title: Using the Totally Asymmetric Exclusion Process as a Model for Protein Translation

contributor:
Higgs, Paul G.
Physics and Astronomy

subject:
codon usage
protein translation
translation kinetics
TASEP
ribosome queueing
ribosome initiation
Biological and Chemical Physics
Physics
Biological and Chemical Physics

abstract:
This thesis details the development of a kinetic model of translation which takes into account codon usage. The process of translation involves ribosomes decoding a sequence of codons to produce a protein. Codon usage is important in the kinetics of translation since experiments have shown that codons are processed at different rates. Codons which code for the same amino acid appear with unequal frequencies and certain synonymous codons are preferred by high expression genes. The relationship between translational efficiency and codon adaptation is explored in this thesis.

We use a simple physics model called the totally asymmetric exclusion process (TASEP) to emulate the action of ribosomes, and the decoding of mRNA in protein elongation. The simple model is parameterized by an initiation rate that determines how quickly new ribosomes are introduced onto the lattice, and the rate of motion for ribosomes associated with a site on the lattice (codon message). Based on bioinformatics studies, we assign codon speeds so that codons preferred by high expression genes are translated more quickly.

The model captures important aspects of translation like ribosome collision and codons of different speeds, and simulating it allows us to see details in dynamics which are inaccessible to experiments. TASEP has non-trivial behaviour when codon rates, and the rate of ribosome binding is varied. Slow codons can cause ribosomes to pause and may lead to a queue. We approximated real genes with its average rate, and with its slowest codons to test the salient features of how codons are used on mRNAs. We found that codon selection is important in determining when queues occur, and the ribosome density on genes. The model also shows that highly expressed genes queue later than low expression genes. The simple model gives us general insights into the translational selection of codons, and the important kinetic parameters.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: DECODING TOXICITY: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE IBSC/SIBC TYPE I TOXIN-ANTITOXIN SYSTEM OF ESCHERICHIA COLI

contributor:
Li, Yingfu
Biochemistry

subject:
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

abstract: Small RNAs and small proteins encoded in diverse microbial genomes have been shown to play big parts in regulatory processes that are vital to the defence, adaptability, and survival of their hosts despite their small size. These elements also make up the two components of type I toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems that are present across many bacterial lineages. In these TA systems, the production of small toxic peptides can disrupt cellular processes and induce growth attenuation. However, toxin synthesis can be antagonized by its cognate RNA antitoxin, which binds toxin transcripts in order to inhibit their translation. As the functions of some of these TA pairs emerge, it has become evident that their presence is beneficial to the cell, taking on roles such as the guardians of genomic integrity or the coordinators of cellular responses. At present, the biological function and regulation of many type I TA pairs remain enigmatic. Among them is the IbsC/SibC pair found in Escherichia coli. In this dissertation, our efforts in identifying and characterizing IbsC/SibC are discussed. After coming across ibsC/sibC through a genetic screen and confirming that the production of the IbsC peptide is toxic to cells, we examined the sequence requirements for the toxicity of IbsC. We further probed into the effects of mutations on its structure and mechanism of action. In investigating the regulation of ibsC expression, we found that toxin production is tightly repressed under nutrient rich conditions at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, the latter of which is mediated by the SibC RNA. Furthermore, we took advantage of the toxicity of IbsC by engineering an efficient molecular cloning system with its variants using the sequence information garnered from our prior studies. Taken together, our work has shed light on the biochemical properties, evolution, and potential applications of this TA pair.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Number, Language and Cognitive Development

contributor:
Siegel, Linda
Psychology

subject: Psychology Psychology

abstract:
This thesis explores various aspects of young children's concepts of number and length. The intentions of the author were: to examine some of the factors which affect young children's choices of quantitative strategies; to explore their understanding of comparative terms such as "longer" and "more"; to consider some questions about the nature of concepts and cognitive development.

The first part of the introduction describes theories of number, both formal and psychological, with particular emphasis on Piaget's theory of number. Six main issues are derived from the theories. The author argues that these issues might all benefit from a research paradigm in which the young child's concept of number is studied in conjunction with his concept of length. For example, most number theorists assign the small numbers in the natural number series a unique status. The author argues that while it is possible that small number of elements will enable numerical operations, they may make length operations more difficult when they are arranged in a linear formation. This can only be determined by asking the child to evaluate both number and length on the same stimulus arrays. The next three sections of the introduction review previous research relevant to: factors influencing children's choice of strategy; the nature of their understanding of quantitative terms; theories of concept acquisition and cognitive development. The final section restates the six main theoretical issues in light of previous research findings.

The second chapter presents six experiments. In all these experiments the author asks young children between three and seven to make judgments of the equivalence of the number and length of two rows of elements. However, in each experiment different aspects of the task are varied, amongst them: the set size; training; the means of presentation of the rows; the nature of the terms used, whether positive, for example "more", or negative, for example "less"; presentation of two or three dimensional arrays.

The major finding of the research is that some children consistently employ a length strategy to judge both number and length; other children consistently employ a number strategy to judge both number and length. These strategy biases can be altered through changes in task variables such as set size and training. For example, small sets produce a number bias, large sets a length bias. Strategy biases also occur in response to negative terms such as "shorter", and on three dimensional as well as two dimensional arrays.

In the final chapter the author discusses the implications of the research findings for the six main issues outlined in the introduction. The author concludes that children's early quantity concepts are multidimensional. Initially the child may begin with a superordinate concept of bigness. In the course of cognitive development the child acquires various plans for discriminating dimensions, estimating quantitatives, and differentiating situations appropriate to the application of these strategies. In the absence of appropriate plans for any of the above, the child may substitute inappropriate plans in some consistent fashion. The inappropriate, consistently applied plans account for systematic strategy errors. In the course of time and experience these plans come to act as referents for the linguistic system. The author also concludes that, while some of Piaget's insights and theoretical arguments have been invaluable in aiding psychologists' understanding of the development of quantity concepts, various aspects of his theories such as the notion of centering and the role of transformation in the development of conservation, require further specification or modification.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Geometrically Adaptive Milling of Fan Blade Assembly Weld Fillets

contributor:
Spence, Allan D.
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
laser digitizing
adaptive geometry
freeform surface
blade machining
Computer-Aided Engineering and Design
Computer-Aided Engineering and Design

abstract:
Modern aeroengine design focuses on reducing overall weight and improving component service life. For fan blade assemblies, the blades and hub/shaft are attached by the most common dovetail (or fir tree) attachment design, which experiences fretting fatigue at the joint resulting in lower reliability and higher repair difficulty. A new joining design that connects blade /disk by welding and eliminates the attachment, has been implemented in military and commercial aeroengines. This joining design is most suitable for large diameter fan blades where single piece machining is impractical and time consuming. The joined blade requires post-process machining to remove excess weld material. However, because of varying assembly geometry, joints must be individually measured and tool paths consequently adjusted to match actual surface locations. The objective of this thesis is to develop an automated and geometrically adaptive post-process weld machining system.

This thesis proposes a solution that integrates surface digitization, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) systems, to accommodate the part-to-part variation issue. The integrated system includes precise laser digitizing, geometric modelling, tool path customizing, coordinate registration and CNC machining. The core algorithm was designed on the open and object-oriented C++ ACIS/HOOPS kernel. The customized tool paths are prepared based on the misalignment distance measured by laser digitizing, and a custom developed mathematical correction algorithm that can be implemented on a typical personal computer. At present, the machining process is designed for a three-axis machine tool. Suggested future works include implementation on a five-axis machine, and feed rate optimized tool paths.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Process Optimization in Machining: An Applied Research Approach

contributor:
Veldhuis, Stephen
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
manufacturing
superclean
machining
spc
raman
abrasive wear
Manufacturing
Manufacturing

abstract:
The objective of this research was to work with industrial partners to develop and apply innovative and intelligent improvement to their production processes in order to achieve a higher level of productivity and quality while lowering cost.

Two projects were completed and are discussed in this work. The first project was focused on improving tooling in a milling process of high value parts by varying coatings and geometries of the tooling. The second project involved implementing statistical process control (SPC) using control charts and process capability metrics through customized software.

In the first project, the industrial partner was experiencing rapid wear of tools when milling NiCrMoV steel. A detailed material characterisation study revealed the likely cause was the presence of un-tempered martensite having high hardness. Cutting tools were then chosen to compare the performance of tools with varying rake angle and coating; where all other geometry/features were identical. It was found that the best performing tooling had a relatively more aggressive rake angle at 16º, and a PVD coating consisting of TiAlN + Al2O3 + ZrN; showing a tool life 300% greater than the baseline tooling. Inspection of the worn tools by SEM, EDX, and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the Al2O3 and ZrN coating layers detached long before the failure.

