title: DECISION MAKERS’ EXPERIENCES OF COLLABORATING WITH RESEARCH TEAMS ON FEDERALLY FUNDED HEALTH RESEARCH INITIATIVES: AN INTERPRETIVE DESCRIPTIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY

contributor: Clinical Health Sciences (Health Research Methodology)

subject:
Decision makers
collaborative research
interpretive description
PHSI Initiatives
health services policy
Medicine and Health Sciences
Medicine and Health Sciences

abstract: Consistent with the paradigm of evidence informed decision making we assume that research findings are integrated into health services practice and policy. However, there is a gap betweeen research findings and usual practice. Collaborative research, where researchers are encouraged to partner with decision makers to conduct mutually agreed and relevant research, may facilitate prompt utilization of new findings. My study explored decision makers’ experiences of collaborative teams executing federally funded health research. The principles of interpretive description were used to guide sampling, data collection, and analysis. A purposeful sample of 27 decision makers, collaborating on Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) projects funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, participated in two in-depth interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to identify concepts. The conceptual framework was developed inductively from the descriptive data and provided a structure for interpreting decision maker perspectives. The framework posits an explanation leading to contextual understanding of their experiences. This study describes factors affecting PHSI engagement that include: availability of new funding; positive history with the researcher; prospect of tangible benefits to constituents of decision makers; desire to contribute to research that informs health services programs and policies; capacity building; and knowledge creation. The partnership process is facilitated by fostering connections; identifying required skills and competencies; maintaining a sustainable focus of inquiry; clarifying roles and responsibilities; cultivating a nurturing learning environment. My findings will inform decision makers, researchers, and funding agencies about the experience and legacy of collaborative research partnerships.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Channel Time Allocations and Handoff Management for Fair Throughput in Wireless Mesh Networks

contributor:
Zhao, Dongmei
Terence D. Todd,  Rong Zheng
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Wireless mesh network
resource management
handoff
proportional fairness
Systems and Communications
Systems and Communications

abstract:
In this thesis we study a wireless mesh network (WMN), where a number of access points (APs) form a wireless infrastructure and provide communications to the mobile stations (MSs). Different APs share the same frequency channel. We study how to provide fair throughput for the MSs while efficiently utilizing the channel resources through effective handoff management and channel timeline allocations.

In the first part of the thesis, we assume that the channel time allocations at the AP level are given, and jointly consider the handoff management of the MSs and the channel time allocations at the MS level. An optimization problem is formulated based on long-term proportional fairness (PF) and solved. A heuristic distributed scheme is then proposed, which can be easily implemented in a practical WMN.

In the second part, we jointly study the channel time allocations at the AP level and the MS level together with the MS handoff management. An optimization problem is first formulated and solved as a benchmark. Two distributed schemes are proposed by decoupling the handoff management and time allocations. The HO-CA scheme performs heuristic handoff decisions for the MSs and then optimizes the channel time allocations. The CA-HO scheme allocates the channel time to individual APs based on the neighboring relationship of the APs, and then makes handoff.

Numerical results indicate that our proposed distributed schemes can achieve close-to-optimum fairness, improve the network utilization and balance the traffic load under uneven MSs geographical distributions.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Dualities Between Finitely Closed Subcategories of Modules

contributor:
Mueller, B.J.W.
Mathematics

subject: Mathematics Mathematics

abstract:
The thesis studies dualities between categories of modules which are finitely closed, i.e. closed under submodules, factor modules and finite direct sums. Omitting the requirement that the categories contain all finitely generated modules from the classical Morita situation provides a generalization which substantially increases the number of rings that posses such a duality.

In Chapter II we prove that a duality between two finitely closed categories A and B of modules is representable if and only if A and B consists of linearly compact modules. While a linearly compact finitely closed category of modules is always an AB5*- category with no infinite direct sums, we demonstrate the converse in Chapter III for certain rings including all commutative ones, thus simplifying our characterization of representable dualities in these cases; we were however unable to prove this in general or to give a counterexample. In Chapter IV we show that a duality between two arbitrary finitely closed categories of modules over commutative rings may be decomposed into representable dualities between finitely closed categories of modules over local rings.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: EFFECT OF ALLOYING ELEMNTS ON FERRITE GROWTH IN FE‐C‐X TERNARY ALLOYS

contributor:
Zurob, Hatem
Purdy, Gary
Malakhov, Dmitri
Materials Science

subject:
Solute drag
ferrite precipitation
steel
phase transformation
interface migration
segragation
Materials Science and Engineering
Metallurgy
Other Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering

abstract:
A self‐consistent model for non‐partitioning planar ferrite growth from alloyed austenite is developed. The model captures the evolution with time of interfacial contact conditions for substitutional and interstitial solutes. Substitutional element solute drag is evaluated in terms of the dissipation of free energy within the interface, and an estimate is provided for the rate of buildup of the alloying element ‘‘spike’’ in austenite. The transport of the alloying elements within the interface region is modeled using a discrete‐jump model, while the bulk diffusion of C is treated using a standard continuum treatment.

The model is validated against ferrite precipitation and decarburization kinetics in the Fe‐Ni‐C, Fe‐Mn‐C, Fe‐Mo‐C, Fe‐Si‐C, Fe‐Cr‐C and Fe‐Cu‐C systems.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Heat Transfer in Polymer Melt Flows

contributor:
Vlachopoulos, J.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering

abstract:
The heat transfer problem of polymer melts flowing through narrow channels and tubes has been studied. Four types of flow with constant temperature boundary conditions were examined:

(i) drag (or Couette) flow beD~een parallel plates,

(ii) Poiseuille flow between parallel plates,

(iii) Poiseuille flow through a tube with circular cross-section, and

(iv) drag flow between converging plates.

In each case, the equations of conservation of mass, momentum and energy were solved simultaneously by the implicit finite difference method. A power-law temperature-dependent viscosity model was used and viscous dissipation was taken into account. Velocity and temperature profiles, pressure distributions, bulk temperatures and local Nusselt numbers have been calculated and are presented as a function of the axial distance along the channel. Results obtained by using the power-law temperature dependent viscosity model were also compared with the power-law temperature-independent viscosity model and the Newtonian, constant viscosity model results.

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Hazardous Taste: Perceptions of Diet, Health and the Environment Among a Group of Vietnamese in Canada

contributor:
Herring, D. Ann
Anthropology

subject: Anthropology Anthropology

abstract: This research presents a food ethnography of a small group of Vietnamese immigrants who live in Hamilton and Mississauga. Members of this community have previously been identified as consumers of fish and wildlife foods directly procured from the Great Lakes basin. I explore the symbolic, social, and nutritional place of fish and its relationship to perceptions of contamination, risk, and health in this group. I describe the socio-cultural, historical, and environmental context of this group of people with whom I conducted research in the summer of 1996. Ethnographic data was collected by means of participant observation during a five-week household placement with a Vietnamese family. In addition, I conducted interviews and cooking sessions among sixteen households. My findings reveal dynamic changes in Vietnamese dietary practices, including the diminished role of fish in their diet. I argue that for the Vietnamese people with whom I spoke, concerns about health and the environment are not a priority and therefore, from their perspective, they are not a risk group for Great Lakes contaminants. I show that what is accepted as risk is partly a political process and that the Vietnamese construct, negotiate, and manage risk in their own way. While the ethnography is a focused look at Vietnamese foodways and the role of fish within that context, the discussion of risk goes beyond the particular to larger issues surrounding the politics of fish consumption in this group. Finally, I make recommendations for further research and initiatives based on my findings.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: A study of the isotopic Abundance of Boron in Minerals

contributor:
McMullen, C. C.
Physics

subject: Physics

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Remarks on Functors Adjoint on the Right

contributor:
Banaschewski, Bernhard
Mathematics

subject: Mathematics Mathematics

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Porosity studies and determination of elastin content in canine connective tissues

subject:
Engineering Physics
Engineering Physics

abstract: By means of porosity curves and diffusion equations solved by computer, the microvoid and macrovoid (hence elastin) content of various tissues from the dog are determined. The elastin content is correlated to the stress-strain characteristics of the respective tissues obtained previously (Project I) and the results are supported, to some extent, by histology. The area correction for microvoids are found to be essential for the cases of the abdominal skin and the cornea anly. The correction for macrovoids are essential for all the tissues except the Achilles tendon.

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Effect of Random-Noise on Non-Linear Oscillator

contributor:
Gladwin, A. S.
Electrical Engineering

subject:
Electrical Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Investing the Molecular Mechanism of Bcl-2, Bax and tBid in the Regulation of Cytochrome c Release from Mitochondria

contributor:
Andrews, David W.
Biochemistry

subject:
Biomedical Sciences
Biochemistry
Biochemistry

abstract:
Proteins in the Bcl-2 family are important regulators of apoptosis, but their exact mechanism of action remains unknown. To study the interactions of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and tBid, a cell free assay was developed using mitochondria isolated from cultured cells. Using this assay we were able to show that tBid activates Bax, resulting in the oligomerization of Bax on the membrane. Bcl-2 inhibits Bax oligomerization by sequestering tBid-activated Bax.

