title: Energy Constrained Link Adaptation For Multi-hop Relay Networks

contributor:
Ibnkahla, Mohamed
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Wireless sensor network
Adaptive modulation
Energy constrained networks
Adaptive sleep
MQAM

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-08 18:26:29.222

abstract:
Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a widely researched technology that has applications in a broad variety of fields ranging from medical, industrial, automotive and pharmaceutical to even office and home environments. It is composed of a network of self-organizing sensor nodes that operate in complex environments without human intervention for long periods of time. The energy available to these nodes, usually in the form of a battery, is very limited. Consequently, energy saving algorithms that maximize the network lifetime are sought-after. Link adaptation polices can significantly increase the data rate and effectively reduce energy consumption. In this sense, they have been studied for power optimization in WSNs in recent research proposals.
	In this thesis, we first examine the Adaptive Modulation (AM) schemes for flat-fading channels, with data rate and transmit power varied to achieve minimum energy consumption. Its variant, Adaptive Modulation with Idle mode (AMI), is also investigated. An Adaptive Sleep with Adaptive Modulation (ASAM) algorithm is then proposed to dynamically adjust the operating durations of both the transmission and sleep stages based on channel conditions in order to minimize energy consumption. Furthermore, adaptive power allocation schemes are developed to improve energy efficiency for multi-hop relay networks.
	Experiments indicate that a notable reduction in energy consumption can be achieved by jointly considering the data rate and the transmit power in WSNs. The proposed ASAM algorithm considerably improves node lifetime relative to AM and AMI. Channel conditions play an important role in energy consumption for both AM and ASAM protocols. In addition, the number of modulation stages is also found to substantially affect energy consumption for ASAM. Node lifetime under different profiles of traffic intensity is also investigated. The optimal power control values and optimal power allocation factors are further derived for single-hop networks and multi-hop relay networks, respectively. Results suggest that both policies are more suitable for ASAM than for AM. Finally, the link adaptation techniques are evaluated based on the power levels of commercial IEEE 802.15.4-compliant transceivers, and ASAM consistently outperforms AM and AMI in terms of energy saving, resulting in substantially longer node lifetime.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Development of Conjugated Copolymers for Carbon Nanotube-Based Solar Cells

contributor:
Buncel, Erwin
Nunzi, Jean-Michel
Chemistry

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

subject:
Polymer Solar Cells
Organic Electronics
Bulk-heterojunction Photovoltaics
Carbon Nanotube Polymer Solar Cells

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-13 22:09:00.464

abstract:
The investigation carried out in this project allowed for the development of eleven regioregular π-conjugated alternating copolymers and their implementation in organic solar cells.  The eleven synthesized polymers, poly[(2,7-(9-(heptadecan-9-yl)-9H-carbazole))-alt-(4,7-dithien-2-yl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (CB), poly[(2,7-(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl))-alt-(1,6-pyrene)] (LP), poly[(2,7-(9-(heptadecan-9-yl)-9H-carbazole))-alt-(5,5’’’-(3,3’’’-dihexyl-2,2':5',2'':5'',2'''-quarterthiophene))] (CT), poly[(2,7-(9-(heptadecan-9-yl)-9H-carbazole))-alt-(2,7-9H-fluoren-9-one)] (CF), poly[(2,7-(9-(heptadecan-9-yl)-9H-carbazole))-alt-(1,6-pyrene)] (CP), poly[(2,7-(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl))-alt-(4,7-dithien-2-yl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (LB), poly[(2,7-(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl))-alt-(2,7-9H-fluoren-9-one)] (LF), poly[(5,5’’’-(3,3’’’-dihexyl-2,2':5',2'':5'',2'''-quarterthiophene))-alt-(2,7-9H- fluoren-9-one)] (TF), poly[(2,7-(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl))-alt-(4,4'-dioctyl-2,2'-bithiophene)] (oTLT), poly[(2,7-(9-(heptadecan-9-yl)-9H-carbazole))-alt-(4,4'-dioctyl-2,2'-bithiophene)] (oTCT), poly[(2,7-(9-(heptadecan-9-yl)-9H-carbazole))-alt-(4,4'-dihexyl-2,2'-bithiophene)] (TCT), were investigated using theoretical methods that included semi-empirical geometry optimizations, density functional theory (DFT) energy calculations, and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) optical absorption predictions.  The absorption predictions gave credence to our experimental results in which the absorption of the longer polymer chains underwent a redshift from the monomer absorption.
   With several of the prepared polymers, bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic cells were fabricated and their photovoltaic activity was investigated. Several of the fabricated cells exhibited photovoltaic efficiencies including polymer/PCBM composites with an aluminum back electrode (CF, CT, P3HT, and MEH-PPV), and also inverted cells with a silver back electrode (CT, P3HT, and MEH-PPV).  Several polymers (CF, CT, TCT, LP, oTCT, oTLT, P3HT, and MEH-PPV) were used to solubilize single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs).  The solubility of the nanotubes occurred by the polymers’ ability to wrap the tubes, disrupt the bundles (ropes of tubes), and allow for the creation of a homogeneous mixture.  Polymer:PCBM:SWNT mixtures were prepared and utilized as the active layer in BHJ solar cells.  Some of the inverted cells (with a silver back electrode) that incorporated the nanotube composites (CT, oTCT, oTLT, P3HT, and MEH-PPV) displayed photovoltaic activity.  These preliminary results illuminate the photovoltaic behavior of the polymer and provide evidence for their future use in polymer solar cells.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Switchable Surfactants for Soil Remediation

contributor:
Jessop, Philip G.
Brown, R. Stephen
Chemistry

subject: Surfactants Remediation Switchable Soil

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-16 17:10:16.997

abstract:
Soil remediation requires technologies to restore contaminated soil to a state that is environmentally acceptable.  In most cases, while the soil can be remediated the contaminant itself cannot be reclaimed. Soil washing involves cleaning contaminated soil with a wash solution, generally an aqueous solution of a surfactant.  It was proposed that using switchable surfactants for washing oil-contaminated soil will not only help remove the oil from soil, but also aid in the recovery of the oil contaminant from the wash mixture.
	Six surfactants were evaluated for their ability to wash Ottawa Sand artificially contaminated with North Sea crude oil. A water wash solution was used as a control.  Two commercial surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100, and four switchable surfactants, N'-octyl-N,N-dimethylamidine (C8), sodium octyl 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzoate (SAS1), sodium 4-(octyoxy) benzoate (SAS2) and sodium laurate (SAS3) were studied.  The surfactants were assessed based on their ability to remove oil from the sand and their ability to separate the crude oil from the wash mixture after CO2 treatment.  Oil removal from sand was determined by gravimetric analysis.  Oil content in the wash mixture was determined using Solid Phase Extraction and gravimetric analysis.  It was determined that switchable surfactants are able to remove North Sea crude oil from sand as well or better than the commercial surfactants and have the added feature of oil separation and recovery from the wash mixture after CO2 treatment.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Youth in Revolt? Generational Change Among Cuban Americans in Miami

contributor:
Krull, Catherine
Sociology

subject: Generation Cuba Miami Sociology

abstract: Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-20 08:42:19.368

abstract:
The ideological battle fought between the United States and Cuba has been centrally located in Miami, Florida.  The ninety miles of ocean separating the two nations serves as a type of no-mans land, the hypothetical battlefield separating Cuban-Americans from their homeland and families across the Florida straits.  For decades, the Miami Cuban community was seen as possessing a single identity, one of vehement anti-Castro sentiment and an ever-present desire to return to the homeland of their memories and past.  However, recent literature has suggested that fissures are becoming more apparent in the façade of absolute unity.
	The break in ideological singularity has emerged along generational lines, invoking Karl Mannheim’s pioneering work on the sociological analysis of generations.  This paper attempts to decipher the extent to which a Mannheimian generation is emerging among the youth of the Cuban-American population in Miami Florida.  Using discourse analysis an analysis of print news media conducted on 16 articles from the Miami Herald and 11 articles from the New York Times was undertaken to gain an understanding of the coverage of two major events seen to have an impact on young Cubans in both Miami and Cuba (Juanes’ concert for peace and the Elian Gonzalez case).  This analysis shed light on the extent to which an older generation of Cuban-Americans maintains control of resources.
	As expected, the Miami Herald was far more likely to espouse ideology supportive of the exile ideology.  It became clear that generational ruptures were recognized only when they did not conflict with the traditional rhetoric of anti-Castroism and discourse of regime change in Cuba.  Without this type of space for vocalizing dissent, it is difficult for a counter-movement along generational lines to form.  Overall, this thesis demonstrates that the exile ideology maintains control over what is considered permissible dialogue in traditional media outlets such as the Miami Herald, pointing to the conclusion that not all voices and opinions are recognized within the Cuban-American community in Miami.

abstract: M.A.


title: Target profitability is represented in the monkey superior colliculus during visuosaccadic foraging

contributor:
Dorris, Michael C.
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
foraging
decision making
profitability
reward
timing
superior colliculus
electrophysiology
saccade