In the second project, software was developed collaboratively with an industrial partner for a CNC turning process. The process was semi-automated, and used 100% inspection of parts. Part measurement data was recorded by the software, allowing for SPC to be applied to identify common-cause sources of variation. The software was then able to make offset recommendations in real-time to correct for variation. Providing process history for quality assurance (QA) also allowed for identifying of several areas for improvement in the process which were corrected, considerably reducing variability.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Patient Dignity: the significance of relationship

contributor:
Gedge, Elisabeth
Schwartz, Lisa
Philosophy

subject:
Dignity
Relationship
Practitioner-patient relationship
Health care
Ethics and Political Philosophy
Ethics and Political Philosophy

abstract: How do we preserve patient dignity in the health care context? I begin with a brief overview of dignity according to Kant, and follow this with an examination of what dignity means to patients and practitioners. I then propose a relational and care approach to dignity that does not indelibly tie individual dignity to any particular capacity or set of capacities. A relational and care account of the equal dignity all individuals possess ensures all human beings have value as particular individuals – value that demands respect – regardless of individual capacity. With a relational and care approach to dignity in mind I suggest and defend that patient dignity is best preserved and promoted in the context of the patient-practitioner relationship. I reject the notion patient-practitioner relationships are contractual in nature and suggest adopting a model of ‘relationship as engagement’ (Bergum and Dossetor, 2005) as a means to respecting patient dignity. I look at two major barriers to ‘relationship as engagement’ – the manner in which health care is delivered and the evidence-based medicine movement – and suggest ways to address and overcome these barriers. I conclude the paper by highlighting the various accounts of centredness (patient, person, client, family, relationship) espoused by many health care organisations, affirming relationship is the appropriate vehicle for respecting patient dignity.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Allied Health Professionals and Support Staff Perspectives on Personal Health Record Implementation: A Qualitative Study of Family Health Teams

contributor:
Hassanein, Khaled
Norm Archer, Michelle Howard
eHealth

subject: Primary Care; Family Health Team; Personal Health Record; Allied Health Professionals; Support Staff;

abstract:
Primary care multi-disciplinary teams were central to recent reform plans for Canadian primary care, in response to limited resources and increasing demands. Health Information Technology was also an integral part of those plans as supporting infrastructure for the modernization of healthcare services, facilitating coordination, collaboration and access to services. As provider-centric Health Information Technology matures, attention turns to the patient. The hallmark of patient-centered applications is the electronic Personal Health Record System (PHR). These systems have grown beyond simple repositories of personal health information, extending to a range of information collection, sharing, self-management and exchange functions.

The implementation of PHRs in primary care multi-disciplinary teams involves many stakeholders including patients, physician, allied health professionals and support staff. There is significant literature on physician and patient perspectives on all PHR functions. However, little attention has been given to the other stakeholders: allied health professionals and support staff.

In this study, we explored the views of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and support staff, working in a primary care clinic adopting a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary model called the Family Health Team (FHT) model. Participants provided their insight on benefits, concerns and recommendations regarding the implementation of MyOSCAR, a PHR, at their clinic. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured one-on-one interviews that were analyzed to extract common themes and summarize participant views. Process diagrams were produced to highlight opportunities for improvement of current work processes through the integration of MyOSCAR functions.

As more teams are created in primary care and they attempt to implement new technologies, it is important to get a complete picture of all stakeholder views. This is the first study that focuses on the views of AHPs and support staff, contributing to the literature on PHR implementations. Findings from this study can contribute to future PHR implementations by informing planning and implementation.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: DEFORMATION IN FOSSIL AND ACTIVE CONVERGENT TECTONIC REGIONS: EXAMPLES FROM SUDBURY, ONTARIO, AND RHODES, GREECE

contributor:
Riller, Ulrich
Earth and Environmental Sciences

subject:
Sudbury Basin
folding
oblique subduction
Island of Rhodes
deformation
Geology
Geomorphology
Tectonics and Structure
Geology

abstract:
The kinematics and associated deformation of upper crust in fossil and active convergent tectonic settings require different methods of study. In this thesis, I analyzed an example of a fossil convergent setting, the formation of the eastern portion of Paleoproterozoic Sudbury Basin, Ontario, and an example of an active convergent plate interface represented by the ongoing subduction along the Hellenic Arc at Rhodes, Greece. In Sudbury, using paleomagnetic remanence directions and Matachewan dyke orientations, I constrain the magnitudes of rotation associated with the formation of the NE-lobe, a tight secondary fold of the Sudbury Basin, as well as localize the fold axis and magnitude of rotation along the West Bay Anticline, a hitherto unknown fold of the Basin.

For the Island of Rhodes, I corroborate the existence of two phases of Plio-Pleistocene or younger deformation including providing their principal strain axis orientations from a fault-slip analysis. In addition, I estimate the magnitude of slip from faults to generate respective incremental strain ellipses of the two deformation phases for the Island. The first phase is characterized by vertical shortening (ŝ3) and N-S extension (ŝ1) with associated normal faulting while the second phase is characterized by N-S shortening (ŝ3) and E-W extension (ŝ1) associated with strike-slip faulting.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: BURNOUT NORTH OF 60: AN INVESTIGATION OF TURNOVER AND BURNOUT AMONGST SOCIAL WORKERS IN NUNAVUT AND HOW TO BETTER SUPPORT THEM

contributor:
Baines, Donna
Greene, Saara
Social Work

subject:
North
Nunavut
Social Work
Stress
Burnout
Turnover
Human Geography
Public Health and Community Nursing
Public Policy
Social Policy
Social Welfare
Social Work
Human Geography

abstract: This qualitative study examines variables that can impact job stress, burnout, and turnover rates among social workers north of 60. The research herein seeks to fill in some gaps surrounding research on service worker employment conditions in the north that has not been specific to social workers serving Inuit clients. While the provisional literature review highlights possible conditions such as: social and geographical isolation, role stress, personality factors, and cultural and ethnic disparities as possible sources of burnout, these have never been evaluated in a manner specific to northern social workers. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted via telephone with nine former Nunavut social workers and directors in order to probe the issue of burnout and turnover. Application of Interpretive Social Sciences (ISS) and hermeneutical phenomenological approaches (HPA) to interview analysis revealed a trend in themes related to the administration of northern social work services, including: understaffing, lack of supervisory support, dual role stress, and overworked staff who already face the challenges of cultural incongruence for which they have been insufficiently trained to deal with. Final recommendations include increased attention and resources to the social work staff supporting vulnerable Inuit clients, including increased staffing and culturally sensitive training.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Down-shifting of Light by Ion Implanted Samples for Photovoltaic Applications

contributor:
Kleiman, Rafael
Knights, Andrew
Mascher, Peter
Engineering Physics

subject:
Photoluminescence
quantum efficiency
silicon nanocrystals
cerium
integrating sphere
ion implantation
Engineering Physics
Engineering Physics

abstract:
Single junction silicon photovoltaic cells (SJSPVCs) are unable to transform all the energy in the solar spectrum into electricity, due to the broad nature of the solar spectrum and the limits imposed by a single bandgap. Furthermore, high surface recombination velocity reduces the SJSPVC external quantum efficiency response, particularly to ultraviolet photons. It is the goal of spectral engineering to optimize the light that is incident on the cell, by down-shifting high energy photons to lower energies, for example, to improve the performance of photovoltaic cells.

This thesis represents a study into the luminescence of ion implanted films, involving silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs) and rare-earth ions in fused silica or silicon nitride. Quantum efficiency measurements taken with an integrating sphere were used to characterize some of the samples. Other photoluminescence (PL) characterization work was carried out with a single-wavelength laser and a collection lens normal to the sample. Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) was used to estimate the optical constants of the implanted films. In secondary work, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, time-dependent PL, infrared-PL measurements, and electrical conductivity measurements were used to characterize select samples.

It was found that the conversion efficiency of Si-NCs in fused silica was about 1% – too low to be useful according to modeled results. However, considerable variation in the peak wavelength of the Si-NC PL was obtained, depending on the peak concentration of implanted silicon. Si-NC-type PL was also produced by low-energy implantation of oxygen into a Czochralski silicon wafer.

Oxygen was also implanted into films of cerium-doped high-purity silicon nitride, and it was shown that the photoluminescence from these films is largely dependent on the level of oxygen doping. The internal conversion efficiency of a cerium-doped fused silica sample was found to approach 20%, which indicates that this is a promising avenue for future research.

Finally, energy transfer was demonstrated between Si-NCs and erbium ions. The lifetime of the erbium PL appears to increase with increasing implanted silicon fluence.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: APPLICATION PROTOCOL FOR WIRELESS NETWORKS AND FUNCTIONAL BRAIN SPECTROSCOPY

contributor:
Franek, Franya
Computing and Software

subject:
Wireless
OS and Networks
OS and Networks

abstract: This thesis presents research that created an application protocol for wireless networks and functional brain spectroscopy. The proposed protocol was tested through the integration of several types of networks, devices, and sensors to facilitate functional brain spectroscopy. The need for reliability and speed to transmit medical data in near real time can make medical application uniquely challenging. This research addresses one of the main challenges faced when building medical solutions that monitor the human brain. The findings proposed a protocol that was implemented using an architectural model for a solution that provides full mobility in an everyday environment using a near-infrared light sensor designed to monitor brain function in humans. Moreover the study showed it is possible to use heterogenic networks and heterogenic devices to provide useful data that can be used for medical purposes [103]. A system implemented the proposed protocol was built to allow the possibility of testing subjects to be monitored in their real environment [104]. To test this hypothesis, heterogenic communication software was developed to allow for the collection of physiological data from a mobile near-infrared sensor via a mobile telephone that had Bluetooth support and Global Standard for Mobile Communications (GSM) support. The result of this work introduced Medical Data Transfer Protocols (MDTP) [106], an algorithm [103], and an architectural model (Four-node Model) [105].

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Extraction of semiconductor laser rate equation parameters for simulation of fiber-optical communication system purpose

contributor:
Huang, Wei-Ping
James Chen, J.K. Zhang
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject: Semiconductor Lasers

subject: parameters extraction

subject: fiber-optical communication system simulation

subject: Electrical and Electronics

subject: Electromagnetics and photonics

subject: Electronic Devices and Semiconductor Manufacturing

subject: Systems and Communications

subject: Electrical and Electronics

abstract:
This thesis presents the methods to extract modal parameters of semiconductor laser diodes based on a general zero-dimensional rate equation model. Three experiments, namely: the steady-state power versus injection current, small signal intensity modulation response and measurement of small signal response through dispersive optical fiber have been introduced, performed and analyzed under a sample space of 20 Multiple Quantum Well (MQW) Distributed feedback (DFB) laser of the same specification and from the same manufacturer. Testing software has been developed to perform the experiments , collect and analyze the data. The test results display an interesting Gaussian distributions that can be used to enhance further extraction process.