Bcl-2 is a transmembrane protein that adopts a tail-anchored topology with the hydrophobic carboxyl-terminus of helix 9 inserted into the membrane in healthy cells. After exposure to apoptotic stimuli, Bcl-2 changes conformation such that cysteine 158 that is located in helix 5 is inserted into the lipid bilayer. The experiments presented here show that exposure of Bcl-2 in isolated heavy membranes to either recombinant tBid or a peptide corresponding to the BH3 region of Bim triggered a similar conformational change. The data from the cell free assay showed that Bcl-2 proteins that have inserted cysteine 158 into the membrane are competent to prevent cytochrome c release in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest a model of Bcl-2 function, in which the conformationally modified form of Bcl-2 binds to Bax to prevent it from oligomerizing to form large molecular weight multimers that are competent release pro-apoptotic factors from the inter-membrane space of mitochondria. Thus these studies have provided valuable insight into both the complexity and molecular mechanisms ofthe Bcl-2 family ofproteins in the regulation of apoptosis.

The ability of Bc1-2 expression to inhibit apoptosis has been linked to the expression ofthe proto-oncogene Myc. In cells, the absence ofmyc is associated with a marked decrease in the ability to undergo apoptosis. The effects of Myc were studied using the cell free assay with mitochondria isolated from Myc overexpressing and Myc null cells. The results show that mitochondria from Myc null cells are dramatically more resistant to tBid and Bax induced cytochrome c release than mitochondria from Myc overexpressing cells. Cytosol switching experiments confirmed that the defect in cytochrome c release after exposure to apoptotic stimuli in cells lacking myc is inherent to the mitochondria.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Implementing Sustainable Tourism Development: A Sheguiandah First Nation Case Study

contributor:
Warry, W.
Anthropology

subject: Anthropology Anthropology

abstract:
As an employee of the Sheguiandah First Nation at Manitoulin Island, Ontario, and a student researcher from McMaster University, I have attempted to implement a theory of sustainable tourism development based on selected sources in the literature that seemed relevant to this case study. The Sheguiandah First Nation has an interest in establishing a teepee campground and is also interested in developing an archaeological interpretive centre specific to the Sheguiandah archaeological site. The notion of a teepee campground has been established in the community and requires capital funding. The interpretive centre, however, has not been established. Thus, for the most part, the scope of this thesis concerns the interpretive centre, while the teepee campground is included in the broader discussions oftourism development. After reviewing relevant sources in the literature, I set out to implement tourism development on the First Nation based on a model I developed. An evaluation of this implementation is provided.

Methodological tools used to address this model included questionnaires for community members and tourists, personal interviews with the First Nation community and professionals familiar with First Nations tourism and interpretive centres, and two focus groups. Throughout this process, the community was regularly informed of the development through a community newsletter,distributed monthly and accessible to all members of the community. Based on the analysis of all the data acquired from these consultations, a conceptual model of an archaeological interpretive centre was developed that was considered accurate enough to justify pursuing further development.

The Sheguiandah First Nation currently lacks economic opportunity; economic development is therefore a priority for the community. I propose that the most significant factor contributing to this situation is the existing political system that does not appropriately contribute to First Nations economic development. I further suggest that when a teepee campground and an archaeological interpretive centre are established, the experience gained in this initiative will allow the community to intensively pursue further economic development opportunities.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: "The Guide and The Seducer: The Dualism of 4QVisions of 'Amram."

contributor:
Schuller, E. M.
Reed, A. Y.
Westerholm, S.
Religious Studies

subject:
Religious Studies
Religion
Religion

abstract: 4QVisions of ᶜAmrama-g ar (4Q543-4Q549) is an Aramaic Jewish text found at Qumran, and dates to the third to second centuries BCE. This thesis explores the ways in which the text exhibits dualism. The history and origins of the text are presented, as well as a brief discussion of the theory and definitions of dualism. It is shown that 4QAmram represents a form of Jewish dualism. There can be little doubt that 4QAmram contains dualistic teachings, and that it is linked to the Hebrew Bible, but it has drastically altered the biblical material to design a dualism far and beyond that of the Torah sources. The text has an emphasis on ethical and cosmic battles between good and evil, expressed through the use of both the Two Paths and the Two Angels motifs. The dualism found in several other Second Temple documents is then discussed, in relation to the place which 4QAmram may have held at Qumran. It is concluded that documents like 4QAmram became important at Qumran because dualism was a vital part of Qumranic religious life. 4QAmram indicates that dualism was far from unique to Qumran, and was, in fact, possibly in existence in many groups of Judaism, even in pre-Qumranic times.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Novel Microcapsules via the Self-Assembly of Polymer Colloids at the Oil-Water Interface: Preparation and Characterization

contributor:
H., Harold D.
Chemistry

subject: Chemistry Chemistry

abstract:
Three different types of microcapsules are discussed in this thesis. The first, polyurea microcapsules serve as a basis for developing scanning transmission x-ray spectromicroscopy (STXM), an emerging technique for chemical analysis of nanoscale composites. Using STXM it was possible to visualise the location of two different polyurea species within a cross-section of polyurea microcapsule wall, approximately 200 nm thick.

The second type of microcapsules presented here are known as tectocapsules. There novel microcapsules were prepared by self-assembly of reactive poly(divinylbenzene-alt-maleic anhydride) microspheres and microgels at the oil-water interface and fixing them in place with poly(ethylenimines) (PEI). This resulted in the formation of highly permeable capsule walls consisting of interconnected microspheres that readily lost their core solvent upon drying. A mechanism for formation and rupture of tectocapsules is proposed.

The final type of microcapsules described here are called composite tectocapsules. These are capsules where colloids assembled at the oil-water interface are embedded in a polyurea matrix. These capsules were prepared with three types of colloids: poly(divinylbenzene-alt-maleic anhydride) microspheres and mircogels, porous poly(divinylbenzene) microspheres, and porous poly(divinylbenzene) microspheres functionalised with maleic acid. Composite capsules containing porous poly(divinylbenzene) microspheres functionalised with maleic acid showed altered release rates versus standard polyurea microcapsules. This change in release is attributed to solvent release through the microsphere's pores rather than the surrounding polyurea matrix. STXM was used to map the chemical compositions of these composite tectocapsules.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Social Status of Blacks in Toronto

contributor:
Brotz, Howard
Sociology

subject: Sociology Sociology

abstract:
The emphasis of this study concerns the overall status of the Black community in Toronto. The study will treat the Blacks in Toronto with respect to their interaction with the larger Canadian society. By understanding the processes of interaction and the way these occur in Canadian society, one may be able to critically evaluate policies toward the Blacks. The intent is to analyze the social processes that take place and present them as an attempt to understanding race relations in Canada.

The guiding perspective underlying this study is the social nature of an ethnic group in a multi-racial society, asserting that their destiny in this multi-racial society is likely to be no more, but also no less, than an informal status as a self-respecting ethnic community, voluntarily held together by sentiment rather than law. This study will focus on how well a specific ethnic group is moving toward this kind of goal, and what problems they are encountering as a result.

There has been very little information in the past concerning the Black population in Canada. This study should give both general information and insight into the group, as well as providing some specific sociological assumptions concerning the question of integration and segregation of groups in multi-racial societies.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Neutron Scattering Studies of Lattice Vibration in B.C.C. Metals

contributor:
Brockhouse, B. N.
Physics

subject: Physics Physics

abstract: The frequency - wave vector dispersion relations of the lattice vibrations in the symmetry directions of body centred cubic iron at room temperature have been measured by means of neutron inelastic scattering. An analysis in terms f Born- Von Karman general forces is reported. Forces to third neighbors are required to obtain a fit. Forces probably exist beyond fifth neighbors. The force system could be axially symmetric. The forces between first neighbors are found to be attractive if considered as arising from a potential.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Subjective Social Class Identification and Objective Socio-Economic Status

contributor:
Pineo, P. C.
Sociology

subject: Sociology Sociology

abstract:
This study was concerned with investigating the weak relationship between objective measures of socio-economic status and self-perceived social class status, measured by the subjective class identification question. Empirical tests were attempted of some of the factors frequently mentioned in the social class literature, but previously untested. Survey research data trom both Canada and the United States were used here.

Factors such as methodological considerations, ignorance of class, or egalitarian ideology did not appear to account for the incongruences between subjective and objective class. But evidence was found that ego-involvement, or the difficulty people have in viewing themselves objectively, is an important factor in explaining this problem.

It was hypothesized that minority status would tend, among religious, racial and ethnic groups,:to displace the Bocio-economic correlates ot class identification. This did not occur uniformly. It was suggested that the use ot objective socio-economic criteria tor class identification is a value shared most strongly by Jews and white Protestants, and less by Catholics and black Protestants.

In a longitudinal analysis, support was found for the hypothesis that the relationship between subjective and objective class becomes stronger during economic depression.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Karl Marx and George Herbert Mead: Contributions to a Sociology of Knowledge

contributor:
Brymer, R.
Sociology

subject: Sociology Sociology

abstract:
The study concerns the historical debate between critics and proponents of the sociology of knowledge: an area within sociology which attempts to conceptualize and investigate the insight that the intellectual and social dimensions of human life are integrally related. Specifically, it investigates the hypothesis that an adequate perspective and response to the critics can be developed through a synthesis of relevant aspects of the writing of Marx and Mead; a hypothesis proposed frequently, but never fully elaborated.

Critics have claimed that an empirical sociology of knowledge is quite impossible, because self-contradictory. If all ideas are fundamentally social, then thought is relativized, the possibility of truth (even for the sociology of knowledge) is denied, and man's capacity to reason is devalued. Sociologists have generally accepted these claims, but, short of denying the possibility of any valid formulation, they have rather denied its radical form and limited the insight's applicability by excluding certain areas of thought for social penetration.