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-21 15:37:43.468

abstract:
Behavioural choices of animals as they acquire resources in the wild are well characterized by foraging theory; however, the neural mechanisms underlying these behaviours are not well understood.  The goal of this thesis is to understand the brain mechanisms involved in selecting and executing such foraging behaviours. To do so, rhesus monkeys performed a novel visuosaccadic foraging task while we recorded the activity of single neurons in the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (SCi). An important innovation of this task is that both target profitability – the measure of value in the simplest case of foraging theory – and saccade choice are measured separately. We hypothesized that target profitability is represented in the SCi in addition to its well characterized role in saccade planning and preparation.
Visual Foraging Task: Monkeys harvested coloured dots representing prey items by fixating them for a pre-specified handling time. On each trial, multiple prey are presented, sharing identical physical attributes except that each was one of three colours.  All prey of the same colour shared the same profitability [Profitability = reward magnitude (ml)/handling time (s)]. According to foraging theory, intake of reward is maximized if prey are selected in descending order of their profitability. Indeed, we found subjects gradually approached optimal efficiency. We computed an index of the relative subjective profitability of each prey colour, which compared the rank order with which monkeys chose prey of each colour.
This subjective index of profitability was then compared to concomitant SC activity attributed to the prey item in the neuron’s response field (RF). First, we found that the amount of SC activity reflected the subjective profitability of the RF targets, and established that this effect was not simply a result of saccade goal planning. Second, profitability information remains dominant throughout the handling period until reward delivery, after which activity also became selective for upcoming saccades. Together, our results highlight the prominent role of target profitability in shaping SCi activity. We propose that profitability information in the SCi may play an important role in resolving competition between numerous target representations to choose the next saccade goal.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Auditor Mental Representations and Hypothesis Testing of the Control Environment

contributor:
Salterio, Steven
Management

subject:
Auditor
Judgment
Memory
Hypothesis Testing
Tone at the Top
Control Environment

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-22 13:43:07.232

abstract: In this thesis, I examine how auditors construct their mental representations and test their hypotheses about the strength of a client’s control environment.  With regard to the former, I hypothesize that management’s frame of the control system and auditor’s retrieval of control environment information from memory may influence the auditor’s control environment mental representation and impact subsequent audit judgments.  Consistent with my theoretical predictions, I find that retrieval of control environment information from memory biases an auditor’s mental representation, and that this biased mental representation impacts subsequent fraud assessment.  In addition, there is limited evidence to support the conjecture that auditors may be susceptible to management’s framing of the internal control system resulting in relatively positive control environment evaluations which was found to transfer to some subsequent audit judgments.  With regard to the latter, prior audit literature has examined how auditors evaluate person specific characteristics, such as competence, of other auditors, however there has been no research that has examined how auditors test such characteristics of client management.  I disentangle whether auditors utilize a diagnostic and/or a conservative hypothesis testing strategy when testing client management’s ethicality and competence as these are fundamental components of the client’s control environment.  A diagnostic testing strategy is evidenced by the auditor searching for the most informative information, whereas a conservative testing strategy is evidenced by the auditor searching for risks.  I examine how a checklist decision aid contained in the current institutional context may inhibit auditors’ utilization of a diagnostic testing strategy, and examine how a schematic decision aid is able to enhance diagnostic testing.  The results indicate that auditors utilize both diagnostic and conservative testing strategies when testing client management ethicality; however, the auditor’s testing strategy is only diagnostic when testing client management competence.  In regard to decision aids, I found that when testing client management ethicality and competence, a schematic decision aid was able to increase the auditor’s extent of diagnostic testing.  The checklist decision aid decreased the auditor’s extent of diagnostic testing only when testing client management ethicality, and was not different from unaided judgments when testing client management competence.

abstract: PhD


title: Canada's Other Red Scare: rights, decolonization, and Indigenous political protest in the global sixties

contributor:
Dubinsky, Karen
History

subject: History Indigenous

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-23 09:01:44.534

abstract:
This dissertation examines the histories of Indigenous protest, commonly known
as “Red Power,” in the 1960s and 1970s in the town of Kenora, Ontario. Among the
themes discussed are the associations of Indian and Métis activists with Third World
national liberation movements, Black Power groups in North America and other
Indigenous organizations, such as the American Indian Movement. This study pursues
numerous themes, including: racialization, transnational decolonization, Canadian
national identity and regional history. While previous studies on the era popularly
understood as “the sixties” tend to focus on the particularities of the Canadian context,
this dissertation suggests that the changing nature of Indigenous protest during the 1960s
and 1970s forms a crucial link between Canada and global forces of social change that
defined this era. Moments of Indigenous protest in Kenora, were not just singular
episodes. Instead, actions such as the main street march in 1965 and the Anicinabe Park
takeover in 1974 episode should be placed within the national and global movement of
armed standoffs, occupations, and civil disobedience and understood through the broader social, cultural and political frameworks of decolonization during the 1960s and 1970s.

abstract: I want to keep the thesis restricted until I have a commitment from a book publisher.

abstract: PhD


title: The Impact of the Residential School, Child Welfare System and Intergenerational Trauma Upon the Incarceration of Aboriginals

contributor:
Lee, Elizabeth
Education

subject:
Aboriginal Offenders
Incarceration, Over-representation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-24 20:22:59.526

abstract:
This was a qualitative research study involving Aboriginal offenders at a Federal institution in the Ontario Region. The purpose of this study was to illuminate the Aboriginal offenders‘ perspectives on their experiences that led to their incarceration. The major research questions guiding this study include:
1. What experiences do Aboriginal offenders feel contributed to their incarceration?
2. What do Aboriginal offenders feel could have prevented their incarceration?
3. How do Aboriginal offenders describe their experiences with the Residential School and child welfare systems?
4. What are the Aboriginal offenders' perspectives on their experiences with CSC‘s healing and intervention programs?
One of the goals of this study was to provide information to CSC to improve the reintegration programs and help Aboriginal offenders become law abiding citizens. The data was collected from individual interviews, which was analyzed in detail to develop themes.
The analyses sought for stories that captured the depth of the experiences that led to the Aboriginal offenders‘ incarcerations.
This study provided the personal perspective of the offenders as to how the Residential School and child welfare system have impacted their lives, and offers some insight into the over-representation of Aboriginal offenders in the prison system. This study also demonstrated how the socio-economic situation of these Aboriginal offenders played a role in their path towards prison. It is important to capture the voices of the
iii
Aboriginal offenders‘ experiences towards incarceration. Their stories offer ways to help other Aboriginal people.
We must have Aboriginal community members involved in the lives of Aboriginal youth to prevent them from getting into trouble, and find alternative positives outlets and activities. We must instill and provide hope and inspiration so that our youth have something to look forward to in their lives. I know this is happening to varying degrees in our Aboriginal communities; however, we need to keep working towards this goal. In addition, CSC might consider allocating more resources and financial assistance to Aboriginal communities, who are dealing with their people involved within the prison system.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Monologues en France - Du moyen âge à Raymond Devos

contributor:
Bénard, Johanne
French

subject: Monologues

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, French) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-24 12:17:16.349

abstract:
The first part of this research is devoted to work of an anthological and descriptive sort, which aims at gathering a corpus of French independent monologues. "Independent monologue" should be understood as a self-sufficient stage performance based on the speaking of a single artist, in opposition to the monologues inserted in a dialogical play. From the Middle Ages to the 1950's, this historical review focuses in particular on the thirteenth century "jongleurs", the burlesque sermons at the junction of the end of the Middles Ages and the early Renaissance, the plays "in monologues" of the eighteenth century, the "monologues fumistes" at the end of the nineteenth century, the poets and cabaret singers of the Belle Époque, Cocteau's monological theatre and two of the first contemporary humorists, Bourvil and Fernand Raynaud.

This corpus provides the material for a two-step analysis. First we examine whether the type-differences that certain monologues reveal can be accounted for by objective formal characteristics which then allow us to propose a partition of our corpus. As a result of this questioning, we propose that generic distinctions can be established among the monologues according to the enunciation conditions they develop, that is, whether the speech is directly addressed to the public or not, and whether the enunciator is a character or the artist himself. Next we organize the monological universe according to traits, transversal to the generic partition, with which the monologues present affinities. These traits pertain to scenic modalities, to functions held by the monologuist or to the form of discourse. The analytic tool previously developed is finally brought into play in confronting the work of Raymond Devos, a humorist emblematic of the French scene whose sketches stand out for the remarkable plays on word they display.

N. B.: the bibliography aims at offering simplified access to the monologues, in particular by providing the references to internet documents, be they texts that are difficult to obtain or audio and video recordings.

abstract: PhD


title: La revenance dans le roman québécois au féminin après 1980

contributor:
Conacher, Agnès
Boisclair, Isabelle
French

subject:
Haunting
Hantise
Ghosts
Revenants
Fantômes
Spectres
Doubles
Écriture au Féminin
Anne Hébert
Élise Turcotte
Suzanne Jacob
Ying Chen