An new method to extract the line-width enhancement factor has been purposed, which introduce a new way to extract rate equation parameters for laser lasing at the wave length for zero dispersion in optical fiber (1310nm). The new method circumvent the difficulty for measurement of small signal response through dispersive optical fiber method will not work due to the low fiber dispersion around this wavelength. This method has been validated and published at OSA conference.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: ARTIFACTS AND BURIAL PRACTICES IN THE VAGNARI CEMETERY

contributor:
George, Michele
Prowse, Tracy
Pope, Spencer
Classics

subject:
Roman archaeology
funerary archaeology
southeast Italy
burials
grave goods
death and commemoration
Classical Archaeology and Art History
Classical Archaeology and Art History

abstract:
Located in southeast Italy, the site of Vagnari has been explored archaeologically as a Roman vicus that once formed part of an imperial estate. After the discovery of a cemetery on the property in 2002, exploration has yielded important results for understanding the lives and deaths of individuals in rural Italy from the first to early fourth centuries AD. Within the sphere of funerary archaeology and commemoration, there has been a shift in recent scholarship away from the monuments and practices of imperial and senatorial families in urban cities towards those who were underrepresented in epigraphic and textual evidence, namely ordinary individuals. Funerary archaeology presents one medium of exploring both funerary and burial practices in previously understudied areas of Roman Italy.

Previous studies of the Vagnari cemetery have been centered around a catalogue of burials, artifacts, and pathology, with more recent work focusing on stable isotopes and ancient DNA. This thesis focuses on the artifacts and patterns of distribution to understand how burial practices may have been shaped by social, economic and legal status. The primary focus is not the artifacts themselves, but the ways in which material culture can be interpreted to address issues of social status and prosperity within the cemetery. Within the wider realm of funerary practices, this study aims to understand funerals in a rural setting based on the burial record by incorporating archaeological, literary and historic evidence, in order to situate the site within our increasing knowledge of death and commemoration in the Roman Empire.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Localization in Non-Noetherian Rings

contributor:
Mueller, B. J.
Mathematics

subject: Mathematics Mathematics

abstract:
P. Gabriel constructed rings of quotients by inverting elements of multiplicative sets which satisfy the Ore and the reversibility conditions. We employ this technique in our study of localizations of non-noetherian rings at Goldie semiprime ideals. The three types of clans developed in this thesis enable us to decompose in a unique fashion (weakly) classical sets of prime ideals into (weak) clans which, in essence, are minimal localizable sets of prime ideals, satisfying certain properties. We further show that these (weak) clans are mutually disjoint sets. The different types of rings, brought into consideration, exhibit many interesting properties in the context of our localization theory.

We characterize the AR-property for the Jacobson radical of a semilocal ring by considering finitely generated modules. In the study of rings which are module-finite over their centres, we describe expressly the injective hull of the semilocal ring modulo its Jacobson radical. These two facts enable us to establish an interrelationship between the (strongly) classical semiprime ideals of the ring and those of its central subring. Furthermore, we show that under certain conditions the Q-sets are precisely all the minimal localizable sets of prime ideals of the ring. In the case of group rings, the flatness condition can be lifted without jeopardizing the validity of the assertion.

Lastly, we apply localization technique to characterize the group theoretic notion of q-nilpotency.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Not All Forms of Morphological Mismatch are Acceptable in Verb-Phrase Ellipsis

contributor:
Kucerova, Ivona
Kuperman, Victor
Cognitive Science of Language

subject:
ellipsis
morphology
psycholinguistics
syntax
Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics
Syntax
Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics

abstract: The Recycling Hypothesis of verb-phrase ellipsis states that elided verb phrases with non-parallel antecedents are interpreted by reconstructing the appropriate verb phrase structure using the information available in the antecedent (Arregui, Frazier, Clifton, & Moulton, 2006). The hypothesis predicts that structurally more complex antecedents will involve more complicated reconstruction operations, which will lower the acceptability of the sentences. The experiments reported in this thesis tested two underlying assumptions of the Recycling Hypothesis as well as one prediction that follows from the proposal. First, the hypothesis assumes that elided verb phrases with parallel antecedents are interpreted by copying the structure of the antecedent into the ellipsis site (Frazier & Clifton, 2001). Second, Arregui et al. (2006) argued that changes in verbal morphology were “really easy (p. 242)” to recover from, suggesting that verbal morphology is not a factor in determining parallelism between the antecedent and elided verb phrases. Results from three written survey experiments in which participants were asked to judge the acceptability of verb-phrase ellipsis with matching or non-matching verbal morphology contradicted these assumptions. Morphologically more complex antecedents were rated less acceptable than simpler antecedents, regardless of whether the antecedent morphology matched the morphology on the elided verb phrase. The fact that verbal morphology affected acceptability ratings suggests that this factor plays a critical role in determining parallelism in ellipsis. Furthermore, the fact that parallel antecedents patterned with non-parallel antecedents suggests that the two must be processed in a similar fashion. Finally, if more complex antecedents require more complicated reconstruction operations, it might be predicted that word-by-word reading times at the ellipsis site should be correlated with the level of difficulty (Gibson, 1998). One self-paced reading experiment using the same materials showed no such correlation. These results are discussed with reference to two other psycholinguistic theories of verb-phrase ellipsis comprehension.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: ON ALGORITHMS FOR THE COLOURFUL LINEAR PROGRAMMING FEASIBILITY PROBLEM

contributor:
Deza, Antoine
Franek, Franya
Computing and Software

subject:
Colourful
Caratheodory
Banany-Onn
Meunier-Deza
Convex Hull
Simplex
Computer Sciences
Theory and Algorithms
Computer Sciences

abstract: Given colourful sets S_1,..., S_{d+1} of points in R^d and a point p in R^d, the colourful linear programming problem is to express p as a convex combination of points x_1,...,x_{d+1} with x_i in S_i for each i. This problem was presented by Bárány and Onn in 1997, it is still not known if a polynomial-time algorithm for the problem exists. The monochrome version of this problem, expressing p as a convex combination of points in a set S, is a traditional linear programming feasibility problem. The colourful Carathéodory Theorem, due to Bárány in 1982, provides a sufficient condition for the existence of a colourful set of points containing p in its convex hull. Bárány's result was generalized by Holmsen et al. in 2008 and by Arocha et al. in 2009 before being recently further generalized by Meunier and Deza. We study algorithms for colourful linear programming under the conditions of Bárány and their generalizations. In particular, we implement the Meunier-Deza algorithm and enhance previously used random case generators. Computational benchmarking and a performance analysis including a comparison between the two algorithms of Bárány and Onn and the one of Meunier and Deza, and random picking are presented.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: FABRICATION OF PAPER BASED THERMO-RESPONSIVE MEMBRANES AND INVESTIGATION FOR THEIR USE IN ADSORPTION OF EMERGING WATER CONTAMINANTS

contributor:
Ghosh, Raja
Pelton, Robert
Fillipe, Carlos
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Hydrogel
Oestrogen
Permeability
Positive volume-phase transition
UCST
Membrane Science
Polymer Science
Membrane Science

abstract: Endocrine disrupting substances have been frequently reported to exist in potent concentrations in wastewater treatment plant effluent and other surface waters. Common techniques of wastewater treatment have varied effectiveness to remove estrogens from wastewater. A thermo-responsive smart membrane technology is investigated for its use in adsorptive removal of 17β-estradiol from a background electrolyte solution. A simplified fabrication method is adapted for hydrogel-substrate composite thermo-responsive membranes. Deposition of hydrogel occurs through aqueous polymerization in a coating process dissimilar to common grafting techniques. Acrylamide and acrylic acid monomers are polymerized in two different structures, a random copolymer as well as an interpenetrating network, to form a positive volume-phase transition hydrogel coating. Subsequent membranes experience high permeability at low temperatures with a gating mechanism reducing permeability upon heating. The effects of crosslinker content, monomer ratio, mass loading and butylmethacrylate content are investigate. Only mass loading was found to have significant influence on the behaviour of the membranes in all cases. The variations of the other factors were too little to have great influence. The membranes with the most stable permeability response function were then used in 17β-estradiol adsorption tests, investigating the binding capacity at both colder water temperatures (10oC) and warmer water temperatures (40oC). In the collapse and swelling of the volume-phase transitions, the membranes changed their solution properties which were hypothesized to also alter surface functionality. After introducing the estradiol sample, the membranes were subjected to temperature change with the expectation that any bound material would elute once the surface functionality of the membranes became adequately altered. Only some membranes produced an elution fraction while others appeared to undergo irreversible binding with a possible delayed elution. Removal of dosed 17β-estradiol is reported as adsorbed mass per area of membrane.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Undead Ends: Contested Re-beginnings in Apocalyptic Film and Television

contributor:
Brophy, Sarah
Attewell, Nadine
Hladki, Janice
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
Apocalypticism
Neoliberalism
Biopolitics
Transatlantic studies
Survivalism
Feminist Theory
Film and Media Studies
Film and Media Studies

