title: Analysis of a Hybrid Energy Storage System and Electri ed Turbocharger in a Performance Vehicle

contributor:
Emadi, Ali
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Hybrid Vehicle
Vehicle Electrification
Hybrid Energy Storage System
Electrified Turbocharger

abstract:
This research investigates the effects of both a Hybrid Energy Storage System and an Electrified Turbocharger in a consumer performance vehicle. This research also attempts to support the development of a prototype vehicle containing a Hybrid Energy Storage System currently being developed at McMaster University. Using a custom simulation tool developed in Matlab Simulink, Simulink models of each of the technologies were developed to predict the behavior of these subsystems across multiple physical domains. Control modeling, optimization and testing was completed for both systems. In addition, controls modeling for the Hybrid Energy Storage System was integrated with the development effort for a prototype vehicle considering the specifics of real world components.

To assess the impact of these technologies on a performance vehicle platform, the simulation tool tested each technology using multiple vehicle variations. Three vehicle variants were developed, representing: a conventional performance hybrid design, a hybrid vehicle containing an electrified turbocharger, and a vehicle containing a Hybrid Energy Storage System. Electrical system peak output power was the vehicle specification held constant between each vehicle variant. Each vehicle variant was simulated against a number of traditional drive cycles representing everyday driving scenarios in an attempt to compare fuel economy while identifying each technologies individual impact on the vehicles performance. Finally, each vehicle variant was simulated using a custom performance drive cycle in a virtual race.

Both technologies as assessed and in comparison to a larger battery variant, did not result in improved fuel economies during conventional vehicle driving. Both the Hybrid Energy Storage System and electrified turbocharger demonstrated improved vehicle performance in particular scenarios.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract: Electrified vehicles have not typically been viewed as performance vehicles. A recent trend has seen a growing number of manufacturers turn to hybrid and electric powertrains to produce high performing vehicles. However, a performance vehicle's electrical power is conventionally limited by the size and power of its battery, adding weight and cost. Two technologies offer the ability to increase the power of these electrified components without the need for a large battery. First, Hybrid Energy Storage System combines ultra-capacitors and batteries to increase the power density of the system. Second, an Electrified Turbocharger improves the turbo lag of a turbocharged engine and also recovers waste heat energy from the exhaust gases which is then used to propel the vehicle. This research identifies and demonstrates the potential impact these two technologies have when included in an American Muscle Car.


contributor:
Black, A.H.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Hippocampal Electrical Activity and Operant Conditioning in the Dog, Author: Arthur J.L. Dalton, Location: Thode

abstract:
EEG activity was observed during operant
reinforcement of single-press, multiple-press, and passive,
avoidance responses in order to identity hippocampal theta activity
as a central correlate of avoidance behavior in dogs. A
clear relationship between theta activity and active skeletal behavior
was found. To determine whether the occurrence of the
avoidance response and its associated proprioceptive feedback
were necessary for operant reinforcement to take place, two attempts
were made to operantly reinforce hippocampal electrical
activity in the absence or the avoidance response. Hippocampal
theta activity was readily conditioned in naive deeply curarized
dogs. The second attempt, with paralyzed avoidance pre-trained
dogs, suggested that theta can be operantly reinforced but failed
to demonstrate a normal state transfer effect on the avoidance
response.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Acetate-Catalyzed Bromination and Deuterium Exchange of 2-Butanone (I). The Mechanism for the Bimolecular Displacement Reactions of α-Haloketones (II)

contributor:
Warkentin, John
Chemistry

subject: acetate, catalyzed, bromination, deuterium, bimolecular displacement, reactions

abstract:
 The regioselectivities of bromination and deuterium exchange of 2-butanone are shown to be the same, under identical conditions. This work firmly establishes that enolization is the rate-determining step for the former reaction, contrary to some recent reports in the literature.

 The steric effects and activation parameters in the bimolecular nucleophilic displacement reactions of a series of α-haloketones and alkyl halides are shown to be inconsistent with either a bridging or conjugation mechanism for the observed rate
enhancements of haloketone over alkyl halide.

 The stereoelectronic requirements of this mechanism are tested in a system where the stereochemistry is known (cis- and
trans-chlorocyclohexanones). The activation parameters suggest that only in the case where the geometry is correct for maximum conjugation (trans-chlorocyclohexanone) is there an appreciable difference in mechanism (stereoelectronically) from displacement at ordinary saturated carbon.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Partial Reinforcement of a Conditioned Emotional Response

contributor:
Kamin, L. J.
Psychology

subject: partial reinforcement, conditioned, emotional response

abstract: Experiments were conducted, with rats, to ascertain the effects of partial reinforcement in aversive classical conditioning. Conditioned suppression of bar-pressing was more resistant to extinction following intermittent reinforcement of a conditioned stimulus than following consistent reinforcement. This effect was obtained whether or not bar-pressing was permitted during conditioning as well as during extinction. The effect was amplified by interpolating a large block of nonreinforced trials early in the partial schedule; it was eliminated by adding more reinforced trials prior to the partial schedule. The effect was not obtained by interpolating a large block of nonreinforcements in a continuous schedule. The data were related to current theoretical conceptions of partial reinforcement.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Bipolar Junction Transistor Static Large-Signal Compact Mathematical Models

contributor:
Chisholm, S. H.
Electrical Engineering

subject: bipolar junction, transistor, static, signal, mathematical models

abstract: Compact mathematical models used to simulate the static V-I characteristics of bipolar junction transistors are investigated. An abbreviated Gummel-Poon model and various modified Ebers-Moll models employed in computer network analysis programs are compared on the basis of their ability to simulate the common-emitter static characteristics of a silicon double-diffused transistor, the ease of the model parameter evaluation, the compromise between simplicity of model and accuracy of simulation and the ability to represent physical processes of transistor.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Hypothalamic Lesions, Hypovolemia, and the Regulation of Water Balance in the Rat

contributor:
Stricker, E.M.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Hypothalamic Lesions, Hypovolemia, and Regulation of Water Balance in the Rat, Author: Stephen L. Black, Location: Thode

abstract: Groups of rats were prepared with lesions of major hypothalamic areas, and their drinking responses and regulation of plasma sodium concentration during hypovolemia were observed. No evidence was found to suggest that the lesions of any group removed inhibitory control of drinking during hypovolemia, but evidence was obtained that lesions of the medial preoptic area interfered with the systems controlling water intake and the regulation of body water during hypovolemia. This observation was replicated in a second experiment, which also found that medial preoptic lesions induced a period of adipsia and aphagia, followed by recovery with residual deficits, including chronic hypernatremia. As a partial explanation of the observed results, it was suggested that the lesions altered the set-point for regulation of plasma sodium concentration.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Chlorination of Soluble Residual Organics in Sewage Effluents

contributor:
Murphy, K. L.
Chemical Engineering

subject: chlorination, soluble, residual, organics, sewage effluents

abstract:
 Filtered final effluent was chlorinated at various doses using calcium and sodium hypochlorite in order to study the effect of chlorination on the soluble organics present in final effluents. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was measured over a period of five days and carbon analyses (TOC) were performed during the course of the reaction. Chemical oxygen demand tests (COD) on filtered chlorinated-dechlorinated and unchlorinated sewage at various doses were also performed. It was found that chlorination did not bring about a BOD5 reduction nor rendered the soluble organics bioresistant or toxic to micro-organisms, owing to the presence of ammonia, as there was no significant difference in the extent of carbon degradation. The COD as well as TOC before and after chlorination remained unchanged indicating that there was no loss of organic content due to chlorination.

 The pure compounds, glutamic acid, alanine, histidine, glycine, ammonia, phenol, n-butylamine, acetic acid and maleic acid were chlorinated at various chlorine doses in the presence and absence of ammonia and with chloramines. Glutamic acid and phenol were chlorinated at various pH levels. The oxidation of glycine by sodium hypochlorite was also studied. It was found that pH influences the rate of reaction considerably and that the presence of ammonia, whether free or combined as chloramines, slowed down the rate and prevented the oxidation of glycine from occurring.

 The effect of chlorine residuals on the seed micro-organisms was also investigated. Three levels of residuals, 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 mg/1 available chlorine, were employed. The chlorine demand of the sewage was satisfied prior to the addition of these residuals. The BOD was also monitored over a period of five days. The results indicated that longer lag phases resulted from the application of higher residuals and the lowest BOD was observed to occur at the highest residual. However, some microorganisms survived chlorination as evidenced by the exertion of a BOD at the 0.8 mg/1 available chlorine level.

 The seeding technique employed by previous workers for measuring the BOD5 of unfiltered chlorinated-dechlorinated sewage was also investigated. It was found that even when the unchlorinated sample was not seeded, it contained a higher microbial concentration as evidenced by plate counts performed on both chlorinated-dechlorinated seeded and unchlorinated unseeded samples at two dilutions commonly employed in BOD5 determinations. Associated with these results was a BOD4 reduction of about 2.2 mg/1/mg/1 Cl absorbed. Seeding of the samples, at best, provides a uniformly mixed microbial population but not necessarily a uniform microbial concentration. These results could possibly explain the BOD5 reductions observed on unfiltered chlorinated effluents.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Cue-Sampling Strategies and the Role of Verbal Hypotheses in Concept Identification

contributor:
Brooks, L. R.
Psychology

subject: verbal hypotheses, concept identification, cue-sampling

abstract:
 The role of verbal hypotheses in concept identification was explored by manipulating three variables affecting the relation between verbalized rules and classification performance. (i) Verbalizing rules before and after classification changed subjects' cue-sampling strategies
and the control of verbal hypotheses over sorting performance. (ii) The difficulty of stimulus description affected how subjects utilized verbal hypotheses, and whether verbalized rules completely specified the cues used for classification. (iii) The number of irrelevant attributes
changed the relative efficiency of stimulus-learning over rule-learning for concept identification.

