles, Christopher
Mining Engineering

subject:
Upgrading
Flotation
Sulphidation
Nickel Laterites

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-29 14:14:18.704

abstract:
The processing of nickeliferous laterites to produce nickel metal is both complex and energy intensive. Since most laterites are found in remote regions, the capital costs for the infrastructure can exceed those for the process itself. The low temperature sulphidation of lateritic ores to produce an intermediate nickel concentrate for further processing offers a number of potential advantages, such as lower energy consumption and a relatively simple flowsheet.  In this research, the sulphidation of a nickeliferous lateritic ore was investigated between the temperatures of 450-1100oC and sulphur additions of between 25-1000 kg of sulphur per tonne of ore.
The experiments demonstrated that the nickel oxide within the ore can be selectively sulphidized to a nickel-iron sulphide. It was found that both the grade and the sulphidation degree largely depended upon the temperature and the sulphur additions, with temperatures above 550oC exhibiting the highest nickel sulphidation extents and grades. A DTA/TGA with mass spectrometer was used to further elucidate the nature of the phase transformations that occur upon heating of the ore, in the presence of sulphur.
It was found that the Fe-Ni-S phase formed at low temperatures was submicron in nature and heating to temperatures of 1050oC-1100oC allowed for the growth of the sulphides to a d80 of up to 14 µm due to increased sulphide mobility, associated with the formation of a liquid sulphide matte with dissolved oxygen. Flotation studies conducted on 60 g samples showed that the sulphides formed respond to flotation with maximum grades of up to 6-7 wt% nickel being achieved and average grades of between 4-5 wt% nickel.  Recoveries were approximately 50% on a sulphide basis and it was determined that the low nickel grades were due to the entrainment of magnetite fines.

abstract: PhD


title: Biophysical Remote Sensing and Terrestrial CO2  Exchange at Cape Bounty, Melville Island

contributor:
Treitz, Paul
Scott, Neal
Geography

subject:
IKONOS
Net Ecosystem Exchange
Polar Desert
Tundra
Arctic
Sedge Meadow
NDVI
Remote Sensing
CO2

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-28 23:27:34.824

abstract:
Cape Bounty, Melville Island is a partially vegetated High Arctic landscape with three main plant communities: polar semi-desert (47% of the study area), mesic tundra (31%) , and wet sedge meadows (7%). The objective of this research was to relate biophysical measurements of soil, vegetation, and CO2  exchange rates  in each vegetation type to high resolution satellite data from IKONOS-2, extending plot level measurements to a landscape scale.    Field data was collected  through six weeks of the 2008 growing season. Two IKONOS images were acquired, one on July 4th and the other on August 2nd. Two products were generated from the satellite data: a land-cover classification and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).
	The three vegetation types were found to have distinct soil and vegetation characteristics. Only the wet sedge meadows were a net sink for CO2; soil respiration tended to exceed photosynthesis in the sparsely vegetated mesic tundra and polar semi-desert.  Scaling up the plot measurements by vegetation type area suggested that Cape Bounty was a small net carbon source (0.34 ± 0.47 g C  m-2 day-1) in the summer of 2008.
	NDVI was strongly correlated with percent vegetation cover, vegetation volume, soil moisture,  and moderately with soil nitrogen, biomass,  and leaf area index (LAI). Photosynthesis and respiration of CO2  both positively correlated with NDVI, most strongly when averaged over the season. NDVI increased over time in every vegetation type, but this change was not reflected in any significant measured changes in vegetation or CO2  flux rates.
	A simple spatial model was developed to estimate Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) at every pixel on the satellite images based on NDVI, temperature and incoming solar radiation.  It was found that the rate of photosynthesis per unit NDVI was higher early in the growing season. The model estimated a mean flux to the atmosphere of  0.21 g C  m-2 day-1 at the time of image acquisition on July 4th, and -0.07 g C m-2 day-1 (a net C sink) on August 2nd.  The greatest uncertainty in the relationship between NDVI and CO2 flux was associated with the polar semi-desert class.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Case Study on the Use of Developmental Evaluation for Innovating: Navigating Uncertainty and Unpacking Complexity

contributor:
Shulha, Lyn
Education

subject:
Twitter
Systems Thinking
Evaluation
Social Media
Complexity Thinking
Classroom Assessment
Teacher Education
Program Evaluation
Assessment Pedagogy
Innovation
Development
Educational Technology