However, despite acceptance of the demand that at least some thought transcend social penetration especially the "knowledge about knowledge" presumed by the critics -- no formulation of the insight has successfully dealt with the impasse of relativism, and therefore none fully satisfy the critics. Because of this, the analysis of Marx and Mead is preceded by a detailed investigation of the Critique in order to evaluate its claims and the validity of the continual acceptance of its parameters.

This analysis concludes that the Critique proceeds from positivistic presuppositions and that it is therefore historically rooted in an individualistic conception of knowledge which is antithetical to the insight that knowledge is an essentially social phenomenon. Thus, it is argued that because of this contradiction between insight and criterion by which it is judged, it is indeed impossible to develop an adequate, positivistic elaboration of the insight. At the same time, it is also demonstrated that there are insufficient grounds on which to justify an acceptance of positivistic criteria in preference to the insight.

The subsequent consideration of Marx and Mead is therefore concerned both to discern ideas relevant to the discipline, and to demonstrate that their work "anticipates" the Critique, through development of a non-positivistic conception of thought and its validation consistent with the insight. It is demonstrated that their work is of essential relevance to the sociology of knowledge a) because they develop compatible, nonpositivistic conceptions of objectivity, and b) because while neither position alone is free of inadequacies, a synthesis of their ideas transcends the separate deficiencies and the impasse of relativism characteristic of positivistically oriented elaborations of the insight.

This synthesis characterizes the sociology of knowledge as a critical study of ideas in relation to social form, and, more importantly, in relation to their adequacy to the fulfillment and development of human life. It assumes that men are beings of praxis whose ideas and interaction patterns are dialectically related, interdependent historical products, which are understood as contingent means facilitating human survival and development. As a critlcal discipline, it deals with an aspect of the issue of the distortion of praxis: the problem of the existence of reified ideas within the more general problem of human alienation; the problem:through which man's own products become apparent determinants of subsequent activity. In contrast to positivistic sociologies of knowledge, which intend a grasp of a presumed socialexistential determination of ideas (which appears the case through alienation), the critical perspective intends a grasp of the distortion of the actual, dialectical relationship between thought and social form. Whereas the former sociologies have been unable to resolve the basic issue of relativism, the critical perspective achieves this resolution by positing human praxis itself as the criterion of the objectivity of thought -- a criterion fully consistent with a social theory of knowledge.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: MODERNISM AND THE FUNCTIONAL CITY: URBAN RENEWAL IN HAMILTON, ONTARIO AND BUFFALO, NEW YORK (1949-1974)

contributor:
Harris, Richard
Weaver, John
Cruikshank, Ken
History

subject:
urban renewal
modernism
Buffalo
Hamilton
planning
CIAM
History
History

abstract: This dissertation examines urban renewal programs carried out in Hamilton, Ontario and Buffalo, New York, from 1949 to 1974. It shows how these projects fit within the Congrès internationaux d’architecture moderne’s Functional City paradigm and how the modernist aesthetic was reflected in these industrial cities’ planning documents and practices. Urban renewal is often examined by focusing on issues of race, politics and social upheaval. This cross-border study offers a new approach to the analysis through the modernist aesthetic. The comparative study demonstrates that modernist ideas were integral to both Hamilton’s and Buffalo’s urban renewal schemes, contributing both to the desired outcome and to the process, a commitment to action through the destruction of blocks of homes and buildings. The analysis shows how the aesthetic transcended national differences in politics and programs and offers new insight to our understanding of urban renewal on both sides of the international border.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Three Essays in Health Economics

contributor:
Hurley, Jeremiah
Sweetman, Arthur
Magee, Lonnie
Economics

subject:
Health Economics
Physician Labour Supply
Gender Gaps
Universal Drug Plan
Access to Health Care
Delisting
Econometrics
Health Economics
Public Economics
Econometrics

abstract:
This thesis comprises three essays that empirically investigate important issues in two areas of health economics: physician labour supply and health insurance policy interventions.

In the first essay, gendered associations between family status and physician labour supply are explored in the Canadian labour market, where physicians are paid according to a common fee schedule and have substantial discretion in setting their hours of work. Data from 1991 to 2006 show no gender difference in physician labour supply after controlling for family status. Male and female physicians have statistically indistinguishable hours of work when never married and without children. Married male physicians, however, have higher market hours than unmarried male physicians and parenthood either increases their hours or leaves them unchanged. In contrast, married female physicians have lower market hours than unmarried physicians and parenthood substantially lowers market hours. Little change over time in these patterns is observed for males, but for females two offsetting trends are observed: the magnitude of the marriage-hours effect declined, whereas that for motherhood increased. Preferences and/or social norms induce substantially different labour market outcome across the sexes. In terms of work at home, the presence of children is associated with higher hours for male physicians, but for females the hours increase is at least twice as large. A male physician’s spouse is much less likely to be employed in the presence of children, and if employed, has lower market hours in the presence of children. In contrast, a female physician’s spouse is more likely to be employed in the presence of children, and if employed, has slightly lower market hours in the presence of children. Both male and female physicians have lower hours of work when married to another physician.

This second essay examines the impacts of a mandatory, universal prescription drug insurance program on health care utilization and health outcomes in a public health care system with free physician and hospital services. Beginning in 1997, all residents of the province of Quebec, Canada, were required by law to have drug insurance coverage. Under this program, all persons under age 65 who are eligible for a private plan are required to join that plan, while the public prescription drug insurance plan covers all Quebecers who are not eligible for a private plan. Using the National Population Health Survey from 1994 to 2003, we find that the mandatory program substantially increased drug coverage among the general population. The program also increased medication use and general practitioner visits but had little effect on specialist visits and hospitalization. Findings from quantile regressions suggest that there was a large improvement in the health status of less healthy individuals. Further analysis by pre-policy drug insurance status and the presence of chronic conditions reveals a marked increase in the probability of taking medication and visiting a general practitioner among the previously uninsured and those with a chronic condition. We also find evidence of positive health gains among the chronically ill.

The third essay examines the impact of delisting routine eye exam services on patient eye care utilization and on providers’ labour market outcomes in a public health care system. Beginning in the early 1990s, provincial governments in Canada started to de-insure routine eye examinations from the basket of publicly funded health care services. We exploit delisting policy changes across Canadian provinces to estimate the impact of delisting from the supply- and demand-sides. Demand side analysis using the National Population Health Survey and Canadian Community Health Survey data suggests that the delisting of eye exams for the working age population decreased the probability of using eye care among this population group. However, the number of visits among those who continued to use eye care services was not affected. We also find suggestive evidence that the delisting policies targeted at the working age population were associated with increased eye care utilization among the elderly patients. Using the optometrist sample from the Canadian census data we find that the delisting of eye exams decreased optometrists’ weekly work hours while raised their annual work weeks. There was no statistically significant effect on optometrists’ income.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: THE DEVELOPMENT OF VOICE DISCRIMINATION DURING INFANCY

contributor:
Trainor, Laurel J.
Psychology

subject: Perceptual Narrowing

subject: Auditory

subject: Development

subject: Infant

subject: Voice Discrimination

subject: Experience

subject: Cognition and Perception

subject: Developmental Neuroscience

subject: Developmental Psychology

subject: Experimental Analysis of Behavior

subject: Interpersonal and Small Group Communication

subject: Psychological Phenomena and Processes

subject: Speech and Hearing Science

subject: Cognition and Perception

abstract: Infants must learn to discriminate between individuals in order to determine who is familiar (and likely to provide their basic needs) from those who are unfamiliar (and possibly a threat to their survival). One cue that humans use to discriminate others is the unique sound of each individual’s voice. Until the present thesis, little research existed on the topic of voice discrimination development during infancy. I conducted the first set of studies to investigate whether voice discrimination develops through a process of perceptual narrowing. Perceptual narrowing is defined as an experience-dependent increase in sensitivity to distinctions important in the native environment and a decrease in sensitivity to distinctions not important (often foreign to) the native environment across the first year. It has been described in previous research for the processing of a number of socially-relevant stimuli in the auditory (e.g., musical rhythms and pitches, linguistic phonemes) and visual (e.g., faces) domains. In Chapter 2, I provide the first evidence that narrowing occurs for voice discrimination, with infants specializing for the discrimination of native (human, English-speaking) over foreign (rhesus monkey) vocalizations between 6 and 12 months. In Chapter 3, I establish that the specialization demonstrated in Chapter 2 resulted primarily from familiarity with the vocalization from the human species, rather than the particular language spoken. In Chapter 4, I show that sensitivity to distinctions between monkey voices can be reinstated at 12 months of age, after narrowing has taken place, with two weeks of exposure to monkey voices. Together, these findings indicate that infants become attuned to individual distinctions between human voices by the end of their first year, but that plasticity remains such that sensitivity to distinctions between voices from rarely-heard species can be reinstated with exposure, at least until the end of the first year.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Role of the Transcription Factor Ets-1 in Mitochondrial Metabolism and Oxidative Stress

contributor: Medical Sciences (Division of Physiology/Pharmacology)

subject:
Ovarian cancer
breast cancer
genomics
glutathione
glycolysis
Medical Molecular Biology
Medical Molecular Biology

