title: Statistical Analysis for Pollutants in Precipitation Observed in a Selected Region

contributor:
Zhu, Rong
Balakrishnan, Narayanaswamy
Statistics

subject:
Statistics
Statistics and Probability
Statistics and Probability

abstract: The study of pollution and its effects on the environment has long been an interest for many researchers. Short and long term affects as well as future predictions based on past observations are important factors to consider when one undertakes such a study. The purpose of this thesis is to observe the long term changes and trends of pollutants in precipitation selected from the north-eastern region of the United States of America and Canada. The data was collected on a weekly basis between 1995 to 2006 on air pollutants Ammonium. Nitrate. any type of Sulphate. and Hydron (NH4: N03. XS04. and H+. respectively). In total. 19 different stations 'vvere investigated. Two types of statistical models were fit to the data which include the gamma regression and the random effect model. The gamma regression assumed independence of any spatial and temporal factors. This was used to conceptualize the overall trend and yearly fit. The preliminary analysis found strong evidence of spatial dependence. but temporal dependence was so weak that it could be ignored. The random effect model has been adopted to handle dependencies caused by any underlying mechanisms. Pollutant NH4 had no significant factors resulting from the fitting of the random effect model and the Year effect was non-significant. In the result for pollutant N03: the coefficient of Year was significant and decreasing. Pollutant XSO'l was revealed to have a significant and decreasing Year effect. The random effect model did not produce any significant factors for pollutant H+. Overall. the random effects model is a more reasonable approach to fitting this data because it considers spatial dependence where the gamma regression assumes independent responses.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: IMAGE INTERPOLATION WITH HIDDEN MARKOV MODEL

contributor:
Wu, Xiaolin
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering

abstract:
The first part of this thesis is concerned with efficient adaptive image interpolation techniques for real-time applications. A new image interpolation algorithm is developed that combines optimal data fusion and context modeling of images. Specifically, two estimates of missing pixels obtained by cubic interpolation in perpendicular directions
are optimally fused under minimum mean square (MMSE) criterion. The fused result is further improved by a context-based error feedback mechanism to compensate for the error of cubic interpolation. The proposed image interpolation algorithm preserves edge structures well and achieves superior visual quality. This is accomplished at low computational complexity, making the new algorithm suitable for hardware implementation.

The main part of this thesis is devoted to a more sophisticated image interpolation
algorithm based on hidden Markov modeling (HMM). Most of existing interpolation
algorithms rely on point by point decisions to estimate the missing pixels. In contrast,
the HMM approach of image interpolation estimates a block of missing pixels via maximum a posterior (MAP) sequence estimation. The hidden Markov model can
incorporate the statistics of high resolution images into the interpolation process and
the MAP estimation technique can exploit high-order statistical dependency between
pixels. The proposed HMM-based image interpolation algorithm is implemented and its performance is evaluated and compared with existing methods. The comparison
study shows that the HMM-based image interpolation algorithm can reproduce
cleaner and sharper image details than its predecessors, while suppressing common
interpolation artifacts such as ringing, jaggies, and blurring.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: THE DEPOSTION OF SINTERED NICKEL PLAQUE WITIllN A NICKEL FOAM SUBSTRATE

contributor:
Wilkinson, D. S.
Materials Engineering

subject: Materials Engineering

abstract:
With the world of technology constantly advancing, there will always be a need to improve the source of energy providing the power in a number of applications.
Supercapacitors, specifically, have become important power components for cell phones, laptops, and, more recently, electric and hybrid vehicles. In order to increase the efficiency ofsupercapacitors, novel structures must be investigated to increase surface area, which is one key to the energy storage mechanism of supercapacitors. By
infiltrating the open cells of high porosity nickel foam with sintered filamentary nickel
plaque, a unique, high surface area structure with high porosity has been produced. The mechanical properties of the resulting structure are a compromise of the two constituents; nickel foam and nickel plaque. The nickel foam provides ductility, and the nickel plaque provides strength and stiffuess, with a final composite structure that averages a yield strength of 1.87 MPa, a UTS of 2.25 MPa, an elastic Modulus of 515 MPa, and an average percent elongation of 7.6%. As the relative density of the composite increases, the strength and modulus both increase, while the percent elongation decreases. This high surface area, high porosity material could serve as a viable substrate for a thin coating, which would provide the electrical properties of a supercapacitor.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: The Therapeutic Potential of Small Pharmacological Molecules in the Treatment of Sialidosis

contributor:
Igdoura, Suleiman
Biology

subject: Biology Biology Biology

abstract:
Sialidosis is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a dysfunctional Sialidase enzyme. Categorized into two phenotypes. Sialidosis type I and II. Sialidosis is a highly heterogeneous disorder with varying ages of onset and pathologies. Currently, there is no viable therapy for the treatment of Sialidosis patients. At the molecular level, cells from Sialidosis patients with compound heterozygous mutations show improper enzyme folding, loss of Sialidase enzyme activity and subsequent accumulation of sialylconjugates within lysosomes. One promising treatment option is the use of small pharmacological molecules as immune response. and proteasome regulators. In this study. We examined the efficacy of the immuno-suppressant (Celastrol) as well as a proteasomal inhibitor (MG132) in the rescue of mutant enzymes with altered conformation. Our results reveal that MG132 is highly beneficial to enzyme activity. localization and substrate reduction in cells expressing defective Sialidase. We also found that MG132 reduces accumulation of ganglioside products. GT1b, GD3, and GM3 in pre-loaded Sialidosis cells. Alternatively, Celastrol appears to inhibit; if not deplete Sialidase expression and activity revealing a potentially novel effect of Celastrol on immune modulators. Of interest. the combination of Celastrol and MG132 appears to
 amplify the beneficial impact of MG132 across most of the molecular analysis of both the endogenous and recombinant expression of defective Sialidase. This study explores a novel biological criteria to assess the efficacy of small molecules through substrate accumulation analysis and points to a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Sialidosis.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Numerical simulation of effects of cladding and superimposed hydrostatic pressure on fracture in metals under tension.

contributor:
Wu, Peidong
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
In this study, detailed numerical works are carried out to investigate cladding
and superimposed hydrostatic pressure on fracture in metals under tension by using
finite element software ABAQUS/Explicit. It is concluded that both cladding and
superimposed hydrostatic pressure delay void nucleation and void growth, which
results in increasing fracture strain in metals under tension.
The influence of cladding on delaying fracture in metals under tension is
numerically studied by employing Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) damage
model. It is found that cladding has a significant effect on enhancement in materials'
ductility due to the fact that cladding increases necking strain which in tum delays the
void nucleation and growth. Topological arrangement of cladding in axisymmetric
tensile round bars shows no noticeable effect on necking but significantly affects
fracture strain.
The influence of superimposed hydrostatic pressure is numerically
investigated on sheet metals under plane strain tension by using GTN damage model.
It is found that superimposed hydrostatic pressure has no noticeable effect on necking
but significantly delays fracture initiation due to the fact that superimposed
hydrostatic pressure delays or completely eliminates the nucleation, growth and
coalescence of microvoids or microcracks.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: A WIRELESS SENSOR SYSTEM AND APPLICATIONS OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE PULSE DIAGNOSIS FOR INDIVIDUAL HEALTHCARE MONITORING

contributor:
Deen, M. J.
Electrical and Computer Engineering

abstract:
Home health care continues to be an important and challenging issue in most countries, especially for the elderly. To improve home health care, it would be useful to have wireless biomedical systems that can monitor various vital signs ofthe elderly and to provide such information to a health care professional. In the orient, one powerful tool in diagnosing and predicting health issues is the Traditional Chinese Pulse Diagnosis (TCPD) technique. The TCPD technique is through the examination ofthe artery pulse pattern on three points along the radial artery and it usually requires a doctor to conduct pulse palpation with their fingers. Therefore, the diagnosis relies significantly on the experience of the doctor. However, for the more widespread use of TCPD, one concept is to bring the doctor's "fingers" and "encode" the doctor's experience to an individual in a home care setting. Using existing technologies in biomedical sensor, data acquisition, communication and microelectronics, it is possible to construct a "smart" TCPD system.

In this thesis, a microcontroller based pulse monitoring system for TCPD's application in home care is proposed. The system consists of three main units for data acquisition, data processing and wireless transmission. The pulse data acquisition is with a liquid-filled digital pressure sensor module with the employment of applanation tonometry, a technique used in recording the peripheral artery waveform. Each sensor module is read by a corresponding microcontroller via its serial peripheral interface, and the measurement is then sent wirelessly to a personal computer (PC) via a 204GHz transceiver. The system was used to successfully record and transmit radial pulse pressure and body surface temperature measurements to a host PC. Pulse waveforms are then reproduced from the pulse pressure measurements to conduct offline analysis. The analysis is targeted to integrating TCPD diagnosis with quantitative pulse representation and measurement history, to use expert knowledge in classification and recognition, and therefore to provide supporting information for disease diagnosis and forecasting.