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-29 18:05:34.631

abstract:
Developmental evaluation (Patton, 1994, 2011) is one of the latest approaches to be introduced into evaluation practice. It purports to support the development of social innovation by infusing evaluative thinking through collaboration between program clients and the developmental evaluator (Patton, 2011). In an attempt to build “practical knowledge” (Schwandt, 2008) about this emerging approach, this research seeks to investigate the capacity of developmental evaluation to support innovation.
This thesis reports on a case study of the Assessment Pilot Initiative (API) where developmental evaluation was used to support the development of a novel approach to teacher education. Charged with a vision to innovate their own teaching practices and the learning of teacher candidates, the instructors of the case invited a developmental evaluator onboard in a yearlong collaboration. While the instructors, along with the developmental evaluator, were uncertain about the outcome of the initiative or how best to proceed, this engagement resulted in a novel adaptation of microblogging web technology (Twitter) that came to be piloted with a group of teacher candidates.
This thesis presents an analysis of the development process and the contributions developmental evaluation made in enabling the development of the API. Such analysis is anchored in the records of the program development, and in the perspectives of the program clients and the developmental evaluator. Analyzing the program development records for developmental moments revealed certain trends and patterns that, when triangulated with interview data from program clients and with reflections from the developmental evaluator, provided intricate insights into how the development came about and of the contributions developmental evaluation made in this case.
Development of API proceeded in a highly nonlinear, emergent process through six foci of development. Critical to addressing the uncertainty and complexity that might had otherwise inhibited development, developmental evaluation enabled a data-informed approach that lent a quality of responsiveness to the emergent, evolving nature of the initiative. The developmental evaluator was instrumental in identifying activities that helped make explicit values and assumptions underpinning the initiative and in structuring a learning framework to engage program clients in sense-making. The notion of design emerged from analysis as an important function of developmental evaluation. Implications of the findings are discussed.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Effects of an Online Education Program on Self-Efficacy and Knowledge of the Clinical Teacher Role

contributor:
DeWolfe, Judy
Nursing

subject:
Online Education
Knowledge
Self-Efficacy
Clinical Teaching

abstract: Thesis (Master, Nursing) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-30 13:41:25.799

abstract:
Clinical instruction is an essential component of professional education in nursing and accounts for a significant portion of credits within baccalaureate nursing programs. Clinical instructors (CIs) are expected to have strong clinical knowledge as well as strong teaching skills. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online education program for increasing CIs’ perception of teaching self-efficacy and knowledge about the clinical teacher role.
A convenience sample of CIs (n = 32) at Queen’s University School of Nursing were recruited for this study. Over the span of seven weeks, participants completed self-paced online educational modules (Preceptor Education Program - PEP) available from the University of Western Ontario. A single sample pre-test, retrospective pre-/post-test research design was used. Participants completed teaching self-efficacy and teaching knowledge questionnaires pre-intervention (n=32) and post-intervention (n=21).
Mean teaching self-efficacy scores increased significantly from pre-test to post-test (t = 6.7, p < .001). Teaching knowledge scores increased significantly from pre-test to post-test (t = 4.1, p < .05).The online modules had a significant impact on CIs’ teaching knowledge and self-efficacy. Descriptive data regarding participants’ satisfaction with the PEP modules was gathered; clinical instructors for the most part completed the PEP modules and were very satisfied with them. This online mode of clinical instructor education appears to be a feasible, facilitative and an accessible way to provide ongoing professional development and education for clinical instructors at Queen’s University.

abstract: MNSc.