abstract: Normal cellular energy metabolism is fundamentally altered in cancer cells to facilitate rapid production of new cellular components, thereby enabling uncontrolled cell growth. Specifically, cancer cells rely on glycolysis and alternative pathways such as lipid and glutamine metabolism for energy, while diverting substrates away from oxidative metabolism regardless of the prevalence of oxygen in the microenvironment. This hallmark of cancer cells is referred to as the Warburg effect, the precise regulation of which is poorly understood despite several decades of research. In comparing the global gene expression profiles of ovarian cancer cells to those that overexpress Ets-1, we have revealed that this transcription factor is involved, at least in part, to this cancer-associated metabolic switch. To support the validity of these findings, we have shown that Ets-1 functionally regulates glycolytic dependence in ovarian and breast cancer cells, while concomitantly displaying a decreased capacity for oxidative phosphorylation. Reactive oxygen species are a normal byproduct of metabolism, and are produced excessively in cancer cells leading to oxidative stress. Interestingly, our genomic pathway analyses uncovered enrichments in antioxidant pathways associated with increased Ets-1 expression. Accordingly, we have also observed that Ets-1 regulates increased intracellular glutathione levels, and induces the activity of key antioxidant enzymes under oxidative stress. Sulfasalazine, an agent that restricts cystine uptake, was shown to be effective for decreasing these high glutathione levels during oxidative stress. These results are clinically relevant because high glutathione levels are associated with iii therapeutic resistance in cancer cells. Collectively, the evidence presented has identified a novel role for the transcription factor Ets-1 in the regulation of cancer energy metabolism, as well as the response to oxidative stress. We have also described a mechanism for Ets- 1-mediated therapeutic resistance, suggesting that this transcription factor may be a promising novel target to enhance conventional cancer therapies.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Science)


title: Influence of Primary Somatosensory Cortex on Hand Motor Circuitry and the Role of Stimulation Parameters

contributor: Richard Staines, Jim Lyons, Ramesh Balasubramaniam

subject:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Primary Somatosensory Cortex
Primary Motor Cortex
Hand
Motor control
continuous theta-burst stimulation
Motor Control
Other Neuroscience and Neurobiology
Motor Control

abstract: The primary somatosensory cortex (SI) is important for hand function and influences motor circuitry in the primary motor cortex (M1). Areas 3a, 1 and 2 of SI have direct connectivity with M1. Much of our present knowledge of this connectivity and its relevance to hand function is based on animal research. However, less is known about the neural mechanisms that underpin hand function in humans. The present study investigated the influence of SI on corticospinal excitability as well as inhibitory and excitatory neural circuitry within M1 before and after continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS). Additionally, stimulation parameters influence the direction and magnitude of cTBS after-effects. Thus, current direction and frequency of cTBS were manipulated. Two experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the first-dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle bilaterally before and after 50 Hz cTBS over left SI. In a second condition, the orientation of cTBS was reversed. Experiment 2 measured MEPs, short-latency intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) from the right FDI following a modified 30 Hz cTBS over left SI or M1. The results of Experiment 1 and 2 demonstrate that SI influences M1 circuitry such that MEPs are facilitated following cTBS over SI. However, MEPs are suppressed when the current direction is reversed. CTBS at 30 Hz delivered over M1 suppressed excitatory circuitry that generates MEPs and ICF. The findings from the thesis suggest that SI influences hand motor circuitry and is likely a mechanism by which somatosensory information modulates hand motor function.

abstract: Bachelor of Science (BSc)


title: Claims Making and Policymaking in State Anti-Racism in Ontario: The Case of the Ontario Anti-Racism Secretariat

contributor:
Satzewich, Victor
Pawluch, Dorothy
Denis, Jeff
Sociology

subject: anti-racism; equity policy; racism; policymaking; social policy; social constructionism; State anti-racism

subject: Social and Behavioral Sciences

subject: Social and Behavioral Sciences

abstract:
This dissertation offers a critical analysis of State Anti-Racism in Ontario, Canada, from 1990 - 1995. Particular attention is paid to the politics surrounding the emergence and operation of a dedicated provincial agency - the Ontario Anti-Racism Secretariat (OARS). The study highlights the central role of social problems work and claims making in the determination of anti-racism policy.

The nature of state anti-racisms in distinct areas of programming is accounted for in terms of the claims making activities of the parties involved in the policymaking process. I argue that stakeholders' influence on the nature of anti-racism initiatives varied depending on the particular realm of policy or programming under examination. State agents determined the nature of anti-racism in some areas, while community stakeholders held sway in other areas.

The research draws on a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of the state and racial inequality from sociology, political science, and policy studies. Qualitative methods including open-ended interviews and content analysis of archival materials are used to account for different dimensions of state anti-racisms.

Empirical evidence for this study comes from accounts provided by key players involved with anti-racism in Ontario including representatives from community groups, the Ontario Public Sector (OPS), academia, media, and the Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP). Materials housed at the Canadian Jewish Archives and the Provincial Archives of Ontario were also used.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A Study of the Cooperative Jahn-Teller Transition in Some Rare Earth Arsenates Using X-ray Diffraction

contributor:
Stager, C.V.
Physics

subject: Physics Physics

abstract: A low temperature single crystal X-ray diffractometer has been designed and constructed. This has been used to determine the crystal structure of dysprosium arsenate and terbium arsenate at 6ºK. These structures are compared with those found at room temperature. This comparison is used to gain information about the the ionic coupling mechanism which drives a cooperative Jahn-Teller transition in these compounds at temperatures below 30ºK. Further information is obtained from a study of the temperature dependence of the lattice strain, which is proportional to the order parameter for the transition. For TbAsO4 it is found that the coupling is long range, and that the dominant mechanism is via the lattice strain. The ionic interaction is DyAsO4 is found to be short range; coupling to both lattice strain and phonons are important in this case.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Comprehensive Investigation of Energy Fluence Spectra and MLC Modeling Parameters and their Effects on Dose Calculation Accuracy in Pinnacle

contributor:
Ostapiak, Orest
Diamond, Kevin
Farrell, Thomas
Medical Physics

subject:
Photon Energy Fluence Spectra
Spectrum
percent depth dose
Dose Profile
MLC Modeling
BEAMnrc spectrum
Output factor
MLC offset table
Sun-Point diode detector
MLC abutment leakage
GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film dosimetry
Medical Biophysics
Medical Biophysics

abstract:
The main focus of this work is to improve the existing clinical machine model within the Pinnacle software planning system (at Juravinski Cancer Center, Hamilton, CA). The incident energy fluence spectrum exiting from the accelerator head is considered an important element of the machine model. Relying on the Pinnacle auto modeling function to determine the relative photon fluence spectrum based on percent depth dose curves fitting for various filed sizes, led to different solutions when the process cycle were repeated. This work presents a new method for determining the Pinnacle photon energy fluence spectrum based on 6 MV Varian 21EX machine. A Monte Carlo simulation spectrum based on BEAMnrc code was attenuated to various depths of water. We determine that, the BEAMnrc spectrum attenuated by 15 cm of water gives the closest agreement between the computed and measured depth dose, similar to the clinical machine spectrum.

Implementing the novel spectrum into a machine that retained the same modeling parameters as the clinical machine (21ex-JCC) shows a slight better calculation of the output factor. The MLC model parameters were also investigated, however, adjusting the MLC offset table was found to give significant improvements, especially for the small field geometries.

The full impact of adjusting the photon energy spectrum, Off-Axis Softening Factor, MLC rounded leaf tip radius and MLC calibration offsets were investigated individually, resulting in a good model parameter fit. Several proposed supplementary setups were created to further assess our model. This include a geometry sensitive to MLC abutment leakage, the calculation of output factors for long and narrow MLC defined fields, and small square MLC and jaws defined fields. A Sun-Point diode detector was used in the measurement of the output factors for its accurate precision at small geometries. In addition, a GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film dosimetry was used in the measurement of the MLC abutment leakage.

Our new model shows superior results in comparison to the clinical 21ex-JCC machine model, especially with MLC small field calculations. We conclude that relying on PDD curves and dose profiles validation method in assessing the model might not necessarily lead to the best machine parameters, since these are not sensitive to subtle changes in parameters that have important dosimetric consequences.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Optimization-based Assistive Controllers in Teleoperation of Mobile Robotic Manipulators

contributor:
Sirouspour, Shahin
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Mobile Manipulator
Optimization
Viewpoint
Kinematic Redundancy
Controls and Control Theory
Controls and Control Theory

abstract: This thesis investigates two significant problems in control and coordination of complex teleoperation systems as they relate to the operation of a mobile robotic manipulator. The first part of the thesis focuses on the design of a control framework to resolve kinematic redundancy in teleoperation of a mobile robotic manipulator. Apart from the redundancy, workspace considerations for the operator and robot and asymmetry of master and slave systems pose significant design challenges in such telerobotic systems . The second part of the thesis considers psychophysical aspects of teleoperation from the operator's perspective. This part presents a method for automatic {\em optimal} positioning of a single camera for a remotely navigated mobile robot in systems with a controllable camera platform. In each part, a constrained optimization problem is formulated and solved in real time. The solution of these optimization problems are integrated seamlessly into the teleoperation control framework in order to assist the operator in accomplishing the main task. The proposed control framework in the first part allows the operator to concentrate on the manipulation task while the mobile base and arm joint configurations are automatically {\em optimized} according to the needs of the task. Autonomous control subtasks are defined to guide the base and the arms towards this optimal configuration while the operator teleoperates the end-effector(s) of the mobile arm(s). The teleoperation and autonomous control tasks have adjustable relative priorities set by the system designer. The work in the second part enables the operator to focus mainly on navigation and manipulation while the camera viewpoint is automatically adjusted. The workspace and motion limits of the camera system and the location of the obstacles are taken into consideration in camera view planning. A head tracking system enables the operator to use his/her head movements as an extra control input to guide the camera placement, if and when necessary. Both proposed controllers have been implemented and evaluated in teleoperation experiments and user studies. The results of these experiments confirm the effectiveness of these controllers and demonstrate significant improvements compared to other existing controllers from the literature included in the studies.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Fluid Structure Interaction of a Duckbill Valve

contributor:
Tullis, Stephen
Weaver, David S.
Chang, Ching
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Fluid Structure Interaction
Duckbill Valve
Nonlinear Layered Shell
Transient 1D Flow
Water Tunnel Testing
CFD
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Computational Engineering
Other Mechanical Engineering
Polymer and Organic Materials
Structures and Materials
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics

abstract:
This thesis is concerned with a theoretical and experimental investigation of a duckbill valve (DBV). Duckbill valves are non-return valves made of a composite material, which deforms to open the valve as the upstream pressure increases. The head-discharge behavior is a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problem since the discharge depends on the valve opening that in turn depends on the pressure distribution along the valve produced by the discharge. To design a duckbill valve, a theoretical model is required, which will predict the head-discharge characteristics as a function of the fluid flow through the valve and the valve material and geometry.