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, French) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-24 14:12:10.978

abstract:
Cette étude prend pour son objet la figure de la revenante dans le roman québécois contemporain au féminin, laquelle émane d’une tradition de l’effacement du féminin, que ce soit sur le plan social (valorisation du sacrifice maternel et de la transcendance féminine), créatif (empêchement de la participation des femmes à la production littéraire) ou représentatif (mise en scène de la disparition de la femme). Si cet effacement a longtemps servi d’appui à une économie et à une esthétique patriarcales, la revenante attire l’attention sur celles-ci et en provoque la remise en question.
La revenante assume deux avatars dans notre corpus : l’apparition de la femme morte (en tant que fantôme, morte-vivante, figure fantasmatique ou onirique), ou le redoublement de celle-ci dans d’autres personnages féminins (c’est-à-dire que la hantée endosse les traits d’un précurseur spectral féminin). Nous nous intéressons aux enjeux de l’appropriation de ce vieux topos patriarcal dans le roman au féminin après 1980, moment où les femmes interviennent de façon régulière sur la scène littéraire. Ainsi, après avoir situé la revenante dans un contexte québécois et occidental, nous en examinons les instances dans les œuvres d’Anne Hébert, de Suzanne Jacob, d’Élise Turcotte et de Ying Chen.
Puisque la revenante est une figure déterminante dans l’œuvre d’Anne Hébert, les deux premiers chapitres d’analyse traitent de textes de cette auteure canonique. « Désir et dés/ordre » identifie les lieux et les origines de la hantise féminine et le désordre qu’elle provoque pour mettre en évidence son rapport au désir; « La pro/création » examine la création artistique ou reproductrice comme médium de la spectralité au féminin. Le dernier chapitre, « Violence et vulnérabilité », présente des analyses de romans de Suzanne Jacob, d’Élise Turcotte et de Ying Chen afin d’y souligner la représentation des deux faces de la violence – l’agression et la vulnérabilité – telles qu’elles se chevauchent avec la revenance. Chacune des quatre écrivaines étudiées met en texte des dichotomies hétéronormatives; selon notre lecture, la revenante constituerait un symptôme de ces structures problématiques.

abstract: PhD


title: Investigation of the Colloidal Behaviour of Carbon Black and Perfluorosulfonated Ionomer in Various Solvents

contributor:
Docoslis, Aristides
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Catalyst Ink
Ionomer
Carbon Black
Aggregation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-25 10:37:03.965

abstract:
This thesis investigates the interactions between ionomer and carbon black in solution as influenced by different ink parameters. The motivation for this work is to collect  necessary data that would lead toward the development of an improved microstructure model of catalyst layer of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Ionomer aggregation behaviour in solution was investigated at different ionomer concentration, solvent type and solvent composition. Ionomer was found to exist in three forms in solution. Extended molecule chains having a hydrodynamic diameter between 20nm to 30nm. Primary aggregates formed by the hydrophobic interaction of fluorocarbon backbone are around 300nm in diameter. Secondary aggregates formed from electrostatic interaction of side chain ion pairs usually having diameter above 1000nm.  Aggregation behaviour of ionomer in different solvents and solvent mixtures at different mixing ratios was also investigated. 1-propanol and 1-propanol/water mixture were found to be the best solvent and solvent mixture among the solvents examined.

Carbon black (CB) particle size distribution in solution was measured under different conditions. A maximum 2hr sonication time is suggested for dispersing CB in solution. Size distribution of CB particles increases with concentration. Water content in the co-solvent mixture influences the particle size distribution of CB. It is suggested that water content should be kept under 50wt% to prevent aggregation of CB particles.

Ionomer is found to adsorb on platinum/carbon (Pt/CB) surface strongly when mixed. The adsorption process comprises a primary adsorption stage and a secondary adsorption stage. At low ionomer concentration, the primary adsorption was found to follow a Langmuir isotherm with maximum surface coverage around 2.66 x 10-3 g ionomer/m2 Pt/CB. The Pt/CB particle size change due to ionomer adsorption was measured. A maximum size increase around 40nm was found. The size change combined with ionomer molecule geometry estimation implies that only part of the ionomer molecule adsorbed on Pt/CB surface.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Model Transformation at Runtime for Dynamic Adaptation in Distributed Groupware

contributor:
Graham, Nicholas
Computing

subject:
computer science
model transformation
adaptive groupware
distributed systems

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-25 14:08:13.69

abstract:
Adaptive distributed systems have the potential to revolutionize how humans and computers interact. They can enable software to adapt to dynamic human demands, as users change their focuses, goals, locations and devices. However, producing these systems is currently very challenging: developers must solve daunting user interface issues while mired in distributed systems problems.

We present a new class of toolkit, intended to ease the development of adaptive distributed systems. Unlike existing alternatives, we provide a high-level programming model in which developers can easily specify runtime adaptations. Meanwhile, our toolkit automatically generates a fast and tunable implementation. Partial failures in the distributed system are reflected back into the high-level programming model. As a result, developers can remain insulated in their high-level model while building highly-dynamic, high-performance and failure-resistant applications.

Our Fiia.Net toolkit relies on model transformation at runtime to bridge between the programmer's high-level model and the actual implementation of the distributed system. Our novel model transformation is the first that can practically maintain this transformation, and enables our toolkit to easily support user-driven adaptations, dynamic optimization and self-healing.

abstract: PhD


title: Battery Characterization and Optimization for use in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Hardware-in-the-loop duty cycle testing

contributor:
Strong, David S.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Battery
PHEV
Duty-Cycle Testing
Simulation
Hardware-in-the-Loop
Characterization
Optimization

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-28 15:17:31.209

abstract:
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) with all-electric range (AER) combine battery driven electric motors with traditional internal combustion engines in order to reduce emissions emitted to the atmosphere, especially during short, repetitive driving cycles such as commuting to work. A PHEV utilizes grid energy to recharge the electrical energy storage device for use in the AER operation. This study focuses on battery systems as the electrical energy storage device and evaluates commercially available technologies for PHEV through scaled hardware-in-loop (HIL) testing. This project has three main goals: determine the state of technology for PHEV batteries through an extensive literature review, characterize commercially available batteries including simulated HIL response to a real-world PHEV simulation model, and finally, develop a tool to aid in choosing battery types for different vehicle styles (a battery decision matrix). The five different battery types tested are as follows: A123 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Li-Ion, Genesis Pure Lead-Tin lead acid, generic absorbed glass mat (AGM) valve regulated lead acid (VRLA), SAFT Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and SAFT Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd). The batteries were characterized in terms of capacity and maximum power as well as tested on an individually scaled real-world duty cycle derived from a model developed by the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.

 	When comparing the results of the characterization testing with the literature review and manufacturers’ data it was found that there are discrepancies between the batteries tested and the manufacturers’ specifications for mass and capacity. Furthermore, the response to duty cycle testing shows that it is imperative that the internal resistance of the batteries and their conductors should be considered when designing a vehicle, although the literature suggest that this is not commonly done. The results from testing were incorporated into a simple decision matrix factoring in vehicle design constraints, battery performance and cost. Through the duty cycle testing, the dynamic resistance of each of the batteries was determined by measuring the voltage response of the battery to variations in current draw. This resistance figure is important to include in simulations as it effectively reduces available energy the battery can supply due to increasing current demands, as voltage drops in response to a load.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: What traits predispose the Band-rumped Storm-petrel, Oceanodroma castro, to ecological speciation in the absence of physical barriers to gene flow?

contributor:
Friesen, Vicki L.
Biology

subject:
Ecological Speciation
Parallel Evolution
Standing Variation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-28 12:02:44.256

abstract: Evidence for the repeated, independent evolution of hot- and cool-season breeding populations across colonies of the Band-rumped Storm-petrel has garnered much interest from seabird ecologists and evolutionary biologists, alike.  Sympatric seasonal populations have been shown to be each other’s closest relatives, implying that ecological divergence into two seasonal foraging types has taken place several times independently across the species’ range, each time in the absence of geographical barriers to gene flow.  I present data on the molecular genetic characteristics of a unique year-round breeding population in the Cape Verde archipelago.  Using mitochondrial control region sequence and five microsatellite loci, I characterized genetic relationships among 220 birds breeding in four different months (January, April, June and November) and tested for a relationship between temporal isolation and genetic differentiation.  Birds breeding in April, June and November were genetically indistinguishable at microsatellite loci, but control region sequence suggested differentiation between January and other months (pairwise ΦST from 0.19 to 0.46, p≤0.05).  No evidence for genetic isolation by time was found.  A comparison of birds breeding in June and November revealed significant differences in a suite of morphological traits related to foraging strategy (tarsus length, bill length, bill depth, head length, wing length and tail shape), and even significant variation among birds breeding in the same month, despite evidence for gene flow between these groups.  Interpreting these patterns in the context of Band-rumped Storm-petrel populations range-wide, I suggest that divergent selection on standing variation within ancestral populations may be an important mechanism explaining the repeated, independent evolution of conserved seasonal foraging types in this species.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Three Essays on Taxation Analysis

contributor:
Boadway, Robin W.
Imai, Susumu
Economics

subject:
Commodity Tax
Corporate Income Tax

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Economics) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-28 15:19:49.8

abstract:
This dissertation investigates the commodity tax and corporate income tax. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction and Chapter 2 consists of a literature review.

Chapters 3 and 4 analyze how state governments determine their commodity tax rate and respond to other state and federal government tax rate changes. We construct and estimate the household utility function and the state government objective function, and compute the slope of the reaction functions to evaluate the tax interactions between state governments and between state and federal governments. We find that horizontal tax interactions are very small and that state governments do not change their tax rate even though the neighboring state governments change their tax rates. On the other hand, vertical tax interactions are positive, and if the federal government increases its tax rate, state governments also raise their tax rates to preserve their tax base.