abstract: My dissertation explores the counter-histories of trans-Atlantic modernity that surface in contemporary apocalyptic visuality. Framing twenty-first-century apocalypse films and televisual narratives as “new world” fantasies, I argue that British and American visions of The End re-stage the exploitative “contracts” that underwrite capitalist modernity. While contemporary visions of apocalypse predominantly valorize a survivalist ethos premised on claiming territory, annihilating threatening others, and securing reproductive labour, they can also be read for the ethical, affective, and political alternatives that they inadvertently expose. With this in mind, I bring together the fields of transatlantic studies and biopolitical theory in order to accomplish two complementary objectives. The first aim is to critique the gendered, racial, and generational politics of survivalist fantasies, which I read as conducting a neoliberal pedagogy that reanimates histories of racial terror and sexual exploitation. The second is to develop a biopolitical analysis premised on Hannah Arendt’s principle of natality in order to foreground the reproductive and youthful bodies that have been too long marginalized in theories of biopower. Though they are typically relegated to the background of apocalyptic visual culture, women and children figure the unrealized possibilities that haunt survivalist fantasies—possibilities that, I argue, are embedded in the ruined landscapes that they negotiate. Apocalyptic visions of crumbling metropolises, wasted landscapes, and abandoned border sites invite genealogical excavations of the lingering counter-histories embedded in their ruins. Such critical excavations reveal the “now” as a space-time of contestation in which suppressed pasts open onto a multiplicity of possible futures.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ONTARIO’S CROWN WARD REVIEW

contributor:
Collins, Stephanie Baker
Dumbrill, Gary C.
Sinding, Chris
Social Work

subject:
Child Welfare
Performance Measurements
Crown Ward Review
Social Work
Social Work

abstract:
Today, performance measurements have become a part of the dominant discourse across public, private, and voluntary sectors. Ontario’s child welfare system is one sector that has been influenced and impacted, with sometimes unintended consequences, by this institutionalized process of performance measurements. One of the measurements is Ontario’s Crown Ward Review (Audit) conducted by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Annually, ministry officials who make up the Crown Ward Review Unit (CWRU) audit fifty-three child welfare agencies in Ontario, which take care of approximately 5400 Crown Wards (Ministry of Children and Youth Services, 2011). According to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (2011), the goal of the Crown Ward Review is “to determine that an adequate plan of care [has been] developed for each Crown Ward and is intended to stimulate improvement in the overall service delivery to children” (Ministry of Children and Youth Services, 2011). It appears to not only be about the welfare for Crown Wards, but also about organizational goals. In other words, measuring accountability, effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as to provide transparency of its services appears to be a priority. This research project examines how the performance measurements of the Crown Ward Review have impacted case management for Crown Ward workers and Crown Wards in care.

A critical analysis of performance measurements reveals that, for the most part, they have created numerous unintended consequences for Crown Wards, workers, supervisors, managers, Children’s Aid Societies, and the child welfare system as a whole. Overall, the study supports that a more comprehensive, clear, and coherent review process needs to be established and implemented across Ontario’s child welfare system.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Steady State and Dynamical Properties of an Impurity in a BEC in a Double Well Potential

contributor:
O`Dell, Duncan
Burgess, Cliff
Physics

subject:
Bose
Einstein
Condensate
Chaos
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Quantum Physics
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

abstract: The subject of this work is the theoretical analysis of the mean-field and many-body properties of an impurity in a Bose-Einstein condensate in a double well potential. By investigating the stationary mean-field properties we show that a critical value of the boson-impurity interaction energy, Wc, corresponds to a pitchfork bifurcation in the number difference variable in the mean-field theory. Comparing Wc to the value of W where the many-body ground state wave function begins to split shows a direct correlation signaling a connection between the many-body and mean-field theories. Investigation of the mean-field dynamics shows that chaos emerges for W > Wc in the vicinity of an unstable equilibrium point generated by the pitchfork bifurcation. An entropy is defined to quantify the chaos and compared to the entanglement entropy between the BEC and the impurity. The mean-field entropy shows a large gradient at Wc whereas the entanglement entropy shows no apparent features around the same value of W. An increase in correlations between nearest neighbour many-body eigenvalues is seen as W is increased providing evidence for ``quantum chaos''.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Legality and The EU

contributor:
Waluchow, Wil
Sciaraffa, Stefan
Igneski, Violetta
Philosophy

subject:
Raz
inter-institutional
Dickson
statist
non-state legality
European Law
European Law

abstract: For "Subject Categories" I entered "European Law". I think that it is the best description, unless there is a category "Legal Philosophy".

abstract: In this work I address a number of important theoretical questions that the institutional order of the European Union (EU) poses for legal theory. I examine Raz’s approach to theorizing legality and several elements of his theory of law, arguing that the institutional structures of the EU resist the Razian theoretical framework. I also explore the inter-institutional theory of law developed by Culver and Giudice, arguing that its conceptual framework needs further development but that the conception of the ordinary law subject it employs is more robust than Raz’s. A significant portion of my work relies on the framework of the indirectly evaluative approach for evaluation of these theories, which was developed by Julie Dickson.

abstract: Master of Philosophy (MA)


title: Visualizing Uncertainty: Opposition to Islam in the Netherlands Through the Lens of Fitna: The Movie

contributor:
Rethmann, Petra
O`Brien, Susie
Yong, Kee
Anthropology

subject:
Islam
media
west
fear
object
image
Critical and Cultural Studies
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Visual Studies
Critical and Cultural Studies

abstract:
This study explores the current socio-political context of the Netherlands through an analysis of Fitna: The Movie (2008), the online video produced by right-wing politician Geert Wilders. I frame the field of analysis as an affective economy of uncertainty in the country, manifesting in the increasing visibility of, for instance, anti-Islam sentiment, declarations of national identity crisis, and public figures claiming to speak on behalf of the “real” Dutch, in the public realm.

With photographic footage of Muslims condoning and conducting violence displayed alongside Quranic verses, and a blatant appeal to viewers to “Stop Islamization. Defend our freedom”, Fitna is both product and visualization of the country’s affective economy. To the extent that the conventions and codes of its context shape Fitna’s form and content, the movie provides a visualization of uncertainty in the Netherlands.

Fitna constitutes both the target and the lens of this analysis. I refract a close attention to the movie’s montage editing, violated/violent images, and use of photographs through the concepts of fear, offense and truth(-telling), respectively. Taking the movie as lens, my analysis elaborates: the experiential dimension of uncertainty, as the disorientation of globalizing modernity; the key figures through which uncertainty circulates, including nation, religion, Islamization and depillarization; and the affect’s primary representational mode as truth telling performance.

Rather than explaining (away) opposition to Islam in, or the affective economy of, the Netherlands, this seeks to explore and experiment. I explore the character and mechanics of an affective economy through an experimental methodology centered on a single visual object. Given these objectives, the study closes with reflections upon the potentials and pitfalls of an analysis of Fitna: The Movie, with particular respect to popular narratives recounting the movie’s alleged failure.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Ultrashort-pulse laser ablation of silicon toward device applications

contributor:
Haugen, Harold
Engineering Physics

subject:
Ultrafast laser micromachining
ablation
black silicon
Engineering Physics
Engineering Physics

abstract: This thesis presents investigations on ultrafast laser irradiation of silicon towards the goal of hybridizing ultrafast laser processing and conventional semiconductor fabrication techniques to improve device applications. The fundamental sub-threshold damage accumulation mechanisms for potential defect engineering applications were studied through the use of positron annihilation spectroscopy, in situ sample heating during laser irradiation, varying the laser repetition rate, and samples implanted with various ion species at diﬀerent conditions. Positron annihilation spectroscopy results suggest an increase in the divacancy density at the surface region of silicon following near- and slightly sub-threshold ultrafast laser irradiations. Laser irradiations at increasing sample temperature up to 600°C show a general decreasing trend of single-shot thresholds, and an increase in the suppression of sub-threshold damage accumulation. There is also a temperature dependence on the surface morphology resulting from ultrafast laser irradiation. Ion implantation modiﬁed the ablation threshold ﬂuence, and a dependence on the ion implantation conditions was observed. Surface microstructuring of silicon was shown to improve absorption of light with a sub-bandgap wavelength of 1550 nm. An initial attempt with sulfur implantation did not exhibit further improvement in the optical absorption, and ﬁrst attempts in device fabrication did not provide photoresponsivity at sub-bandgap wavelengths. Ultrafast laser irradiation of SiO2-on-Si structures yielded diﬀerent modiﬁcation thresholds for diﬀerent thicknesses of the oxide layer. Surface morphologies obtained in the irradiation of these structures can aﬀect potential applications. Selected studies of ultrafast laser irradiation of GaP, metal-SiO2-Si structures, quartz, diamond, and porcine bone demonstrated similarities in ablation behavior and morphologies, and the potential for a broad range of applications. The results in combination with the proposed future work in this thesis can contribute to potential device applications while providing valuable insights into the ultrafast laser ablation mechanisms.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Deference, Authority, and Administrative Review

contributor:
Waluchow, Wilfrid
Gedge, Elisabeth
Sciaraffa, Stefan
Philosophy

subject:
judicial review
administrative law
judicial deference
administrative tribunals
legal philosophy
judicial restraint
Administrative Law
Constitutional Law
Ethics and Political Philosophy
Judges
Jurisdiction
Jurisprudence
Political Theory
Public Administration
Public Law and Legal Theory
Rule of Law
Administrative Law