 These investigations demonstrate effective techniques for varying and evaluating the importance of verbal rules for classification; and suggest that subjects' prior
verbal habits markedly affect the degree of reliance placed on verbal hypotheses in concept attainment.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Pritchard, R.M.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Responsiveness of Neurones in the Visual Cortex of Unanesthetized Cats, Author: Thomas Hoeppner, Location: Thode

abstract:
Action potentials were recorded from individual neurones in the visual cortex of unanesthetized cats to determine how these neurones respond to visual stimulation. The retina was stimulated by an oscillating light-dark boundary. Very few consecutive
stimulus events are necessary to determine categorically the presence or absence of a response; the summation of the neural activity associated with additional stimulus events is superfluous. No adaptation was observed during sixty seconds of stimulation (180 consecutive stimulus events), although a temporary decline in responsiveness often occurred after the
first response. The number of very short intervals between successive discharges was greatly increased during stimulation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: A Scaled Gradient Descent Method for Unconstrained Optimization Problems With A Priori Estimation of the Minimum Value

contributor:
Anand, Christopher
Computer Science

subject:
Unconstrained Continuous Optimization
Conjugate Gradient
Gradient Descent
Iterative Optimization

abstract: A scaled gradient descent method for competition of applications of conjugate gradient with priori estimations of the minimum value

abstract:
This research proposes a novel method of improving the Gradient Descent method in an effort to be competitive with applications of the conjugate gradient method while reducing computation per iteration. Iterative methods for unconstrained optimization have found widespread application in digital signal processing applications for large inverse problems, such as the use of conjugate gradient for parallel image reconstruction in MR Imaging. In these problems, very good estimates of the minimum value at the objective function can be obtained by estimating the noise variance in the signal, or using additional measurements.

The method proposed uses an estimation of the minimum to develop a scaling for Gradient Descent at each iteration, thus avoiding the necessity of a computationally extensive line search. A sufficient condition for convergence and proof are provided for the method, as well as an analysis of convergence rates for varying conditioned problems. The method is compared against the gradient descent and conjugate gradient methods.

A method with a computationally inexpensive scaling factor is achieved that converges linearly for well-conditioned problems. The method is tested with tricky non-linear problems against gradient descent, but proves unsuccessful without augmenting with a line search. However with line search augmentation the method still outperforms gradient descent in iterations. The method is also benchmarked against conjugate gradient for linear problems, where it achieves similar convergence for well-conditioned problems even without augmenting with a line search.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: ON ENHANCING THE PERFORMANCE OF ION DRAG ELECTROHYDRODYNAMIC (EHD) MICROPUMPS

contributor:
Ching, Chan
Selvaganapathy, Ponnambalam
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Thermal Management
Liquid Cooling
Micropump
Electrohydrodynamics (EHD)

abstract: Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) micropumps have been developed and used in many diverse applications such as in microscale liquid cooling and various microfluidic systems. The objective of this research is to investigate different methods of enhancing the performance of ion drag EHD micropumps. In particular, the effect of electrode surface topology, applied electric field and doping agent in the dielectric liquid were investigated. The effect of 3D sharp features on the electrodes on charge injection in HFE 7100 as dielectric fluid was studied under an applied DC electric field. Micro and nano-scale features with high aspect ratio were developed on smooth copper electrodes by chemical etching or through electrophoretic deposition of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). The spacing between the electrodes was kept at 250 µm. A reduction factor of 5 was achieved for SWCNT electrodes compared to the smooth case for the onset of charge injection. This study was then extended to determine its effects on the performance of ion drag EHD micropumps with 100 pairs of interdigitated electrodes. The emitter electrodes (20 µm) were half the width of the collector electrodes (40 µm), with one pump having an inter-electrode spacing of 120 µm and the other with 40 µm. Each micropump had a width of 5 mm and a height of 100 µm. SWCNT was deposited on the emitter electrodes of the micropump to generate a maximum static pressure of 4.7 kPa at 900 V, which is a 5 fold increase compared to the pump with smooth electrodes. Flow rate at no back pressure condition was improved by a factor of 3. The effect of Ferrocene as a doping agent in the working fluid HFE 7100 was studied under DC voltages. A maximum static pressure of 6.7 kPa was achieved at 700 V with 0.2% weight based doping agent, 11 times higher than when there was no doping agent at the same applied voltage. When there was no back pressure the pump generated a maximum flow rate of 0.47 mL/min at 700 V with 0.05% doping agent which is 9 times greater than with no doping agent. The effect of pulsed voltage on the performance of ion drag EHD micropump has been studied to exploit the displacement current at the sudden change of applied voltage magnitude. A range of pulse repetition rate and duty cycle were found to significantly enhance the pump performance. Static pressure generation was up to 75% and 88% greater at an optimal pulse repetition rate and duty cycle, respectively, compared to the average of the two DC levels. The effect of external flow on the discharge characteristics of an injection micropump was studied with DC volts. Higher discharge current and lower threshold voltage for the onset of charge injection in case of co-flow compared to the static case was observed. There was an optimum flow rate to generate maximum current for both co and counter-flow cases.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Role of Pericardial Cells an Drosophila melanogaster Extracellular Matrix Remodelling at the Dorsal Vessel

contributor:
Jacobs, Roger
Biology

subject:
pericardial cells
extracellular matrix remodelling
ECM
Type IV Collagen
LamininA
Pericardin
Drosophila
dorsal vessel
larva

abstract: The cardiovascular system of Drosophila melanogaster consists of a cardiac tube composed of myogenic cardiomyocytes and associating non-contractile pericardial cells, pumping hemolymph into the open circulatory system. The cardiac tube, known as the dorsal vessel, is embedded in a highly regulated extracellular matrix environment, required to maintain cellular integrity and cardiac function. After embryogenesis, the dorsal vessel undergoes extensive physiological changes, relying on the extracellular matrix to adapt and remodel accordingly. Three extracellular matrix proteins are investigated throughout this thesis: Type IV Collagen, Laminin and Pericardin. Due to their localization, morphology, and role in early development, the pericardial cells are candidate cells responsible for dorsal vessel extracellular matrix deposition and regulation throughout post-embryonic growth. Using immunofluorescence techniques in combination with confocal microscopy, I characterize the association between pericardial cells and extracellular matrix proteins, and quantify extracellular matrix protein deposition at the dorsal vessel throughout post-embryonic development. Gene knock-down experiments assess pericardial cell contribution to extracellular matrix synthesis and deposition at the dorsal vessel in third instar larva. Moreover, I quantify extracellular matrix protein deposition at the dorsal vessel in the absence of pericardial cells. These data suggests that pericardial cells regulate extracellular matrix protein deposition, localization and contribute to proper cardiac morphology in post-embryonic development.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: 6/14 Switched Reluctance Machine Design for Household HVAC System Applications

contributor:
Emadi, Ali
Cotton, James
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
switched reluctance machine
electric motor design
electric machine design
HVAC
furnace blower motor
6/14 SRM

abstract: With the unstable cost and supply of rare earth materials used in permanent magnet electric machines, many alternative machine types are being studied which are suitable for different applications. The focus of this thesis is the design of a novel 6/14 switched reluctance machine which can be fitted in a residential heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) application based on measured performance characteristics of an existing surface mount permanent-magnet synchronous (SMPS) machine. Residential electric motor applications are reviewed and in particular - furnace blower motor appliances. The fundamentals of switched reluctance machines are discussed, including the mechanism, operation, and control strategy. A SMPS motor which is commercially available for retrofitting into residential HVAC systems is analyzed to find its performance characteristics through disassembly, inspection, and dynamometer bench testing. The design of a novel 6/14 SRM optimization process is outlined to investigate the effect of changing the geometry values within the motor on the performance characteristics, while keeping within the size constraints of the original motor. A novel 6/14 SRM design is presented which is capable of achieving the target goals in the desired operating conditions. Further suitability testing is performed in terms of thermal analysis of the motor in the peak and continuous operating condition and mechanical stress analysis of the rotor under various rotational speeds. The full CAD assembly of the motor is designed including components from the original SMPS motor to allow for fitting in the same HVAC application.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract: With the unstable cost and supply of rare earth materials used in permanent magnet electric motors, many alternative machine types are being studied which are suitable for different applications. The focus of this thesis is the design of a novel 6/14 switched reluctance machine which can be fitted in a residential heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) application based on measured performance characteristics of an existing surface mount permanent-magnet synchronous (SMPS) machine. Switched reluctance machines have a number of benefits over permanent magnet machines including that they do not have permanent magnets, are less sensitive to high heat scenarios, have lower manufacturing costs, are more robust, and are generally capable of higher operating speeds. Residential electric motor applications are reviewed and in particular - furnace blower motor appliances. The fundamentals of switched reluctance machines are discussed, including the mechanism, operation, and control strategy. A SMPS motor which is commercially available for retrofitting into residential furnace systems is analyzed to find its performance characteristics through disassembly, inspection, and dynamometer bench testing. The design of a novel 6/14 SRM optimization process is outlined to investigate the effect of changing the geometry values within the motor on the performance characteristics, while keeping within the size constraints of the original motor. A novel 6/14 SRM design is presented which is capable of achieving the target goals in the desired operating conditions. Further suitability testing is performed in terms of thermal analysis of the motor in the peak and continuous operating condition and mechanical stress analysis of the rotor under various rotational speeds. The full 3D CAD assembly model of the motor is designed including components from the original SMPS motor to allow for fitting in the same HVAC application.