title: The Digital Humanities: Third Culture and the Democratization of the Humanities

contributor:
Mosco, Vincent
Sociology

subject:
third culture
digital humanities

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-31 17:50:49.587

abstract: Over half a century ago the scientist and novelist C. P. Snow described a world divided into two cultures – scientists on the one hand, literary intellectuals on the other. Both played a significant role in shaping the world, but were unable to even hold a conversation (Snow 1971). This dissertation brings a sociological perspective to this divide (now seen as a divide between the sciences and the humanities) and hope for reconciliation, as it has been revisited in the more technologically saturated environment of the twenty-first century. The digital humanities combines computer science and the humanities and its impact on the humanities has been called “game changing” (Bobley 2008). Just as technology has revolutionized science, in fields such as astronomy or neuroscience for example, by allowing scientists to see and analyze objects and patterns they could not before, digitization allows humanities scholars to ask questions, and find answers, that were not possible in the past (Katz 2005; Kirschenbaum 2010; Kornbluh 2008). The digital humanities also promises to expand the reach of the humanities in terms of what is studied, who is able to participate, and who has access. This dissertation argues that the digital humanities is leading to the democratization of the humanities by expanding access to and participation in the humanities. In addition, although there are still divides between the two cultures, the digital humanities is a place where a third culture is fostered, as digital humanists are increasingly becoming experts in both the humanities and computing. Three case studies are examined: the Centre for History and New Media at George Mason University, The Orlando Project, a joint project between the University of Alberta and Guelph University, and the Electronic Arts Game Innovation Lab at the University of Southern California.

abstract: I will be seeking a commercial publisher for this dissertation.

abstract: PhD


title: Harvesting Consciousness:  The Impact of Seasonal Labour on the Transnational Political Identity of Guatemalan Migrants to Canada

contributor:
Lovell, W. George
Mullings, Beverley
Geography

subject:
Transmigrant
Guatemala
Political Participation

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-02 21:30:20.445

abstract:
The Temporary Agricultural Worker to Canada (TAWC) project was introduced in 2003 with the purpose of recruiting Guatemalan migrants to fill seasonal labour voids in Canada.  Workers contracted through TAWC directives have received minimal scholarly attention, given the infancy of the program and the substantial focus on Mexican migrants recruited through the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.  This dissertation illuminates the transnational political realities of Guatemalans by examining the impact that circular migration has on the subaltern migrant body.
Fieldwork was conducted in two sites, the first St. Rémi in Québec, the second Santiago Sacatepéquez in Guatemala.  Research findings underscore the transnational nature of the flow of hegemonic (discipline, insecurity, oppression, exploitation) and counter hegemonic (empowerment, liberation, collectiveness, security) political ideas and activities between the spaces traversed by migrants.  The study engages a multi-faceted ethnographic design in order to explore the spatiality of political consciousness, assessing Guatemalan migrant responses to a range of ideas and activities imparted by agencies of power.  These include both the Canadian and Guatemalan governments, the International Organization for Migration, and le Fondation des entreprises pour le recrutement de la main-d'oeuvre étrangère along with a range of transnational supporting allies.  Nevertheless, the decision to (dis)engage in certain politicized conduct is largely dependent on the human agency of Guatemalan migrants, as they find the means to cope with the pressures of seasonal migration.
A political economy perspective allows me to engage three debates that theoretically frame the transnational political identity of Guatemalan migrants.  These are: (1) processes of political transnationalism; (2) neoliberal agenda and mindsets; and (3) migrant political consciousness, with a particular emphasis on Foucauldian concepts of governmentality and Gramscian notions of hegemony and consciousness.  By engaging the (re)shaping of transnational political identity as a phenomenon influenced by agencies of power, and more importantly, the human agency of subaltern migrants, my dissertation emphasizes migrant (un)willingness to embrace and/or suppress certain resources that restructure political consciousness and political action.  The versatility and fluidity of transmigrant political identity reveal that the distinct realities of individuals are constructed by travelling back and forth, as seasonal labourers, between Guatemala and Canada.

abstract: Intend to publish a manuscript of my work.

abstract: PhD


title: State Complexity of Tree Automata

contributor:
Salomaa, Kai Jr
Computing

subject:
sequential and parallel concatenation
tree automata
lower bounds
quotient operation
state complexity
projection
determinism and nondeterminism
unranked trees
iterated concatenation

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-04 14:48:02.916

abstract:
Modern applications of XML use automata operating on unranked trees. A common definition of tree automata operating on unranked trees uses a set of vertical states that define the bottom-up computation, and the transitions on vertical states are determined by so called horizontal languages recognized by finite automata on strings. The bottom-up computation of an unranked tree automaton may be either deterministic or nondeterministic, and further variants arise depending on whether the horizontal string languages defining the transitions are represented by DFAs or NFAs. There is also an alternative syntactic definition of determinism introduced by Cristau et al.