The work performed in this thesis presents the proof-of-concept research and system implementation in the design of an individual health monitoring system using the TCPD method. Basic pattern matching and parameter extraction/comparison are performed and verified. Finally, the research work presented here provides a solid foundation for future work in this field ofTCPD and its application.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: The Effects of Mismatch Repair Proteins and Hypoxia on the Repair of Cisplatin-induced DNA Damage

contributor:
Rainbow, A. J.
Biology

subject: Biology Biology Biology

abstract:
Tumour resistance to the drug cisplatin poses a major impediment to successful
hemotherapy. Defects in the mismatch repair (MMR) system have been linked to
cisplatin resistance; however, conflicting reports have suggested that loss of MMR alone
may not be sufficient to confer resistance in some cell types. Rapidly growing tumours
often outstrip their blood supply resulting in a hypoxic tumour microenvironment which
has been shown to affect cellular responses to conventional cancer treatments. However, the effect of hypoxia on the repair of cisplatin-damaged DNA has not been investigated. We have used a host cell reactivation (HCR) assay to investigate the effects of MMR deficiency, p53 defects, SV40-transformation and hypoxia (or hypoxia coupled with acidosis) on the repair of a cisplatin-damaged reporter gene encoded by a recombinant adenovirus in a panel of murine and human cells. We have also examined HCR of a DVC-damaged reporter gene in human normal cells for comparison and clonogenic survival of murine fibroblasts following cisplatin treatment. In the isogenic murine fibroblasts we examined, loss of the MMR proteins MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2 alone were insufficient to enhance HCR of the cisplatin-damaged reporter gene. However, HCR was enhanced in SV40-transfonned MSH2-deficient cells relative to proficient controls. In the human tumour cells we examined loss of hMLHl alone, but not hMSH2, resulted in enhanced HCR of the reporter gene. These results indicate that loss of MMR alone may not be sufficient to confer cisplatin resistance in some cells, suggesting that other
concomitant alterations may also be necessary. We examined p53 defects and SV40-transformation changes as possible candidate alterations required for a cisplatin resistant phenotype in Li-Fraumeni syndrome cells and SV40-transformed human normal cells respectively. We found that SV40-transformation resulted in enhanced HCR of the cisplatin-damaged reporter gene relative to non-transfOlmed cells, but a similar repair enhancement was not seen for mutant p53-expressing Li-Fraumeni syndrome cells relative to control cells expressing wildtype p53. A comparison of repair of UVC- and cisplatin-induced DNA damage showed that HCR of the UVC-damaged reporter gene, but not the cisplatin-damaged reporter gene was reduced in SV40-transformed cells suggesting a differential effect of SV40-transformation-induced abrogation of p53 and/or pRb on nucleotide excision repair and homologous recombination repair in cells. The effects of hypoxia on the repair of cisplatin-damaged DNA vmied with cell type although reduced repair under hypoxic conditions was observed in both SV40-transformed human normal cells and in several human tumour cells when cells were examined at 40 h postinfection. However, differential effects of hypoxia on repair capacity were observed in some cell lines when the length of hypoxic treatment was shorter and cells were examined at an earlier time point indicating rate-dependent effects on the repair of cisplatin-damaged DNA in some cells. There were no detectable effects of hypoxia plus low pH treatment (24 h post-infection) on repair of either cisplatin-damaged or UVC damaged DNA in the human normal cells we examined suggesting that a longer duration of hypoxia and low pH treatment may be necessary to detect repair differences. Finally, clonogenic survival of SV40-transformed MSH2-deficient and MSH2-proficient murine cells treated with cisplatin revealed a hypoxia-enhanced survival of the MSH2-deficient cells. This enhancement of survival coupled with a reduction in repair capacity previously observed in these cells under hypoxic conditions provides a potential mechanism by which hypermutability may be established in hypoxic cells.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Mapping crustal terrane boundaries in Manicouagan Quebec, of the Grenville Province: Characterization of isotopic signatures from differing crustal sources and evidence from aeromagnetic data

contributor:
Dickin, Alan P.
Earth and Environmental Sciences

subject:
Earth Science
Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences

abstract:
The Grenville Province is alGa orogenic belt, composed of much older terranes whose age and extent require mapping in order to gain a better understanding of its geological evolution. Manicouagan, Quebec, in the Grenville Province, has experienced several orogenic events, as well as being the site of a 214 Ma hypervelocity impact event, which has further complicated its geological structure. By analyzing surface samples from this area, as well as driB core of the country rocks involved in the impact, the original age of crustal formation for the various terranes can be calculated, thus revealing the evolutionary history of the Manicouagan area.

Nd isotopes are resistant to metamorphic disturbances, therefore permitting accurate calculations of original crustal formation ages. Nd-isotopic analysis of granitoid orthogneisses, has identified three major crustal formation age groups in the area. These are: Mesoproterozoic (1.58 Ga), Paleoproterozoic (1.86 Ga), and Archean (2.8 Ga). These average depleted mantle model ages (TOM) correspond well with isochron reference lines, supporting their validity as actual geologic events.

The spatial distribution of age data results indicate that the Archean basement extends farther south on the western side of the Manicouagan reservoir than previously thought, whereas the eastern side is dominated by Paleoproterozoic crust. In contrast, the Manicouagan Imbricate Zone (MIZ), located between the Archean and Paleoproterozoic crustal terranes, as a wider scatter of Nd data attributed to mixing between Archean and Proterozoic sources. This crustal terrane has been limited to within the interior of the reservoir in the south, and extends just north of the reservoir. The location of the boundary between the Archean and Paleoproterozoic terranes, the Allochthon Boundary Thrust (ABT), was largely agreed upon to the east and west of the impact, but its position was highly ambiguous near the impact itself. New Nd analysis shows that this boundary crosses onto the island on the NW side of the reservoir, and exits to the west of the previously established Cryptic Shear Zone (CSZ) at the southern end of the impact. The boundaries of these distinctive crustal terranes are further supported through aeromagnetic evidence.

The 214 Ma hypervelocity event resulted in the instantaneous melting of target rocks located beneath the impact. Isotopic and elemental geochemistry was employed to characterize the composition of the meltsheet. These data show that the melt sheet was largely derived from the MIZ, but cannot rule out a small component of underlying Archean crust. Further isotopic, trace element and major elemental analyses are needed in order to fully decipher the target rock composition.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: A Numerical and Experimental Study Of Ion-Drag Electrohydrodynamic Micropumps

contributor:
Ching, Chan Y.
Selvanagapathy, Ravi
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
The objectives of this work are (i) to develop a numerical model for electrohydrodynamic micropumps, (ii) to investigate the effect of using a conductive agent in the working fluid to enhance the pump performance and (iii) to investigate the use of pulse voltage on EHD micropumps.

A numerical model was developed that incorporates a charge model at the emitter electrode that is coherent to the electric field. The model results were found to be in good agreement with previous experimental results. A parametric study was performed to investigate the effect of the channel height and multi-stage spacing on the pump performance. Reducing the channel height reduced the flow rate but increased the pressure head, while increasing the multi-stage spacing improved the pump performance.

The effect of using conductive agents in the working fluid was investigated using Ferrocene in HFE-7100. The Ferrocene was found to significantly improve the pump performance. However, at high voltages, the pressure could not be sustained for long periods of time. The effect of an applied pulse voltage on the performance of the micropumps was studied. A maximum pressure 3512 Pa was achieved at an applied pulse voltage between 500 V to 800V, pulse repetition rate of 5 Hz, and duty cycle of 60%.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Solidification of Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings

contributor:
McDelmid, Joseph. R.
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering

abstract: Continuous hot-dip galvanizing is a common industrial process in which a steel sheet is immersed in a molten zinc alloy bath. After solidification, a thin zinc-rich layer is formed on the steel surface which protects the substrate in corrosive environments. Small amounts of antimony are sometimes added to the galvanizing bath to reduce zinc viscosity and ease the gas jet wiping operation. One of the side effects of antimony addition to the zinc alloy bath is the formation of very large zinc grains. One of the problems associated with coatings containing large zinc grains are relatively poor paint adhesion and detrimental mechanical properties. In this study, a galvanizing simulator was used to investigate the influence of important process variables such as bath composition, steel surface roughness and cooling conditions on the solidification of zinc coatings. The coating surface and cross-sectional microstructures were characterized via optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In addition, the zinc grain orientation distribution was investigated using Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD). Furthermore, Scanning Auger Microscopy (SAM) was carried out on the coating surface to study the distribution of alloying elements and bath impurities in intermetallic phases. The results showed that the presence of small amounts of antimony in the zinc alloy bath enhanced the grain growth in preferred crystallographic orientations on both substrates. It was also found that the substrate surface roughness had a strong influence on the coating crystallographic texture such that zinc grains had a strong basal preferred orientation on smooth substrates while exhibiting prismatic or pyramidal orientations onrough substrates. Finally, zinc crystals were smaller for the slow-cooled coatings while zinc grains had almost the same diameter for the intermediate and fast-cooled coatings on both the smooth and rough substrates. Factors affecting the solidified microstructure, crystallographic orientation of zinc grains and phase assemblage will be discussed.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: PRESSURE TUBE-CALANDRIA TUBE THERMAL CONTACT CONDUCTANCE

contributor:
Luxat, John
Engineering Physics

subject:
Engineering Physics
Engineering Physics

abstract:
CANDU reactors are of the heavy water moderated, pressure tube type. The core consists of several hundred horizontal fuel channels surrounded by a heavy water moderator. Fuel channels consist of a Zircaloy-2.5%Nb pressure tube enclosed within a Zircaloy-2 calandria tube. There is an annulus gas gap between the pressure tube and the calandria tube. Under extreme accident conditions such as a critical break Loss Of Coolant Accident (LOCA), the pressure tube may deform. If the fuel channel remains pressurized, the hot pressure tube can balloon into contact with the calandria tube.

Thermal contact conductance between the pressure tube and calandria tube must be understood as it is a key factor in studying fuel channel integrity. Once PT-CT contact occurs, heat is transferred from the hot pressure tube to the relatively cool calandria tube. The heat flux to the calandria tube is a function of the temperatures of the two tubes as well as the thermal contact conductance between them. For high heat flux levels the calandria tube temperature can increase enough for film boiling to occur on the outer surface. Film boiling will severely limit heat transfer to the moderator and cause overheating of the calandria tube which could lead to fuel channel failure. It is therefore important to understand the mechanisms involyed in thermal contact conductance and to study the transient behaviour of contact conductance during a PT-CT contact event.