abstract: Canadian courts have struggled to develop a consistent and coherent approach for reviewing administrative decision-making. In particular, they have been unable to create a workable framework that will guide when the courts will show deference to administrative tribunal interpretations of law and when they will interfere with them, leading to a system of administrative law that is unpredictable and disorderly. This thesis develops a novel approach to administrative review centered on a conception of judicial due-deference that is correlated with a Razian account of legitimate authority. My argument is that administrative review is best understood as an exercise of inter-institutional decision-making in which diverse institutions within the meta-institution of government must work together to arrive at decisions that best secure government objectives. When reviewing courts recognize that administrative actors are better situated in particular circumstances to make decisions than the courts, they ought to show deference. On the other hand, when courts are better situated to handle these matters, deference is not to be shown. I begin in Part I by analyzing the history of Canadian administrative law jurisprudence through to the Supreme Court’s 2008 decision in Dunsmuir, highlighting the competing principles of the rule of law and democracy that animate the ‘Diceyan Dialectic’. In Part II, I articulate a complex theory of inter-institutional reasoning that demonstrates the important role of deference and authority in good government decision-making. In Part III, I apply this model to the circumstances of Canadian administrative review. I show how there are certain institutional strengths, as well as key limitations, with respect to how our superior courts can play a role in upholding the Rule of Law and democracy. Ultimately, I argue that the superior courts must pay attention to the unique institutional placement of administrative actors relative to them in order to discern if these non-curial actors possess greater authority and hence ought to be shown deference.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Nonlinear Spectral Analysis of Radar Clutter

contributor:
Haykin, S. S.
Electrical Engineering

subject:
Electrical and Electronics
Electrical and Electronics

abstract:
This thesis is concerned primarily with the spectral analysis of clutter in an air traffic control (ATC) radar environment, which is produced by such objects as weather disturbances and migrating flocks of birds. The aim is to provide a means for the on-line classification of the different forms of clutter in such an environment. With the clutter identified and displayed for the operator, aircraft can be vectored in a way to avoid hazardous areas. This separation and identification of radar echoes may also be useful in studies relating to meteorology and ornithology.

Since the mechanisms which give rise to weather clutter and bird echoes are different, it is reasonable to expect that they have different statistical parameters. One of these parameters, spectral spread, provides a convenient measure for comparison. To perform the separation of clutter based on spectral spread, a high resolution method is necessary. In this thesis, the maximum entropy method (MEM) is applied to clutter classification. It is shown that the resolution and stability properties of the MEM are well-suited for the separation of different types of clutter; particularly weather from birds. The analysis is performed on both computer-simulated and actual clutter signals. In each case, the results are compared with those obtained by applying the Welch method of averaged modified periodograms. This comparison has revealed that the Welch method does not have the necessary resolution for the classification of clutter.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Meaning of the Client Experience at a Health Centre Within a First Nations Community in Southern Ontario

contributor:
Margaret Black, PhD, RN
Jenny Ploeg, PhD, RN
Wayne Warry, PhD
Nursing

subject:
Aboriginal
First Nations
client experience
phenomenology
health services
Nursing
Nursing

abstract: The purpose of this qualitative, interpretive study was to gain an understanding of the client experience at a health promotion and illness/injury prevention health centre within a First Nations community in Southern Ontario. A Heideggerian, hermeneutic approach and participatory processes were used within the research framework. Data were collected through the use of face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 7 female and 5 male members of a First Nations community. Thematic analysis based upon the work of Max van Manen was employed and resulted in three overriding themes: (a) health and being healthy, (b) I use the health centre, and (c) I don’t use the health centre. Essential components of being healthy included having choices and being able to make them, being able to care for self and others and eating right. Some participants viewed their health centre as a valued source of information and services for both health and illness and as a trusted location for accessing traditional healers. Other participants reported little or no use of their health centre due to a lack of awareness of services offered, a lack of comfort and familiarity with the health centre's staff, services and building structure, a reliance on self-healing methods, and/or a reliance on other sources of health information such as family, community Elders and the Internet. The study provided insights on a First Nations community vision of an ideal health centre. Implications for nursing education, research and policy are provided.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A Formal Approach to Concurrent Error Detection in FPGA LUTs

contributor:
Lawford, Mark
Nicolici, Nicola
Computing and Software

subject:
SEUs
Error Detection
SAT solvers
Synthesis
Digital Circuits
Digital Circuits

abstract: In this thesis we discuss a formal approach to the design of concurrent error detection (CED) logic in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Single event upsets (SEUs) occurring in look-up table (LUT) configuration bits are considered as the fault model. Our approach involves representing the LUT network of the design implemented in the FPGA with constraints to model the presence of SEUs as a boolean formula in conjunctive normal form. A quantified boolean formula (QBF) based approach to designing CED logic based on parity check codes is found to be infeasible for designs of a realistic size. It is shown that a satisfiability (SAT) solver can be used to find variable assignments that indicate which circuit outputs can be corrupted by upset events in the specified fault model. An algorithm is presented to automatically generate a parity check code, which will identify with one clock cycle detection latency a malfunction caused by an SEU. The resulting parity check logic can be verified using a SAT solver and it is shown to require fewer LUT resources than duplication for most circuits.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: SOCIAL CAPITAL AND HEALTH IN MULTIPLE COMMUNITIES: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

contributor:
Eyles, John
Williams, Allison
Dunn, James
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject:
quantitative research
qualitative research
mixed-methods research
social capital
Human Geography
Human Geography

abstract:
This dissertation explores the assertion that social capital has migrated from the neighbourhood to the workplace, and if so, investigates how this relocation may influence health. Data from a large survey of residents of four neighbourhoods (n=1,504) demonstrated that the more time participants spent in the workplace, the less likely they were to report social capital in their neighbourhoods. Furthermore, participants who were employed reported better physical health than participants who were not employed. Even when significant, employment status, neighbourhood of residence, and social capital did were unable to explain much of the variance in health between the neighbourhoods.

In-depth interviews (n=24) of residents in two of the four neighbourhoods provided information on social capital in both the neighbourhood and the workplace simultaneously to determine if this migration took place. Residents reported access to social capital in both their neighbourhood and workplace demonstrating that social capital is not a restricted resource that can only be accessed in one community at a time, but is a fluid resource that can be accessed in multiple communities simultaneously. Further investigation found that residents accessed social capital in multiple communities as well as their neighbourhood and workplace. There was considerable intersection between these communities reinforcing the contention that social capital should not be measured in insolation. Until all the sources of social capital can be considered, the association between social capital and health would not be fully realized.

This study highlighted many methodological limitations. The lack of a clear definition and the resulting measurement challenges need to be addressed. Given the complexities of measuring social capital in multiple communities, restrictive research methods may prove inadequate. Future studies should look in the direction of qualitative research methods to manage these complexities successfully.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND 3D KINEMATIC RESTORATION OF THE SOUTHERN SUDBURY BASIN, ONTARIO.

contributor:
Riller, Ulrich
Morris, William A.
Lightfoot, Peter
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject:
structural geology
modeling
deformation
fabric evolution
Geology
Tectonics and Structure
Geology

abstract: This thesis addresses the spatial distribution of structures and deformation geometry in the southern Sudbury Basin, Ontario, a synclinal fold basin. Major components are low-temperature fabric development in the Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC), the relation between fabrics and fold structures in Huronian rocks, and kinematic modeling of deformation of the southern Sudbury Basin. These topics lead to a synthetic model of the structural history of the SIC and its host rocks. Analysis of structures in the Norite layer of the SIC shows that this unit deformed under a single deformation regime and variable rheological conditions. This is evident by foliation planes, folded granitoid dikes, brittle shear faults and ductile high-strain zones. Brittle deformation preceded the formation of foliation planes and caused hydrolytic weakening of the Norite. Bulk thinning led to steepening of lithological contacts and igneous layering in the SIC. Structures in Huronian rocks and Sudbury Breccia display components of post-impact deformation that cannot be accounted for by thrusting along a high-strain zone, the so-called South Range Shear Zone, and by large-scale folding of the SIC. Shape change of the SIC from a convex outward to concave inward geometry led to basin-concentric shortening, the formation of a buckle fold of the SIC and axial-planar fabrics in Huronian rocks. Mutually perpendicular fabric orientations compatible with overall NW-SE shortening indicate that discordant foliations can form as a consequence of local strain perturbations near lithological contacts. Kinematic modelling of deformation based on field-based structural data tests the validity of trishear fault propagation folding as a possible deformation mechanism for the southern Sudbury Basin. Trishear deformation of the central South Range accounts for angular discordances between the upper and basal contacts of the SIC, local overturning of southern SIC, steepening of foliation planes, strain gradients in the Sudbury Basin, and thickness variations of SIC layers. Implications are shallowly dipping SIC layers both at greater depths and above the current erosion level, translation of Huronian rocks, and thinning in a section of the trishear zone manifested at surface by the South Range Shear Zone.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Electrical Stimulation of Denervated Muscle

contributor:
Bruin, H. de
Fahnestock, Margaret
Bain, James
Biomedical Engineering

subject:
electrical muscle stimulation
functional recovery
denervation
sensory protection
motor unit number estimation
instrumentation
Bioelectrical and neuroengineering
Bioelectrical and neuroengineering