It is known that a deterministic tree automaton with the smallest total number of states does not need to be unique nor have the smallest possible number of vertical states. We consider the question by how much we can reduce the total number of states by introducing additional vertical states. We give an upper bound for the state trade-off for deterministic tree automata where the horizontal languages are defined by DFAs, and a lower bound construction that, for variable sized alphabets, is close to the upper bound.

We establish upper and lower bounds for the state complexity of conversions between different types of deterministic and nondeterministic unranked tree automata. The bounds are, usually, tight for the numbers of vertical states. Because a minimal deterministic unranked tree automaton need not be unique, establishing lower bounds for the number of horizontal states, that is, the combined size of DFAs used to define the horizontal languages, is challenging. Based on existing lower bound results for unambiguous finite automata we develop a lower bound criterion for the number of horizontal states.

We consider the state complexity of operations on regular unranked tree languages. The concatenation of trees can be defined either as a sequential or a parallel operation. Furthermore, there are two essentially different ways to iterate sequential concatenation. We establish tight state complexity bounds for concatenation-like operations. In particular, for sequential concatenation and bottom-up iterated concatenation the bounds differ by an order of magnitude from the corresponding state complexity bounds for regular string languages.

abstract: PhD


title: Gas Ejection from Spiral Galaxy Disks

subject: Astrophysics Supernova Magnetohydrodynamics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-05 17:52:59.532

abstract:
We present the results of three proposed mechanisms for ejection of gas from a spiral arm into the halo.  The mechanisms were modelled using magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) as a theoretical template.  Each mechanism was run through simulations using a Fortran code: ZEUS-3D, an MHD equation solver.  The first mechanism modelled the gas dynamics with a modified Hartmann flow which describes the fluid flow between two parallel plates.  We initialized the problem based on observation of lagging halos; that is, that the rotational velocity falls to a zero at some height above the plane of the disk. When adopting a density profile which takes into account the various warm and cold H$_I$ and H$_{II}$ molecular clouds, the system evolves very strangely and does not reproduce the steady velocity gradient observed in edge-on galaxies.  This density profile, adopted from Martos and Cox (1998), was used in the remaining models.  However, when treating a system with a uniform density profile, a stable simulation can result.  Next we considered supernova (SN) blasts as a possible mechanism for gas ejection.  While a single SN was shown to be insufficient to promote vertical gas structures from the disk, multiple SN explosions proved to be enough to promote gas ejection from the disk.  In these simulations, gas ejected to a height of 0.5 kpc at a velocity of 130 km s$^{-1}$ from 500 supernovae, extending to an approximate maximum height of 1 kpc at a velocity of $6.7 \times 10^3$ km s$^{-1}$ from 1500 supernovae after 0.15 Myr, the approximate time of propagation of a supernova shock wave. Finally, we simulated gas flowing into the spiral arm at such a speed to promote a jump in the disk gas, termed a hydraulic jump.  The height of the jump was found to be slightly less than a kiloparsec with a flow velocity of 41 km s$^{-1}$ into the halo after 167 Myr.

The latter models proved to be effective mechanisms through which gas is ejected from the disk whereas the Hartmann flow (or toy model) mechanism remains unclear as the heliocentric velocity profile becomes unstable when run through a time-dependent simulation.  Though the cause of this instability is unclear, pressure fluctuations in the system are suspected to play a role.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Biomimetic Scaffolds for Ligament Tissue Engineering

contributor:
Amsden, Brian
Waldman, Stephen D.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Ligament Tissue Engineering
Fascicles
Crimp-Like Pattern
Photocrosslinking
Electrospinning
Mechanical Stimulation
Biodegradable Polymers