Chapter 5 discusses how the corporate income tax affects firm location and exit decisions. We compute and compare three kinds of individual firm-level tax rates and examine the effect of these corporate income taxes on firm location and exit behaviour. We find that each tax rate has a different distribution across provinces and that using a different tax provides a different interpretation of tax effects. In most cases, high corporate income tax rates are found to discourage firm location choice and encourage firm exit decisions.

abstract: PhD


title: Advances in Modeling, Sampling, and Assessing the Anthropogenic Contamination Potential of Fractured Bedrock Aquifers

contributor:
Novakowski, Kent S.
Anderson, Bruce
Civil Engineering

subject:
hydrogeology
numerical modeling
groundwater sampling
septic system impacts
fractured bedrock aquifers

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-28 17:27:54.806

abstract: Groundwater is an important resource that is relied on by approximately half of the world’s population for drinking water supply.  Source water protection efforts rely on an understanding of flow and contaminant transport processes in aquifers.  Bedrock aquifers are considered to be particularly vulnerable to contamination if the overburden cover is thin or inadequate.  The objective of this study is to further the understanding of modeling, sampling, and the potential for anthropogenic contamination in fractured bedrock aquifers.  Two numerical modeling studies were conducted to examine geochemical groundwater sampling using multi-level piezometers and the role of discretization in a discrete fracture radial transport scenario.  Additionally, two field investigations were performed to study the variability of bacterial counts in pumped groundwater samples and the potential for anthropogenic contamination in a bedrock aquifer having variable overburden cover in a semi-urban setting.  Results from the numerical modeling showed that choosing sand pack and screen materials similar in hydraulic conductivity to each other and the fractures intersecting the borehole can significantly reduce the required purge volume.  Spatiotemporal discretization was found to be a crucial component of the numerical modeling of solute transport and verification of the solution domain using an analytical or semi-analytical solution is needed.  Results from the field investigations showed fecal indicator bacterial concentrations typically decrease on the order of one to two orders of magnitude from the onset of pumping.  A multi-sample approach that includes collection at early-time during the purging is recommended when sampling fecal indicator bacteria for the purpose of assessing drinking water quality.  Surface contaminants in areas with thin or inadequate overburden cover can migrate quickly and deeply into the bedrock aquifer via complex fracture networks that act as preferential pathways.  While the presence of fecal indicator bacteria in groundwater samples signifies a possible health risk through human consumption, it was the suite of pharmaceuticals and personal care products that allowed the identification of septic systems and agriculture as the dominant sources of contamination.  Land-use planning and source water protection initiatives need to recognize the sensitivity of fractured bedrock aquifers to contamination.

abstract: PhD


title: On The Role of the Superior Colliculus in the Control of Visually-Guided Saccades

contributor:
Munoz, Douglas P.
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
Systems Neuroscience
Sensory to Motor Transformation

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-03 08:36:14.559

abstract:
The ability to safely react to dangerous situations, or exploit opportunities within a dynamically changing world is fundamental for our survival. In order to respond to such changes in the environment, sensory information must first be received and processed by the nervous system before an appropriate motor response can be planned and executed. However, relatively little is known about how the central nervous system computes such sensory to motor transformations that are so critical for guiding efficient behavior. This thesis explores some of the neural mechanisms that underlie the visuomotor transformations that guide eye movements. Specifically, this thesis studied saccades (rapid eye movements critical for visual orienting in primates) and examined the relationships between visual and motor signals in the primate Superior Colliculus (SC, a midbrain structure located at the nexus between visual input and motor output that is critical for visual orienting). I recorded extracellular action potentials (spikes) from single neurons related to: 1) the appearance of visual saccade targets; 2) saccade planning and preparation; and 3) the execution of precise saccades that orient to visual targets.
	In this thesis I present four studies that examine the relationships between visual and motor related responses in the SC during visually guided saccades. In chapter 2 I examined the alignment between visual and motor response fields and concluded that they were well aligned. In chapters 3 and 4 I explored how visual responses were modulated by stimulus intensity and how this modulation influenced saccade behavior.  I concluded that luminance modulated multiple properties of the visual response including the timing and maximum discharge rate and these changes were highly correlated to changes in saccade latency and metrics.  In the fifth chapter I applied some of the knowledge gained from the previous chapters to develop a neural network model of the SC that was capable of simulating saccadic sensory to motor transformations and predict saccadic reaction time. I concluded that saccade latency was strongly dependant on the spatial interactions of visual and saccade related signals in the SC. Together, these findings provide novel insight into the neural mechanisms underlying saccadic sensorimotor transformations.

abstract: PhD


title: Velocity Map Imaging Apparatus for Studies on the Photochemistry of Water Ice

contributor:
Loock, Hans-Peter
Chemistry

subject:
Velocity Map Imaging
Photochemistry of Water Ice

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-03 15:18:04.543

abstract:
This work describes the design and development of a velocity map imaging apparatus that will be used to study the laser initiated photochemistry of water ice and other condensed phases. Experiments on methanol ice photolysis using a different apparatus at Kyoto University are described to give an appreciation of the photochemistry and the experimental parameters.
Water deposited on a surface at temperatures below 140 K can form an amorphous solid.
Amorphous solid water (ASW), which does not exhibit properties of a well-defined phase, is the most profuse phase of water found in astrophysical environments. Chemical characteristics of ASW - in particular its photochemistry - and the physical characteristics closely associated with the structure such as density and surface are reviewed. The correlations between the morphology and the growth conditions of ASW are also described.
Methanol is also known to be a component on the icy mantle on interstellar grains. The effects of irradiating amorphous solid methanol by UV photons are discussed.
Experiments at Kyoto University have been performed to detect state-selectively nascent OH and CH3 photofragments following photolysis at 157 nm. Information on the velocity distributions was obtained from time-of-flight measurements.
At Queen’s University Velocity Map Imaging combined with resonance enhance multiphoton ionization (REMPI) will be used for quantum state-selective detection of the nascent photoproducts and their velocity distribution. To help automate the experiments “virtual instruments” have been created for the hardware components of the experiment using LabVIEW 8.6. The ion optics of the velocity map imaging spectrometer under construction at Queen’s have been characterized using the SIMION 7.0 software package, and the anticipated experimental image of nascent photoproducts has been simulated by a Monte-Carlo-type algorithm.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Characterization of Bovine Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Conventional and Co-culture Environments for Tissue Engineering

contributor:
Flynn, Lauren E.
Waldman, Stephen D.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Adipose-derived stem cell
co-culture
differentiation
pluripotent

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-09 13:39:14.553

abstract:
Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been extensively investigated for their applicability in the field of tissue engineering due to their multi-lineage differentiation potential and the convenience of cell acquisition. To date, conventional inductive media have been used to induce lineage-specific differentiation of ASCs; however, this general approach has limitations in terms of high costs and unstable differentiation responses. In native tissues, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) interact with their surrounding cells (i.e. mature cells) through paracrine and autocrine signaling, which can regulate their metabolism and cell function. Therefore, the author developed in vitro co-culture models to study the interactions between ASCs and three different mature cell types: adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts.
In this work, bovine ASCs (bASCs) from the interdigital fat pad were first isolated and characterized, in terms of in vitro proliferation and multi-lineage (bone, cartilage, fat) differentiation with conventional inductive media and culture conditions. Doubling time calculations and gene expression analysis of stem cell markers indicated a threshold existed for stem cell degeneration at passage 5 (P5) for bASCs when expanded extensively in vitro. The multi-lineage differentiation potentials were compared between passage 2 (P2) and P5. Interestingly, while the P5 bASCs presented significantly lower levels of adipogenesis and chondrogenesis, osteogenesis was maintained or even improved with serial passaging.
In the designed indirect co-culture systems, adipogenesis and chondrogenesis were investigated in growth medium without key differentiation factors, whereas osteogenesis was induced in conventional osteogenic medium, to maintain the stable phenotype of the mature osteoblasts in culture. The results were used to demonstrate the general feasibility of mature cell-induced or -enhanced bASC differentiation through soluble, cell-secreted paracrine signaling. When compared to growth factor (GF)-stimulated differentiation, the bASCs in co-culture presented an earlier, but potentially stronger, level of differentiation.
Among these paracrine factors, Wnt proteins are known to play essential roles in mediating stem cell self-regulation and fate determination. In the current thesis, the Wnt inhibitors WIF-1 and DKK-1 were used to explore the involvement of the Wnt canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways in the designed co-culture environments. The data showed a strong correlation with the literature, indicating the canonical pathway was upregulated during osteogenesis, but inhibited during adipogenesis. The inhibition of chondrogenesis through the canonical pathway was suggested on a genetic level.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The recovery of magnesium oxide and hydrogen chloride from magnesium chloride brines and molten salt hydrates

contributor:
Davis, Boyd R.
Peacey, John
Mining Engineering

subject:
Extractive metallurgy
Nickel
Magnesium chloride
Molten salt hydrates
Brines

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-11 10:14:53.455

abstract:
Hydrochloric acid leaching of saprolite nickel ores has been proposed as an effective means of recovering nickel and cobalt. However, the leach produces a concentrated brine of magnesium chloride which must be hydrolyzed to recover the HCl lixiviant. The processing of carnallite similarly produces a concentrated MgCl2 brine; converting this brine into HCl and MgO provides an attractive way of adding value while effectively disposing of this waste product.
Direct pyrohydrolysis of magnesium chloride brines by the reaction,
MgCl2,a + H2Oa  MgOs + 2HClg
is energy-intensive as large volumes of water must be evaporated. The energy cost is high, and the HCl stream produced is limited to approximately 20 wt% HCl. This thesis explores alternative methods of obtaining HCl from aqueous magnesium chloride solutions. Two methods are considered: the hydrolysis, under autogenous pressure, of concentrated MgCl2 molten salt hydrates; and the precipitation of magnesium hydroxychloride compounds such as 2MgO·MgCl2·6H2O and 3MgO·MgCl2·11H2O, which are subsequently decomposed at high temperature.
Considerable experimental difficulties were encountered in studying pressure hydrolysis of molten salt hydrates, despite extensive equipment modifications. Ultimately, the work moved on to precipitation and decomposition of hydroxychlorides. This was found to bear promise, and conceptual flowsheets based on these reactions are presented. A phase stability diagram giving the areas of predominance of the different hydroxychloride phases is presented, and fundamental thermochemical data are derived. The results of a kinetic study on magnesium hydroxychloride thermal decomposition are also presented.