The particular valves of concern in this study, which can be very large, are made from laminated, fiber-reinforced rubber. Thus, the structural problem has strong material as well as geometric nonlinearities due to large deflections. Clearly, a fully coupled FSI analysis using three-dimensional viscous flow would be very challenging and therefore, a simplified approach was sought that treats the essential aspects of the problem in a tractable way. For this purpose, the DBV was modeled using thick shell finite elements, which included the laminates of hyperelastic rubber and orthotropic fabric reinforcement. The finite element method (FEM) was simplified by assuming that the arch side edges of the valve were clamped. The unsteady 1D flow equation was used to model the ideal fluid dynamics that enabled a full FSI analysis. Moreover, verification for the ideal flow was carried out using a transient, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes finite volume solver for the viscous flow corresponding to the deformed valve predicted by the simplified FSI model.

In order to validate the predictions of the FSI simulations, an experimental study was performed at several mass flow rates. Pressure drops along the water tunnel, valve inlet and outlet velocity profiles were measured, as well as valve opening deformations as functions of upstream pressures.

Additionally, the valve deformations under various back pressures were analyzed when the downstream pressure exceeded the upstream pressure using the layered shell model without coupling and with simplified boundary constraints to avoid solving the contact problem for the inward-deformed duckbill valve. Flow-induced vibration (FIV) of the valve at small openings was also examined to improve our understanding of the valve stability behaviour. Some interesting valve oscillation phenomena were observed.

Conclusions are drawn regarding the FSI model on the predictions and comparisons with the experimental results. The transient 1D flow equation has been demonstrated to adequately model the fluid dynamics of a duckbill valve, largely due to the fact that viscous effects are negligible except when the valve is operating at very small openings. Fiber reinforcement of the layered composite rubber was found to play an important role in controlling duckbill valve material stretch, especially at large openings. The model predicts oscillations at small openings but more research is required to better understand this behaviour.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: CHARACTERIZING THE ACUTE MITOCHONDRIAL RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE EXERCISE IN AGING

contributor:
Tarnopolsky, Mark
Parise, Gianni
Raha, Sandeep
Medical Sciences

subject:
Skeletal muscle
mitochondria
resistance exercise
aging
unfolded protein response
PGC-1a
Exercise Science
Exercise Science

abstract: Introduction: Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress increase with aging and may contribute to age-associated muscle atrophy (sarcopenia). Resistance exercise (RE) can promote the accretion of muscle mass, increase strength, and ultimately improve function in the elderly. Such beneficial effects are thought to be mitigated solely by increased muscle mass and strength; however, the contribution of the mitochondria to the beneficial effects of RE in aging have not been thoroughly characterized. While mitochondrial benefits have been established separately in both young and aged adults following chronic RE, the acute effects have not been well characterized. Methods: Sedentary young and aged adult males completed either an acute bout of fatiguing RE or endurance exercise (EE), and muscle biopsies were obtained at 3, 24 and 48 h post- exercise depending on the study. Results: Despite equivalent lean-body mass, increased age was associated with elevated mtDNA deletions, indicating potential for mitochondrial dysfunction. RE was associated with reduced mitochondrial content (transcripts, protein, and mtDNA copy number) at 48 h post-exercise, a response that did not differ with increasing age. Paradoxically, reduced mitochondrial content occurred alongside elevated total peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator one α (PGC-1α) mRNA; however, RE altered only the PGC-1α4 isoform post-exercise, a transcript that regulates myostatin and insulin-like growth factor one (IGF1) signalling and ultimately muscle hypertrophy and not mitochondrial adaptations. In addition, PGC-1α modulates the unfolded protein response (UPR), and RE was subsequently shown to elevate endoplasmic reticulum stress and elicit the UPR. Conclusion: PGC-1α mRNA increases regardless of exercise mode; however, differential expression or regulation of alternate PGC-1α isoforms or transcriptional binding partners co-activated by PGC-1α may dictate the specific phenotypic adaptations that occur following divergent modes of exercise. Furthermore, RE acutely decreases mitochondrial content despite elevated PGC-1α mRNA, and this response is not influenced by age.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Science)


title: REACTION OF COPPER MATTE DROPLETS WITH AN OXIDIZING SLAG

contributor:
Coley, Kenneth S.
Materials Science and Engineering

subject: desulphurization kinetics slag matte droplet copper Metallurgy Metallurgy

abstract: Reaction kinetics of copper sulphide matte (Cu2S) with an oxidizing slag was investigated. Silica-saturated fayalite (2FeO.SiO2) slag was synthesized by melting powder mixtures of iron, silica and hematite with respective ratios of 1:2:3.6 at high temperatures. Experiments were performed in an inert atmosphere using a high-temperature furnace equipped with X-ray fluoroscopy and pressure transducer. The effect of temperature (1400 – 1475 °C) and matte droplet size (0.5 – 2 g) on desulphurization rate was evaluated. Chemical titration was performed on quenched slag samples synthesized at different temperatures in order to determine the amounts of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the slags. Slag/matte samples quenched from high temperatures were extensively analyzed by means of optical microscope as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM), the latter equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). EDS analysis of the quenched samples showed that some areas of pure Cu were formed inside the matte droplets. It indicated that desulphurization reaction indeed has taken place and copper was formed as the product. In addition, EDS showed that some Fe-rich areas were formed inside the matte droplets. Gas halo formation around the droplets was confirmed by X-ray fluoroscopy observations. Additionally, it was seen that dome-like bubbles formed during high-temperature experiments on top of the matte droplets with mass equal to 0.75-gram or larger. In contrast to Fe-C metal droplets in contact with oxidizing slags, no droplet swelling was detected in this study. Reaction kinetics investigations showed that initial desulphurization rate increased with increasing temperature and matte droplet size. In fact, it was shown that rate increased linearly with matte droplet surface area. Finally, mass transfer in the slag phase and mass transfer in the gas halo formed around the droplet were found to be the rate-controlling mechanisms prior to and after gas halo formation, respectively.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: VISCERAL PAIN RESPONSES TO COLORECTAL DISTENTION IN RATS THAT HAVE RECOVERED FROM A BOUT OF COLITIS

subject:
Visceral Pain
Inflammatory bowel disease
Colorectal distention
Hydrogen Sulfide
Allergy and Immunology
Digestive, Oral, and Skin Physiology
Gastroenterology
Allergy and Immunology

abstract: Increased visceral pain is often seen in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation. Some studies, however, have suggested that such pain may persist after resolution of damage or inflammation. Despite the debilitating pain associated with GI inflammation, and its significant impact on affected individuals, few studies have addressed this issue. We hypothesized that altered visceral pain responses would persist after resolution of a bout of colitis in an animal model of colitis. We studied the pain responses to colorectal distention in Wistar rats with dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis, using changes in heart rate as an index of pain. Colonic inflammation had resolved by day 15 after DNBS administration. The assessment of colonic inflammation was based on histological scores, colonic tissue pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and myleoperoxidase activity. Rats examined at 15 days post-DNBS administration exhibited diminished pain responses to colorectal distention as compared to healthy rats. This was associated with significant increases in colonic tissue levels of IL-4 and IL-10 as compared to healthy rats, indicating a possible role for these anti-inflammatory cytokines in counteracting the generation of pain and hyperalgesia. We also studied the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in our animal model, by administering inhibitors of two of the key enzymes involved in the production of H2S. Our results demonstrated that inhibition of H2S production did not significantly alter the pain responses observed in rats at 15 days post-DNBS administration. In summary, our results demonstrate altered autonomic responses to colorectal distension following resolution of colitis. Further research on the role of anti-inflammatory cytokines and H2S may help to determine the mechanism underlying this effect.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Power, Sex, and Social Identity Theory

contributor:
Bourhis, R. Y.
Psychology

subject: Psychology Psychology

abstract:
Three research methods were employed to investigate the intergroup behaviour of men and women using Social Identity Theory (SIT; Tajfel & Turner, 1986) as a conceptual framework. In the ftrst study, an extensive survey was administered to 105 male and 105 female undergraduates. Among several important findings, subjects perceived power differentials in favour of the male group. However, both male and female subjects identifted strongly with their gender group and had a very positive gender social identity. Other key findings demonstrated that group power was very important to both male and female undergraduates.