title: Solidarity and Schism: Twitter Networks of the Egyptian Revolution

contributor:
Fetner, Tina
Sociology

subject:
Digital Activism
Social Network Analysis
Social Movements
Egypt Revolution
Political Sociology
Twitter Networks
Social Media Analytics

abstract:
This research builds on the social movements theory of networks and coalition building, the theory of digital activism, and the social networks theory of organizations to study the rich case of online mobilization for the 2011 Egyptian revolution. I use the analytical tools of social network analysis to study Twitter networks of activists of the Egyptian revolution in early 2011, when solidarity characterized the movement, and late 2014, when schism spread it apart. In this, I investigate how the repertoire of online activism relates to the on-the-ground movement. The social movements theory of networks states that activists’ ideological congruence, the presence of bridge builders who bring the movement together, and the presence of previous ties among the activists are all factors of coalition building and movement solidarity. This dissertation tested the role of these factors in the Twitter networks of Egyptian activists. The results suggest that digital activism complements rather than mirrors on-the-ground activism. While all three factors influence the network, they manifest somewhat differently than research has suggested they do in offline networks.
This dissertation contributes to social movements theory of coalition building through adding validity to its application to digital activism, and suggests modifications to be made while applying this theory to the repertoire of online mobilization. The research has a methodological contribution through using cutting edge techniques of social network analysis to study Twitter networks of activists. Unlike earlier studies on the Egyptian revolution, this methodological approach revealed new findings that could not have been studied through other methods of research.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Free Abrasive Finishing with Dynamic Shear Jamming Fluid

contributor:
Koshy, Philip
Mechanical Engineering

subject: Free Abrasive Finishing Non-Newtonian Shear Jamming

abstract: Abrasive finishing is a machining process which alters the surface of a workpiece to achieve a specific property. Typical abrasive finishing processes focus on geometric tolerances and surface topography. Abrasive finishing is primarily dependent on finishing forces, relative velocities, and abrasive size. The material removal rate in finishing is inversely related to the surface finish. Magnetic and electric fields have been used to control the force applied to abrasives which finish the workpiece. These processes show an increase in performance when the field is used to control the process. Field assisted finishing processes can be energy intensive and expensive. A novel finishing media is proposed which does not require a field to achieve a similar force response. This media has inherent thickening mechanisms driven by shear jamming. This shear jamming mechanism can deliver forces an order of magnitude higher than shear thickening mechanisms. This novel slurry is demonstrated as a viable finishing media with performance similar to magnetic abrasive finishing.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


contributor:
Smith, G.K.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Modification of Cortical Evoked Potential During Induced and Natural Behavioural States in the Hooded Rat, Author: Thomas L. Babb, Location: Thode

abstract: Cortical potentials evoked by flashes or clicks were studied in the CER situation and found to increase by over 200% when these evoking stimuli served as conditional stimuli (classical conditioning), when neutral flashes were paired with click CS's (compound conditioning), and when flashes followed painful shock (backward conditioning) which sometimes suppressed bar pressing. Similar increases were evoked in other animals during high voltage slow electroencephalographic sleep or drowsiness. Only cortical components (not afferent activity) of the evoked response were found to increase with these different behavioral conditions, but the changes are not attributed to conditioning per se or dependent on immobility.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


contributor:
Nicholson, P.S.
Metallurgy

abstract: Title: Quantitative Differential Thermal Analysis; An Experimental Assessment, Author: Viwek V. Viadya, Location: Thode

abstract:
The principle of quantitative differential thermal analysis is based on the fundamental principles of calorimetry. These principles cannot be rigorously applied while performing differential thermal analysis due to the complexities in the design, which leads to erroneous results.

A modified DTA apparatus was built to take into account some of the errors neglected in the present day apparatii. The heat transfer characteristics of the apparatus were found to limit in situ measurements of power thermal conductivity. It was also demonstrated that the negligence of heat lost to the DTA block from the sample cell during an exothermic reaction and heat gained from the DTA block by the sample cell during endothermic reactions lead to large errors in quantitative estimations.

A modified apparatus was designed to take the aforementioned heat losses into account. The apparatus was calibrated with CaCO3 endotherm and kaolinite exotherm and tested on the SrCO3 rhombic ↔	trigonal inversion endotherm. The result was found to be in good agreement with accepted literature values.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


contributor:
Vanderwolf, C.H.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Electrical Stimulation of the Brain Stem of the Hooded Rat: Evoked Behaviour and Rewarding Effects, Author: David A. Hopkins, Location: Thode

abstract:
This thesis is concerned with the functional organization of motor patterns as indicated by electrical stimulation of the rat brain stem. The thesis also examines the relationship between the evoked behavior and the rewarding effects produced by stimulation of the same sites. The results showed that stimulation of the midbrain, diencephalon and striatum elicited a variety of behavior patterns including components of grooming and digging behavior as well as walking, running, exploratory behavior, escape and vocalization which have been demonstrated previously in other
species. The majority of sites that yielded evoked behavior were neutral in self-stimulation tests in the sense that they supported neither self-stimulution nor escape behavior .

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: ANCIENT LIVES IN MOTION: A BIOARCHAEOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF STABLE ISOTOPES, NONMETRIC TRAITS, AND HUMAN MOBILITY IN AN IMPERIAL ROMAN CONTEXT (1ST-3RD C. CE)

contributor:
Prowse, Tracy
Anthropology

subject:
Mobility
Isotopes
Non-Metric Traits
Imperial Rome

abstract:
This dissertation examines human mobility and population interactions at the Imperial Roman (ca. 1st–3rd c. CE) sites of Isola Sacra (SCR) at Portus, Velia in the Cilento of Italy, and Rue Jacques Brel Necropolis (JBR) in Saintes, France. Isotopes of oxygen (18Oc) and strontium (87Sr/86Sr) are used to assess instances of human mobility from the enamel of second molars (M2), providing a gauge of movement after age ~7–8 years. Nonmetric traits are employed in conjunction with isotopic perspectives to examine the nature of biological affinities and phenetic divergence between these three sites.
	Isotopic results of this study indicate that a significant number of individuals, including females and children, were mobile towards the sites at which they were ultimately interred, with the highest estimates of mobility provided by 18Oc seeing rates between 25%–38% across the three sites. 87Sr/86Sr results provided lower estimates of mobility ranging from zero cases at Velia to 30% at JBR, while combined 18Oc and 87Sr/86Sr analyses provided the lowest estimates of mobility ranging from zero cases at Velia to 20% at JBR. Such results suggest that a combined isotope approach may not necessarily increase the degree of mobility discrimination, bringing into question issues of regional homogeneity and overlap in 18Oc and 87Sr/86Sr values for the regions examined. A further examination of 18Oc variation in M1 vs. M2 vs. M3 for a sub-sample of 20 individuals indicates that childhood mobility was taking place at Portus.
	Nonmetric trait analysis provides insight to the nature of biological population similarity and divergence. Across the three sites SCR is the most similar to JBR and Velia, while Velia and JBR are the most dissimilar. The nature of these similarities suggests that overall the biological background of the people interred at JBR, SCR, and Velia is similar, but with unique regional phenetic differences indicating distinct biological populations at all three sites.
	Using these multiple lines of evidence this dissertation emphasizes a significant degree of mobility and population heterogeneity across the Roman landscape. It is evident from the research findings presented here that with the expanding Roman empire mobility and population interaction remained staples of Roman life.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Football Wife: Developing a Courtesy Identity

contributor:
Shaffir, William
Sociology

subject: Symbolic Interaction, qualitative methods, identity; families; gender; professional sport; athletes' wives

abstract:
Virtually the entire body of scholarly literature on professional sport focuses on athletes themselves, rarely directly considering the impact of sport on the significant others in their lives or the role these significant others play in the career path and decision-making processes of athletes. In recent years, a limited, but growing, body of scholarly literature on athlete’s wives and sport marriages has begun to emerge with respect to American sports. However, little work has been done on the role and experiences of football spouses in the Canadian context.  This dissertation focuses on football spouses in the Canadian Football League (CFL). I use an ethnographic approach relying on in-depth interview with football spouses from the CFL to explore how they experience their partners’ football careers, with a focus on their identity construction. I also used participant observation (at training camp and football related events) to gather data and collected and analyzed secondary documents (newspaper articles, blogs, tweets).
      Working from an interactionist perspective, I offer the empirically grounded concept of a “courtesy identity” to explain how these women confront the challenges of being known through their intimate relationships. I argue that these women are active agents who negotiate how much they are willing to transform themselves to meet the demands of football life. The “football wife” identity is always emerging and changing in response to the messages women receive about being a football wife during their interactions with others (both insiders and outsiders in the social world of the CFL) and as they encounter new situations. I demonstrate this argument by exploring: (a) how these women develop the football wife identity by focusing on their day-to-day private lives; (b) how the spousal subculture helps these women to negotiate the challenges of being a football wife while at the same time creating challenges of its own; and, (c) how football spouses negotiate their husbands’ celebrity status by examining how these women manage their presentation of the football wife identity in public.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Unified Position Sensorless Solution with Wide Speed Range Capabilities for IPM Synchronous Motor Drives

contributor:
Emadi, Ali
Sirouspour, Shahin
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
AC Motor Drives
Position Sensorless