abstract: PhD


title: Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica: Preparation Characterization and Applications of Novel Materials

contributor:
Crudden, Cathleen M.
Chemistry

subject:
Materials Chemistry
Silica
Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica
Surfactant
Stilbene
Chiral
Circular Dichroism
Silica Film
Long Period Grating
Metal Detection

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-11 17:24:48.997

abstract:
There is currently a great interest in the field of porous organosilica materials because of the high surface areas (> 1000 m²/g) and narrow pore size distributions which are beneficial for applications such as chromatography, chiral catalysis, sensing or selective  adsorption. Periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) represent an interesting class of hybrid silica materials because of the wide variety of bridging organic groups which can be incorporated within the precursors [(OR)3Si-R-Si(OR)3] giving rise to materials with exceptional properties.
We have synthesized and characterized various aromatic PMOs composed of supporting structural monomers (phenylene- or biphenylenebridged) and functional stilbene monomers (cis and trans) (1, 2). The effect of the different synthetic procedures and varying amounts of functional stilbene monomer on the properties of the materials was examined. The functional transstilbene component was determined to be well distributed in a phenylene-bridged PMO using P123 as a pore template from TEM techniques with Os staining. The trans-stilbene linkers were completely transformed to aryl aldehydes through ozonolysis with dimethylsulfide workup. Further transformation of the carbonyl functionality to an aryl imine showed a moderate level of success.
Enantiomeric forms of a novel, chiral PMO precursor (CM) were synthesized and incorporated into biphenylene-bridged PMOs. Under basic pH conditions templated with C18TMACl, although very low levels of CM are incorporated, enantiomeric forms of chiral, porous materials are obtained as was verified by distinct mirror-image circular dichroism spectra. Powder XRD patterns suggest that a tightly packed asymmetric biphenylene arrangement may be necessary for the optical activity. Preliminary results using these materials as a chiral chromatographic phase are promising.
Finally, a thin film morphology of an ethane-bridged PMO incorporating a thiol ligand, (3- mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane, was prepared on a fibre optic cable and used as a component in a heavy-metal sensing application.

abstract: PhD


title: Index Structures for XML Databases

contributor:
Martin, Patrick
Computing

subject:
XML Indexes
Databases

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-15 23:03:50.15

abstract:
Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a de facto standard for data exchange in the World Wide Web. Indexing plays a key role in improving the execution of XML queries over that data. In this thesis we discuss the three main categories of indexes proposed in the literature to handle the XML semistructured data model, and identify limitations and open problems related to these indexing schemes. Based on our findings, we propose two novel XML index structures to overcome most of these limitations: a native index structure called Level-based Tree Index for XML databases (LTIX) and a relational index structure called Universal Index Structure for XML data (UISX).
A proper labeling scheme is an essential part of a well-built XML index structure. We found that existing labeling schemes are not suitable for our index structures and therefore propose a novel labeling scheme, Level-based Labeling Scheme (LLS), which has the advantages of most popular types of labeling schemes while eliminating the main disadvantages. We then combine our LLS labeling scheme with our index structures. An evaluation shows that LLS performs well in comparison to existing labeling schemes using different mappings to relational tables.
We propose the LTIX to minimize the number of joins and matches required to evaluate twig queries, and also to facilitate effective query optimization through early pruning of the space search. Our experimental results show that this approach performs well in comparison to existing state-of-the-art approaches.
We propose the UISX to overcome the key problem with the state-of-the-art approaches, namely that they cannot support efficient processing of twig queries without requiring significant storage. We use a light-weight native XML engine on top of an SQL engine to perform the optimization related to the structure of the XML data prior to shredding. Experimental results show that our approach achieves lower response times than other similar approaches while using less space to store XML data.

abstract: PhD


title: Evaluation of a thiol-modified hyaluronan and elastin-like polypeptide hydrogel for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering

contributor:
Woodhouse, Kimberly
Chemical Engineering

subject:
nucleus pulposus
tissue engineering

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-17 14:16:28.83

abstract:
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common medical issue among human adults, leading to back pain and potentially, disability, decreasing an individual’s quality of life. In the United States alone, huge economic impacts are apparent with an estimated $50- 100 billion attributed to lost productivity and medical costs related to DDD. Spinal degeneration occurs in the intervertebral disc (IVD) and once damaged, the IVD is incapable of adequate self-repair. A regenerative therapy incorporating nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue engineering may provide an answer to spinal degeneration. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the potential of a thiol-modified hyaluronan (TMHA) and elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) as a hydrogel scaffold for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering. Two materials, one composed of TMHA only and one a 3:1 TMHA/ELP, crosslinked with polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), were seeded with cultured human NP cells and cyclic hydrostatic loading was applied at 1MPa for 3 hours a day for 3 consecutive days. Cell viability and gene expression were analyzed. A decreasing trend in cell viability with time and cyclic hydrostatic pressure loading was observed and statistically significant differences were observed between the TMHA unloaded treatment group at day 0 and the TMHA loaded treatment group at day 4 and between the TMHA unloaded treatment group at day 0 and the 3:1 TMHA/ELP loaded group at day 4. Comparisons between TMHA only and 3:1 TMHA/ELP hydrogels for the same treatment indicate similar trends and no statistically significant differences in biological effects were observed. Gene expression analysis indicated low frequency expression of NP
extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules regardless of time point or cyclic hydrostatic pressure application. These results are revealing in that the 3:1 TMHA/ELP hydrogel did not support NP cells significantly better than the TMHA hydrogel, though cell source and hydrostatic pressure generation issues may have impacted this finding. Additional studies with alternative cell type and a refined hydrostatic pressure application method may better illuminate the efficacy of a 3:1 TMHA/ELP hydrogel as for NP tissue engineering.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: An Evaluation of Livewell Transport as a Factor Contributing to Physiological Stress in Smallmouth Bass at Competitive Angling Events

contributor:
Tufts, Bruce L.
Biology

subject:
Fisheries
Physiology
Smallmouth Bass
Competitive Angling

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-21 11:47:05.339

abstract: This study was conducted to improve our understanding of the biological impacts of competitive angling events on fish. More specifically, this study examines the impacts of transporting Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the livewells of bassboats on large water bodies. Fish were transported in an experimental livewell that recorded the amount of water turbulence experienced by the fish held in the tank, in Force (0.84ft2/lb/sec). A video recording of the transportation process was also taken to determine the amount of interactions between the fish and the walls of the livewell. It was determined that as water activity increased, so did the mean number of impacts per minute. In addition, as the number of impacts increased, so did the concentration of plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Levels of plasma LDH and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were compared between fish that were transported in a padded livewell and fish that were transported in an unpadded livewell. Fish that were transported in an unpadded livewell showed significantly higher levels of both LDH and CPK (P < 0.05). Fish that were transported in the padded livewell did not show significantly higher levels of LDH or CPK than the control groups. This indicates that transportation of Smallmouth bass in livewells causes cellular damage and that this damage can be mitigated by simple modifications to the interior of the livewell.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Assessment of Long-Term Tensile Strains in HDPE Geomembranes From Gravel Indentations

contributor:
Brachman, Richard W. I.
Civil Engineering

subject: Geotech Geomembrane

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-18 17:18:41.824

abstract: The physical response of composite landfill liners, consisting of a high-density polyethylene geomembrane overlying a compacted clay liner, was examined with an emphasis on quantifying the magnitude and possible implications of sustained tensile strains that may develop in the geomembrane from gravel particles either present on top of or underneath the geomembrane. This involved development of new experimental apparatus to study the effects of time, temperature and chemical action on geomembrane strains. A method based on the concept of time-temperature superposition was developed to predict long-term lower temperature geomembrane strains from short-term higher temperature data. It was found that the short-term response is dominated by loading strains while in the long-term, creep is more significant. The predictions from this method suggest that the protection provided by a nonwoven needle-punched geotextile is not sufficient to limit long-term tensile strains, but a geocomposite may be able to limit geomembrane strains below proposed allowable limits, depending on the applied pressure and landfill temperature. Experiments were also conducted with the new apparatus to examine the implications of sustained tensile strains. It was found that sustained tensile strains resulted in brittle rupture of a notched geomembrane, despite stress relaxation for a geomembrane under a single gravel particle and constant vertical force. The time to rupture depended upon the maximum applied force as well as the stress crack resistance of the geomembrane. This represents the first compelling evidence that long-term geomembrane strains from gravel indentations should be limited. However, even when using an excellent protection layer from overlying gravel particles, gravel particles in the underlying compacted clay liner were identified as another possible source of tension in the geomembrane that for very large landfills may exceed tensile strains limits. For such cases, compacting the top most layer of the clay liner at the lower bound of its acceptable water content combined with careful site inspection such that visible gravel particles are removed from the clay surface will minimize the tensile stains that may develop.