abstract: Functional recovery following peripheral nerve injuries is poor due to muscle atrophy and fibrosis being major contributing factors. Electrical muscle stimulation has been used for decades in some capacity to treat denervation related muscular changes. The research presented in this thesis explores a new stimulation paradigm and its effects on short and long term muscle denervation. The first part of this work describes the new stimulation paradigm and the design and development of the stimulator used to deliver this paradigm. The paradigm involved daily 1-hour stimulation sessions featuring 600 contractions at high stimulus frequencies (100 Hz) and low pulse durations (200 μs). To test the device and paradigm, a pilot study involving muscle stimulation throughout a one month period of denervation in rat lower limb muscles was carried out. The results showed that this short but intense stimulus session significantly reduced the rate of muscle atrophy compared to animals that did not receive stimulation. Furthermore, muscle weight and consequently muscle force were also significantly greater. The stimulus paradigm was then used to investigate muscle that was denervated and immediately repaired. Ideally, immediate nerve repair following nerve injuries produces the best outcome. One month of electrical muscle stimulation following nerve repair enhanced this outcome through significant increases in muscle weight and force. Additionally, contrary to many previous studies, the stimulus paradigm had no negative effects on reinnervation. Taken together, electrical muscle stimulation can provide significant improvements over the best case scenario of immediate nerve repair. The third part of this work investigated the use of chronic electrical muscle stimulation throughout three months of denervation and the impact on reinnervation. Results showed that reinnervation in chronically stimulated animals were no different than animals that were denervated and immediately repaired. The last part of this work combined the use of electrical muscle stimulation with sensory protection in chronically denervated muscle. Sensory protection involves suturing a sensory nerve to protect a muscle during denervation and was shown in previous studies to reduce muscle atrophy, preserve muscle spindles and the structure of the distal nerve stump. The results showed significantly greater muscle weights and force in the combined treatment compared to the individual treatments alone. Reinnervation in these animals was as good as those that were immediately repaired. This suggests that contractile support combined with sensory protection may provide superior functional outcomes in chronically denervated muscle. The findings presented in this thesis provide new evidence for the use of short duration daily electrical muscle stimulation immediately following nerve repair or throughout long term denervation. Evidence for a new therapy, muscle stimulation with sensory protection, is also presented and shown to provide superior functional outcomes compared to either therapy alone. The contributions made in this body of work may provide clinicians with evidence to pursue clinical use of the outlined strategies and ultimately help patients optimally recover from peripheral nerve injuries.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: DownScaling the Great Lakes: Techniques for Adaptive Policy

subject:
Climate change
DownScaling
Modeling
Great Lakes
Adapatation
Policy
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering

abstract: Ecosystems have been profoundly shaped by unusually rapid climate change effects largely driven by human activities that release heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The goal of this research is to develop a strategy to measure the direct effects of climate change on the value of natural resources, particularly Great Lakes water resources; and how humans control these resources through management decisions. This base will assist in developing and supplying the tools and information necessary for decision-making to facilitate enhancements and thus policy revision. The Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) had substantial influence on the cleanup and restoration of the region, however, threats to the Great Lakes in the face of climate change demand a renewal of program and policy approaches to the restoration of beneficial uses as identified in Annex 2. To remedy this, climate models including Statistical Downscaling (SDSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) are developed to produce daily predictions of future climate variables at the regional scale. In this study, separate downscaled precipitation and temperature scenarios are generated using the SDSM and ANN with the calibrations and validations derived from CGCM and Hadley models for Canadian Areas of Concern. Then the Delphi Survey Method was designed and administered participants to verify on significant pressures associated with climate change on related beneficial uses of the Great Lakes. Collaborating both data sets allows for a thorough picture of the effects of climate change and possible adaptation strategies in the Great Lakes required to develop management and sustainable public policies

abstract: Doctor of Science  (PhD)


title: Characterization of the BTB/POZ protein ZBTB4 as a transcriptional regulator of cyclin D1

contributor:
Daniel, Juliet M.
Biology

subject:
Kaiso
Transcription Factor
Cyclin D1
Transcriptional Regulation
Cancer Biology
Cancer Biology

abstract:
The POZ-ZF transcription factor ZBTB4 was initially identified due to its sequence homology to the dual-specificity DNA-binding transcription factor Kaiso. Subsequent characterization of ZBTB4 revealed that it is also a dual-specificity DNA-binding protein; it recognizes a specific oligonucleotide sequence CT/CGCCATC, coined the ZBTB4 Binding Sequence (Z4BS) as well as methylated CpG-dinucleotides. Interestingly, ZBTB4 also binds to the highly similar consensus Kaiso Binding Site (KBS) in vitro.

ZBTB4 is misexpressed in cancer, and follows a stage-specific pattern of expression in breast carcinoma tissues; low ZBTB4 levels are found in late stages while high ZBTB4 expression is detected in early stages of disease progression. Ongoing studies have begun to elucidate the molecular interactions that mediate ZBTB4’s apparent tumour suppressor role in tumourigenesis, however no study has investigated the nature of ZBTB4’s ability to interact with both the Z4BS and the KBS in vivo, and how this may expand ZBTB4’s repertoire of potential target genes.

Recently Kaiso has been characterized as a transcriptional repressor of the cell cycle regulatory gene cyclin D1, and thus we used cyclin D1 as a model to investigate the nature of ZBTB4’s interaction with the KBS in vivo. The cyclin D1 minimal promoter contains two partial Z4BS at the same location as the KBS sites and we found that ZBTB4 binds to the +69 Z4BS/KBS site, but not to the -1067 site. Because the +69 Z4BS/KBS is immediately flanked by a CpG dinucleotide, this interaction may be a methylation-dependent interaction. To determine the consequence of this interaction, we conducted minimal promoter luciferase assays, and observed that ZBTB4 mediates an activation of the -1748-CD1 minimal promoter activity.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: MANGANESE DIOXIDE BASED COMPOSITE ELECTRODES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL SUPERCAPACITORS

contributor:
Zhitomirsky, Igor
Shiping Zhu, Adrian Kitai
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
electrochemical supercapacitor
energy storage
manganese dioxide
carbon nanotube
Other Materials Science and Engineering
Other Materials Science and Engineering

abstract: No comments. Thanks.

abstract:
Advanced electrodes based on MnO2 for the electrochemical supercapacitor (ES) application have been fabricated using electrochemical and chemical methods.

Electrosynthesis method has been utilized for the in-situ impregnation of manganese dioxide in commercial Ni plaque current collectors. Dipping-reduction, cathodic galvanostatic and reverse pulse electrosynthesis methods were investigated. The material loading was varied by the variation of the number of the dipping-reduction procedures in the chemical precipitation method or by the variation of charge passed in the electrochemical methods. The results obtained by different methods were compared. The dipping-reduction method offered the advantage of higher specific capacitances (SCs) at high scan rates, whereas other methods allowed higher material synthesis rate.

Cathodic electrolytic deposition (ELD) has been utilized for the fabrication of Ag-doped MnO2 films. The Ag-doped MnO2 films showed improved capacitive behavior and lower electrical resistance of 0.6 Ohm compared to pure MnO2 films. The highest SC of 770 F g-1 was obtained at a scan rate of 2 mV s-1 in the 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte.

Electrodes for ES application were fabricated by cathodic electrodeposition of MnO2 on CNTs, which were grown by chemical vapor deposition on stainless steel meshes. The MnO2-CNT nanocomposites showed excellent capacitive behavior and low electrical resistance of 0.5 Ohm.

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) has been utilized for the deposition of composite MnO2-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) films for the ES application. Dopamine (DA), caffeic acid (CA), tyramine (TA), gallic acid (GA), polyacrylic acid (PAA) and pyrocatechol violet (PV) were shown to be effective and universal charging additives, which provide stabilization of MnO2 nanoparticles and MWCNTs in the suspensions. The influence of the structure of the organic molecules on their adsorption on the oxide nanoparticles has been investigated. We discovered that the number and site of OH group for dispersants were essential for the adsorption on oxide materials, and the number of aromatic ring was important for the adsorption on carbon materials. Pure CNT films were deposited using PV as a dispersant, which was the first time in literature to prepare pure CNT film using a dispersant. SCs decrease with increasing film thickness. SCs of composite MnO2-MWCNT obtained using EPD were in the range of 350-650 F g-1 depending on material loadings.

abstract: Doctor of Science  (PhD)


title: Synthesis, Structural and Magnetic Properties of Rare-Earth Intermetallic Compounds

contributor:
Mozharivskyj, Yurij
Greedan, John
Chemistry

subject:
Inorganic Chemistry
Materials Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry

abstract:
Series of rare-earth intermetallic compounds were synthesized and studied.

The Gd4Ge3-xPnx (Pn = P, Sb, Bi; x = 0.5 - 3) series of compounds were synthesized to explore the stability of the non-existent Gd4Ge3 binary through partial Pn substitutions to increase valence electron concentrations. Electronic band structure calculations were performed to elucidate the relationships between the hypothetical "Gd4Ge3" and Gd5Ge4 binaries. All Gd4Ge3-xPnx phases order ferromagnetically with relatively high Curie temperatures of 234 to 356 K.

The Gd5Ge4-xPx phases were synthesized to explore the effects of both atomic size and valence electron concentration differences between Ge and P atoms. Partial substitution of P for Ge atoms occur on the interslab site, which causes the interslab distances to increase. In Gd5Ge4-xPx, only a small amount of P substitution (x = 0.25) is required to induce ferromagnetic ordering. The appearance of a Griffiths phase is also discussed.

The temperature dependence of the different RE2Fe17 (RE = Gd - Ho) phases was tracked by reciprocal space images generated from single crystal X-ray diffraction.

GdCo4B was synthesized by arcmelting and tri-arc techniques to confirm the presence of magnetostriction. Single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, dilatometer and magnetic measurements were done.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF EQ-5D VAULATION STUDIES

contributor:
Xie, Feng
Pullenayegum, Eleanor
Goeree, Ron
Health Research Methodology

subject: EQ-5D

subject: QALY

subject: Euroqol

subject: Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Economics

abstract:
Background

The EQ-5D is one of the most widely used instruments to measure health status. It consists of a descriptive profile with a corresponding scoring algorithm. Multiple scoring algorithms have since been developed from EQ-5D preference elicitation studies.

Objectives

To identify key methodological issues in the construction of EQ-5D preference elicitation studies and to assess the validity of using a standard methodology in the construction of EQ-5D scoring algorithms.