In the laboratory, a variant of the Minimal Group Paradigm was used to investigate the effect of power and sex on the behaviour of undergraduates as members of same-sex (N =346) and opposite-sex groups (N =341). The main dependent measure was subjects' allocations using the Tajfel matrices. As in a power study by Sachdev and Bourhis (1985) in which sex was not salient, both male and female group members with power generally discriminated against outgroup members, whereas group members without power, did not. These findings are in contrast to Williams' (1984) notion that men have a more competitive orientation than women and would thus be more discriminatory. Furthermore, regardless of subjects' sex, power contributed towards a positive social identity. Overall, although subtle effects of sex were obtained, power had a strong impact on intergroup behaviour and subjects' social identity.

For the field study, 79 members of two sex-segregated labour federations were interviewed. As expected from SIT, female members of the dominant federation had a more positive social identity than did male members of the subordinate federation. Reasons for the behaviour of female members of an intermediary group who were attempting to 'pass' from the female to the male group were investigated. Taken together, evidence from these studies demonstrated that power had a greater impact on intergroup behaviour than did hypothesized sex-specific orientations, identification with the gender group, or attraction to opposite-sex group members.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Development of the Biaxial Stress Test for Sheet Material

contributor:
Duncan, J. L.
Production

subject: Production Engineering Engineering

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Some Geochemical Aspects of Precambrian Iron Formation

contributor:
Shaw, Denis M.
Geology

subject: Geology Geology

abstract: [Missing pg 64]

abstract:
Spectrochemical analyses of rock samples of iron formation from the Archean of Ontario and Melville Peninsula reveal the generally low abundances of (1) the alkali metals (Li, Rb, Cs) in the whole rock; (2) the trace ferrides, Ga, Cu, Al and Mg in the magnetite fractions.

In the oxide facies of iron formation there is a slight enrichment of Rb and a significant enrichment of Cs, with respect to K. Much of the Rb and Cs is trapped or adsorbed in the magnetite fraction. Lithium is concentrated in the silicate and clay fractions of the iron formation giving a positive correlation between Li and Al, reflecting the variation in physico-chemical conditions of deposition. Correlation of K/Na ratio with stratigraphic height agrees with the developMent of iron formation, in the Kirkland Lake area, as a late stage of an Archean volcanic cycle.

The trace ferrides {Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni} and Ga, Cu, Al and Mg are extremely depleted in the magnetite fraction, their ranges of abundances resembling those of volcanic-sedimentary iron deposits.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Steady State Response and Stability Analysis of the two Degrees of Freedom System with an Impact Damper

contributor:
Dokainish, M. A.
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
Steady State response of a system of two degrees of freedom with impact damper and their asymptotic stability criterian are derived analytically. Stability regions are also determined for a wide range of parameters of impact damper by using a digital computer.

An experimental study is also made to verify the assumptions taken in the analytical solution and to obtain general a response of the system for a wide range parameters of the impact damper.

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Simulation and Optimization of Wire Drawing

contributor:
Malherbe, M.C. de
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
A study of the production Iine process of wire manufacturing was made and a mathematical model of some aspects of the physical process then constructed. Using this model a computer program was written to simulate the process and hence predict the statistical distribution of wire strength. Additionall y certain aspects of the wire drawins process are optimized so as to impart desirable metallurgical characteristics to the wire.

The simulation is achieved by two different techniques, in cases where the random variables are mutually independent the method of 'Transformation of Variables' is used, and in the more complex case of non-independent variables a 'Monte Carlo' simulation is performed.

The area reduction of the wire due to reduction of successive die sizes, is optimized with respect to the ideal process when subjected to manufacturing machinery limitations. The optimization technique used is basically a 'Direct Search' modified to overcome the inherent inabil ity of the method to move toward optimality in the face of certain constraints.

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Isotopic and Elemental Composition of Boron in Meteorites, Tektites and Terrestrial Materials

contributor:
McMullen, C. C.
Physics

subject: Physics Physics

abstract:
The absolute B11/B10 ratios of meteorites, tektites and terrestrial materials have been determined mass spectrometrically with a precision of 0.17 per cent (two standard errors) for one complete analysis, an accuracy of 0.05 per cent and a reproducibility of the mean of 0.08 per cent (half range).

Separation of boron was by cyclic pyrohydrolysis and the quantity determined by curcumin colorimetry with a precision of 9 per cent (two standard deviations), an accuracy (relative to isotope dilution) of 1 per cent and a reproducibility of 5 per cent.

The results indicate that there are no differences between the average terrestrial and meteoritic ratios. The slightly high value for Bruderheim (M) is probably due to latter-stage cosmic irradiation. Absorption of marine boron by certain clays produces a 4.8 per cent enrichment of B11 in sea water. Tektites appear to have a sedimentary rather than a chondritic or igneous origin.

Mean values of B11/B10 ratios and boron content for meteorites and the planets are estimated.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Microwave Optice Using Dielectric Prisms and Dielectric Rods

contributor:
McLay, A. B.
Physics

subject: Physics Physics

abstract:
The effects of two types of prisms on the standing wave patterns and on the radiation field patterns have been investigated. It is shown that the boundary faces of the dielectric prism behave as the boundary walls of a dielectric waveguide and concentrate the power at the tip of the prism.

An effort was made to investigate the Goos-Haenchen shift inside the waveguide. It was not possible to observe any Goos-Haenchen shift inside the waveguide.

Diffraction patterns have been studied with the electric vector perpendicular to the axis of two dielectric rods of two different diameters (a =1.916 cm, 1.233 cm). Runs have been taken across and along the direction of propagation of the beam. Some experimental results have also been compared with the calculated results.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: A Study of the Optimal Rate of Catalyst Addition to and the Optimal Temperature Policy within a Tubular Reactor

contributor:
Crowe, C.M.
Chemical Engineering

abstract:
<p>[Missing pg 73]</p>
Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Part A: Validity of Rutherford Scattering. Part B: A Monte-Carlo Technique for the calculation of keV ion back-scattering from metal surfaces.

contributor:
Davies, J.A.
Robinson, J.E.
Engineering Physics

subject:
Engineering Physics
Other Engineering
Physics
Other Engineering

abstract:
Part A:

The purpose of this report is to study the validity of the Rutherford Scattering Law. Both the angular and energy dependence of the . scattering cross-section are checked, also comparison between the absolute cross-section determined experimentally and the theoretical cross-section is made.

Here we study the scattering of helium and oxygen ions with energies varying from 0.5 to 2.0 MeV from thin bismuth targets made by implanting 40 keV bismuth ions in low Z(silicon) substrate to doses of 1016 ions/cm2. The implantation process was made on the Isotope Separator and the scattering experiments were made on the Van-de-Graff accelerator of the SSS branch of the AECL. The scattering angles considered here range from 90˚ to 160˚ and a special geometrical arrangement was used to enable us to measure the scattering angle accurately. Also the report contains a brief description of the different sources of errors during target preparation (implantations) and the scattering experiments.

Part B:

As an introduction to a larger study of ion bombardment phenomena on metal surfaces, we apply the Monte-carlo technique to calculate the range distribution and back-scattering of keV ions from metal surfaces. Lindhard theory is used to calculate both the ion-metal atom scattering and the electron stopping power. The program can be used over a wide range of reduced energies (.1 < ɛ < 30) limited only by the validity of the Lindhard theory. A sample calculation of hydrogen scattering from aluminum is presented.

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: The Central Business District: A Study in Methodology

contributor:
Potvin, George
Geography

subject: Geography Geography

abstract: This thesis provides a critical appraisal of those techniques, which have been employed in studying the functional characteristics of the C.B.D.; from this basis, a number of techniques are amalgamated, and employed in conjunction, in an effort to provide a better and more comprehensive methodology in the study and understanding of the ensemble of functions found in the Central Business District. A conceptual framework is set by a review of the pertinent literature, and a chapter on the author's own concept of the C.B.D. The approach is essentially interdisciplinary.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Optimization of a First Order Consecutive Reaction in a Tubular Reactor with Catalyst Decay

subject:
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Oxygen Evolution Reactions on Nickel, Nickel Oxide Electrodes using Galvanostatic Methods

contributor:
Thompson, D. A.
Engineering Physics

subject:
Engineering
Other Engineering
Physics
Engineering

abstract:
An electrochemical cell has been designed for use for water electrolysis in 30 w/o KOH solution at 80˚C. Various electrode holders and coatings are tested using Ni, NiO as oxygen electrode. A teflon holder in which the electrode press-fits is found to give adequate protection to the electrode.

Epofix resin, when mixed in the ratio of 8 parts epoxy to 1 part hardner, applied to the back face of an electrode, is found to restrict electrode reaction to only the surface of interest. This hardner is stable in 30 w/o KOH solution at 80˚C. Current-potential measurements obtained for polished polycrystalline nickel are found consistent with those reported in the literature. The measured electrode potentials on polished nickel are similar to that of electrode which was thermally pre-oxidised in air. This is thought to be due to the fact that the polished nickel surface is rapidly covered with a layer of oxide as soon as oxygen evolution begins.

Dual Tafel regions are observed for each electrode, and the higher slope at the high current densities are thought to be due to oxide formation at these current densities but the absence of hysteresis loops are taken as an indication that the oxide may not be stable with polarisation.

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: The Isostatic Compaction and Hydrostatic Extrusion of Some Metal Powders

abstract:
The purpose of this work was to examine the processes of isostatic compaction and hydrostatic extrusion and to evaluate their potential for the cold consolidation of metal powders to bar stock.

Equipment for isostatic compaction and hydrostatic extrusion at pressures up to 1600 MN/m² is described. A numerical technique is presented for calculating the internal pressure required to produce a given bore strain in a tapered pressure vessel set of the type used. The method is applicable to open or closed ended vessels of elastic-plastic work hardening material and assumes the Mises criterion of yielding.