abstract: PhD


title: An Other Woman's Rape: Abjection and Objection in Representations of War Rape Victims in the DRC

contributor:
Burfoot, Annette J.
Sociology

subject:
war rape
subjectivity

abstract: Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-22 12:21:28.209

abstract:
The growing global awareness of sexual violence as a weapon of war has been accompanied by the strategic and pervasive inclusion of women’s personal stories of war rape. This representational strategy of Western media, academia and humanitarian policies was critically examined in order to understand how war raped women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are discursively situated as “Other.” Drawing on the theoretical concepts of abjection and objection, the study did not question the truth of women’s experience but rather examined whether the pervasive inclusion of war rape stories constituted a true feminine subjectivity. A foucaldian notion of discourse provided a method to expose meaning and dominant discourses, which make certain identities and stories of war rape more visible than others. The purpose of this study was to critically engage with dominant Western discourses of war rape and provide a more complex understanding of how diverse power structures, identities and representational practices impact the struggle of Congolese women to open self-determined pathways of empowerment.
A qualitative method of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was used to examine the textual and visual processes of representation. Samples of text were taken from three main areas: media coverage (print, television, web based magazines, and films), feminist academic literature (journals, reports and books), and humanitarian policies (UN mission reports, Security Council resolution, mandates and reports).
The results revealed that war rape victims, the DRC and acts of war rape were all positioned as “Other” and as a media spectacle that was further consumed by Western audiences. It was also found that certain war rape identities and social factors remained invisible, including the West’s complacency in the DRC conflict. Ultimately, the study finds a tension between discourse as a tool of liberation and a tool of power and control. This thesis recommends that anti rape activists must examine their own dominance over war rape victims and consider new strategies—beyond the simple act of storytelling—that will position rape victims as the subjects (not objects) of their own struggle to end war rape.

abstract: M.A.


title: Asymmetric Information in Emerging Markets: Lessons From China

contributor:
Johnson, Lewis
Management

subject:
Local Institutional Investors
Foreign Institutional Investors
State Ownership
Information Asymmetries

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-24 19:35:47.788

abstract: Asymmetric information has crucial implications for various market participants in financial markets, including investors (local and foreign), firms, and governments. The information asymmetry problem is especially severe in emerging markets. My dissertation attempts to address a few information-related questions that interest both academicians and practitioners. The first study adds some new evidence to the on-going debate of whether local or foreign investors are better informed. I offer a new perspective to the issue by examining two market segments within one country but separated by the relevance of local knowledge measured by state ownership. I find that state ownership has a dramatic asymmetric effect on local and foreign institutional investors in China’s stock market. Local (foreign) institutional investors have an informational advantage in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), while foreign institutional investors have an informational advantage in non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs). Moreover, the informational advantage of local institutional investors is less evident in SOEs with high board independence and better audit quality. Building on these results, the second study further uses local and foreign institutional ownership as a measure of private information and examines whether firm-specific return volatility proxies for price informativeness. I find firm-specific return volatility is positively related to private information. Therefore the results support the notion that firm-specific return volatility measures the rate of private information impounded into stock prices. My research contributes to the literature in at least four important ways. My findings reconcile the two opposing views on local and foreign investors in the literature and suggest that the informational advantages of local and foreign investors vary with the relevance of local knowledge. Examining only the whole market in past research masks important variation in the relative advantages of local and foreign investors in market segments within a country. My study also suggests that taking into account firm-level characteristics, especially corporate governance measures, can enhance our understanding of the behavior of institutional investors. Additionally I provide some of the first evidence to show that local political institutions can create barriers faced by international investors. Finally, my research confirms the merit of firm-specific return volatility as a measure of price informativeness. Together, these studies provide new insights into research on asymmetric information in emerging markets and have important implications for local and foreign investors, firms, and governments.

abstract: PhD


title: A Culture of Learning in One Non-Profit Organization

contributor:
Rees, Ruth
Education

subject:
Organizational Culture
Culture of Learning
Workplace Learning

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-27 09:20:58.606

abstract:
The purpose of my research is to describe and analyze the facets of the learning culture in one non-profit organization. Based on my reading, I define a learning culture as: the observable and unobservable processes, structures, norms, and communication patterns that support ongoing, work-related, learning for employees.
I relied on Schein’s (1985, 1992, 2004) levels of culture theory to guide my study. Schein posits that culture must be explored at three levels: “artifacts” (observable symbols and structures), “espoused beliefs and values” (the articulated ideologies of the organization), and “underlying assumptions” (the unconscious beliefs that are shared amongst members of a group). Accordingly, I selected a three-phase qualitative approach to provide a rich description of one organization’s learning culture. Using semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis, I investigated the firm’s learning culture. I targeted two groups: organizational representatives and employees. I further divided my employee group into two subgroups: administrators (management) and frontline employees (those who provide direct care for clients), in order to glean a broad perspective of the learning culture and how different groups perceive that culture.
My research allowed me to describe the organization’s culture of learning. I uncovered a mismatch, however, between the organization’s espoused values regarding work-related learning and the employees’ perspectives on their learning. The organization articulates that it actively promotes and encourages learning for its employees; yet, the employees perceive their learning to be supported, but not readily encouraged. I tentatively conclude that perspectives on learning seem to be a function of employee role. This study offers some insight into the challenges of investigating an organization’s culture, both theoretically and methodologically.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: A Mathematical Discussion of Corotational Finite Element Modeling

contributor:
Green, Mark F.
Mathematics and Statistics

subject: Corotational Finite Element Modeling

subject: Element Independent Corotational Finite Element Method

subject: EICR

subject: Applied Lie Theory

subject: Unified Formulation of Small-strain Corotational Finite Elements

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-30 21:40:25.831

abstract:
This thesis discusses the mathematics of the Element Independent Corotational (EICR) Method and the more general Unified Small-Strain Corotational Formulation. The former was developed by Rankin, Brogan and Nour-Omid [106]. The latter, created by Felippa and Haugen [49], provides a theoretical frame work for the EICR and similar methods and its own enhanced methods.
   The EICR and similar corotational methods analyse non-linear deformation of a body by its discretization into finite elements, each with an orthogonal frame rotating (and translating) with the element. Such methods are well suited to deformations where non-linearity arises from rigid body deformation but local strains are small (1-4%) and so suited to linear analysis. This thesis focuses on such small-strain, non-linear deformations.
   The key concept in small-strain corotational methods is the separation of deformation into its rigid body and elastic components. The elastic component then can be analyzed linearly. Assuming rigid translation is removed first, this separation can be viewed as a polar decomposition (F = vR) of the deformation gradient (F) into a rigid rotation (R) followed by a small, approximately linear, stretch (v). This stretch usually causes shear as well as pure stretch.
   Using linear algebra, Chapter 3 explains the EICR Method and Unified Small-Strain Corotational Formulation initially without, and then with, the projector operator, reflecting their historical development. Projectors are orthogonal projections which simplify the isolation of elastic deformation and improve element strain invariance to rigid body deformation.
   Turning to Lie theory, Chapter 4 summarizes and applies relevant Lie theory to explore rigid and elastic deformation, finite element methods in general, and the EICR Method in particular. Rigid body deformation from a Lie perspective is well represented in the literature which is summarized. A less developed but emerging area in differential geometry (notably, Marsden/Hughes [82]), elastic deformation is discussed thoroughly followed by various Lie aspects of finite element analysis. Finally, the EICR Method is explored using Lie theory. Given the available research, complexity of the area, and level of this thesis, this exploration is less developed than the earlier linear algebraic discussion, but offers a useful alternative perspective on corotational methods.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Crustacean zooplankton sedimentary assemblages and the calcium concentration of softwater Ontario lakes

contributor:
Smol, John P.
Paterson, Andrew M.
Biology

subject:
Cladocera
Calcium decline

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-31 16:17:57.86

abstract:
In recent decades, many softwater lakes on the boreal shield have experienced significant reductions in aqueous calcium (Ca) concentrations. These declines are a long-term consequence of acid deposition due to the depletion of base cations from watershed soils. There is concern that in some lakes [Ca] may be falling to levels detrimental to the competitiveness of Ca-rich organisms.
By examining the crustacean zooplankton remains preserved in lake sediments, this thesis provides field evidence of reduced [Ca] impacting a Ca-sensitive crustacean zooplankton species (Daphnia pulex). Additionally, a 770 lake data set compiled from several Ontario monitoring programs revealed that 62 % (an increase from 35% in the early 1980s) of the lakes were near or below the laboratory-determined Ca threshold (1.5 mg•L-1) for the growth and survival of D. pulex.
To determine whether the 1.5 mg•L-1 Ca threshold could be observed in a spatial survey of crustacean zooplankton sedimentary remains, surface sediments from 36 softwater (Ca range 1-3 mg•L-1) Ontario lakes were analyzed. Significant differences in daphniid abundances across the Ca threshold were present; however, only for the D. longispina species complex, indicating differences in Ca tolerances within daphniid species complexes. Extending the analysis to a comparison of modern-day vs. preindustrial assemblages revealed that in the same 36 lakes there have been large declines (by up to 30%) in daphniid relative abundances since preindustrial times coincident with increases in Ca-poor species (i.e. Holopedium gibberum) irrespective of modern day pH. These findings demonstrate that in natural settings, the competitive disadvantages of Ca limitation may occur at a higher [Ca] than previously suspected.
Finally, zooplankton sedimentary remains were analyzed from several “pristine” lakes in northwestern Ontario that have also experienced Ca declines in recent years. Reduced abundances of Ca-sensitive taxa and increases in Ca-insensitive fauna provided further evidence of the impacts of Ca decline independent of acid deposition. Collectively these analyses demonstrate the potential importance of Ca as an environmental stressor in softwater regions, as well as the need for further research in order to make better use of the available information preserved in the sediment record.

abstract: PhD


title: An Exploration of Life Expectancy Calculation Methods to Aid in Prostate Cancer Screening and Treatment Decision-Making

contributor:
Groome, Patti A.
Peng, Paul Yingwei
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Prostate
Life Expectancy
Co-Morbidity
Prostatic Neoplasms

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-07 19:11:34.216

abstract:
Background: Life expectancy (LE) estimation is an important part of both screening and treatment decision-making for potentially curable prostate cancer. Clinicians’ estimation of patient life expectancy is typically made using population-based life tables and intuition and it is often inaccurate. This study explores methods to improve LE prediction by formally considering patient co-morbid illness status, in addition to age, in the development of a LE prediction tool.

Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of patients from the Ontario Cancer Registry who were curative treatment candidates, identified between 1990-1998. We analyzed data on three sub-populations of this cohort, and we used LE estimates from the Ontario Life Tables. Each model utilized Cox proportional hazards analysis, and/or the declining exponential approximation of LE, to estimate the survival experience of potential curative treatment candidates, including the impact due to both age and co-morbid illness status. We developed five separate models, tested them using a random subset of the cohort study sample, and compared their predictive accuracy by measuring both discriminative ability and calibration to determine the ‘best’ model. We also conducted a supplementary analysis using logistic regression to develop a model to predict the probability of 10-year survival.

Results: The ‘best’ of our models demonstrated a c-index of 0.65 and very good calibration. Further analysis revealed that our ‘best’ model violated the Cox PH assumption for age and it’s predictions consistently over-estimated observed LE. Supplementary analysis of the logistic regression prediction model demonstrated a c-index of 0.70.

Conclusions: Our exploration of methods to predict LE resulted in modest predictive accuracy. However, based on the results of the logistic regression model, we conclude that the results of our LE prediction models are reasonable, and obtaining a high level of predictive accuracy may not be possible given just age and co-morbidities as predictors.  Further studies should continue to explore these and other methods for LE prediction. External validation of the ‘best’ model from the current study is required before the model and its accompanying LE reference tables can be recommended for use in a clinical setting for screening or treatment decision-making.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The effects of changing head position and posture on head tremor in individuals with essential tremor involving the head

contributor:
Norman, Kathleen
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
essential tremor
head kinematics
spectral analysis
tilt-twist
disability
electromyography
postural control
neck muscles
vision
movement disorder

abstract: Thesis (Master, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2011-03-31 18:16:59.927

abstract:
Objective:  To determine the effects of head position and of different postural control demands on head tremor measures in participants with essential tremor.
Methods:  Seventeen participants with essential tremor (ET) of the head and 17 control participants took part.  Individuals held their heads in varying degrees of rotation, flexion, and extension.  Subsequently, individuals sat and stood in different postures, incorporating different foot placements (feet apart and together), surfaces (solid and foam), and vision conditions (eyes open and closed).  Neck muscle activity was recorded from three muscles bilaterally (trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis).  Three-dimensional head and thorax positions were recorded using an Optotrak system, and head angular velocity with respect to thorax was calculated by differentiating tilt-twist angles.  Fourier analysis was used to determine tremor power.
Results:  ET participants showed sharp peaks at their tremor frequency in spectral plots of kinematic data, whereas CN participants did not.  Electromyography data was too noisy for frequency analysis.  ET participants displayed increased tremor power in head positions 25° from neutral compared to neutral and positions 50° from neutral.  Tremor power increased with increasing difficulty of posture for both participant groups.  Removal of vision resulted in decreased tremor power in ET participants; power was significantly decreased in the easier postures, and progressively less so with increasing difficulty of posture.  Interestingly, tremor direction was inconsistent in both groups, and two ET participants displayed multiple tremor peaks.
Conclusions:   The tilt-twist method is a feasible way of measuring head kinematics.  Changing stiffness of the neck likely mediates the effect of head position on head tremor power, with the resultant interplay of the central driver and the mechanical resonance driving the amplitude changes.  Decreasing stability of posture increases head tremor, likely due to the associated increase in postural sway and stress on the postural control system.  Vision appears to exacerbate head tremor through the addition of tremor-related visual noise and an implicit task to stabilize vision; this is possible evidence of a visuomotor deficit.  However, stabilizing vision becomes less important with increasing difficulty of posture, resulting in a narrowing gap in tremor power between vision and no vision conditions.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Alternating Current Electroosmotic Micropumping Using A Square Spiral Microelectrode Array

contributor:
Lai, Yongjun
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject: MEMS micropump ACEO microfluidics electrokinetics electrohydrodynamics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-01 17:12:02.908

abstract: An alternating current electroosmotic micro pumping device has been designed, experimentally tested and theoretically analyzed using an electrohydrodynamic theoretical model applied to a computer simulation model.  The device SP-1 is a microelectrode array which uses the principal of AC electroosmosis (EO), ions driven along microelectrode surfaces by coulomb forces produced by tangential electric fields. These ions, when driven, induce a net fluid motion due to viscous drag forces. Three submerged microelectrode wires were deposited on a substrate using microfabrication techniques such that a square spiral geometry was formed. Device SP-1 received asymmetrically applied AC signals creating a travelling wave of potential and resulted in a net fluid flow across the microelectrode array. Microsphere tracer particles were suspended in ethanol to measure the fluid velocity to determine pumping performance and the experimental operating frequency at which maximum fluid velocity is achieved. The experimental results were reviewed and at an AC signal frequency of 125 Hz, device SP-1 was capable of pumping ethanol at a fluid velocity of approximately 270 μm/s. The experimental results were in good agreement with the theoretical predictions produced using the computer simulation model. In addition, the computer simulation model predicted a similar flow profile to those previously predicted and experimentally observed. Overall, novel micropumping device SP-1 was found to produce a net flow comparable to previously tested devices and a computer simulation framework capable of analyzing future micropump design concepts was developed.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Pyp3 Involvement in Mitotic Control and Cell Growth in Fission Yeast

contributor:
Young, Paul G.
Biology

subject:
Biology
Cell and Molecular Biology
Fission Yeast
Genetics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-05 09:55:46.914

abstract:
In fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, tyrosine dephosphorylation of p34cdc2 is required for mitotic initiation and this reversible tyrosine phosphorylation plays a crucial role in the regulation of the cell cycle.  The kinases wee1+, mik1+ and the phosphatases cdc25+, pyp3+ play opposite roles in the regulation of p34cdc2 activity.  In cells lacking wee1, tyrosine phosphorylation of p34cdc2 is carried out by Mik1; in cells lacking cdc25+, the activity of the Pyp3 phosphatase is responsible for tyrosine dephosphorylation of p34cdc2 at the G2/M phase transition.  Pyp3 was first identified as a high copy number plasmid suppressor of a temperature sensitive cdc25-22 mutation.   Loss of pyp3+ function causes only a minor delay in the onset of mitosis in wild type cells, but is lethal in wee1- cdc25- double mutants suggesting an essential function in this genetic background.   However, it is not clear whether Pyp3 plays a direct minor role in dephosphorylating Cdc2 when Cdc25 is fully functional.
     In order to examine the function and regulation of Pyp3, the yeast two-hybrid system was used to isolate S. pombe cDNA clones encoding proteins that interact with Pyp3.  One of the positive interacting proteins is tif1.  eIF4E (Tif1) is the mRNA cap-binding protein and essential for recruitment of ribosomes to mRNA.  Our results show that Pyp3 physically interacts with eIF4E in vivo and affects both the phosphorylation state and cellular distribution of eIF4E.  In addition, over-expression of eIF4E causes delay of cell cycle G2/M transition and an elongated cell size phenotype at division in S. pombe.  Importantly, over-expression of the Pyp3 tyrosine phosphatase counteracts the cell cycle inhibition induced by over-expression of wild type eIF4E, and this depends on the conserved eIF4E binding site on Pyp3.  In addition, Pyp3 also interacts with the 14-3-3 proteins in vivo.  Collectively, these data provide novel insights into Pyp3 function and eIF4E regulation, and suggest Pyp3 might have additional important roles in the coordination of cell growth with cell cycle control in fission yeast.

abstract: PhD


title: The evolution of mimicry in parasites

contributor:
Day, Troy
Taylor, Peter D.
Mathematics and Statistics

subject:
mimicry
autoimmunity
evolutionary epidemiology
net reproduction number
evolutionary invasion analysis
hygiene hypothesis

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-05 10:27:20.49

abstract:
Parasites may express proteins that mimic host proteins such that the host immune system cannot discriminate between host and parasite. An immune response to host proteins results in autoimmunity, and therefore, mechanisms to avert autoimmunity also limit the capacity of the immune system to respond to parasites that are mimics. In failing to elicit an immune response, parasites that are mimics appear to have a selective advantage and so it is unclear why all parasites do not evolve to be mimics.

In this thesis, I demonstrate that next-generation methods can be used to perform an evolutionary invasion analysis. Subsequently, I use this method to identify evolutionarily stable strategies and to investigate three hypotheses for why all parasites are not mimics. These are: (1) that mimicry increases the risk of inducing autoimmunity and that hosts with autoimmunity are less likely to transmit the parasite; (2) that proteins which mimic host proteins have a reduced ability to perform the vital functions necessary for parasite replication; and (3) that owing to a feedback between the types of parasites that infect a host and the host's immune response, when parasites are likely to re-infect the same hosts, mimics are more likely to elicit an immune response.