abstract:
This thesis presents a unified nonlinear optimization based speed and position estimation method in position sensorless control of interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drives at wide speed range including standstill.
The existing electromotive force (EMF) based sensorless methods are suitable for medium and high speed operation, but they can't be applied at low speed and standstill condition due to the reduced EMF values. The conventional saliency tracking based sensorless methods usually employ the continuous voltage or current injection at low speed including standstill condition. However, these methods degrade at high speed by introducing higher loss and torque ripples caused by the injection. Additionally, the initial rotor position needs to be detected at the machine startup to avoid the reverse rotation and to guarantee the delivery of the expected torque. Therefore, different position estimation techniques need to be combined in the controller at wide speed range, which increases the control system complexity.
Hence, a unified nonlinear optimization based speed and position estimation method is proposed. At startup and standstill conditions, three steps are employed for initial position estimation. Step I employs pulse voltage injection in the stationary reference frame and a cost function which contains the knowledge of initial rotor position. The rotor position can be estimated by minimizing the cost function with injected voltage and induced current. Since the estimation results in Step I have an ambiguity of 180 degree, a generalized approach to magnetic polarity detection which exploits asymmetries in machine specific differential inductance profiles is employed as Step II. In order to improve the estimation accuracy, continuous sinusoidal voltage is injected in estimated rotor reference frame in Step III. A modified cost function is minimized based on the injected voltage and resulting current. At running state, cost functions which employ both speed and position as decision variables are proposed and utilized for estimation. The speed and position estimation can be delivered by minimizing the proposed cost functions based on the measurements of the stator voltage and current. Since only one position estimator exists in the drive system, the speed and position estimation is unified at wide speed range. The feasibility of the proposed estimation algorithms is validated with the prototype 5 KW IPMSM drives test bench.
In order to benchmark the proposed estimation method, the performance of the proposed method was compared with existing sensorless control methods on the same prototype IPMSM drives test bench. Under the same test conditions, the proposed method outperforms with improved transient performance and steady state accuracy. Moreover, the proposed method is capable of delivering estimation with different voltage injection types and involving the nonlinear motor parameters, which makes this method more flexible in practice. Additionally, the capability of estimating speed and position with low sampling frequency also makes the application of the proposed method promising in high power AC motor drive systems.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Role of Distinguishing Features in Discrimination Learning

contributor:
Jenkins, H. M.
Psychology

subject: role, distinguishing features, discrimination, learning

abstract:
 When pigeons are required to discriminate between two displays which may only be differentiated by a distinctive feature on one of the two displays, subjects trained with the distinctive feature on the positive display learn the successive discrimination while subjects trained with the distinctive feature on the negative display do not. The simultaneous discrimination theory of this "feature-positive effect" makes a number of explicit predictions about the behaviour of the feature positive and feature negative subjects. The present experiments were designed to test these predictions. Experiment I tested the prediction of localization on the distinctive feature by feature positive subjects while Experiment II tested the prediction of avoidance of the distinctive feature by feature negative subjects. Experiment III attempted to reduce the feature-positive effect by presenting compact displays.

 The results of these three experiments supported the simultaneous discrimination theory of the feature positive effect.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Interaction Between Pictures and their Labels in the Memory of Four-Year-Old Children

subject: interaction, pictures, labels, memory, children

abstract: The reported experiments were concerned with the role of pictures and words in the memory of four-year-old children. The experiments demonstrated that providing four-year-old children with verbal labels facilitated their visual recognition and free verbal recall of pictures. This was true not only of labels, but also of longer, less-rehearsible descriptive phrases which did not necessarily suggest corresponding names. Furthermore, this finding was obtained when the labels, by themselves, did not permit the subject to distinguish between the alternatives on the visual recognition test. These findings indicate the inadequacy of a strictly response-oriented explanation of the results; neither rehearsal of the specific words by themselves nor their production at the retention test are sufficient to explain the recognition results. Instead, the effect of words was apparently to influence the subjects to process or store the information in the pictures differently than they would have done in the absence of the words.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Interaction of Behavioral and Physiological Mechanisms in the Restoration of Body Fluid Balance Following Acute Sodium Deficiency

contributor:
Stricker, E.
Psychology

subject: interaction, behavioral, physiological, mechanisms, restroation, body fluid balance, acute sodium deficiency, plasma

abstract: Subcutaneous injection of formalin produced acute sodium deficiency in rats, characterized by marked hypovolemia and hyponatremia, due to an extravascular leakage of plasma and destruction of cells at the injection site. This reduction in intravascular fluid volume elicited both behavioral and physiological mechanisms of fluid restoration: sodium appetite and thirst as well as renal retention of sodium and water. Appetite and retention evolved together but intakes continued well after retention ceased and plasma volume and sodium concentration were restored to normal. These results indicate that appetite alone is not a true indicator or need, and that sodium and water balances (intake - excretion) must be considered in defining the deficient state.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Ontogenic Development of Heat Defenses in the Young Rat

contributor:
Stricker, Edward M.
Psychology

subject: ontogenic development, heat defenses, young rat, temperature

abstract:
 Neonatal rats exposed to heat stress were studied to determine the age at which the saliva-spreading response appears, and to elucidate any other heat defenses that might exist before the response develops.

 Saliva-spreading appeared on the 17th day of age, the age at which hypothalamic maturity is attained. This finding thus agrees with previous hypotheses that the hypothalamus is involved in the regulation of body temperature.

 The tolerance of rats to an ambient temperature of 40 C dropped from 16 - 26 hours to 2 - 4 hours in the first 10 days of life. Three factors accounted for this change: decreased body water, increased rates of water loss, and increased metabolic rate.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Electrified Vehicle Traction Machine Design With Manufacturing Considerations

contributor:
Emadi, Ali
Veldhuis, Stephen
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Electric Machines
Interior Permanent Magnet Machine
Surface Permanent Magnet Machie
Concentrated Winding
Distributed Winding
Electric Machine Manufacturing

abstract:
This thesis studies the brushless permanent magnet synchronous (BLPM) machine design for electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) application. Different rotor topologies design, winding design, and multiphase designs are investigated and discussed.
The Nissan Leaf interior permanent magnet (IPM) traction machine has been widely analyzed and there is much public domain data available for the machine. Hence, this machine is chosen as a representative benchmark design. First, the Nissan Leaf machine is analyzed via finite element analysis (FEA) and the results confirmed via published experimental test data. The procedure is then applied to all the following machine designs and results compared. Then the Nissan Leaf machine rotor is redesigned to satisfy the performance specification with sinusoidal phase current in the full range for the same performance specification and permanent magnet material. Afterword, a comparative study assessing the design and performance attributes of the Nissan Leaf IPM machine, when compared to a surface permanent magnet (SPM) machine designed within the main Nissan Leaf machine dimensional constraints. The study illustrates and concludes that both the IPM and SPM topologies have very similar capabilities with only subtle differences between the design options. The results highlight interesting manufacturing options and materials usage.
The grain boundary diffusion processed (GBDP) magnets are proposed to reduce the rare earth material content in the permanent magnet machines, especially subject to high load and high temperature operating scenarios by preventing or reducing the onset of demagnetization. The design and analysis procedure of BLPM machine with GBDP magnets are put forward. In the end, the Nissan Leaf IPM machine is taken as an example to verify the analysis procedure. and the results illustrates that IPM machines with GBDP magnets can realize torque and maintain efficiency at high loads while being less prone to demagnetization.
A new multi-phase synchronous reluctance machine (SRM) with good torque performance and conventional voltage source inverter is introduced for traction machine applications. Although the torque density is low compared with BLPM machine, the SRM machine gets rid of permanent magnets and achieve low torque ripple compared with switched reluctance machine when the asymmetric inverter is replaced with conventional voltage source inverter.
The concentrated windings are designed and studied with both IPM and SPM rotor according to the Nissan Leaf machine requirements of performance and dimension to investigate how the concentrated windings affect the machine performance and manufacturability and cost. 9-, 12-, 15- slot concentrated windings’ stator share the same slot area with the Nissan Leaf machine distributed winding and the performance are evaluated and compared.
Multi-phase concentrated windings machines with IPM and SPM rotor are designed and analyzed based on the Nissan Leaf machine specification and dimension constraints. The performance of 23-phase, 5-phase, 9-phase machine at low speed and top speed are studied and the advantages and disadvantages are compared in terms of torque quality, efficiency, and power electronic requirements.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Thumping Behaviour in the Rabbit

subject: thumping, behaviour, rabbit, neocortex

abstract:
 Electrical stimulation of areas in the diencephalon and central grey of the conscious rabbit produces a response of thumping the ground with the hindfeet. The response is not elicitable from the neocortex, striatum or internal capsule. Thumping movements occur mainly after offset of the eliciting stimulus and the likelihood of a response decreases regularly with time, suggesting the decay of a central excitatory state.

 Central stimulation which produces thumping behaviour tends to be aversive in tests for self-stimulation. Further, the behaviour can be elicited by peripheral electric shock. Therefore thumping behaviour may be a sign of fear in the rabbit.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Olfactory and Behavioural Regulation of Territorial Aggression in Feral Rats (Rattus norwegicus)

contributor:
Galef Jr., Bennet G.
Psychology

subject: olfactory, behavioural, regulation, territorial aggression, feral rats

abstract:
 This thesis is primarily concerned with the problem of recognition among feral Norway rats. Wild rats are known to behave amicably in the presence of colony members and act in a stereotyped aggressive manner towards unfamiliar conspecifics in a territorial context. Previous reports suggest that identity is basically olfactory and is organized around colony-specific odors residing in the nesting material or the metabolic excretions of the male members of a colony.