Search methods

We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, and Health Economic Evaluation Database, (1990 to 2012). The EuroQol Group website was also searched.

Selection criteria

EQ-5D preference elicitation studies that reported the directly estimated health state scores and estimated scoring algorithm.

Data collection and analysis

Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion. The observed and estimated EQ-5D preference scores were compared across studies. A standard scoring algorithm with fixed variables was estimated. The model performance of the standard algorithm and the study reported algorithm were assessed and compared.

Results

A total of 38 preference elicitation studies were included in this review. Key differences identified include: method of valuation, selection of health states, transformation of health state values, and method of estimation of the scoring algorithm. The observed health state values were found to be significantly different. The predicted health state values showed high levels of rank correlation. In general, a standard scoring algorithm was found to be no different in model performance than study specific scoring algorithms, with only three studies reporting a significant better model performance using the study specified scoring algorithm.

Conclusion

Methodological differences were identified across EQ-5D valuation studies. A standard scoring algorithm may yield similar model performance to study specific scoring algorithms, however further research is needed to identify when the use of a standard algorithm is appropriate.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Extended Thomas-Fermi Theory for Noninteracting Particles

contributor:
Bhaduri, Rajat K.
Physics

subject: Physics Physics

abstract:
For a system of noninteracting fermions in a one-body potential it is possible to derive an expression for the "smooth" part of the energy by finding corrections to the Thomas-Fermi energy. By the "smooth" part of the energy we mean that part which varies smoothly as a function of particle number and deformation. The smooth energy is needed, for example, to find the shell corrections used in conjunction with the Strutinsky energy theorem to obtain nuclear deformation surfaces. In this thesis we find corrections to the Thomas-Fermi energy as a power series in n² using the Wigner-Kirkwood expansion of the one-body partition function. The resultant expression is valid for any potential whose gradients and higher order derivatives exist. The effects of a spin-orbit term in the Hamiltonian are also included. The convergence of the n² series is checked by considering both the harmonic oscillator potential and realistic Woods-Saxon potentials. Expressions are also found for the spatial and kinetic energy densities. Using these expressions the kinetic energy is expressed in terms of the density and gradients of the density.

The formalism is extended to the case of a constrained Hamiltonian. In particular the pushing and cranking models are considered. When corrections are added to the Thomas-Fermi result for the cranking model the moment of inertia is found to depart somewhat from the rigid-body value.

The extended Thomas-Fermi result is used to derive the usual Strutinsky smoothing method and the good agreement between the two methods shown numerically. The n-expansion is also compared to the A-expansion and is found to converge slightly faster than the A-expansion.

The formalism developed for the cranking model can be applied with only minor modifications to the problem of finding the magnetic susceptibility of a system of electrons. This fact is used to investigate surface effects on the magnetic susceptibility.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: MUNICIPALITIES AND THE MEGA-EVENT

contributor:
Sproule-Jones, Mark
Carroll, Barbara Wake
Bouchier, Nancy
Jacek, Henry
Political Science

subject:
mega-event
Commonwealth Games
urban regime theory
Melbourne
Halifax
Hamilton
Public Policy
Public Policy

abstract: Why do municipalities bid for mega-events? Simply bidding for these events, such as the Commonwealth Games, the Olympic Games or a World Expo, can run into the millions of dollars. The cost of hosting such a large-scale international event now runs into the billions of dollars. It would appear to be an economic risk, yet cities, and their respective countries, around the world continue to choose this public policy path. Using urban regime theory, and focusing on the work of Stone, Stoker and Mossberger, this research investigates the actors and their motivations surrounding the Commonwealth Games bids by Melbourne, Australia for 2006, Halifax, Nova Scotia for 2014, and Hamilton, Ontario for 1994, 2010 and 2014. Civic pride, economic development, tourism growth and infrastructure improvements are all motivating factors and a mega-event is seen as a short-cut to achieving these public policy goals. We conclude that strong cooperation between the public and private sectors is necessary, as well as comparable cooperation between the upper levels of government and the host city, for a seriously competitive bid in a Western democracy, and that the weaker the cooperation, the less resolve and likelihood there is to host an expensive event at any cost. This research not only furthers political science knowledge in the sports public policy field, but also confirms the use of urban regime theory as a useful framework in comparative urban analysis as it allows us to categorize actors and motivations as we compare across municipalities.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: MICROSTRUCTURE AND CONDUCTIVITY OF THE SODIUM NICKEL CHLORIDE (ZEBRA) BATTERY CATHODE

contributor:
Petric, Anthony
Botton, Gianluigi
Purdy, Gary
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
Sodium Nickel Chloride Battery
Microstructure
Electrical conductivity
Thermodynamic
Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering

abstract:
The microstructure of the ZEBRA cells was examined at different cycle lifetimes. Various methods of sample preparation were used to remove the NaAlCl4 electrolyte and expose the cathode microstructure. Features such as layered NiCl2 crystals, large NaCl grains and needle-like FeCl2 phases were observed by SEM. The results indicate that nickel particles grow in size with age of the cell. Moreover, the presence of both Na6FeCl8 and NiAl2Cl8 phases was confirmed by XRD. Thermodynamic modeling was used to predict the phases expected when a cell has undergone overcharge or overdischarge during cycling. It is postulated that some phases observed in the cathode at room temperature may be artifacts due to transformations that occur during cooling and do not exist at the operating temperature.

The presence of isolated nickel particles within the cathode was confirmed by SEM and FIB techniques. Furthermore, the conductivity of the NaAlCl4 electrolyte was measured at high temperatures and various additives were used to make the electrolyte a mixed ionic-electronic conductor.

A special cell was designed to measure the conductivity of hygroscopic and volatile electrolyte at high temperatures. The best conductivity was obtained when using 0.2 mole fraction Bi as an additive to the NbCl5+NaAlCl4 mixture (Nb:Na=0.3, Bi:Nb=0.2). The conductivity values were doubled between 190 and 500˚C. The DC measurements confirm the presence of electronic conductivity in Bi+NbCl5+NaAlCl4 mixtures. In addition, the effect of NaF and Na2S on the conductivity of the NaAlCl4 electrolyte was measured.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: REGULARIZED LATENT VARIABLE METHODS IN THE PRESENCE OF STRUCTURED NOISE AND THEIR APPLICATION IN THE ANALYSIS OF ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM DATA

contributor:
MacGregor, John F.
Reilly, James P.
Noseworthy, Michael
Chemical Engineering

subject:
LVM
PLS
EEG
Regression
PCA
eigenvalues
BCG
Bioimaging and biomedical optics
Biomedical
Biomedical devices and instrumentation
Process Control and Systems
Signal Processing
Bioimaging and biomedical optics

abstract:
This thesis provides new regression methods for the removal of structured noise in datasets. With multivariable data, the variables and the noise can be both temporally correlated (i.e. auto correlated in time) and contemporaneously correlated (i.e. cross-correlated at the same time). In many occasions it is possible to acquire measurements of the noise, or some function of it, during the data collection. Several new constrained latent variable methods (LVM) that are built upon previous LVM regression frameworks are introduced. These methods make use of the additional information available about the noise to decompose a dataset into basis for the noise and signal. The properties of these methods are investigated mathematically, and through both simulation and application to actual biomedical data.

In Chapter Two, linear, constrained LVM methods are introduced. The performance of these methods are compared to the other similar LVM methods as well as ordinary PLS throughout several simulation studies. In Chapter Three, a NIPALS type algorithm is developed for the soft constrained PLS method which is also able to account for missing data as well as datasets with large covariance matrices. Chapter Four introduces the nonlinear-kernelized constrained LVM methods. These methods are capable of handling severe nonlinearities in the datasets. The performance of these methods are compared to nonlinear kernel PLS method. In Chapter Five the constrained methods are used to remove ballistocardiographic and muscle artifacts from EEG datasets in combined EEG-fMRI as well as single EEG experiments on patients. The results are shown and compared to the standard noise removal methods used in the field. Finally in Chapter Six, the overall conclusion and scope of the future work is laid out.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Planet Traps in Protoplanetary Disks and the Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems

contributor:
Pudrtiz, Ralph
Physics and Astronomy

subject:
accretion disks
turbulence
planets and satellites: formation
protoplanetary disks
Planet-disk interactions
Astrophysics and Astronomy
Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Astrophysics and Astronomy

abstract:
One of the most fundamental problems in theories of planet formation in protoplanetary disks is planetary migration that arises from resonant, tidal interactions of forming planets with the natal disks. This rapid inward migration, also known as type I migration, leads to the well-known problem that its timescale is about two orders of magnitude shorter than the typical disk lifetime, so that (proto)planets plunge into the host stars within the disk lifetime. This provides a huge hurdle for understanding the statistical properties of observed extra solar planets that now amount to more than 700.

In this thesis, we focus on one of the most general properties of protoplanetary disks - inhomogeneities. A large amount of theoretical and observational work currently suggests that protoplanetary disks are most likely to possess several kinds of inhomogeneities. Planetary migration is highly sensitive to the disk properties such as the surface density and temperature of disks, and the sensitivity leads to the formation of trapping sites for rapid type I migration at disk inhomogeneities. These local sites capturing planets undergoing migration are referred to as planet traps. We perform both analytical and numerical studies for exploring formation mechanisms of planet traps at disk inhomogeneities and their consequences for the formation and evolution of planetary systems. We focus on three kinds of the disk inhomogeneities: dead zones, ice lines, and transitions of heat sources in protoplanetary disks we refer to as heat transitions. Dead zones are an inevitable consequence of disk turbulence originating from magnetorotational instabilities (MRIs) that take place in (partially) ionized disks threaded by weak magnetic fields. One of the fundamental properties of the dead zone is a low level of turbulence there, which is the outcome of the high density, preventing the region from being ionized due to X-rays from the central stars and cosmic rays. Ice lines are formed due to low disk temperatures which lead to condensation of specific molecules there. Heat transitions arise as a consequence of the switching of the dominant heating process from viscous heating to stellar irradiation as the distance to the host stars increases.