This paper presents a new approach to calculating the contact conductance transient during the initial contact and post-contact phases of a postulated critical break loss of coolant accident .The contact pressure at the interface between the tubes is a critical parameter in determining the thermal contact conductance. An iterative method is used to solve for creep strain in the pressure tube and calandria tube which determines the interfacial pressure. A modern correlation for contact conductance is then applied. The results show high contact conductance at first contact in the initial contact phase. This is followed by a rapid decrease in conductance across the interface. These results are due to the interfacial pressure being high at initial contact. In the post contact phase, as the pressure tube transfers heat to the calandria tube and cools down, thermal expansion of calandria tube and thermal contraction of the pressure tube cause the conductance to rapidly decrease.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Controlling Polymer Microstructure Through the Coherence of Light

contributor:
Saravanamuttu, Kalaichelvi
Chemistry

subject: Chemistry Chemistry

abstract: This thesis describes modulation instability of a broad beam of partially spatially incoherent laser light propagating in a photopolymerisable organosiloxane. Refractive index changes due to photoinitiated free-radical polymerisation lead to a nonlinear regime in which even weak perturbations in the optical field become amplified. These trigger the spontaneous division of the beam into multiple self-trapped filaments of light. By tuning the spatial coherence of the beam, it was possible to vary the diameter of the self-trapped filaments. Quantitative analyses showed that the relation between filament diameter and spatial incoherence was consistent with a previously developed theoretical model. Because refractive index changes in the photopolymer are irreversible, modulation instability led to a permanent array of self-induced waveguides. In this way, it was possible to control the dimensions of the spontaneously formed polymer microstructure by tuning the incoherence of the optical field.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Bias and Efficiency of Logistic Regression involving a Binary Covariate with Missing Observations

contributor:
Walter, Stephen
Statistics

subject:
Statistics and Probability
Statistics and Probability

abstract: In the statistical analysis of a health research study, it is quite common to have some missing data after data collection. Typically in a clinical trial, the treatment variable is completely recorded most of the time, but the associated covariates may not be. The multi-variable analysis is often conducted by including all the important medically relevant covariates with the expectation that a valid estimate of the treatment effect could be obtained by properly adjusting for these covariates . In this scenario, if the data of the covariates are Missing Not at Random (MNAR) , the situation becomes complicated. The estimate of the treatment effect obtained will be invalid. The situation when the data are Missing Completely at Random (MCAR) is interesting since a dilemma exists: if you include the covariates with a high missing proportion, the analysis loses power although the validity might be good. If the covariates with a high missing proportion are excluded, the validity might be of question but the precision is good. Although the literature suggests that the validity is more important, there might be cases where the precision would improve substantially with a little sacrifice on validity by omitting the covariate from the analysis. In this t hesis, this dilemma will be evaluated in the context of multivariable logistic regression with the hope that some of the results from this work would shed light on the understanding of the situation. This work is significant in that it could potentially change the data collection process. For example, in the research design stage, if we expect that a covariate would have a high rate of missingness, there might be little to gain by collecting this information. Furthermore, the results from this work may guide decisions about data collection. If we decide that a covariate does not need to be collected, then the relevant resources could be released to apply to other important aspects of a study.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Resilient Modulus and Dynamic Poisson's Ratio of Asphaltic Concrete Mixes

contributor:
Emery, John J.
Civil Engineering

subject:
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering

abstract:
Increased interest in rational approaches to flexible pavement design, rather than the usual empirical methods, has brought about an urgent need for a better understanding of the material properties involved. In this study, laboratory equipment capable of providing reliable measurements of the material properties for asphaltic concrete mixes, under variable stress and temperature conditions has been developed. The basic material properties obtained from these measurements are the resilient modulus (MR) and dynamic Poisson's ratio (v), which are the required inputs for the elastic analysis of flexible pavement structures.

Tests have indicated that temperature is the main parameter affecting the resilient modulus of asphaltic concrete mixes, with deviator stress and confining pressure secondary in effect. Based on tests performed on a few samples, the dynamic Poisson's ratio was found to increase with temperature from about 0.24 at 10ºC (50ºF) to approximately 0.46 at 42ºC (108ºF). Confining pressure was found to have little or no effect on the dynamic v.

Analysis using a linear elastic flexible pavement computer programme has indicated a significant reduction in...a mix with a higher MR value. This demonstrates the advantage of utilizing the structural analysis approach to flexible pavement design for more efficient use of materials.

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: ADVANCED MATERIALS AND FABRICATION METHODS FOR ORGANIC SOLAR CELLS

contributor:
Zhitomirsky, Igor
Materials Science and Engineering

abstract:
New electrochemical deposition methods have been developed for the fabrication of advanced composite coatings for organic solar cells and hybrid organic solar cells. The methods are based on electrodeposition of conjugated polymers and composites. In this work, poly[3-(3-N,N-diethylaminopropoxy)thiophene] (PDAOT) and poly(9,9-bis(diethylaminopropyl)fluorine- co-phenylene) (PDAFP) were used as electron donors. Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), ZnO and Ti02 were used as electron acceptors. Also co-deposition of PDAOT and PDAFP has been developed in order to broaden the absorption range.

An electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method has been developed for the deposition of nanostructured ZnO and Ti02 films. The stabilization and charging of the nanoparticles in suspensions was achieved using organic molecules, such as dopamine and alizarin yellow (AY) dye, which were adsorbed on the oxide nanoparticles. The adsorption mechanism is based on the complexation of metal ions at the surfaces of oxide nanoparticles. Cationic dopamine additive was used for the formation of deposits by cathodic EPD. The adsorption of anionic AY on the oxide nanoparticles resulted in charge reversal and enabled the formation of anodic deposits. The method enabled the co-deposition of ZnO and Ti02 and the formation of composite films.

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method has been developed for the fabrication of Ti02 films. Benzoic acid and phenolic molecules, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, salicylic acid and salicylic acid sodium salt were investigated as charging additives for the EPD of Ti02 particles. The deposition yield has been studied as a function of the additive concentration and deposition time for cathodic deposits obtained from the suspensions, containing benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and anodic deposits prepared from the suspensions, containing gallic acid and salicylic acid sodium salt. The results obtained for the phenolic molecules with different number of OH groups were analyzed and compared with corresponding experimental data for benzoic acid without OH groups. The adjacent OH groups, as well as adjacent OH and COOH groups bonded to the aromatic ring of the phenolic molecules were beneficial for adsorption of the molecules on oxide particles. The adsorption mechanisms involved the interaction of COOH groups and OH groups of the organic molecules with metal ions on the particle surfaces and complexation.

The functional dispersants investigated in this work can be utilized for dispersion and functionalization of the nanoparticles and fabrication of hybrid large area organic solar cells. The new deposition method can be applied for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: BARRIERS TO SELF-RULE: AUTONOMY, OPPRESSION, & SELF-TRUST

contributor:
Gedge, Elisabeth
Philosophy

subject: Philosophy Philosophy

abstract:
Theories of autonomy are often divided into two broad types: procedural theories and substantive theories. Procedural theories are those that make the criteria for the autonomy of a mental state depend only on the formal features of the mental state, such as its relation to other mental states or features of its etiology. Substantive theories, on the other hand, place some restrictions on what content a mental state can have if it is to be autonomous. Procedural theories have been criticized for failing to explain why those who have internalized oppression are heteronomous, and this has been presented as a motivation for accepting a substantive theory.

In this thesis I dispute this conclusion, and present the outline of a procedural account that can answer this challenge. I argue that the competency account of autonomy suggested by Diana Meyers, in which autonomy is the result of an agent applying a suite of coordinated autonomy skills, provides a new way to understand procedural barriers to autonomy. Using this competency account of autonomy, I show how a lack of self-trust can undermine the successful use of autonomy skills, and thus impede autonomy. I then show how internalizing oppression can undermine self-trust, building on Miranda Fricker's work on epistemic injustice. This shows how procedural accounts of autonomy can account for the heteronomy of the oppressed, undermining one of the criticisms against procedural accounts, and also providing support for a competency account of autonomy.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: THE INFLUENCE OF CANADIAN SECURITY INTELLIGENCE SERVICES ON THE FORMATION OF RELIGIOUS AND NATIONAL IDENTITIES OF MUSLIM CANADIANS

contributor:
Rothenberg, Celia
Religious Studies

subject: Religion Religion

abstract:
This thesis explores the affect that Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) has on Muslim Canadians. Drawing on concepts of religious and national identity, I explore the ways these identities are shaped and constructed after individuals are approached by CSIS agents. This study presents a qualitative study of the lives of 8 Muslim Canadians and their experiences in both their religious and national communities after being interviewed by CSIS officials.

This thesis explores how religious identity is expressed through religious community involvement and how boundaries of community are formed. In particular it examines how interviews with CSIS agents influence individuals to become more or less involved in their religious communities. Further, I discuss some of the implications that interviews with CSIS can have on the community as a whole.

National identity presents a more complex and challenging exploration of defining citizenship, nationhood and the role of government. For all of these individuals, their sentiments towards citizenship and their perceived place within Canadian had shifted after being approached by CSIS officials.