 The first experiments in this study were attempts to replicate various reports concerning the maleability of clan odors, thereby giving a wild rat the olfactory characteristics of an alien group and, conversely, to alter a resident's odor such that he was no longer identifiable as a member of his original clan. Further experiments examined identifier and regulator functions of behavioural cues on social interaction subsequent to recognition. The interactions of unfamiliar rats on a mutually common terrain was studied, and compared with that of familiar rats paired on an uncommon territory. The final experiment investigated the functional nature of olfactory stimulation in these situations and compared the reactions of anosmic residents towards familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics.

 These experiments indicate that recognition is indeed an olfactory process but that identity is highly resistent to alteration. The identifier substance does not appear to be contained in either the nesting matter nor in a colony's urine or feces. Bond of familiarity are not specific to a common terrain and in most cases behavioural cues appear to control the onset and termination of fight behaviour following the olfactory identification. Studies of anosmic residents indicate that novel odors elicit aggressive tendencies while familiar odors are not inhibitors of aggression. The results suggest the presence of a specific male pheromone that is essential for the arousal of aggression while the topography of interaction is regulated largely by the reciprocal behaviours of the animals.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: A Low-Infrastructure Approach to Indoor Localization and Tracking using Lighting Information

contributor:
Hranilovic, Steve
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Indoor Localization
VLC

abstract:
Low-infrastructure techniques for indoor localization attempt to provide indoor positioning information for users, without requiring the installation of specialized transmitting or receiving hardware. Such an approach should encourage further adoption
of indoor positioning systems by reducing the installation burden on individual building owners. If fully adopted, indoor positioning could prove to be a valuable addition
to the existing outdoor localization system based on GPS.
In this work, a particle filter is used to combine motion and light data in order
to provide positioning information for a user in an indoor environment. A simple
lighting model is used to predict light measurements, while an orientation tracking
algorithm provides information about user motion. The system is shown to work with
the existing lighting infrastructure of a building, though the addition of visible light
communication (VLC) enabled light fixtures is shown to further improve performance.
An experimental demonstration of the proposed system is provided, which indicates that tracking accuracy on the order of ten’s of centimetres is possible with very
low infrastructure requirements.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: A Botanical Survey of Turkey Point, Ontario

subject:
vegetation
botanical samples
Turkey Point
Lake Erie
Ontario

abstract: The following paper is the result of making a study of the vegetation of a selected region along Lake Erie at Turkey Point, by observations, field notes and collections of botanical specimens together with information and records acquired by examination of provincial institutional and private herbaria and by a survey of the literature. The field work was carried out during the summer of 1938.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: ADDRESSING DRIVER CONCERNS: THE NETWORK ROBUSTNESS INDEX APPROACH TO PLANNING CITY CYCLING INFRASTUCTURE

contributor:
Scott, Darren
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject:
Urban Planning
Cycling Infrastructure
Network Analysis
Network Robustness Index

abstract: PhD Thesis

abstract:
On congested North American urban road networks, driver concerns over increased travel time play a major role in whether or not cycling infrastructure is built. This fact is recognized by transportation planning agencies in Canada and the United States, including the Ministry of Transportation Ontario and the Federal Highway Administration. However, specific frameworks to address such driver concerns do not exist within the practice of urban planning nor the academic literature.
One potentially fruitful avenue is to explore the methods and tools of critical link analysis. One such avenue is provided by the Network Robustness Index (NRI) and the Network Robustness Index Calculator, as this method and tool indexes critical links through traffic simulation from least to most critical. The specific information that can be used to address driver concerns is found in the least critical links as these roadways have additional capacity, and therefore may be considered underutilized.
This thesis explores the use of the NRI as a framework for urban cycling infrastructure planning. Experiments on the utility of the NRI against common traffic and cycling planning tools are explored. The NRI Calculator’s ability to perform full network scans for potential bike lane locations, least cost corridors, and full cycling networks consisting of different designs is tested throughout the chapters of this manuscript.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: This thesis aids in the planning of urban bike lanes by addressing driver concerns through traffic simulation.


title: The Abraham-Minkowski controversy and He-McKellar-Wilkens phase

contributor:
O'Dell, Duncan
Physics

subject:
minkowski
abraham
geometric phase
refractive index
light
photon
momentum
HMW

abstract: This thesis investigates the long-standing Abraham-Minkowski controversy concerning the momentum of light inside a dielectric medium.  A revealing connection to the optical He-McKellar-Wilkens (HMW) phase is found upon studying the Langrangian describing the classical laser-atom interaction. This connection is further highlighted by moving into a semi-classical model in which the phase arises as a result of the transformation between the Abraham and Minkowski Hamiltonians.  The HMW along with the Aharonov-Casher phases are found to be both dynamic and geometric depending on the representation. It is shown that an optical version of the HMW phase is acquired by a dipole moving in a laser beam, and I propose several interferometric schemes in order to observe the optical HMW effect.  Finally, by moving into a cavity system, it is possible to account for the back action of the atoms on the light which changes the electromagnetic mode structure.  This increase in model sophistication grants an alternative vantage from which to interpret the Abraham-Minkowski problem.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Carment, D.W.
Psychology

abstract: Title: The Effects of Type of Communication Issue and Initial Opinion Strength on Immediate and Delayed Opinion Change, Author: Gillian M. Foster, Location: Thode

abstract:
An experiment was conducted to determine the effect on opinion change of communications concerning different types of issues when given to subjects with different initial opinion strengths. Opinion change was evaluated immediately, and after an interval of time.

The results indicated that opinion change was greatest for issues of low involvement, and least for issues of high involvement, irrespective of the subject's initial opinion strength. The induced opinion change for the issues of high involvement was found to be retained longer than that for the low involvement issues.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: ELUCIDATING THE FUNCTION OF ASSEMBLY FACTORS IN THE MATURATION OF THE BACTERIAL LARGE RIBOSOMAL SUBUNIT

contributor:
Ortega, Joaquin
Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences

subject:
cryo-EM
ribosome biogenesis

abstract:
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is becoming a major threat to public health. Many of
the antibiotics used today in the clinic target the process of protein synthesis
performed by the ribosome. Recent prospects for blocking ribosome function are
increasingly focusing on preventing the assembly of bacterial ribosomes. A number of
ribosome assembly factors are emerging as attractive targets for novel antibiotics that
work in new ways.
YphC and YsxC are essential GTPases in Bacillus subtilis that facilitate the assembly
of the 50S ribosomal subunit; however, their roles in this process are still
uncharacterized. To explore their function, we biochemically and structurally
characterized the 45SYphC and 44.5SYsxC precursor particles accumulated from strains
depleted of YphC and YsxC, respectively. Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis
and 5-6 Å resolution cryo-EM maps of the 45SYphC and 44.5SYsxC particles revealed
that the two GTPases participate in maturation of functional sites of the 50S subunit.
We also observed that YphC and YsxC bind specifically to the two immature particles.
In addition, we characterized the structure of the 50S subunits in complex with the
RbgA protein. The preliminary 3D structure shows that the RbgA protein binds to the
P site of the 50S subunit and displaces h69. There are also missing densities in the
structure for h68 and the uL16 ribosomal protein. We expect that the atomic
resolution structure of the 50S.RbgA complex will reveal the function and molecular
mechanisms of this assembly factor.
The deep structural understanding of protein synthesis process done by the ribosome
led to the optimization of over a hundred antibiotics that are currently used in thev
clinic. In the same manner, work described in this thesis provides novel insights into
understanding the maturation of the large ribosomal subunit, and is paving the way to
use the bacterial ribosome biogenesis pathway as a target for the development of new
antimicrobials.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Selected Examples of NMR Spectroscopy Towards the Characterization of Next Generation Lithium Ion Battery Materials

contributor:
Goward, Gillian
Chemistry

subject:
electrochemistry
NMR
lithium ion battery
in-situ
deep eutectic electrolytes
manganese trapping
rotobattery
cellulosic substrate
SiO

abstract: The research described here encompasses several different aspects of lithium ion battery operation including deep eutectic electrolytes, manganese trapping evaluation, silicon monoxide anodes, and in-situ NMR development under both static and spinning conditions. Individually, the results of these investigations as contained within the corresponding chapters contribute valuable insight. Collectively, they represent a snapshot into the numerous different ways in which nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is applicable to lithium ion battery characterization. For instance, the deep eutectic electrolytes thus studied were amenable to diffusion coefficient characterization via the 1H, 7Li and 19F nuclei. This provided dynamical information on the anion, cation and neutral component and lent itself well towards parameterization of molecular dynamics simulations. The results thus obtained were useful in describing this relatively understudied class of electrolytes. Another example is that of the evaluation of manganese trapping. In this context 7Li NMR measurements were used to investigate the competitive inhibition of manganese trapping in crown ethers by lithium. Candidate crown ethers were thus evaluated for their ability to trap Mn2+ and Mn3+ in a lithium rich environment. Given the detrimental effects that manganese dissolution from cathode materials has on cycle life performance, the NMR enabled assessment of the appropriate chelating agents had identifiable importance. Additionally described was the progress made with silicon monoxide anodes supported on cellulosic substrates. The high active material loadings achieved, while also intriguing from a performance perspective, enabled 29Si MAS-NMR and 7Li static in-situ NMR measurements. For the in-situ measurements in particular, a novel cell design was constructed to utilize the advantages of a cellulosic substrate in this context. This has also enabled preliminary work on a spinning in-situ design.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: polymer grafted TEMPO as a mediator for cellulose oxidation