I show that each of these hypotheses explain why all parasites are not mimics. The key data needed to assess the applicability of these results is to quantify the number of secondary infections generated by hosts infected with parasites that are molecular mimics. This thesis motivates a new question in evolutionary epidemiology, furthers the field of evolutionary medicine and contributes novel methodologies for host-parasite multi-scale modelling in mathematical biology.

abstract: PhD


title: Federal Female Incarceration in Canada: What Happened to Empowerment?

contributor:
Snider, Laureen
Kay, Fiona
Sociology

subject: female offenders

abstract: Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-06 13:16:06.523

abstract: Feminist engagement with criminology began several decades ago when feminist academics, scholars and activists brought attention towards the failure of criminology to focus on women. As a result there have been several efforts by feminist criminologists to make sense of women and girls who come into contact with the criminal justice system. Literature and research conducted within this area — beginning nearly forty years ago — provides the framework and analysis for this current thesis. This particular research analyzes the experiences of female inmates and the conditions within prisons for women. In particular, this research will examine whether the promises set out within Creating Choices (1990) and the Arbour Report (1996) have been fulfilled and whether there is evidence that the Correctional Service of Canada has reformed its practices and policies in the recommended ways.  Through examining specific case studies — deaths, suicides, major and minor disturbances — that have occurred within federal female prisons since the release of Creating Choices, it will be possible to determine whether the Correctional Service of Canada has followed the key recommendations advanced by both reports.

abstract: M.A.


title: Evidence for Speciation With Gene Flow: An Examination of the Evolutionary Genetics of Blue-Footed and Peruvian Boobies

contributor:
Friesen, Vicki L.
Biology

subject:
Molecular Ecology
Evolution
Speciation
Hybridization
Seabird Ecology
Population Differentiation

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-06 13:55:32.151

abstract:
Successful preservation of Earth’s biodiversity requires an understanding of the processes that generate new species.  The generation of species without gene exchange is considered predominant; however, a growing body of evidence indicates that populations can diverge while exchanging genes, and that this may be common.  Previous research hypothesized that blue-footed (Sula nebouxii) and Peruvian (S. variegata) boobies diverged from their common ancestor while exchanging genes.  Here, I combine ecological and genetic perspectives to thoroughly evaluate this hypothesis.
Using a panel of eight molecular markers, I estimate population differentiation for each species.  I find evidence of weak population differentiation for both species, an uncommon pattern in seabirds, and argue that specialization to an unpredictable food resource has shaped contemporary population differentiation.  Next, I use molecular markers and morphology to evaluate the hybrid status of five morphologically aberrant individuals.  I report that all are likely F1 (first generation) hybrids, and are the product of crosses between female Peruvian boobies and male blue-footed boobies.  Sex biases in pairing may occur because of an underlying preference for elaborate courtship displays.
I then expand the dataset to 19 loci and use cline theory and Bayesian assignment tests to characterize the hybrid zone, to examine introgression, and to evaluate the hybrid status of the aberrant individuals.  The hybrid zone is most likely maintained by strong endogenous and exogenous selection against hybrids and dispersal of parentals into the hybrid zone (a tension zone), and introgression is low for nuclear loci and absent for mitochondrial loci.
Finally, I test the hypothesis that this species pair diverged from their common ancestor with gene flow using recently developed analyses and multiple loci.  Divergence without gene flow is rejected and unidirectional introgression of sex-linked loci during divergence is reported.  The results of this study support the hypotheses that: 1) populations can diverge while exchanging genes; 2) the Z chromosome may play a role in avian speciation; and 3) organisms specialized to variable foraging environments should exhibit low population differentiation.  This study adds to our understanding of both population differentiation and speciation in seabirds, and the generation of new species more generally.

abstract: PhD


title: Possible Selves, Informational Interviews, and Younger Adult Learners

contributor:
Wilcox, Susan
Education

subject:
Informational Interviews
Possible Selves
Adult Learners
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-06 14:36:02.109

abstract: This is an exploratory study, using quantitative and qualitative tools, studying younger adult students (aged 18 to 25) at a college in Ontario and proposes that younger adult notions of possible selves are strengthened through engaging with models for possible selves by conducting informational interviews with them. Research was conducted in the classroom and outside of the classroom (but on campus) using a methodological framework informed by the scholarship of teaching and learning. Anticipated outcomes include a further understanding of the researcher’s own practice in order to improve it, a further grounding of the researcher’s personal theory of practice, and useful data for other researchers interested in using possible selves as a lens to understand their teaching. The results of the study indicate that there are other issues and concerns related to notions of possible selves, including goal-setting and a sense of having choice and control over one’s fate. Implications for practice include recommendations that more opportunities and tools for the development of possible selves be offered to students and that these opportunities can be found in existing courses and programs.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Synthesis and Design of Novel Dual-Mode Microwave Filters

contributor:
Amari, Smain
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject: microwave filters

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-08 12:41:14.602

abstract:
This thesis describes the synthesis and design of two novel dual-mode
microwave waveguide filter structures. The mode degeneracy is fundamental to this
design technique. The first design introduces a structurally symmetric dual-mode cavity
pseudo-elliptic band-pass filter, which has been implemented by only asymmetric
structures so far. It is also used to shed light on the concepts of positive and negative
coupling in dual-mode filters. A novel iris coupling structure is investigated allowing
negative coupling coefficients required for certain polarizations of modes in dual- mode
rectangular cavities. A 4th order dual-mode band-pass filter is designed at 11 GHz with a
bandwidth of 200 MHz, an in-band return loss of 20dB and two transmission zeros at
normalized frequencies of ±1.6. The filter makes use of the negative coupling property of
the iris for inter-resonance coupling of the modes of horizontal orientation inside the
cavity. The desired performance of the filter was achieved by the initial design without
any optimization.
The second design is especially convenient when temperature compensation is of
prime concern. A direct design technique is developed and demonstrated with computer
simulation and measurement in circular waveguide technology on a 4th order filter with a
bandwidth of 50 MHz at 11 GHz, an in-band return loss of 20 dB and two normalized
transmission zeros at ±1.5.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: An Evaluation of Ontario’s Green Energy and Green Economy Act of 2009: Exploring the Role of Indicators in Community Energy Planning

subject: planning energy

abstract: A report submitted to the School of Urban and Regional Planning in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Urban and Regional Planning

abstract:
With increasing public concern over environmental degradation and Climate Change, community energy planning is now emerging as a new task for planners. Community energy planning are practices that foster energy sustainability, protect or restore the natural environment, avoid harm in relation to social and health indicators, result in a more equitable distribution of benefits, are economic to maintain over the long-term, and do not impede the emergence of other sustainable approaches at the local level (FCM, 2009; Neves and Leal, 2010). More specifically, planning how a community generates, receives, utilizes and conserves energy can greatly contribute to the goal of stabilizing green house gas (GHG) emissions, reducing air pollution, diversifying energy resources and fostering a secure, accessible and stable energy supply that supports the local municipal economy.

As the role of energy planning is closely tied with supportive provincial Legislation, this research study aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of Ontario’s Green Energy and Green Economy Act (GEGEA) to local municipal planners. The overall goal of this Legislation is to foster the growth of renewable energy projects, promote energy conservation and energy efficiency while strengthening Ontario’s economy. This Act also has significant implications for municipalities across the Province, as it amends the Planning Act and removes barriers to the development of renewable energy undertakings in the overall planning process.


title: Talking Scot: English Perceptions of the Scots During the Regal Union

contributor:
Woolf, Daniel
History

subject: English, Scots, Britain, Familiar Alterity, Discourse, Perceptions

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2011-04-13 14:40:43.595

abstract:
From 1603 until 1707, England and Scotland were joined by what scholars have described as the regal union. A dynastic accident that came into being when James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne as well, it forced the two kingdoms to share a single monarch without creating a unified legal system, religious hierarchy, political structure or British culture. This dissertation re-evaluates the resultant Anglo-Scottish relationship by examining what English people actually said about the Scots and Scotland during moments when this union was strained. Specifically, it explores discourses about the Scots that circulated immediately after the regal union, and those which appeared during the Bishops’ Wars (1638-40), the Cromwellian Union (1651-59), the Popish Plot and Exclusion Crisis (1679-81), and the parliamentary union of 1707 that renegotiated the terms of engagement. By doing so, it challenges widespread assumptions that an uncomplicated xenophobia dominated English approaches to the Scots, and illuminates the existence of a more nuanced Anglo-Scottish dynamic that still informs British politics today.
	The Scots were too similar to be Other, and too different to be wholly Same – their “familiar alterity” creating difficulties for the English. At the start of the regal union, the notion of what constituted a Scot was malleable and utilitarian, which encouraged the English to reject their partnership in the creation of a new British kingdom. During periods of outright Scottish assertiveness, however, the English were forced to remember their northern neighbours. At each of these moments, the Scots variously became beggars, locusts, radicals, worthy partners in empire, protestant deliverers and even role models, before the English were able to write them out of the equation again. Finally, in 1707, a parliamentary union mandated that within official discourse, the Scots were to be interpreted as familiars and as equals, in an attempt to cement their position and thus solidify the Anglo-Scottish relationship. In many ways, this meant nothing more than a divergence between official and popular discourses, but it did permanently intertwine English and Scottish development, no matter how intense divisive pressures became.

abstract: PhD