These changing identities are placed into a larger framework that examines the problems associated with defining Muslim Canadians, Islamophobia, Canada's approach to multiculturalism and Canada's response to terrorism and security. Thus, this thesis examines some of the critical issues that Muslim Canadians face and how these particular topics, in addition to an interview with CSIS agents, have influenced the lives of the individuals in this study.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: THE ELUSIVE QUEST: SOFTWARE PRODUCT QUALITY EVALUATION

contributor:
Maibaum, T.S.E.
Computer Science

subject:
Computer Sciences
Computer Sciences

abstract: Quality has many definitions, and even more models and methods for assurance and evaluation associated with it. After an overview of existing concepts, we provide a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the quality of a software product, complete with methods for model structure and parameter elicitation and a way for mapping the quantitative results obtained from the evaluation to qualitative rankings of product characteristics (e.g. Poor, Good, Excellent). This is complemented with a compendium of quality characteristics and metrics associated with them and a generic quality model combining the works of McCall and Boehm with the international standard for software product quality ISO/IEC 9126-1. A discussion of the advantages that the use of Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) can provide in this framework is also offered, as well as a method for transforming quality models to a form suited for BBN use. The methodology has been applied to a case study.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: John Dryden's Poetry of Death

contributor:
Wahnsley, Peter
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
English and Cultural Studies
English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature

abstract: In this project, I explore John Dryden's scepticism about the possibility of encomium, lamentation, and consolation in his poetry of death. Drawing on close readings of individual poems, comparisons of each work with its literary precedents, and examinations of the poet's artistic ideals as expressed in his prose, I trace Dryden's development of a language of poetic commemoration that is individualistic, anticonciliatory and anti-elegiac. The first two chapters focus on Dryden's attempts to reconcile ethical and social functions of the panegyric genre with his deep respect for the deceased individual and her grieving family members. The third chapter examines two short elegies in which Dryden bestows upon the public moumer a humanness missing from conventional elegies and mortuary rituals, and questions whether communal expressions of lament are able to capture the private feelings of individuals.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: THE EFFECTS OF BLADE PITCH AND MOUNT POINT OFFSET ON VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE PERFORMANCE

contributor:
Tullis, Stephen
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
Small scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) show potential for urban rooftop installations where they can capture the highly unstable, turbulent wind flow patterns which are typical in an urban environment. Being axisymmetric, they are omnidirectional turbines which respond well to changes in wind direction, unlike their horizontal axis counterparts. Wind tunnel experiments were performed on a small scale, 2.5m diameter by 3m high, 3 bladed H-Darrieus VAWT. The effects of blade preset pitch and blade mount-point offset were investigated. Local flow visualizations were observed on the inner surface of a blade near the lower strut by recording video of the behaviour of Mylar tufts during turbine operation for comparison with a 2-D Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model. Experimental data is presented for a range of tip speed ratios, at a nominal wind velocity of 10m/s for both blade pitch and blade offset tests.

The results of the blade preset pitch tests indicate performance increases with increasing toe-out pitch, to a limit, followed by a sharp decrease in performance as toe-out is continually increased. Performance decreases were experienced for all toe-in pitch presets. Identical behaviour was seen with experiments involving blade mount-point offsets which were geometrically equivalent to blade pitch presets. Results of tuft flow visualization tests indicate the regions during which the blade is experiencing reversed flow, and compare well with velocity vector data obtained from CFD simulations. The duration the inner blade surface experiences full stall is observed to decrease with the increase of toe-out preset pitch. Incipient stall is observed to be delayed as blade tip speed ratio is increased. Thrust curves are also presented and indicate a decrease in upwind pass and increased downwind pass perfonnance as toe-out is increased. As the tip speed ratio is increased, the interaction of the blade with its shed vortex from the upwind pass is diminished. This investigation shows that high solidity VAWTs are sensitive to relatively small changes in blade preset pitch and mount point offset and therefore care should be taken when designing turbine blades so as to avoid a toe-in condition that could adversely affect turbine performance.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: "HIGH CHURCH MENNONITES?" THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGION AND ETHNICITY AMONG MANITOBA MENNONITES AT AN ANGLICAN CHURCH

contributor:
Badone, Ellen E.F.
Religious Studies

subject: Religion Religion

abstract: This thesis contributes to the debate about the cultural construction of ethnicity and its relationship to religion in Canada by examining the multifaceted identities of Mennonite women and men who attend an Anglican church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Based on ethnographic research conducted in the St. Margaret's church community, I contend that this rare denominational shift from Anabaptism to Anglicanism complicates the construction and maintenance of these parishioners' ethnic identities, and provides a privileged opportunity for an exploration of the possibility of disconnection between the intimately related categories of Mennonite religion and ethnicity. Pertinent to my study is an analysis of the factors influencing and sustaining my informants' denominational change. However, my informants' knowledge of St. Margaret's through discourse in the Mennonite community, and the feelings of comfort expressed with regard to the Mennonite community at St. Margaret's, as well as their maintenance of many Mennonite religious and cultural traditions, despite the fact that they have become Anglican, indicates that many Mennonite features remain central in the lives of these people. My research draws attention, therefore, to the complex ways Mennonite members of St. Margaret's understand and discuss their transition into an Anglican church. I explore these discussions of identity within the framework of widespread debate about Mennonite ethnicity in North America, and in the context of recent scholarship which finds the categories of religion and ethnicity in Canada to be at once intimately related, increasingly fluid, subject to individuality, and affected by social change. I also situate my research in the context of predictive theories of secularization in Canada and in the context of debate about types of changes occurring in Canadian church communities.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Theology's Tragic Glass: The Christian Background to Marlowe's Doctor Faustus

contributor:
Morton, R.E.
English

subject:
English
English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature

abstract: The aim of this thesis is to present the results of an investigation of some of the typical theological and Biblical sources to which Marlowe had access at the time of writing Doctor Faustus. These selected materials are classed under three principal headings in order to illustrate clearly the varieties of dramatic use to which Marlowe put them. The evidence of deep familiarity with these materials presented here leads to a consideration of the ways in which Marlowe used Christian doctrine as a central element in his play. A final chapter synthesizes the influence of the religious background on the play's meaning and significance.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: The Thematic Structure of The Castle of Perseverance

abstract: The major themes of The Castle of Perseverance and their theological aspects are examined, with some discussion of these themes as they appear in other early morality plays. The study also speculates on how these themes might be transposed from printed page to theatrical stage.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: LATE HOLOCENE (3500 yBP) SALINITY CHANGES AND THEIR CLIMATIC IMPLICATIONS AS RECORDED IN AN ANCHIALINE CAVE SYSTEM, OX BEL HA, YUCATAN, MEXICO

contributor:
Reinhardt, Eduard G.
Geology

subject: Geology Geology

abstract:
Foraminifera and thecamoebians have been used extensively in coastal reconstructions and intertidal zonations. Recent work has shown that their distributions in anchialine cave systems are effective at characterizing modern hydrologic conditions and reconstructing climatic fluctuations over the mid-late Holocene. This thesis focuses on the lower extent (within 2 km of the Caribbean coast) of the Ox Bel Ha cave system in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Surface sediment samples and sediment push cores were collected along a shore-normal transect using SCUBA techniques. The samples were analyzed for foraminifera and thecamoebian populations to establish: (1) Their modern distributions in different locales in the cave system including open water cenotes, main cave passages, and secondary cave passages; and (2) Their transitions through the late Holocene (3500 yBP) in response to climatic fluctuations, particularly precipitation. Hydrochemical parameters (specific conductivity, luminescent dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature) of the modern water column were obtained to complement the microfossil assemblages in the surface samples. The sediment push cores were age-constrained using radiocarbon techniques and organic matter geochemistry (δ13 C, δ15N, TOC, TN, C/N) was used to determine the dominant source of sediment input.

Salinity is the main controlling factor on the presence of foraminifera and thecamoebians; however the sedimentation patterns in the cave system had a significant role in sample biasing. In the open water and main cave conduit, sedimentation rates were higher (~0.22mm yr-1) and the microfossil assemblage showed high abundances of Ammonia tepida and Elphidium gunteri, with a minor component being comprised of brackish thecamoebians Centropyxis aculeata and C. constricta. In the deeper areas of the cave where sedimentation rates were considerably lower the samples contained a more heterogeneous mix of A. tepida, E. gunteri, C. aculeata, and C. constricta. This biasing is important to consider when interpreting the core data.

The core records showed four distinct phases of climatic changes which are closely tied to fluctuations in precipitation over the late Holocene. Periods of increased precipitation resulted in higher turbulent mixing at the interface between the superior fresh meteoric water and the basal saline marine water (halocline), resulting in more brackish conditions in the groundwater overall. Alternatively, lower precipitation resulted in a freshening of the groundwater due to the decreased turbulent mixing at the halocline. In addition, periods with high fluctuations in precipitation caused a heterogeneous mix of microfossils as a result of poor time averaging due to the low sedimentation rates. This inverse relationship has important implications in understanding the different periods of the ancient Maya culture, particularly the transition between the Classic and PostClassic Periods.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Structural Identification and Parametric Estimation of Multivariable Systems

contributor:
Sinha, N.K.
Electrical Engineering

subject:
Electrical and Electronics
Electrical and Electronics

abstract: The identification of discrete linear time-invariant multivariable systems has been investigated. This thesis consists of three interrelated parts. In the first part, linear systems have been described in canonical forms which are mostly suitable for system identification. Inter-relationships between the input-output difference canonical form due to Bonivento, Guidorzi and Marro (1973) and the state-space canonical form due to Luenberger (1967) have been studied. In the second part structures of linear multivariable systems have been studied. An efficient algorithm has been developed to identify a set of structural indices directly from the input-output data of a system. The order of the system is, then, determined in terms of these structural indices. In the last part, estimation of system parameters from the input-output data has been studied. Recursive algorithms have been developed for estimating the system parameters sequentially from noise-free and noise-corrupted data. Digital computer simulations with noise-free as well as noise-corrupted data have been utilized to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed procedures.