contributor:
Pelton, Robert
Chemical Engineering

subject:
TEMPO
cellulose oxidation
electron tranfer
EQCM-D

abstract:
TEMPO-mediated oxidation is a widely used approach to introduce aldehyde and carboxyl groups on cellulose. In the conventional TEMPO-mediated oxidation, the mediator TEMPO is a small molecule. Previous research in our group advanced TEMPO-mediated oxidation by grafting TEMPO onto high molecular weight poly(acrylic acid) and polyvinylamine. The polymer grafted TEMPO-mediated oxidation required less TEMPO and had a lower environmental impact.
This thesis describes new insights into the role of polymer grafted TEMPO as mediator for cellulose oxidation. The redox-activity of grafted TEMPO was analyzed by electrochemical techniques and the resulting aldehyde densities on cellulose surfaces, produced by polymer grafted TEMPO, were determined with a fluorescence-labeling method.
The properties of polymer grafted TEMPO solutions are essential to understanding the role of grafted TEMPO as the oxidation mediator. TEMPO substitution compacted both the conformation of poly(acrylic acid) and polyvinylamine due to the lower hydrophilicity of the TEMPO substituents. Poly(acrylic acid-g-TEMPO) (PAA-T) solutions phase separated over the pH range 2-4, whereas at lower and higher pH the polymer was water-soluble. The phase separation at low pH was proposed to be the combined result of the hydrophobic contributions of the TEMPO moieties and electrostatic interactions between the acid-induced cationic TEMPO species and the anionic ionized carboxyl groups. Polyvinylamine-g-TEMPO (PVAm-T) was water-soluble over a larger pH range (pH 1-9) due to the ionization of the amine groups. Both the PAA-T and PVAm-T were slightly surface active.
Multilayer films composed of PVAm-T and poly(styrene sulfonate) were stable and redox-active. Charge transport in the redox multilayer films was realized through TEMPO-to-TEMPO electron hopping between neighboring TEMPO moieties. Only 20-30% of TEMPO moieties were redox-active, reflecting the requirement that TEMPO moieties must be closer than ~ 0.6 nm for electron hopping to occur. The redox multilayer films displayed significant interpenetration of layers. The ability of PVAm-T to spontaneously adsorb onto negatively charged surfaces in aqueous solutions provides an easy route to TEMPO-rich surfaces for other applications.
Specific attention was focused on the role of PVAm-T as mediator for cellulose oxidation in the presence of laccase. Positively charged PVAm-T formed colloidal complexes with negatively charged laccase. The behaviors of PVAm-T/laccase mixtures displayed the classic features of polyelectrolyte complexes formed between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. For the first time, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (EQCM-D) measurements were used to characterize the redox properties of the adsorbed PVAm-T/laccase complexes. The role of PVAm-T as mediator for cellulose oxidation depended upon TEMPO-to-TEMPO electron transfer within PVAm-T/laccase colloidal complexes. The aldehyde density on oxidized cellulose surfaces scaled with the square root of surface molar density of redox-active TEMPOs which, in turn, was a linear function of TEMPO degree of substitution in PVAm-T. As a result, the aldehyde density on cellulose surfaces, generated by PVAm-T/laccase oxidation, can be controlled by varying the TEMPO degree of substitution in PVAm-T.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Finite element modeling of the orthogonal metal cutting process : modeling the effects of coefficient of friction and tool holding structure on cutting forces and chip thickness

contributor:
Ng, Eu-Gene
Elbestawi, Mohamed A. A.
Mechanical Engineering

subject: mechanical engineering

subject: orthogonal cutting

subject: finite element

subject: cutting model

subject: arbitrary lagrangian eulerian formulation

subject: friction

abstract:
Thesis
Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Pitting Corrosion of Nickle

contributor:
Ives, M.B.
Metallurgy and Materials Science

abstract: Title: Pitting Corrosion of Nickle, Author: Mohammed Zamin, Location: Thode

abstract:
The pitting corrosion of nickel has been investigated using potentio-static techniques, optical and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of grain size, cold work, annealing procedure and chlorine ion concentration has been investigated and analyzed from the point of view of the pitting susceptibility and passivity of nickel. It has been shown that electrochemical data must be supplemented by metallographic observations for a
complete appreciation of the pitting phenomenon.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: “Holding open the door of healing,” An Administrative, Architectural, and Social History of Civic Hospitals: Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver,1880-1980

contributor:
Weaver, John
History

subject: Hospitals, Architecture, History of Medicine, Social History, Administration, Patients, Design, Space

abstract: The following dissertation examines the history of general hospitals in modern, central and western Canada. It follows extensive case studies of the Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver general hospitals. The last few decades have seen an expanded interest in hospitals by Canadian medical historians, but the overall literature is thin. Further, many of the extant histories focus on a particular constituent: the medical profession, administrators, or architects. In this dissertation I argue that these general hospitals were contested spaces, and that their organization and layout reflected negotiation between several parties. A further important vector is the role hospitals played in the social life of their communities. As these general hospitals grew, and began treating middle-class patients, they also required large sums of money from the public purse. Administrators had to account for the shape and use of medical space to the general public that helped finance it, as they did to the doctors who worked there. During the period 1880-1945 general hospitals moved from the periphery of medical care to the centre, but not without substantial growing pains. These institutions routinely lacked funds and space, and remained in operation as much through the efforts of medical professionals as by concerned citizens. After the Second World War the Federal Government shifted from a standoffish institution to one ready to release funds and administrative energies towards new ideals of social welfare. Funding increased dramatically for the building of new hospitals, and legislative developments such as Medicare transformed the social and political relationship between hospitals and patients.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: This dissertation began with the question: why do our general hospitals look the way that they do? It goes on to examine the ways in which multiple actors, including many non-medical ones such as local citizens, city councils, architects, and patients, interfaced with administrators and doctors to establish and build general hospitals in four Canadian cities. The core argument is that these were contested spaces, which reflected the communities in which they existed.


contributor:
Robinson, H.
Civil Engineering

abstract: Title: Composite Beams Incorporating Cellular Steel Floor, Author: Ivan W. Wallace, Location: Thode

abstract: This thesis involves the testing and analysing of five full-scale composite beams and sixteen push-out specimens incorporating cellular steel floor. Influence of loss of interaction and other parameters on the elastic and ultimate performance of the beams is studied.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


contributor:
Gentilcore, R.L.
Geography

abstract: Title: The Diffusion of Innovations Requiring Community Decisions: A Geographical Analysis, Author: Colin J.B. Wood, Location: Thode

abstract:
Using the concept of innovation diffusion the author examines the process of change in the central place system of Southern Ontario. The concept is formulated in terms of a decision making situation, and applied to a class of innovations which require community decisions.
The analysis is organized within the framework of a queuing analogue and certain basic hypotheses are tested in relation to the phases of decision making associated with innovation diffusion. The analysis is a response to inadequacies in formulation of the concept, the
lack of knowledge concerning this class of innovations and decision making in urban systems, finally, the need to understand the rate and direction of change in southern Ontario.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Prtichard, R.M.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Cats Visual Response to Certain Geometric Illusions, Author: Donna L.M. Mitchell, Location: Thode

abstract:
Two behavioral experiments were performed to determine whether cats perceive some geometric illusions. Cats were trained on a visual discrimination in a modified Yerkes-Watson box and tested on the illusion patterns. The two illusions used were the Hering illusion ( preliminary experiment 1 ) and the Muller-Lyer illusion ( primary experiment 2 ). The data of the primary experiment provided strong evidence that cats experience illusory percepts in
a way similar to humans. This study supports a recent neurophysiological finding by Burns and Pritchard ( 1971 ) and suggests that some visual mechanisms of both human and cat are comparable.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Truncation Methods on the SROC Curve

contributor:
Walter, Stephen
Mathematics and Statistics

abstract: The Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) curve is a method used to summarize the performance of a diagnostic test using data from a meta-analysis, and the Area Under the SROC Curve (AUC) is a measure of the performance of a diagnostic test. The Partial Area Under the SROC Curve (partial AUC) is sometimes used instead of the AUC, to include only the clinically relevant part. Several truncation methods are used on simulated data to determine the effect of the truncation methods on estimating the properties of partial AUC - mean, bias and standard deviation. Also, when part of the data is truncated before fitting the SROC curve, we examined how the properties of the SROC parameters are affected by the choice of truncation method. The results show that the truncation methods do affect the properties of partial AUC and the estimated SROC parameters. First of all, the estimated values of the partial AUC, with or without scaling, are increased as the value of truncation point increases. The standard deviation of the partial AUC has an increasing relationship with the value of truncation point, and the standard deviation of the scaled partial AUC is in contrast. Truncating a certain percentage of the data performs worse than truncating a part of the SROC curve with respect to the accuracy of estimation. As for estimating the SROC curve parameters a and b, the truncation method which keeps more studies gives more accurate estimation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Multi-target Multi-Bernoulli Tracking and Joint Multi-target Estimator

contributor:
Kirubarajan, Thia
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject: Multi-target tracking, random finite set, multi-target multi-Bernoulli filter, joint multi-target estimator.

abstract:
This dissertation concerns with the formulation of an improved multi-target multi-Bernoulli (MeMBer) filter and the use of the joint multi-target (JoM) estimator in an effective and efficient manner for a specific implementation of MeMBer filters. After reviewing random finite set (RFS) formalism for multi-target tracking problems and the related Bayes estimators the major contributions of this dissertation are explained in detail.

The second chapter of this dissertation is dedicated to the analysis of the relationship between the multi-Bernoulli RFS distribution and the MeMBer corrector. This analysis leads to the formulation of an unbiased MeMBer filter without making any limiting assumption. Hence, as opposed to the popular cardinality balanced multi-target multi-Bernoulli (CBMeMBer) filter, the proposed MeMBer filter can be employed under the cases when sensor detection probability is moderate to low. Furthermore, a statistical refinement process is introduced to improve the stability of the estimated cardinality of targets obtained from the proposed MeMBer filter. The results from simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the improved MeMBer filter.