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-05 14:11:25.965

abstract:
The primary objective of my thesis was to investigate the effect of crimp-like fibrous scaffolds on bovine fibroblasts and to develop a scaffold for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tissue engineering. To achieve this objective, fibrous biodegradable polymeric scaffolds were fabricated, which upon relaxation developed a crimp-like structure, which resembled the crimp seen in native collagen. The understanding of the crimp mechanism allowed for controlling crimp-like patterns in various polymer fibre systems, and was determined to be due to residual stress coupled with an operating temperature (Top) above the glass transition temperature of the polymer (Tg). The benefit of crimp was evaluated by seeding fibroblasts on crimp-like fibres that were subjected to dynamic mechanical loading. The results showed a significant increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation by fibroblasts that experienced crimp unfolding. In addition, fibroblasts seeded on mechanically stimulated crimp-like fibrous scaffolds formed ECM bundles that resembled collagen fibre fascicles.
Two separate studies were conducted to fabricate fibrous scaffolds with high modulus: one on thermoplastic polyesters and the other on a photocrosslinkable polyester. Of the thermoplastic polyesters investigated, poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) P(LLA-DLLA) exhibited the highest modulus, and was the most resistant to hydrolytic degradation. These fibres were placed in a heated aqueous environment to exhibit a crimp-like pattern similar to that of native collagen. Bovine fibroblasts were shown to attach, proliferate and deposit ECM on the surface of the P(LLA-DLLA) fibrous scaffolds. In addition, the deposited ECM appeared to be organized in distinctive bundles that resembled fascicles found in native ACL. However, upon crimp unfolding the crimp was not completely recovered. Photocrosslinkable poly(L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate cinnamate) P(LLA-TMC cinnamate) fibres in addition to supporting cell proliferation and ECM accumulation, completely recovered their crimp-like pattern, via [2 + 2] cycloaddition of the cinnamate groups. The recovery of crimp upon unfolding is a novel design feature incorporated into electrospun fibres as it innately mimics the function of collagen fibres found in the ACL.
From the results obtained it is evident that crimp and its unfolding are key design features/conditioning techniques that need to be incorporated into fibrous scaffolds that possess high modulus, intended for ligament tissue engineering.

abstract: PhD


title: Plasmonic Organic Electronic Devices

contributor:
Nunzi, Jean-Michel
Chemistry

subject:
Surface Plasmon
Organic Light Emitting Diode
Organic Solar Cell
Nanoparticles

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-05 17:22:40.074

abstract:
Surface plasmon is a collective oscillation behavior of electrons in metal nanoparticle induced by the excitation of incident light, which can create an enhanced localized electric field near the surface of metal nanoparticle. To date, metal nanoparticle surface plasmon resonances have been extensively studied in the photoluminescence domain; little work however was devoted to electroluminescent and photovoltaic research.
In this thesis, as a fundamental study we firstly investigated surface plasmon enhanced europium complex luminescence and obtained an improved understanding of the importance of optical spacer in metal enhanced fluorescence phenomenon. Under this guideline, we incorporated metal NPs into organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and organic solar cells, by means of thermal evaporation and wet chemistry. Metal nanoparticles are demonstrated to enhance the efficiency of both OLEDs and solar cells only under tailored device architecture. The surface plasmon enhanced local electric field plays an important and comprehensive role in enhancing device performance. In Alq3 based OLED we observed increased charge carrier injection by depositing Ag nanoparticles underneath the Al cathode; in Ir(ppy)3 based OLED we gained enhanced luminous efficiency via doping silica functionalized Ag nanoparticles into emitting layer; in P3HT based organic polymer solar cell we noticed an increased polymer absorption by incorporating Ag nanoparticles over  the active layer. On the other hand, adverse effects such as metal nanoparticle induced charge carrier recombination and light extinction are also observed. The study of surface plasmon effects in organic optoelectronic devices reveals interesting surface plasmon features and permits to optimize optoelectronic devices from a novel point of view.

abstract: PhD


title: A Hardware Architecture for GPS/INS-Enabled Wireless Sensor Networks

contributor:
Ibnkahla, Mohamed
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Embedded Systems
GPS/INS Integration
WSN
DSP