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Georg Büchner's Lenz and its principal source, Oberlin's Aufzeichnungen.

contributor:
Denner, K.
German

subject:
German
German Language and Literature
German Language and Literature

abstract:
This paper investigates the relationship between Büchner's Novelle and its principal source, and determines the extent to which Büchner relies on this source in the composition of the Novelle. An attempt is made to define characteristic patterns in
Büchner's process of adaptation from the material in the Aufzeichnungen.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: CHARACTERIZING THE ROLE OF CCAAT/ENHANCER BINDING PROTEIN β ON QUIESCENCE-SPECIFIC GENE EXPRESSION IN CHICKEN EMBRYO FIBROBLASTS

contributor:
Bedard, P.A.
Biology

subject: Biology Biology

abstract:
CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcription factors regulate cellular fates such as proliferation and differentiation. During conditions like serumdepletion or contact inhibition, cells can exit the cell cycle and enter a state of quiescence. Our studies have focused on characterizing the role of the C/EBP family in cellular survival and quiescence in chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEF).

Treating CEF with a dominant negative mutant of C/EBPβ (designated Δ184-C/EBPβ) increased cell survival during prolonged starvation. These cells also developed large autophagosomes characteristic of autophagy, a process cells utilize to acquire energy by degrading their own organelles. In yeast, a key mediator of autophagy is A TG8, which is essential for autophagosome formation and maintenance. Starved CEF expressing ΔI84-C/EBPβ had elevated levels of a vertebrate homologue of ATG8, Y(Gamma)-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein (GABARAP). Hence, we attempted to determine whether GABARAP plays a role in regulating cellular survival in starved CEF. However, over-expression and shRNAi studies indicate that GABARAP is not required for survival but instead may regulate apoptosis in CEF during starvation.

We also attempted to determine the effects of the C/EBP family in quiescencespecific gene expression. p20K is a well-characterized quiescence-specific gene in CEF, whose expression is regulated by C/EBPβ and cellular density. Recent findings suggest that p20K expression is negatively regulated by another member of the C/EBP family, CHOP10. Gene-profiling studies also discerned that contact-inhibited CEF display a signature of hypoxia, where genes such as HIF1α(alpha) and carbonic anhydrase IX are activated. Further analyses show that hypoxia can activate p20K expression in a C/EBPβ-dependent manner and this induction is repressed by CHOP10. Additionally, HIF1α(alpha). may also be regulated by C/EBPβ, since its dominant negative mutant repressed HIF1α(alpha). expression in CEF treated with hypoxia mimetics. Therefore, these findings suggest the existence of a C/EBPβ-HIF1α(alpha). axis in the regulation of p20K expression in CEF.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: SOCIAL EFFICACY BELIEFS AND EXERCISE BEHAVIOUR IN CARDIAC REHABILITATION

contributor:
Bray, Steven
Kinesiology

subject: Kinesiology Kinesiology

abstract: Participation in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is a fundamental component for recovery and secondary prevention efforts following a cardiac event (Smith et aI., 2006). However, despite the known benefits of regular exercise for cardiac patients (Jolliffe et aI., 2001) and the ever-increasing availability of cardiac rehabilitation and related programs, individuals affected by cardiovascular disease continue to demonstrate poor attendance and follow-up adherence to exercise programming; this is particularly true for female participants (Daly et aI., 2002; Halm et al., 1999, Woodgate & Brawley, 2008). Previous research has shown self-efficacy to be a reliable and strong predictor of exercise adherence in both the general and cardiac rehabilitation populations. Using social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986, 1997,2001), the present study investigated several socially-mediated perceptions that were theorized to predict self-efficacy, and in tum, its relationship to adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programming. In particular, this study was designed to investigate proxy efficacy and a newly- proposed socially-mediated efficacy construct (instructor support efficacy) and the relations between those variables, self-efficacy and exercise adherence within the cardiac rehabilitation setting. It was hypothesized that proxy efficacy for self-regulation and instructor support efficacy measured during the third week of cardiac rehabilitation would independently predict self-efficacy for self-regulation at week 9 of cardiac rehabilitation. It was also hypothesized that instructor support efficacy at week 3 of cardiac rehabilitation would be a stronger predictor of self-efficacy for self-regulation at week 9 of cardiac rehabilitation among women compared to men. Lastly, the study aimed to investigate proxy efficacy, instructor support efficacy and self-efficacy as predictors of exercise class attendance and adherence during participation in the cardiac rehabilitation program. Sixty cardiac rehabilitation participants (of which approximately 73% were male) who were enrolled in a hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation program completed assessments for self-efficacy for self-regulation, proxy efficacy for selfregulation, proxy efficacy for in-class exercise and instructor support efficacy at weeks 3 and 9 of program participation. Exercise attendance and exercise prescription adherence records were collected (at week 15 of program participation) using attendance records and exercise logbooks from the cardiac rehabilitation centre. In general, scores for all variables of interest were relatively high. Consistent with the first hypothesis, proxy efficacy for self-regulation and instructor support efficacy measured during the third week of cardiac rehabilitation independently predicted self-efficacy for self-regulation at week 9 of participation in the cardiac rehabilitation program. However, contrary to the hypotheses, when sex was investigated as a moderator of the instructor support efficacy - self-efficacy relationship, instructor support efficacy at week 3 did not predict self-efficacy for self-regulation at week 9 for either women or men. Finally, self-efficacy for self-regulation and proxy efficacy for in-class exercise independently predicted exercise class attendance between weeks 3-9, but no other significant predictors were found for exercise class attendance or program adherence throughout the remainder of the program. The findings from the present study provide a promising starting point in the development and assessment of instructor Support efficacy within the cardiac rehabiliation population.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: THE EFFECT OF SCREEN GEOMETRY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A TUNED LIQUID DAMPER

contributor:
Tait, Michael
Wilson, John
Civil Engineering

subject:
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering

abstract:
In recent years, the use of tuned liquid dampers (TLD) as dynamic vibration absorbers has increased in popularity due to their low cost and ease of installation. A TLD is a partially fluid filled tank (commonly water) that has a fundamental sloshing frequency close to the natural frequency of the structure in the vibration mode to be suppressed. Typically, water alone is insufficient to achieve the required level of optimal damping. One approach that is used to increase the damping of the TLD is to install flow damping devices (screens) into the tank. In this study horizontal slat screens are selected for investigation. For a given target response acceleration an optimal level of damping can be achieved. However, as the structural response deviates from this target value the efficiency of the structure-TLD system is significantly reduced. To increase the efficiency, an investigation into the applicability of slat screens with a varying loss coefficient is undertaken in this study.

A TLD equipped with slat screens bf different slat heights, edge geometries, and solidities is experimentally investigated. The TLD is subjected to shake-table tests under sinusoidal excitation for a range of amplitudes that correspond to a practical range of peak hourly horizontal structural accelerations. The variation in screen losses (CL) is correlated with the Keulegan-Carpenter (KC) number.

An equivalent mechanical model is utilized by analyzing the TLD as an equivalent tuned mass damper (TMD). In addition, a nonlinear numerical model based on shallow water theory is investigated. The influence of slat height on the free surface response, base shear forces, and energy dissipation is assessed.

A TLD equipped with various screen geometries is mathematically modelled in a hypothetical structure-TLD system. This system demonstrates the ability of slat screens with a varying loss coefficient to maintain a near optimum level of damping over a wide range of structural accelerations.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Das Bild des Hauses in der romantischen Erzählkunst

contributor:
Chapple, C. G.
German

subject:
German Language and Literature
German Language and Literature

abstract: Das Haus in der romantischen Erzählkunst stellt sich bei näherer Betrachtung als ein Paradox heraus, denn es kann keine Geborgenheit schenken. Es ist dafür ungastlich, unbetretbar, exzentrisch, utopisch, nicht dauerhaft, unfest, aus Glas oder bewegt. Insofern ist es eine Hanifestation der romantischen Unruhe oder Sehnsucht, die das Subjekt forttreibt, mit anderen Worten eine Manifestation des Selbstverlusts des Ich.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: THE EFFECTS OF LISTENING TO PREFERRED MUSIC ON POSITIVE EMOTIONS AND SELF-REGULATORY STRENGTH DEPLETION PATTERNS USING ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP EXERCISE.

subject: Kinesiology Kinesiology

abstract:
Self-regulation refers to the ability to override one behaviour, thought, or emotion
and replace it with another (Baumeister & Heatherton, 1996). Baumeister et ai. (1998)
propose that self-regulation is governed by a form of strength that varies from person to person and can be depleted by engaging in tasks that require self-regulation. Although self-regulation strength can be depleted, it may also be replenished through rest and other hypothesized mechanisms. Positive emotion has been suggested as a way to replenish depleted self-regulatory reserves (Tice et aI., 2007). The purpose of the CUlTent study was to investigate the effects of listening to self-selected uplifting music on positive emotional states and the effect of varying positive emotional states on self-regulatory strength depletion patterns. It was hypothesized that the group that listened to a selection of prefened music would show an increase in positive emotion on the PANAS measure and that the positive emotion induction would serve as a replenishment of self-regulation, which would lead to amelioration of depletion effects on a handgrip squeezing exercise performed after this induction. The study employed a between subjects, repeated measures design. Participants were 90 sedentary university students (Mage =22.90 ± 7.18) who were randomly assigned to one of three conditions; (Stroop) Depletion/Music (emotion induction), Depletion/No Music (quiet rest control), or No Depletion/No Music (no depletion control and quiet rest control). After controlling for initial positive emotion scores, ANOVA results revealed that participants showed significantly higher scores on the positive emotion scale of the PANAS, F(2,87) = 7.84, p < .01. 112 =.73 after listening to music than engaging in quiet rest. The results further illustrate that the change from pre- to post- manipulation in raw mean scores for each condition did not differ significantly in the length of time that participants held onto the handgrip during the endurance trial at 50% MVC, F(2,87) = 0.30, p =.74, ,,2 = .01. After 18 participants were eliminated due to questionably low (:=:; 5) RPE ratings on the pre-test, the ANOVA was completed again, and no significant differences emerged, F(2,68) = .68, p = .51, ,,2 = .02. Although the results do not demonstrate that positive emotion has an impact on selfregulatory
strength depletion patterns, the current findings are discussed with respect to previous research done by Tice et al. (2007) and in light of Fredrickson's broaden and build theory and limitations. Further research is warranted to gain a better understanding
of the relationship between music, positive emotion and self-regulation for exercise.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: CONFINING INDIVIDUAL DNA MOLECULES IN A NANOSCALE CONE