From a review of the literature of powder compaction it is concluded that there is some confusion as to the role and extent of plastic deformation in powder compaction and that the means by which compacts consolidate and achieve green strength is uncertain. It is suggested that the Shapiro-Konopicky pressure-density equation has most capability for further development.

Results of mechanical testing, metallographic examination and x-ray diffraction analyses of some atomized iron powder compacts are presented, together with a metallographic examination of compacted spherical superalloy powders. From these it is concluded that extensive plastic deformation occurs even during the first stage of compaction, but is not solely responsible for consolidation. A sequence of compacting mechanisms is described for the iron powder and it is suggested that the transition from stage 1 to stage 2 compaction corresponds to the change from local to homogeneous plastic flow.

Torre's model of a hollow sphere subjected to external pressure, that was developed to represent the compaction behavior of a porous body, has been modified to cover strain hardening of the material. Theoretical predictions of density are compared with experimental results for Atomet 28 iron powder and Alcoa grade 1202 aluminum powder. There is good agreement in the second stage of compaction; outside of this stage the theoretical values are higher than the experimental results. Some possible reasons for the discrepancy are discussed.

Results are presented showing the extrusion pressure required for iron compacted at different pressures; from these it is concluded that the extrusion characteristics of compacts can be influence by their porosity and an expression is derived relating the extrusion pressure to the relative density of the compact.

Results of mechanical testing and metallographic and fractographic examinations of extruded aluminum compacts are presented, together with their extrusion characteristics. These show that good bonding can be developed in these compacts by hydrostatic extrusion at reduction ratios of 6.25 and that their strengths can be higher than wrought material of similar composition. This strength improvement is attributed to the strain hardening undergone by the material during compaction. An interpretation of the mechanism of bonding is also given.

Although it is shown that isostatic compaction and hydrostatic extrusion can be used to produce well bonded bar material from metal powders, it is suggested that the potential of the method is limited by the very high pressures that would be required to produce materials of commercial interest.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Dreams Attached to Places: From Suburb, to Slum, to Urban Village in a Toronto Neighbourhood, 1875-2002

contributor:
Harris, Richard
Geography

subject: Geography Geography

abstract: I explore the relationships between successive images of a neighbourhood, social and housing conditions, and planning policy, using a longitudinal case study of one neighbourhood in Toronto. The neighbourhood, Parkdale, was developed as a politically independent suburb in the late 1870s and 1880s. At the time, it was described as a middle-class, residential "flowery suburb", although it was also a working class industrial community. During the early part of the 20th century, it began to be described as a declining neighbourhood at risk of "becoming a serious slum", although it continued to offer good housing conditions. By the 1970s, a third phase of image-making had begun: Parkdale began to be described as a revitalized "urban village" of historic homes, along with growing reportage as a "dumping ground" for psychiatric out-patients. The research suggests that the images of suburb, slum, and urban village used to describe Parkdale bore more of a relation to changing societal norms than social and housing conditions. However, the images had strong direct and indirect impacts on planning policy and mortgage lending, which in turn influenced social and housing conditions. The research contributes to historical and contemporary theories of neighbourhood transition, and the evolving analysis of the relationship between planning discourse and social conditions.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: High Power Diode Laser Assisted Hard

contributor:
Koshy, Philip
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
Laser technology is being employed at an increasing rate in many industrial applications. The increasing demand for new engineered materials including ceramics, composites and hardened steel require manufacturing technologies alternative to traditional ones. The use of lasers in hot machining processes is one of them.

The current research presents a study on laser assisted turning of hardened AISI D2 tool steel (~ 60 HRC), widely utilized in the tool making industry, which poses problems with respect to the current state of machining technology due to hard chromium carbide particles present in its microstructure.

This research work relates to the application of an analytical model to predict the rate of heating and cooling of the surface of the workpiece material subject to laser heating. Experimental temperature measurements were performed using an infrared thermometer and a thermocouple in order to calibrate and validate the temperature model. The predicted temperature evolution was then used in designing the laser assisted turning process with respect to cutting parameters and kinematics.

Cutting tests were performed on a Nakamura Tome-450 CNC lathe on which a 2 kW diode laser (Laserline LDL 80-2000) was integrated. Two machining configurations: grooving and longitudinal turning were evaluated using carbide tooling with an emphasis on tool life, cutting forces, mechanism of chip formation, workpiece surface temperature, and surface integrity. Cutting tests performed on AISI D2 tool steel when using laser assist showed that an average temperature of about 300ºC in the uncut chip thickness is sufficient for proper LAM.

The main mechanisms of tool wear identified during both conventional and laser assisted grooving were cutting edge chipping, flank face abrasion, and adhesion. Built up edge (BUE) was invariantly present during LAM, which was very stable for low cutting speed (20 m/min) and became unstable with an increase in cutting speed to 30 m/min. The use of laser assist enabled the cutting up to a speed of 30 m/min in the grooving cutting tests with good tool performance which was not possible without the use of laser. LAM also significantly reduced chatter, which was consistently noticed during conventional machining. The use of laser assist in grooving changed the cutting to thrust force ratio Fc/Fp from ~0.5 in conventional cutting to ~1 during LAM, indicating material softening. Chip thickening was noticed when using LAM, which suggests a decrease of about 10º in the shear angle. No thermal damage was found in the generated subsurface for the grooving experiments.

Longitudinal turning tests were performed in two LAM configurations corresponding to two different laser beam orientations: spot slow axis parallel to the workpiece axis (LAM ⎟⎟) and spot fast axis parallel to the workpiece axis (LAM ⊥). Chipping and abrasion were identified as the main mechanisms of flank wear for both conventional and LAM tests. During both LAM tests (LAM ||and LAM ⊥) chipping was reduced and the tool life improved by about 100% compared with conventional turning. Chip analysis revealed that the segmented chips characterized both conventional and LAM ⎟⎟, while for LAM ⊥ chips transformed into continuous chips. This observation together with the measured surface temperature in front of the cutting edge (~ 400ºC for LAM || and 600ºCfor LAM⊥) showed that LAM⊥ is the proper LAM configuration for longitudinal turning. No thermal damage was identified in the generated subsurface and surface roughness increased with the increase of temperature in the uncut chip thickness.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Electrosynthess and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nano-Composite Superparamagnetic Thin Films

contributor:
Zhitomirsky, I.
Niewczas, M.
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering

abstract: Using a newly developed method of co-electrodeposition, superparamagnetic films containing iron oxide nano-particles in a polymer matrix have been fabricationed. The method is based upon the electro synthesis of inorganic particles dispersed within a polymer matrix obtained by electrophoretic deposition. The results showed the prepared materials to exhibit superparmagnetic properties at room temperature. The influence of the deposition conditions and the electrolyte composition on the magnetic properties of the film have been studied. Adjusting the polymer content within the electrolyte has been shown to control the iron oxide to polymer composition ratio in the deposited film. This significantly affects the particle size, inter-particle distance and magnetic properties of the material. TGA analysis was used to determine the iron oxide to polymer composition ratio. The morphology of the films was studied by SEM and AFM techniques. Two theoretical approaches have been used to calculate the particle size in the developed films and the results are in good agreement with TEM observations. Saturation magnetization ranged up to 19.71 emu/g at room temperature in the films obtained. The blocking temperatures have been determined from the results of DC and AC measurements, the latter performed from 10 to 10,000 Hz. Blocking temperatures varied with film composition but remained below 111ºK. These results set the framework for discussion of the structure and magnetic properties of nano-materials synthesized using this fabrication method.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Field Determination of the Longitudinal Dispersion Characteristics of Lower Spencer Creek

contributor:
James, Wm.
Civil Engineering

subject:
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Inelastic Dynamic Analysis of Flat-slab Shear Wall Building

contributor:
Tso, W.K.
Civil Engineering

subject:
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering

abstract: [Missing pages: 147,229]

abstract:
An analytical technique for determining the inelastic responses of coupled shear wall structures is developed based on the transfer matrix technique in combination with the continuum method. It applies to nonuniform coupled shear walls resting on flexible foundations. The P-Δ effect, the possibilities of formation of the yield hinges at the ends of the connecting beams and at the bases of the walls, the effects of the rotational ductility factor of the connecting beams are also considered in this analysis.

Based on this technique, a study is made on a two interconnected coupled shear wall model to simulate the earthquake response of a typical coupled shear wall building with different exterior and interior walls. The dynamic responses of these coupled shear walls are then compared with those obtained by conventional analysis of a single coupled shear wall to evaluate the effect of load transfer between dissimilar coupled shear walls within a building during an earthquake.

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Neighbourhood Planning in Hamilton: The Durand Model

contributor:
Eyles, John D.
Geography

subject: Geography Geography

abstract: This research paper allows a description of neighbourhood planning in Hamilton. The main objective is to observe and describe how neighbourhood plans develop using the Durand Neighbourhood Plan as a benchmark. Information for the study was obtained by interviewing selected participants through a checklist of questions pertaining to Neighbourhood Planning. The Durand Neighbourhood Newsletters were used to see the importance of public participation in the formulation and implementation ofneighbourhood plans. In addition, sample characteristics from the 1986 Census reports were used to see if Durand can be used as a model to plan similar neighbourhoods in the Central Area of Hamilton. The results show that Durand can be used as a model to plan similar neighbourhoods, but public participation plays a key role in neighbourhood planning. The significance of this research paper is to provide a local example of the importance of public participation to neighbourhood planning. Thus, this study could be used to further enhance future planning studies.