In Chapters III and IV, the Bayesian optimal estimators proposed for the RFS based multi-target tracking filters are examined in detail. First, an optimal solution to the unknown constant in the definition of the JoM estimator is determined by solving a multi-objective optimization problem. Thus, the JoM estimator can be implemented for tracking of a Bernoulli target using the optimal joint target detection and tracking (JoTT) filter. The results from simulations confirm assertions about its performance obtained by theoretical analysis in the literature. Finally, in the third chapter of this dissertation, the proposed JoM estimator is reformulated for RFS multi-Bernoulli distributions. Hence, an effective and efficient implementation of the JoM estimator is proposed for the Gaussian mixture implementations of the MeMBer filters. Simulation results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed JoM estimator under low-observable conditions.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The contribution of the unfolded protein response (UPR) to chronic kidney disease development in a mouse model

contributor: Medical Sciences (Division of Physiology/Pharmacology)

abstract:
Presently, there is a significant need to develop therapeutics to combat chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the rise in its prevalence along with the burden of disease it conveys to the patients that suffer from CKD. Further, it’s association with comorbities including hypertension and cardiovascular disease contribute to CKD’s adverse effects on human health. Experimental and clinical evidence points to a role for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in pathogenesis of CKD, however, the mechanism by which ER stress components ameliorate CKD in animal studies have not been fully elucidated. The research presented in this thesis has explored the impact of modulating the ER stress responses on CKD development. A central focus in this thesis involved investigating the pathways regulated during ER stress inhibition and the identification of therapeutic targets that could be used to treat CKD.
Firstly, a model of CKD in the C57BL/6 mouse was established (Chapter 2). This model involved a uninephrectomy combined with Angiotensin (Ang) II and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) infusion and high salt diet. This model overcame the resistance of C57BL/6 mice against CKD development and allowed the use of genetic knockout mice that are commonly available on the C57BL/6 background. Moreover, the Ang II/DOCA salt model exhibited key features of human CKD within 21 days including proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, renal interstitial fibrosis, inflammation and apoptosis.
A time point analysis of the Ang II/DOCA salt model showed that ER stress was upregulated in the kidneys within 7 days along with the occurrence of proteinuria, fibrosis and inflammation (Chapter 3). Treatment with 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA), a small molecular weight chaperone, used to alleviate ER stress, resulted in attenuated hypertension, proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis and inflammation. Further investigation showed that 4-PBA halted CKD progression through its effect on 1) the glomeruli, where 4-PBA treated mice had lower glomerulosclerosis and 2) the tubules, where 4-PBA resulted in an increased level of cubilin available on the membranes for the reabsorption of hyperfiltered albumin in CKD (Chapter 3). When the Ang II/DOCA salt model was applied to mice deficient in CHOP, a pro-apoptotic gene upregulated by ER stress, glomerulosclerosis, proteinuria, fibrosis and inflammation were significantly reduced compared to wildtype (WT) mice. CHOP deficient mice were shown to have higher levels of nephrin, an important component of the renal filtration barrier and thus greater glomerular structure integrity than WT mice and improved CKD.
Chapter 4 of this thesis describes the effects of heterozygosity in GRP78, the key regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) on Ang II/DOCA salt-induced CKD. GRP78+/- mice showed lower proteinuria, fibrosis and macrophage infiltration than WT mice.
Collectively, the data discussed in this thesis presents potential therapeutic targets within the UPR and demonstrates pharmacological ER stress inhibition as a strategy to ameliorate CKD.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: THE SPICY, THE EVERLASTING AND THE UNEXPECTED: INVESTIGATING THREE COMPOUNDS THAT SUPPRESS MACROPHAGES AND MYOFIBROBLASTS TO REDUCE BIOMATERIAL-INDUCED FIBROSIS

contributor:
Jones, Kim
Chemical Engineering

subject:
capsaicin
macrophage phenotype
fibrosis
poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)
myofibroblast
inflammation
polydimethylsiloxane
polydopamine
fibrinogen
prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)

abstract:
Capsaicin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and polydopamine (PDA) were used to target macrophage and myofibroblast activity to reduce biomaterial-induced fibrosis. The lifetime and efficacy of implantable biomedical devices are determined by the foreign body response. Immediately after implantation, proteins nonspecifically adsorb onto the material and initiate inflammation. Macrophages recruited to the site can differentiate into M1 and M2 phenotypes and upregulate inflammation and fibrosis which interferes with the intended function. M1 macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory mediators that induce chronic inflammation and promote myofibroblast differentiation while M2 macrophages are wound healing cells that suppress inflammation and regulate fibroblast activity. The fibrotic tissue is developed by myofibroblasts which produce collagen in an unregulated fashion. Collagen thickening and biomaterial encapsulation decreases efficacy and sensitive of biomedical devices. We investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of capsaicin, PGE2 and polydopamine surface modification on macrophages and myofibroblasts. Capsaicin and PGE2 reduced poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-induced fibrosis by promoting M2 macrophage phenotype to secrete anti-inflammatory IL-10 and suppressing myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Capsaicin decreased collagen by 40% and upregulated IL-10 secretion by 35% while PGE2 reduced collagen by 55% after 14 days of implantation and 40% less collagen after 42 days. PDA was used to bind an anti-fibrotic compound to the surface of a poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS-PDA) to reduce fibrosis. However, PDMS-PDA controls gave an unexpected result by reducing fibrosis to the same extent as anti-fibrotic compound bound PDMS-
v
PDA. PDA modification reduced cellularity by 50% and significantly decreased collagen thickness by 30%. Overall, our results showed that biomaterial-induced fibrosis can be reduced by promoting M2 macrophage activity and inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation. This research demonstrates three compounds that have potential to reduce fibrosis and extend the lifetime and efficacy of implantable biomedical devices.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract: Capsaicin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and polydopamine were used to reduce scar tissue development around implanted polymers. Biomedical devices implanted in the body can undergo severe scar tissue formation, or fibrosis, and fail. Fibrosis is described by the accumulation of collagen and encapsulation of an implanted polymer. Macrophages regulate fibrosis by secreting pro-fibrotic compounds and myofibroblasts produce unregulated amounts of collagen. In this thesis, capsaicin, PGE2 and polydopamine were incorporated into implants to target macrophage and myofibroblast activity and reduce fibrosis in mice. Capsaicin and PGE2, released from a degradable polymer, altered macrophages to secrete anti-fibrotic compounds and decreased collagen by 40% and 55%, respectively. Polydopamine surface modified implants gave an unexpected result and suppressed overall cell activity to reduce fibrosis by 30%. The research conducted shows the potential of these compounds to reduce fibrosis and extend the lifetime of implantable devices.


title: Climate Change Impact Assessment at Watershed Scale

contributor:
Tsanis, Ioannis
Civil Engineering

subject:
Climate Change
Storm Water
Watershed
Frequency Analysis
Detention Pond
Storm Sewer
Flood
Hydrology
Hydraulics

abstract:
Climate model projections revealed a likelihood of increased frequency and magnitude of hydrological extremes in future climate due to continued emissions of greenhouse gases. Considering that it will significantly affect the planning and designing of flood management systems, for instance stormwater management infrastructures, and designation of flood risk area, it is vital to investigate the climate change impact on the hydrological processes and respective consequences on the flood management systems. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the climate change impact at watershed scale, and the goal was achieved by investigating the climate change impact on hydrological processes, assessing the potential impact of changed hydrological processes on drainage systems and flooding scenarios. The study area in this research includes Spencer Creek watershed, West Central Mountain drainage area and Clearview Creek drainage area located in Southern Ontario, Canada. The climate projections used in this study were the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) climate simulations based on SRES A2 scenario.
For Spencer Creek watershed, NARCCAP provided eight RCM+GCM pair’s climate projections were bias- corrected, and used as input in a calibrated hydrological model HBV to simulate flows at the outlet of the watershed. A significant improvement of bias-corrected precipitation and temperature was revealed by Brier and Rank Probability Skill Score. The results revealed an increase in winter daily average flows and decrease in other seasons, and approximately 13% increase in annual evapotranspiration, and an increase in high flows and decrease in low flows under future climate conditions. Consequences for changed hydrological processes on urban stormwater management systems were investigated for West Central Mountain drainage area. Design storm depths were calculated by using the best fitted distribution among twenty seven distributions and by applying delta change factor. The PCSWMM model was used for flow simulation and hydraulic analysis for the storm-water management system, specifically storm sewer and detention pond. The assessment results indicate that the performance of the detention pond as well as the storm sewer network will deteriorate under future climate condition as design storm depths increase. For Clearview Creek drainage area, a single event hydrologic model Visual OTTHYMO and hydraulic analysis tool HEC-RAS were used to simulate flow and water level. The results revealed an increase of peak flows ranging from about 26 % to 64% for 2yr and 100yr return periods at the outlet of the Creek, and an average increase of water surface elevation and extents by 30 cm and 37.1 m, respectively, for a 100 year return period flood. Finally, non-stationary frequency analyses for design storm calculation were recommended for more robust and accurate investigation of climate change impact.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Opto- and Electro-Mechanical coupling between the depletion and the piezoelectric region of a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Micro Torsional Resonator Photodiode