contributor:
Dalnoki-Veress, Kari
Physics

subject: Physics Physics

abstract:
This thesis details our progress toward developing an experimental method that will study conical confinement effects on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Using micropipettes with tip diameters on the order of ~ 1 μm, we study T4 bacteriophage DNA in the small radii of the micropipette tips to build upon our understanding of the entropic force due to confinement. Using two separate methods, evaporative flow and applied electric field, we are able to force the DNA molecules into confinement at
the micropipette tip. Labeling the DNA chains with a YOYO-1® fluorescent dye, we image the motion of the chains after the applied force is removed. We observe that the DNA molecules move away from the tip of the micropipettes and the dynamics are well parametrized by our theoretical model for a polymer in conical confinement. However, when our experimental protocol is performed using 1 μm polystyrene beads instead of DNA, we still see motion of the beads away from the tip after stopping the applied force. Studying polystyrene beads in various solvent conditions, we determine that due to the strict boundary conditions of our current experimental setups, ions in the DNA solvent cause the majority of particle motion seen in our DNA experiments, not polymer entropic effects. Using evaporative flow as our confining force, these dynamics are caused by a diffusion of concentrated ions at the tip. When the applied electric field was used to induce confinement, the excess dynamics occur due to a polarization of ions in the micropipette solution. Regardless of cause, these solvent ion dynamics mask the polymer entropic confinement effects in our current micropipette experiments. Using the knowledge we have gained through this study, we propose modifications which build upon our current experimental procedure, eliminating the effects due to evaporation or polarization of solvent ions. We hope that
these proposed changes will allow us to successfully measure the entropic force in axisymmetric, continuously changing confinement.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: A CHANGING SOCIAL GEOGRAPHY OF HAMILTON, ONTARIO; 1961-2006

contributor:
Peace, Walter G.
Geography

subject: Geography Geography

abstract: The pattern of socio-economic status has changed over a forty- five year time period within the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area. The grouping of census tracts into one of three categories based on its neighbourhood change, between 1961 and 2006, serves as the primary organizing framework for this thesis. This study uses average individual income in order to defme the CMA's "Three Cities", extending from research by J. David Hulchanski of Toronto (2007). Census tracts belonging to Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough and Grimsby comprise City 1, whose average individual income increased by 10% or more compared to the Hamilton CMA average individual income between 1961 and 2006. Census tracts of Burlington, Glanbrook and West Hamilton consist of City 2, within which the average individual income relative to the CMA either increased or decreased by no more than 10%. East Hamilton, the Hamilton Mountain and Stoney Creek encompass City 3, which has seen a decrease in the average individual income compared to the CMA by 10% or more. Using census data for 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2006 at the census tract level allows for the examining of the "Three Cities" at each period of time. Census variables include those related to: size and population, income, housing and tenure, education, immigration, households, and occupations. Distinct characteristics emerged between the "Three Cities" related to each of these variables. A contrasting divide exists between suburban communities and those of East Hamilton, the Hamilton Mountain and Stoney Creek. Results from this study add to the growing body of literature on social polarization, and offer a methodological contribution in that the grouping ofthe "Three Cities" characterize the CMA's census tracts over the forty- five year time period.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: UNCOVERING THE SCOPE OF INFANT-DIRECTED ACTION: ARE MOTHER-INFANT INTERACTIONS UNIQUE?

contributor:
Rutherford, M.D.
Psychology

subject: Psychology Psychology

abstract: Infant-directed action, or 'motionese', is the tendency for mothers to spontaneously incorporate modifications to their actions when interacting with their infant versus another adult in a ma1111er that may facilitate the child's understanding of human action (Brand, Baldwin, & Ashburn, 2002). The present study explored whether fathers similarly alter their behaviour and whether this alteration differs from mothers' infant-directed action. Forty-two mothers and fathers demonstrated the properties of two novel objects to their 11to 13-month-old infants and to another adult. While mothers modified their actions on repetitiveness, range of motion, proximity, interactiveness, and enthusiasm, fathers modified their actions only on rate, proximity, and interactiveness. When directly comparing mothers' and fathers' motionese, few differences were observed. These fmdings indicate that to some extent, infants may learn about action from interactions beyond those experienced with their mothers.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Causality in Advaita Metaphysics

contributor:
Arapura, J. G.
Religion

subject: Religion Religion

abstract: Throughout Śaṁkara's bhāșyas on the Upanișads, Bhagvad Gītā, and Brahma Sūtra, we are entreated to oft elaborate discussions on the principle of causality. These latter discussions are metaphysical in flavour and seem to have as their intent the establishment of a transcendental ground, Brahman. However, on the other hand, there are arguments adopted and utilized by Śaṁkara tat deny the causality principle ultimately. This thesis is an attempt to place these seemingly antithetical positions in proper perspective , and to illustrate that the principle of casuuality, for the Advaita, is no real hermeutical principle of Being (Brahman), but only a tentative proposition adopted within the structure of māyā and avidyā. At most causality is a tentative proposition utilized in a endeavour to appease the gods of reason, and not Brahman.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Popular Elements In Some of the Pāli Suttas

contributor:
Jan, Y-h
Kinsley, D.
Religion

subject: Religion Religion

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Triangles in the Heisenberg Group

contributor:
Nicas, Andrew
Mathematics

subject: Mathematics Mathematics

abstract: In the Heisenberg Lie group with the Carnot-Caratheodory metric, we classify geodesic triangles up to isometry in terms of side-length and geodesic parameters. We obtain an angle deficit formula for Heisenberg triangles. We construct classical moduli spaces T and S3\T for ordered and for unordered Heisenberg triangles respectively, computing homotopy type and manifold properties of the spaces, and producing a compactification of T up to similarity under the non-isotropic dilation.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Nd-Isotope Mapping of the Grenville Province in Southern Labrador

contributor:
Dickin, Alan P.
Earth Sciences

subject:
Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences

abstract:
New Nd isotopic data is presented, with previously published Nd model ages, to create a crustal formation age map that demonstrates the extent of crustal terranes of different ages within the Grenville Province in southeastern Labrador. An unpublished Nd data set from C. Gower was used for comparison with the data from this study. The previous UPb data has provided ages that define the geological history of southeast Labrador through four major orogenic events: the Makkovik orogeny (1860-1790 Ma), the Labradorian orogeny (1710-1600 Ma), the Pinwarian (1520-1460 Ma) and the Grenville orogeny (1085-985 Ma) (Gower, 2008). However, the high-grade metamorphism as a result of the Grenville orogeny has obscured the true age of the crustal material that formed the Grenville Province. The crustal formation ages detelmined through Nd analysis can distinguish boundaries between crustal terranes, even in areas with a complex geological history.
Previous Nd isotopic data included both the Grenville Province to the south, and the Paleoproterozoic Makkovik Province to the north, and demonstrated that older Nd values were located farther south than previously established but were unsuccessful in determining a crustal terrane boundary.
The data from this study provided depleted Mantle model (T DM) age ranges that overlapped from the Hawke River, Lake Melville and Mealy Mountains terranes which suggested that they are representative of one crustal block, which was renamed the Caliwright terrane. This terrane presented an age range of 1.87-1.94 Ga, which may reflect mixing between Pre-Labradorian and Labradorian magmatism. The data from Gower which included the Groswater Bay telTane, displayed a similar age range of 1.90 to 1.97 Ga, also indicating a single crustal source. In contrast, the Pinware terrane falls into two categories in which the northerly portion has Nd signatures similar to those of the Cartwright terrane, and the southern portion has ages indicating a juvenile Labradorian source. A mean Nd model age of 1.77 Ga was recorded for this data set as well as the data from Gower. Therefore the Pinware terrane was divided into north and south domains based on a proposed suture boundary between Gilbeli River and Red Bay. The data presented suggests that the original edge of the Makkovik continental margin passed just north of Red Bay and trends westwards into the interior of southern Labrador. I expect that relatively homogeneous Nd isotope signatures are located to the south of this boundary, whereas heterogeneous signatures are expected to the north.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Mechanical Induction of Bone Formation: Comparison Between Rat and Mouse Forelimb Models

contributor:
Wohl, G.R.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
To investigate the effects of mechanical loading on the rat and mouse forelimb, male Sprague Dawley rats and male C57/BL-6 mice forelimbs were cyclically loaded in axial compression. Two studies were performed, one to examine woven bone formation in both the rat and mouse forelimb, and one to examine lamellar bone formation in the rat forelimb. Both types of bone formation were induced through an acute loading event.

Repeatable levels of fatigue damage were induced in both the rat and mouse ulna, yielding a consistent woven bone response. Rats formed more woven bone than mice. Woven bone formed by the rats was evenly distributed along the medial cortex versus woven bone formed by the mice was more abundant towards the posterior side of the medial surface.

150 cycles of rest inserted loading to a peak load of 30 N was found to induce lamellar bone formation with the greatest apposition rate. Apposition rate was more strongly influenced by peak loading rather than number of loading cycles. At the 30 N loading level, 300 loading cycles induced woven bone formation in two of the five animals.