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


title: Determination of the Absolute Viscosity of Some Refrigerants

contributor:
Latto, B.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: The relationship between energy consumption and the gross domestic product for Trinidad and Tobago (1970-1985)

contributor:
Lonergan, S.C.
Geography

subject: Geography Geography

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


title: Some effects of some radiomimetic chemicals on Euglena gracilis and on Escherichia coli

contributor:
McCalla, D. R.
Chemistry

subject: Chemistry Chemistry

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Community attitudes towards landfill sites

contributor:
Taylor, S.M.
Geography

subject: Geography Geography

abstract: This research paper allows for an analysis of community attitudes towards a solid waste site. The site under investigation is located in the Region of Halton, between highway 25 and First Line, approximately one-half km south of Britannia Road. The main objective of the study is to identify common themes expressed by the respondents who participated in the in-depth interviews. The second objective is to identify variations between the respondents interviewed. The information for the study was obtained from various sources: in-depth interviews, provided the individual responses to pre-set questions, in order to find out their attitudes regarding the site. Epidemiologic survey data provided information for a variety of indicators, which demonstrated awareness and concern levels. While the community profile provided information on the general characteristics which shape the functioning of the area surrounding the site. The results show that the three aforementioned sources of information provided similar information and responses. The in-depth interviews provided the most "personalized" results, the survey data provided a good representation of the populations's feelings and concerns and the community profile substantiated the findings from the above two sources and placed them in context.

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


title: Transplantation in tadpoles of Rana catesbeiana

subject: Biology

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


title: Sediment Dynamics in the Macrotidal Avon River Estuary, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Middleton, Gerard V.
Geology

subject: Geology Geology

abstract:
The Avon River estuary is in central Nova Scotia and is part of the northeastern arm of the Bay of Fundy. Three major rivers discharge into the estuary which is approximately 16 km long and up to 2 km wide. There are three sand bodies at the estuary mouth and another three within the estuary.

The Avon River estuary is macrotidal; tidal range is 15.6 m at lunar perigee. Tidal currents represent the only hydraulic process that significantly affects sediment transport and distribution. Maximum bottom current velocities increase from 0.6 m/s at the estuary mouth to 1.7 m/s at the head of the system. Every location in the estuary is either flood current or ebb current dominant.

Mean grain size forms a different pattern on the surface of each sand body, but the overall trend is that grain size decreases sharply from the mouth of the estuary to the estuary head; thus, there is an inverse relationship between mean grain size and maximum current velocity. Cumulative curve analysis indicates that sediment samples are composed of three log-normal grain populations. A large, coarse population that is present at the estuary mouth is absent at the estuary head.

Grain size distribution is a function of maximum flow conditions; Shields' criterion indicates that the maximum grain size present in each location can be transported by the local hydraulic regime. Each grain population can be related to a sediment transport mechanism; the coarse population is transported by traction, the intermediate by intermittent suspension, and the fine by suspension. The transition from traction to intermittent suspension occurs when shear velocity approximately equals settling velocity; the intermittent suspension - suspension transition reflects the condition that shear velocity is approximately equal to 5 times settling velocity. Hydraulic sorting, produced by different transport rates for each transport mechanism and by local physiography, limits penetration of coarse sediment into the Avon River, and causes a deficiency of coarse sediment at the estuary head. This, in turn, produces the observed inverse relationship between mean grain size and current velocity.

There are three major classes of bedforms in the system including ripples, megaripples, and sand waves; transverse bars exist in one small area. Surface bed configuration reflects maximum flow conditions; each type of bedform occupies a different stability field on plots of water depth versus current speed and current speed versus mean grain size. Flow regime increases from the estuary mouth to the head, and internal structures reflect surface bedforms.

Sediment transport paths define net flood and net ebb sediment transport zones; transport zone position is a function of hydraulics and local physiography. Sand bodies lie at the junction of two or more transport zones. The three sand bodies at the estuary mouth form an ebb tidal delta. At the estuary head, one sand body is part of an ebb tidal delta, another is a tidal point bar, and the third is a flood tidal delta. Glacial till deposited in the estuary and tidal current transport of offshore sediment probably are the most important sediment sources; shoreline erosion also contributes a substantial amount of sediment. Sediment transport rates, aerial photographs, and surveying, echo sounding, and chart data indicate that the Avon River estuary has been stable since at least 1865 and that the system is in approximate dynamic equilibrium.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Le chemin mystique de Samba Diallo

contributor:
Warner, Gary
Romance Languages

subject: Romance Languages

subject: French and Francophone Language and Literature

abstract: Notre étude se propose d' examiner le mysticisme exprimé dans L 'aventure ambiguë, et de montrer que les valeurs spirituelles proclamées dans Ie roman ne sont pas seulernent propres au mysticisme islamique, mais qu'elles ont ete aussi preconisées par les mystiques chrétiens.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Roger Vitrac et Ie théâtre de la révolte

contributor:
Pocknell, B.
French

abstract: L'oeuvre de Vitrac comprend des pièces qui diffèrent de plusieurs façons. Parmi ces oeuvres variés, on peut discerner des similarités entre quatre de ses pièces; Ia famille bourgeoise, avec ses petites manies et ses tics, est mise en scène sous une forme théâtrale conventionnelle, en trois actes. Dans l'essai qui suivra, nous examinerons l'iconoclasme qui se manifeste dans Les Mystères de l'amour, Victor, ou Les enfants au pouvoir, et Le Coup de Trafalgar, et nous Ies comparerons avec sa derniere piece, Le Sabre de mon Père, ou l'action dramatique est plutôt traditionnelle. Nous nous pencherons sur trois grands thèmes qu'emploie Vitrac pour critiquer Ia bourgeoisie. D'abord, nous aborderons Ie thème de l'adultère, et comment Vitrac l'utilise pour développer ses personnages, et pour ébranler l'institution du mariage; ensuite nous considererons Ie renversement du pouvoir entre Ies enfants et Ies adultes, et comment cela provoque Ie bouleversement de l'ordre social établi; et enfin nous explorerons Ie cadre des soirées, et comment l'auteur s'y prend pour ridiculiser Ies conventions de Ia bourgeoisie. Pour commencer notre analyse, nous jetterons un regard rapide sur l'histoire des efforts théâtraux de Vitrac - surtout sur sa collaboration avec Artaud dans Ie Théâtre Alfred Jarry - pour mieux comprendre son oeuvre dans son contexte historique.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Jazz aesthetics in the French Caribbean novel

contributor:
Crosta, Suzanne
French

abstract: This thesis examines the use of jazz as theme, structure and metaphor in French Caribbean texts. Daniel Maximin's L'lsolé Soleil, Stanley Péan's Zombi Blues, and Ernest Pépin's Tambour-Babel integrate jazz aesthetics such as improvisation, call-and-response, quoting, and rhythm to structure their novels and highlight the aural/oral quality of their texts. On a thematic level, these authors show the effects of the Plantation system on artistic modes of production and the treatment of the artist in society. Metaphorically, jazz in the novels suggests resistance and cultural marronnage, as well as spiritual and artistic freedom. The syncretic origins of jazz that blend African and European musical elements make this musical genre an ideal vehicle to express the hybrid quality of French Caribbean literature whose open-endedness and continuous evolution resist simplification and standardization. Jazz musicians with distinctive voices such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins have done for jazz what Daniel Maximin, Stanley Péan and Ernest Pépin are attempting to accomplish for the cultural inheritance of the French Caribbean -- affirm their existence through artistic expression.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: La problématique de la traduction littéraire avec une traduction d'extraits choisis de La Puissances des Mouches de Lydie Salvayre

contributor:
Kliffer, Michael
French

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Free Radical Copolymerization Kinetics of Styrene/Divinylbenzene

contributor:
Hamielec, A.E.
Wood, P.E.
Chemical Engineering

abstract:
An effective model for the bulk, solution and suspension copolymerization of styrene/divinylbenzene (OVB) has been developed. Its effectiveness is understood as a compromise between sound theoretical basis and simple mathematical structure, which makes possible the solution of its governing equations using conventional computational tools.

To build the model a comprehensive analysis of the elementary reactions and restrictions caused by the physical environment imposed by the growing polymer was made. The main issues considered in the model are: diffusion-controlled initiation, propagation and bimolecular termination reactions; different reactivities of double bonds; effect of solvent, chain transfer agent, inhibitor, type of crosslinker (m-DVB, p-DVB or mixtures of both), type of initiator; as well as crosslinking and primary-secondary cyclization reactions.

In building the model, it was necessary to review and improve the conventional theory of diffusion controlled free radical polymerization kinetics. Important contributions in this area came out as a result. Among those contributions, the most important are: the demonstration that using a "parallel" approach for modelling effective kinetic constants which are "diffusion-controlled" (widely used in this field) is incorrect, the proposal of an effective way to calculate molecular weight averages, and the proposal of a model for calculation of non-equilibrium free volume.

By performing a detailed compilation and analysis of experimental information available in the literature, all our objectives could be satisfactorily accomplished without having to perform additional experiments. Most of the experimental data and model predictions are in excellent agreement for pre and post-gelation periods. However, it is recognised that the real behavior of the polymerizing system is so complex (even the experimental techniques for characterization of network polymers are still in the development stage), that the model developed herein must be considered as a first realistic approximation to the real situation. Some guidelines for the improvement of this model (mostly associated to secondary cyclization) and preliminary qualitative calculations associated to these modifications have been given.

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)