contributor:
Kleiman, Rafael
Engineering Physics

subject: Opto-Electro-Mechanical Resonators

abstract:
In this work, the opto-piezo actuation and piezoelectric actuation in gallium arsenide
(GaAs) is experimentally and theoretically verified. Experimentally the response of the respective actuations are measured using the current generated from the inverse piezoelectric
effect. The mechanical structure used to generate this current is a micron size torsional
resonator fabricated from a GaAs photodiode heterostructure. The photodiode heterostructure is optically and electrically designed as a photovoltaic (PV) cell while mechanically the
structure resembles a bimorph. The bimorph design is a result of the PV cell consisting of a
pn junction and a heterojunction where the depletion regions have the additional property of
being piezoelectric. The opto-piezo actuation results from using the photogenerated voltage
to piezoelectrically drive a mechanical structure. Using light modulated at the resonance
frequency of the torsional resonator the measured current is shown to linearly increase with
intensity. For the electrical actuation case, the torsional resonator is driven using the non-
linear response of the pn junction to an applied voltage. The non-linear response results
in generation of voltage at the harmonic frequencies of the applied voltage. The voltage
generated at twice the applied frequency is given the label 2f and is used to piezoelectrically
drive the mechanical structure. The above results for the two methods of actuation are
theoretically validated by deriving a model for the expected current. The model predicts the
current as a function of the voltage. For the opto-piezo case this voltage is the photovoltage.
The photovoltage is determined using the AC PV model. This model is derived using the
DC PV model and predicts the AC operation of a photodiode in the 3rd and 4th quadrants
to resistive and reactive loads. Using the opto-mechanical coupling coefficient the efficiency
of the opto-piezo actuation is compared to opto-thermal actuation and radiation pressure
actuation. It is shown that the opto-piezo effect, in general, is several orders of magnitude
better than the other two in converting optical energy into mechanical energy. This is an
important result because in situations where low optical powers are only available and power,
in general, cannot be spared, for e.g. on a satellite, devices that make use of the opto-piezo
effect could be used for either actuation or sensing. Generally however, using the opto-piezo
effect can lead to either integration of existing photonic devices with mechanical resonators
or new photonic devices all together. For e.g. using the opto-piezo effect an adaptable optical
correlator can be made which could be used to make artificial intelligent machines.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Design and Testing of a Replaceable Connection for Steel Concentrically Braced Frames

contributor:
Wiebe, Lydell
Civil Engineering

subject:
Concentrically Braced Frame
Replaceable Bolted Connection
Experimental
Finite Element

abstract:
There is increasing demand, from both engineers and their clients, for structures that can be rapidly returned to occupancy following an earthquake, while also maintaining or reducing initial costs. One possible way towards this goal is to ensure that seismic damage occurs only within elements that can be removed and replaced following a damaging earthquake. For concentrically braced frames that use hollow structural sections, the current design practice requires field welding of the brace to the gusset in a way that causes the brace to buckle out-of-plane. In the event of a damaging earthquake, the out-of-plane brace buckling may damage both the gusset plate and also any adjacent exterior cladding. The plate cannot be easily replaced, resulting in expensive and time-consuming repairs, and the damaged cladding could endanger the lives of people evacuating the building and of other pedestrians.
Through multiple design iterations, a new steel concentrically braced frame connection type was developed that can be bolted into place and that confines damage to replaceable components. The proposed connection is expected to result in reduced erection costs and be easier to repair following a major earthquake. Moreover, the new connection causes buckling to occur in-plane, preventing dangerous damage to the cladding.
Large scale experimental testing on two variations of the new connection was performed. The cyclic, uniaxial testing of a brace with the new connection demonstrated the connection’s ability to behave in a desirable manner, with tensile yielding, brace buckling and connection rotation occurring during the expected drift levels associated with earthquake loading. A nonlinear finite element model of a brace with the new connection was developed and discussed. The finite element model was able to replicate the results of the experiment and will allow for further research and development of the new connection. The new connection shows promise as a replaceable connection for the seismic design of concentrically braced frames.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract:
Earthquakes can cause major, devastating damage to city structures. The cost of repairs and the time needed to make those repairs can be crippling, to the point where it is easier to tear down the structures than properly repair them. Designers and engineers need improved ways to design these structures to be more easily repaired, without driving up the initial cost of the structure.
This research developed, tested and modelled a new, replaceable connection for earthquake resistant braces. The new connection is easier to install, easier to replace and provides added safety when compared to traditional designs.


contributor:
Tlusky, J.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract: Title: A Continuous Path Algorithm and its Implementation to a Micro Computer Controlled Industrial Robot, Author: Gabor Szvoboda, Location: Thode

abstract:
A continuous path algorithm involving real time co-ordinate transformation is suggested and implemented on a micro-computer for the purpose of controlling a five axes industrial robot. This software and the hardware aspects of the implementation are discussed. Good results prove the viability of the method.

Another algorithm based on cubic spline approximation is briefly analyzed. The servo-drive and robot structural dynamic measurements.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: ’Smart’, Injectable, Magnetic Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications with a Focus on Externally-Mediated Release

title: ‘Smart’ Magnetic Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Drug Delivery

contributor:
Hoare, Todd
Chemical Engineering

subject:
drug delivery
remote controlled release
hydrogels
microgels
iron oxide nanoparticles
microinjector
magnetic

abstract:
The capability of precisely controlling the kinetics of therapeutic delivery at the optimal location and rate for a given patient would have great potential to improve health and well-being in a range of current drug therapies (insulin, chemotherapeutics, vaccines, etc.).  Indeed, if successfully developed, locally administered injectable drug delivery vehicles capable of remotely-triggered release would be the gold standard for many treatments.
Multiple injectable nanocomposites have been investigated for this purpose that are generally comprised of a thermosensitive polymeric material and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs).  SPIONs generate heat when exposed remote alternating magnetic fields (AMFs), and the transfer of this heat to thermosensitive polymers can be used to control the release of therapeutics.  Ideally, these systems would be capable of returning to their original state and basal release rate when the external AMF trigger is removed.
Several novel injectable nanocomposite materials that explore interactions between SPIONs and thermosensitive polymers to mediate drug release, from the macroscale to the nanoscale, were developed and demonstrated to be capable of remotely-triggered, AMF-mediated enhanced release.   The macroscale magnetic nanocomposites have thermosensitive hydrogel and/or microgel components that regulate release based on the heat produced from SPIONs in response to an external AMF.  On the millimeter-scale, a microinjection system capable of producing thermosensitive hydrogel beads that could potentially incorporate SPIONs is described.  On the nanoscale, nanoparticles with a glass transition temperature and thermosensitive microgels are combined with SPIONs and investigated for their remote, AMF-mediated release characteristics. The engineered macroscale and nanoscale systems are capable of up to ~4:1 and ~7:1 enhancements in release due to an AMF application, respectively, compared to the basal release rate.
Collectively, these nanocomposites represent a promising stride towards improved remote-actuation of drug release and a stepping stone for future attempts at precisely controlling the site and kinetics of drug release.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: This thesis focuses on the development of nanocomposite materials that can be injected into a specific location in the body and deliver therapeutic drugs by a remote-controlled process.  These nanocomposites are composed of magnetic particles and polymers that respond to changes in temperature.  The combination of these materials results in nanocomposites that can change their properties in response to specific magnetic fields to switch from releasing drug slowly (or not at all) to releasing drug quickly on demand. The changes are fully reversible and solely depend on whether the external magnetic field is switched on or off.  These novel systems offer an alternative to therapies that require frequent injections, such as insulin for diabetes, or therapies that need the drug to be released in very precise locations, such as cancer treatments, and could improve the safety, reduce the risk of side effects, and lower the cost of many medical treatments.


contributor:
Campbell, C.K.
Physics

abstract: Title: Anisotropy Effects in Superconductive Tunnelling, Author: David G. Walmsley, Location: Thode

abstract:
The application of the microscopic theory of superconductivity
to the results of experiments on quantum-mechanical electron tunnelling
between superconductors is discussed. A cryostat and associated electrical
circuitry, constructed for tunnelling experiments, are described.
There is a discussion of sample fabrication techniques which have
received much attention, and have been extended, during the course of
this work. Finally, results obtained on the metals aluminium, indium,
tin, and lead are illustrated, and interpreted with particular emphasis
on superconductor energy gap anisotropy.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Banerjee, S.
Engineering Physics

abstract: Title: Fast Neutron Scattering and Attenuation Technique for Measurement of Void Fractions and Phase Distribution in Transient Flow Boiling, Author: Peter S. L. Yuen, Location: Thode

abstract:
A fast neutron scattering and transmission method
for determining void fraction and phase distribution in
transient flow boiling was investigated. Shaped aluminum test
sections containing water were placed in a fast neutron beam,
and the scattered and transmitted flux measured at several
locations. Aluminum is relatively neutron transparent and
therefore simulated the vapour phase. The aluminum pieces
were shaped to represent vapour distributions in some of the
main two-phase flow regimes (annular, inverted annular, and
stratified). The scattered flux was found to depend primarily
on the volume fraction of water (and hence void fraction) in
the test section. The transmitted flux profile on the other
hand, was sensitive to the distribution of water. The measurements
therefore indicated that the cross-section averaged void
fraction could be determined from the scattered flux, whereas
phase distributions could be determined from the transmitted
flux profile . These measurements were followed by a series
of experiments in which a test section containing a flowing
air-water mixture was placed in the fast neutron beam. Void
fractions determined from scattered neutron flux measurements
were compared with void fractions measured by trapping the
flowing mixture between two quick closing valves and weighing
the contents . The neutron scattering technique predicted
values i n good agreement with the quick closing valve measurements
over the entire range of void fractions .

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)