Finite element models were created to examine the mechanical environment of both the rat and mouse ulna during compressive forelimb loading. Stress distribution in the rat ulna was found to be distributed along the medial surface of the rat ulna. Stress distribution was biased to the posterior side of the medial surface on the mouse ulna. These stress distributions supported the bone formation observed. Maximal stress occurred in both the rat and mouse ulna at the same location failure occurred during monotonic and fatigue to failure tests conducted on both rat and mouse ulnas.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Rapid Prototyping of Large Components Based On Direct Uniform Slicing and Adaptive Slicing Methods

contributor:
Nye, Tim J.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
Making large RP parts is always a challenge for common commercial RP machines or other CNC machining process. Either it is not possible to fabricate the large RP models, or can only be done at high cost.

This thesis investigates a new method to make large RP parts in a very rapid and cost-effective way, and the part size could be theoretically unlimited. A software program for slicing 3D CAD models is developed in the Autodesk Inventor VBA environment to generate DXF files, and a common 3-axis CNC router is employed for cutting the sliced layers from sheet material by importing the DXF files from the slicing software tool. The sheet material sliced layers are laminated together to form the RP models with staircases on the laminated body surface, then epoxy resin filler is applied to cover the staircases. The surface finishing process such as sanding and coating makes the RP model closely match the original designed part shape.

By directly slicing a 3D CAD model in Inventor with the slicing software tool, the cutting profiles are obtained and saved in the DXF file format. The errors usually caused by slicing STL files with most conventional RP machines are eliminated and hence the geometry data is more accurate for making sliced layers. The slicing process becomes quite simple with the help of the slicing software tool, and it only takes a few minutes to get the DXF files for CNC router cutting.

Three different slicing and CNC router cutting methods are discussed in this thesis. For different shapes of 3D CAD models, an appropriate slicing method can be applied to reach the optimal results of RP model making.

The uniform slicing method is an effective way to slice large parts and generate sliced layers with the same thickness; the adaptive slicing method is a supplement for uniform slicing and makes thinner layers to save time for post-finishing such as staircase filling and surface grinding; and the adaptive slope cutting method is developed for choosing different sloped cutters for CNC router to cut sliced layers with standard grooving router bits.

The experiment is performed to make RP models of a sailboat keel pattern with the different slicing methods. Measurement is done for the fabricated RP models for comparing the surface deviations between the original designed 3D CAD models and the fabricated RP parts. The deviation plot made by software Geomagic shows that the RP model closely matches the original 3D CAD model, the surface deviation is mostly within lmm between the RP model and CAD model in the research experiment. The fabrication cost for RP model is also analyzed based on the experiment models in this research.
iv

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Latent Hardening in Pure Magnesium Single Crystals

contributor:
Niewczas, Marek
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
Engineering Science and Materials
Engineering Science and Materials

abstract: In order to better understand work hardening behavior of pure magnesium, latent hardening experiments with magnesium single crystals were carried out. Large magnesium single crystal samples were first deformed in tension, and subsequently sectioned for secondary tension tests. Three different initial crystallographic orientations of magnesium single crystals were prepared: crystals A and B were oriented for basal  slip, while crystal C was oriented for {1 012} twinning. The latent hardening test from type A and B crystals revealed that the LHR in coplanar system arising from basal - basal dislocations interactions was close to unity, whereas the LHR in non-coplanar system arising from basal - 2nd order pyramidal dislocation interactions was around 15. The interactions between {1012} twins and various slip dislocations were investigated using type C crystals. It was found that the {10 12} twins contributed to large strain hardening from at least a dynamic Hall - Petch mechanism. However, the role of {10 12} twins is complicated and further studies to understand the hardening mechanism due to {10 12} twinning are necessary.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: TOOLS FOR ESTIMATING DYNAMIC PROPERTIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF TUNING DYNAMIC VIBRATION ABSORBERS

contributor:
Tait, Mike
Civil Engineering

subject:
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering

abstract: Tuned-liquid dampers (TLDs) can be used as vibration absorbers for tall buildings. The ability of TLDs to decrease a building's motions is highly dependent on them being tuned to the building's natural frequency. In the present study natural frequency and damping estimates are determined for a 187 m tall building equipped with TLDs. A properly tuned structure-TLD system acts as a coupled two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) system. In this study several MATLAB (2009) programs were developed in order to determine the dynamic properties of both single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) and 2DOF systems. These programs Were based on the statistical maximum likelihood (ML) and least squares (LS) methods. The ML programs are based on earlier work by Montpellier (1997) and the LS programs were developed independently. All of the programs were verified using spectral and time-history data with known dynamic properties. The results of the programs were also compared to results generated by the well-known half-power bandwidth and random decrement methods: The ML and LS programs were found to produce results that were superior to the half-power bandwidth method and comparable to the random decrement program for SDOF systems. The ML and LS programs are superior to the half-power bandwidth and random decrement programs for analyzing coupled 2DOF systems as they are able to determine distinct property estimates for each mass. The natural frequency of the building studied for this project was found to be significantly higher than predicted at the time of its design. Thus the TLDs were not optimally tuned to the building's actual natural frequency and as a result the studied building was behaving as a SDOF system. Therefore the dynamic properties estimated in this study are those of a SDOF system. However, the methods developed herein could be applied to a 2DOF system in the future.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Effect of Peat Fuel Extraction and Peatland Reclamation on Vegetation and Greenhouse Gas Exchange

contributor:
Waddington, Michael J.
Geography

subject: Geography Geography Geography

abstract:
Peatlands are an important component of the global carbon cycle, acting as a significant global net sink of carbon dioxide (C02) and are the largest natural source of atmospheric methane (CH4). Peat is also an important resource and has been used as a fuel grade source of energy and for horticultural purposes in various countries for hundreds of years. The Ontario Government recently developed a target to eliminate coal-fired electricity generation by 2014 which has spurred discussions of replacing coal with alternative biomass fuel sources such as peat in northern Ontario power plants such as the Atikokan Generating Station. The aim of this thesis is to determine the impact of extracting peat from a northern Ontario peatland, in order to assess and quantify any potential ecological impacts in relation to (i) vegetation characteristics and functioning and (ii) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In April, 2008, a paired-catchment experiment was initiated at a northwestern Ontario peatland near Thunder Bay. Peat was extracted from a 12 m by 12 m segment of the experimental site and subsequently reclaimed using the peat block / acrotelm transplant method. The upper 30 cm thick section of the surface vegetation within the experimental plot was removed and set aside briefly prior to peat fuel extraction. Following the removal of approximately 1.5 m in depth of peat, the surface vegetation peat blocks were transplanted back onto the surface of the remaining catotelm in the plot.

Vegetation and greenhouse gas exchange (GHG) measurements were conducted at a nearby control site, the experimental site and a ditch site located alongside the experimental site outflow extraction ditch during the growing seasons of 2008 and 2009 to assess the impacts of extraction on GHG dynamics.

Biodiversity between the control and experimental site did not differ largely in the sampling years, with the ditch hollows displaying the lowest overall levels of plant biodiversity (0.72 Shannon-Weiner Biodiversity Index) in 2009. Despite bare peat being the greatest proportion of late growing season ground cover at the experimental site in both 2008 and 2009, and despite the lack of trees, keystone Sphagnum mosses made up the largest category of living vegetation (30 - 50 %), and had the overall greatest rate of seasonal moss production of all sites. The ditch site had the largest proportion of dead vegetation (77 %), with significantly lower (p < 0.05) production rates of both S. fuscum and S. magellanicum than S. fuscum production rates at the experimental site.

In the first year following extraction GHG fluxes of C02 and CH4 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) at the experimental site than at the control site. By the following year, although Ch4 fluxes increased significantly, fluxes of C02 decreased nearly four times from 7.5 to 1.9 g C02 m-2 d-1, and were no longer significantly different from control site hollows.

Overall the peat block / acrotelm transplant method of peat extraction for the use of peat as a biomass fuel allowed for the rehabilitation of mosses at the experimental site, and prevented any significant overall changes to species cover and biodiversity. As a result of the successful re-establishment of vegetation at the experimental site, overall efflux of C02 was significantly reduced only one year after extraction. Despite increased overall fluxes of CH4 between sampling years it is predicted that GHG fluxes will continue to decrease with time since extraction and rehabilitation.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: A Question of Rights, Safety, and Full Participation: A Critical Disability Analys is of the Experiences of Students with Disabilities in the McMaster University School of Social Work

contributor:
Schormans, Ann Fudge
Social Work

subject:
Social Work
Social Work

abstract:
Receiving equitable access in order to participate in post-secondary education is often a struggle for students with disabilities. This issue is not only alarming for the field of social work but also for post-secondary schools of social work. Literature that examines the challenges that students with disabilities encounter often reinforces a bio-medical model perspective, which consequently can further marginalize this population. In contrast, this research study is guided by a social model understanding of disability and conceptualizes disability as an act of social oppress ion. Using a critical disability framework, this thesis examines the personal experiences of students with disabilities to gain a better understanding of how the McMaster University School of Social Work supports its students with disabilities in regards to inclusion and their academic needs.
 This thesis examines students with disabilities' experiences in areas such as the admissions process, academic accommodation s, disclosure, classroom setting, field practicum, faculty/administration support, and feelings of inclusiveness. Findings suggest that students with disabilities experience discrimination and their rights being violated by faculty and field placement staff members in regards to disclosure of their disability and obtaining accommodations. These issues seem to stem more from a lack of understanding from faculty/staff members about providing accommodations than a malicious act. Normative assumptions carried by faculty about students also seemed to contribute to students with disabilities' rights being violated. This research study also supports the literature that students with disabilities often have to engage in extra work in comparison to their non-disabled peers. The implications of this research stud y suggest that the McMaster University School of Social Work needs to be more proactive with addressing issues of disability. Adopting a social model understanding of disability and providing training for staff members are approaches that the School of Social Work can take to develop a more inclusive learning environment.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Computational Fluid Dynamics Study and Modelling of Inlet Jet Mixing in Solar Domestic Hot Water Tank Systems