We summarize our major findings. 1) rapid dust settling arising in dead zones leaves a dusty wall at the outer edge of the dead zones beyond which the disks are quite turbulent, so that dust is fully mixed with the gas. Efficient heating of the wall by stellar irradiation and the subsequent backward heating of the dead zones by the wall result in a positive temperature gradient in the dead zones. This inversion in the temperature profiles leads to outward migration there. 2) Any protoplanetary disk is likely to possess up to three types of planet traps that are specified by characteristic disk radii (dead zone, ice line and heat transition traps). Disk evolution, driven by disk viscosity, lowers both the accretion rate and surface density of gas and moves traps inward at different rates. This suggests that the interactions of (proto)planets captured at different traps play the dominant role in constructing planetary system architectures. Furthermore, the distribution of planet traps depends largely on stellar masses and accretion rates, so that they are one of the principle parameters for regulating the (initial) scale of planetary systems. 3) Both multiplicity and mobility of planet traps are crucial for understanding the statistical properties of observed extra solar planets. For instance, the mass-period relation - observational manifestation that planetary mass is an increasing function of orbital periods - can be understood by constructing and following evolutionary tracks of accreting planets in planet traps. These three contribution are new results in the field.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Characterization of Major Intermetallic Phases in solidified Al-xSi-yFe-zSr (x=2 to 12.5 wt%, y=0 to 0.5 wt% and z=0 and 0.02 wt%) alloys.

contributor:
Shankar, Sumanth
Mechanical Engineering

subject: Al-Si-Fe alloy

subject: Sr modification

subject: cast alloys

subject: liquid structure

subject: Al9Fe2Si2 and Al8Fe2Si intermetallic phases

subject: phase evolution

subject: Metallurgy

subject: Metallurgy

abstract:
Al-Si cast alloys have been in the fore-front of commercial casting application for more than a century. Iron containing intermetallic phases that evolve during the solidification of these alloys play a major role in the resultant mechanical properties and performance of the cast products. Changes in alloy composition and casting parameters significantly alter the evolution of the Al-Si-Fe intermetallic phases. There was a lack of clear understanding of the complex relationships between the solidification parameters and nature intermetallic phases in these alloys. Current thermodynamic model predictions for the nature of these intermetallic phases in the Al corner of the Al-Si-Fe ternary system are strikingly different from the experimental results in this project. Trace levels of Sr (about 0.02wt%) are typically added to the Al-Si commercial alloys to effect a morphological modification of the eutectic phases to improve the properties and performance of the cast products.

The nature of the Fe containing intermetallic phases have been characterized as a function of alloy composition (Si, Fe and Sr) and cooling rates during solidification. There was an anomalous evolution of the t5-Al8Fe2Si phase which transformed into the t6-Al9Fe2Si2 phase during solidification at lower cooling rates and higher Fe concentration in the alloy, alike. Further, Sr addition to these alloys prevented the evolution of the t5 phase and promoted the evolution of an unidentified Al5Fe2Si3 phase which was noted as k in this dissertation; the k phase also transformed into the t6 phase at lower cooling rates and higher Fe concentration in the alloy, alike.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: FEA MODELING OF A TRIBOMETER’S PIN AND DISK INTERACTION

contributor:
Wu, Peidong
Veldhuis, Stephen
Mateusz P. Sklad, Eu-Gene Ng
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Tribometer
Finite Element Analysis
Metal Cutting
Friction
Wear
Pin and Disk
Manufacturing
Manufacturing

abstract:
A bench scale tribometer, developed at the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) was designed for mimicking the friction and wear conditions on the rake face of a metal cutting tool. It provides insight into the performance of cutting tools operating under high stress and high temperature machining conditions. It saves test material costs, reduces machine downtime for testing, increases the number of test replicates and effectively adds a reliable testing tool to characterize metal cutting operations.

A detailed investigation into the stress distribution, temperature profile and indentation pattern has been performed in order to verify the ability of the device to capture the machining environment and to gain a better understanding of the friction effects and wear conditions. The investigation used finite element analysis to simulate the MMRI’s tribometer with the FEA results compared to the experimental results. This data was then used to tune the operating conditions of the tribometer to improve its ability to simulate the machining environment.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Tribometer-Based Quantifying of Friction in Metal Cutting

contributor:
Veldhuis, Stephen
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Tribometer
Friction
Metal Cutting
1045 Steel
TiAlN coating
Manufacturing
Tribology
Manufacturing

abstract: The objective of this research was the further development and characterization of a heavy load, high temperature pin on disc tribometer. The goal of performing this testing on the tribometer is to simulate realistic machining conditions experienced between a tool and workpiece ‘offline’ in order to reduce the number of real machining trials used to select a tool coating and subsequently optimize cutting parameters. This approach is based on the understanding that a change in the cutting speed can alter the tool-chip interface temperature profile, which can change the coefficient of friction (COF) between the tool and workpiece and impact the tool wear mechanisms and rate. Significant modifications were introduced to the tribometer to increase its functionality; a resistance welder was integrated into the setup, and a completely new, fully automated Graphical User Interface was designed using National Instruments Labview software to allow for more careful control of all interacting components and variables. Careful investigations were carried out to understand the sensitivity of COF measurements to various input parameters in order to gain increased confidence in the meaning of COF measurements. Finally, various tool and workpiece material pairs were tested from room temperature to upwards of 900°C near the pin-disc interface and efforts were made to correlate the resulting COF measurements with machining data in the form of tool life and cutting force measurement. This research contributes towards the goals of improving machinability in two ways: first, by screening potential surface engineering treatments on the basis of reduced friction under machining relevant conditions of elevated contact stress and temperature; and secondly, by generating temperature-dependent friction data for different tool and workpiece material pairs that can be used to improve FE simulations of metal cutting.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Integrative microbial contamination assessment for water quality monitoring in the Great Lakes

contributor:
Schellhorn, Herb E.
Edge, Tom A.
Morton, Richard A.
Biology

subject: microbiology

subject: water quality

subject: Biology

subject: Biotechnology

subject: Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology

subject: Pathogenic Microbiology

subject: Biology

abstract:
Recreational beaches are important local resources for attracting tourists. It is critical to keep tracking recreational water quality to prevent public health issues. Waterborne pathogens are one of the main elements that could cause recreational water related diseases. Fecal pollution is the primary source of waterborne pathogens. Therefore, it is important to quantify the amount of fecal pollution indicators that are present in the water, particular the human fecal indicator. The primary objective of this thesis is to develop an integrative microbial quality monitoring system to better understand water quality. The first part of this thesis examined the presence of a general fecal pollution indicator (E. coli) and a human fecal pollution indicator (human-specific Bacteroidales). The correlations between pollution sources and beach water quality were also studied to identify the impact of pollution sources. The results revealed the highly localized correlations at individual beaches depended on the impact from pollution sources. The weak correlations suggested some previous assumed pollution sources may only weakly impacted beach water quality.

Because E. coli strains differ enormously in pathogenic potential, it is possible that environmental E. coli have different genetic compositions and differential gene expression in genes such as the global stress regulator rpoD and rpoS. Thus, the second part of this thesis examined genetic composition and gene expression in E. coli environmental strains to study how global gene expression is altered in the natural environment. The results revealed differential RpoSexpression levels in environmental E. coli strains, suggesting that genes regulated by rpoD and rpoS may have differential expression levels in environmental strains, compared to commonly studied laboratory strains.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: MONTESSORI METHODS FOR DEMENTIA™ IN ONTARIO LONG-TERM CARE HOMES: STAFF PERCEPTIONS OF FACTORS AFFECTING IMPLEMENTATION

contributor:
Denton, Margaret
Elliot, Gail
Ellen Ryan, Sherry Dupuis
Health and Aging

subject:
Montessori Methods for Dementia
long-term care homes
person-centred care
quality of life
responsive behaviours
Canada
Leisure Studies
Leisure Studies

abstract:
Objectives: Research shows that Montessori-based activities can help address responsive behaviours experienced by persons with dementia by increasing their participation in and enjoyment of daily life. The purpose of this study was to investigate staff perceptions of factors that affect the implementation of Montessori Methods for Dementia™ (MMD) in Ontario long-term care (LTC) homes.

Methods: Qualitative data was obtained during semi-structured telephone interviews with 17 participants who were putting MMD into practice in Ontario LTC homes. The study was guided by a political economy of aging perspective using thematic analysis to elucidate the various factors that affected the implementation of MMD.

Results: Several themes emerged from the data: Regulating and Funding Medical Practices; Shifting Practice Amidst Resistance to Change; Educating and Understanding; Seeing Results is Believing; Being Supported; (Re-)Connecting People and Passions; and Improving Residents’ Quality of Life. Barriers such as insufficient funding and negative attitudes toward activities and MMD reinforced a task-oriented biomedical model of care, whereas various forms of support and understanding helped put MMD into practice as a person-centred program, which improved the quality of life of residents with dementia, staff and family members.

Conclusions: The results from this research can help ensure that MMD are as practical and easy to implement as possible despite perceived barriers so that persons with dementia in LTC and their partners in care can have a good quality of life. The findings include suggestions for future research, reducing staff hierarchies and ensuring there is sufficient organizational, financial, educational, and personal support.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)