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-13 14:46:45.44

abstract:
Wireless sensor network technology has now been widely adopted.  In many applications, distributed sensor nodes collect data at different locations and the location information of each node is required. The Global Positioning System is commonly used to identify the location of the nodes in such networks. Although GPS localization has consistent long-term accuracy, it is limited by the inherent dependency on a direct line of sight to 4 or more external satellites. The increasing demand for an embedded system providing reliable navigation solutions regardless of its operational environment has motivated investigations into the use of integrated systems that combine inertial sensors with GPS receivers.
This research proposes a hardware architecture for location-based wireless sensor networks. In this architecture, each sensor node consists of a GPS receiver, a reduced set of low cost micro-electro-mechanical-system-based INS and a wireless transceiver. Sensor nodes in WSN are often equipped with irreplaceable batteries, which makes the power consumption crucial. To reduce the energy consumption, a microcontroller is used to control the power supply. Besides, a motion detection scheme is proposed by taking advantage of the ultra low-power wake-up function of the microcontroller. A low-power featured digital signal processor is used to accomplish the navigation computation using the Kalman filter for GPS/INS data fusion. Non-Holonomic Constraints derived velocity updates are applied to reduce the position errors. Field tests are conducted to verify the real-time performance of the proposed system with a positioning update rate of 20 Hz.
The first test shows that the 2D INS/GPS integration can maintain the average system position error within 5 meters during a 60-second GPS outage. The second test used low cost inertial sensors. The average position error was 10.17 meters during a 20-second outage. The largest RMS value of position errors among these outages was within 14.5 meters. Furthermore, additional accuracy improvements of approximately 1.4 meters were achieved by utilizing NHC during GPS outages. The third test shows that the average error during a 30-second outage is approximately 20.6 meters for the on-foot scenario and 26.7 meters for the in-vehicle scenario.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Evaluation of an Indirect Solar Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater in the Canadian Environment

contributor:
Harrison, Stephen J.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Domestic Hot Water
Heat Pump
Solar Energy

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-06 13:44:41.77

abstract:
Solar Domestic Hot Water systems and air-source heat pumps offer the potential for energy savings in residential hot water production, however their performance is limited in cold climates, where the low ambient temperature reduces the collector efficiency or the heat pump coefficient of performance.   Combining these systems into a Solar-Assisted Heat Pump can alleviate these limitations by reducing the required collector temperature and by providing an increased heat pump evaporator temperature.
This study is a continuation of the development of an Indirect Solar-Assisted Heat Pump undertaken at the Queen’s University Solar Calorimetry Laboratory. Previously, a numerical study compared its performance to existing technology, and based upon this feasibility analysis, a prototype was constructed for controlled laboratory tests using simulated solar input. In the current study, the prototype was modified to include a novel hybrid collector such that its performance under actual weather conditions throughout the year could be assessed.
On sunny days, the system experienced daily averaged collector efficiencies between 0.47 and 0.88, depending on the flow rate and season. Averaged heat pump coefficients of performance of 2.54 to 3.13 were observed. Overcast days experienced reduced coefficients of performance, between 2.24 and 2.44. However, on overcast days, upwards of 76% of the collected energy gain was from convection with the surroundings.
Based upon these experimental results, a model for the hybrid collector was developed. Annual simulations of the system were conducted to compare the performance of the solar heat pump system when fitted with the hybrid collector relative to cases with more conventional glazed and unglazed collectors commonly used in solar thermal systems.   Results were produced for three Canadian cities: Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The heat pump with the hybrid collector outperformed the other collectors in the Toronto climate, with a free energy ratio of 0.548. Adding a thermally controlled valve to the hybrid collector was proposed to further increase the annual free energy ratio, and was shown to perform best in all three cities, with free energy ratios of 0.558, 0.576 and 0.559 for Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg, respectively. It is proposed that additional improvements could be achieved by allowing the collectors to deliver heat directly to the storage tank, by circumventing the heat pump if the conditions were favorable.

abstract: Thesis contains information that may be patentable. Discussions are ongoing with Parteq.

abstract: M.A.Sc.