contributor:
Lightstone, Marilyn F.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract: Thermal stratification in solar energy storage tanks plays an important role in enhancing the performance of solar domestic hot water (SDHW) system. The mixing that occurs when hot fluid from the solar collector enters the top of the tank is detrimental to the stratification. Mathematical models that are used for system analysis must thus be able to capture the effects of this inlet jet mixing in order to accurately predict system performance. This thesis presents a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study of the heat transfer and fluid flow in the thermal storage tank (TST) of a solar domestic hot water system employing a vertical inlet jet geometry. The focus of the thesis is on the studying the effects of inlet jet mixing on the thermal stratification in the tarue Predictions of transient temperature profiles were assessed by comparing to experimental data from the literature. CFD was then used to study how the predicted mixing in the TST was affected by parameters such as the inlet velocity and temperature, pipe diameter and the selected turbulence model. From this study of the mixing, a one dimensional empirical model was developed to predict the temperature distribution inside the TST. The model was found to provide improved predictions of the transient axial temperature distribution in comparison to the plug-flow model which is commonly used in the broader system analysis codes.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: The Brain Drain and Underdevelopment: A Study of Emigration from Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to Canada

contributor:
Goldstein, M.N.
Political Science

subject:
Political Science
Political Science

abstract:
The brain-drain from Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to Canada, constitutes one of the most serious, though often overlooked aspects of the overall underdevelopment of these two Caribbean countries.

More specifically, Canada's immigration policies have played a major part in creating and maintaining this highly-selective outflow of wrokers from the region.

The net effects of the drain can be seen in the social and economic distortions it creates in the West Indies, while at the same time contributing to the economic and social well-being of Canada.

The underdevelopment of these countries, inlcuding the brain drain, can end only by the coming into being of new political mechanims aimed at placing their politial economies at the commnad of the local populations.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Neighbourhood Characteristics and Health: An Examination of Four Hamilton, Ontario Neighbourhoods

contributor:
Eyles, John
Geography

subject: Geography Geography

abstract:
The purpose of this project is to perform a thorough quantitative analysis of the data that examines the relationship(s) between five health outcomes (emotional distress, BMI level, health satisfaction, self-assessed health status, and chronic conditions), six socio-demographic/economic characteristics (age, gender, employment status, education level, and tenure) and numerous environmental quality variables, in order to determine: are there any linkages between perceived neighbourhood environmental characteristics, perceived housing characteristics, sociodemographic characteristics, and the participants' health status?
The data (n=671) included participants living in one of four Hamilton neighbourhoods (Chedoke-Kirkendall, the Downtown Core, Northeast Industrial, and the Southwest Mountain). Participants were asked questions about how they perceive their neighbourhood, both physically and socially, and their health.
The analysis included cross-tabulations, testing of the means, and logistic regression models and the hypothesis that self-reported health, measured in a variety of ways, will vary by neighbourhood, mediated by the socio-demographic/economic factors, proved to be correct in various regression models run on the data: self-reported Emotional Distress (GHQ) is mediated by age and income; self reported BMI is mediated by
age, education, gender, and tenure; self-reported Health Satisfaction is mediated by age; self-reported Self-Assessed Health Status is mediated by age; and self-reported Chronic Conditions are mediated by age and education.
The findings from this project will increase knowledge about how perceived social and physical aspects of neighbourhoods may influence individual and population health status will provide information to inform health planning and policy decisions in ways which are better suited to the socio-demographically/economically distinct neighbourhoods.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE FLYING PROBE TEST SYSTEM

contributor:
Deza, Antoine
Computing and Software

subject:
Computer Sciences
Software Engineering
Computer Sciences

abstract: Electrical components are the building blocks of any electronics. These building blocks, when intelligently assembled, form circuits that behave as intended by the designer. Therefore, any errors, such as defective components and assembly errors will cause the end product to have abnormalities. Advancement in technology has led to circuits of higher complexity that require a greater quantity of components as well as a great reduction in individual component size. This translates to finer integrated circuits; more components are placed and packed in the same given area and thus, manual circuit board testing may no longer be feasible. The flying probe tester is an automated circuit board testing/verification system that uses electric probes to first stimulate a circuit and then read and verify its corresponding output values. This thesis examines the processes involved in the flying probe test system and produces a model that characterizes the current sequential method of testing test points. Furthermore, using existing techniques developed through the traveling salesman problem and linear optimization, an efficient model is developed to improve and limit the distance traveled by the probes, thus reducing the required testing time.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: A Comparison of Scalable Multi-Threaded Stack Mechanisms

contributor:
Sekerinski, Emil
Computing and Software

subject:
Computing and Software
Computer Engineering
Computer Sciences
Software Engineering
Computer Engineering

abstract:
The traditional "stack grows from the top, heap grows from the bottom" memory layout allows a single-threaded process to make use of all available address space. This layout is not ideal when multiple threads of execution need to share one address space, for memory exhaustion is no longer signified by the heap meeting the stack. In the commonly used multi-threaded memory layout where each thread has its "worst case" stack memory exclusively reserved, a process may prematurely run out of memory when one thread's stack collides with another's, even if there is unused address space elsewhere. This problem is exacerbated as the number of threads in a process increases since there is less stack space available per thread.
In this thesis, alternative stack mechanisms that attempt to alleviate this problem are reviewed, and a new stack mechanism is put forward that utilizes the MMU to detect stack overflow. An experimental compiler implementing a subset of the C language is used to implement promising stack mechanisms, and a suite of test programs are used to compare their performance and scalability under varying usage patterns.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Multivariate EWMA Control Chart and Application to a Semiconductor Manufacturing Process

contributor:
Viveros-Aguilera, Román
Statistics

subject: Multivariate Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Chart

subject: Multivariate Shewhart Control Chart

subject: Average Run Length; Markov Chain

subject: Optimal Smoothing Parameter

subject: Semiconductor Manufacturing

subject: Statistics and Probability

subject: Statistics and Probability

abstract: The multivariate cumulative sum (MCUSUM) and the multivariate exponentially weighted moving average (MEWMA) control charts are the two leading methods to monitor a multivariate process. This thesis focuses on the MEWMA control chart. Specifically, using the Markov chain method, we study in detail several aspects of the run length distribution both for the on- and off- target cases. Regarding the on-target run length analysis, we express the probability mass function of the run length distribution, the average run length (ARL), the variance of run length (V RL) and higher moments of the run length distribution in mathematically closed forms. In previous studies, with respect to the off-target performance for the MEWMA control chart, the process mean shift was usually assumed to take place at the beginning of the process. We extend the classical off-target case and introduce a generalization of the probability mass function of the run length distribution, the ARL and the V RL. What Prabhu and Runger (1996) proposed can be derived from our new model. By evaluating the off-target ARL values for the MEWMA control chart, we determine the optimal smoothing parameters by using the partition method that provides an easy algorithm to find the optimal smoothing parameters and study how they respond as the process mean shift time changes. We compare the ARL performance of the MEWMA control chart with that of the multivariate Shewhart control chart to see whether the MEWMA chart is still effective in detecting a small mean shift as the process mean shift time changes. In order to apply the model to semiconductor manufacturing processes, we use a bivariate normal distribution to generate sample data and compare the MEWMA control chart with the multivariate Shewhart control chart to evaluate how the MEWMA control chart behaves when a delayed mean shift happens. We also apply the variation transmission model introduced by Lawless et al. (1999) to the semiconductor manufacturing process and show an extension of the model to make our application to semiconductor manufacturing processes more realistic. All the programming and calculations were done in R

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Spinel-Based Transition Metal Oxides

contributor:
Greedan, John E.
Chemistry

subject: Chemistry Chemistry

abstract:
Several transition metal oxides were investigated, most based on or derived from the spinel structure. Syntheses included both conventional solid state reactions and chimie douce approaches. The products were characterized by x-ray diffraction, SQUID magnetometry, and in some cases ICP-OES.
The lithium spinels LiM2O4 (M = V, Ti) were investigated for chemical lithium insertion and magnetic properties of their lithiated end products. These products, of formula LiM2O4, take on a rock salt structure but maintain the pyrochlore sublattice of the M3+ cations, a configuration that is subject to strong geometric magnetic frustration.

Several synthetic pathways for LiV2O4 and were investigated and evaluated based on their consistency in producing a chemically pure product with minimal magnetic defects. Although magnetic purity remained elusive, a ceramic synthesis using V2O3 and a mixture of LiVO3 and Li3VO4 was the most reliable at generating a chemically pure product. The lithiated rock salt Li2V2O4 was found to have sample dependent magnetic susceptibility. No Curie-Weiss region was determined up to 600 K, a good indication that the compound is strongly geometrically frustrated.

The investigation of LiTi2O4 and Li2Ti2O4 resulted in the discovery that lithium leaching occurs via lithium-organic phases adsorbed to the particle surfaces during the chimie douce synthesis. While the process occurs in a matter of months for LiTi2O4, a partially lithiated sample was completely returned to a pure spinel within a few weeks.
Investigation of the Jahn-Teller distorted spinel NiRh2O4 revealed the phase NixRh2.xO3.δ, which is related to the structure of orthorhombic Rh2O3(III). Magnetic properties of the new compound are unclear due to overlapping magnetic susceptibility with the spinel.

abstract: Master of Science (MS)