title: INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND STRESS RATIO ON FATIGUE AND FRACTURE RESPONSE OF HPDC AM60B MAGNESIUM ALLOY

contributor:
Department of Civil Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Kevin Plucknett
Dr. Margaret Walsh
Dr. Jane Thorburn
Dr. Farid Taheri
Not Applicable
Yes
Not Applicable

subject: AM60B magnesium alloy, LEFM (Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics), SENT (Single Edge Notch Tension), FCGR (Fatigue Crack Growth Rate), FEM (Finite Element Method). SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope)

abstract: The mechanical behavior of a high pressure die cast AM60B Mg alloy is studied. Constant load amplitude fatigue tests were conducted at room, elevated and cold temperatures, with a stress ratio of R=0.1, and frequency of 30 Hz. The objective was to identify the possible effects of temperature on fatigue life cycle. In addition, fatigue crack propagation tests were conducted to ascertain the fatigue response of the alloy and determine its fatigue crack growth rate as a function of the applied stress ratio, experimentally, analytically and computationally, using Walker’s model. The results demonstrated that temperature had a significant influence on the fatigue life, and that the life increased at cold temperature but decreased at elevated temperature as compared to that evaluated at room temperature. In this study, the limit for applicability of LEFM was established for AM60B magnesium alloy. In addition, fatigue crack propagation test results were used to evaluate the coefficients of the Paris model.


title: FINDING  THE  COMMUNITY  IN  COMMUNITY-BASE  NATURAL  RESOURCE   MANAGEMENT:  THE  CASE  OF  NDUMO  GAME  RESERVE,  SOUTH  AFRICA

contributor: Department of International Development Studies

subject: CBNRM, Community, Conservation, South Africa, Ndumo

abstract: In  South  Africa  Community-based  Natural  Resource  Management  (CBNRM)  has   recently  gained  popularity  as  the  dominant  approach  to  conservation  due  to  its  perceived   environmental  and  social  benefits  and  as  a  form  of  restitution  for  communities  that  were   forcibly  evicted  from  their  land  during  apartheid.  This  dissertation  investigates  the   disconnect  between  the  rhetoric  and  reality  of  CBNRM  in  South  Africa,  by  focusing  on   the  case  of  Ndumo  Game  Reserve.    It  aims  to  critically  evaluate  the  social  justice  and   economic  impacts  of  CBNRM  on  the  neighbouring  Mbangweni  and  Mathenjwa   communities.  It  argues  that  there  are  significant  tensions  between  the  community  focused   rhetoric  of  CBNRM,  the  predominantly  fortress-style  of  conservation,  and  the  neo-liberal   eco-tourism  venture  at  Ndumo  Game  Reserve.  I  conclude  that  CBNRM  at  Ndumo  is   largely  guided  by  western  conservation  and  economic  ideologies  and  driven  by  the   support  of  state  and  private  interests  while  alienating  local  people  from  their  land  and  its   management.


title: CONTROLLING BROMATE FORMATION BY CONVENTIONAL AND INNOVATIVE TITANIUM DIOXIDE PHOTOCATALYSIS

contributor:
Department of Environmental Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Jeff Dahn
John Hill
Jennie Rand
Jeff Dahn
Graham A. Gagnon
Graham A. Gagnon
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
nanostructured thin film
ballast water
bromate
ozone
UV
nanoparticles
tiO2

abstract: Suspended titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH) that synergistically aid in disinfection when irradiated with UV light.  To exploit the benefits of TiO2 photocatalysis without having to remove them, TiO2 was deposited onto 3M Company’s nanostructured thin film (NSTF).  •OH production by suspended and TiO2-NSTF was determined by para-chlorobenzoic acid (pCBA), a •OH probe compound.   Both techniques of introducing TiO2 to the samples produced equivalent •OH without forming bromate, a regulated byproduct in drinking water at all UV and TiO2 levels.  Formation of bromate by ozone in brackish water and seawater were used to compare the disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation between the disinfection methods.  Additionally, monitoring bromate, typically performed by ion chromatography, is complicated by chloride and other anions present in brackish water or seawater.  Thus, a spectrophotometric method to measure bromate in saline systems is introduced.


title: Numerical Modelling of Vehicle Loads on Buried Orthotropic Steel Shell Structures

contributor:
Department of Civil Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Gordon Fenton
Dr. Margaret Walsh
Dr. Dimitry Garagash
Dr. John Newhook
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Culvert, Soil-steel structure, bridge, Orthotropic plates

abstract: An investigation was performed for live load forces applied to soil-steel structures under shallow backfill depths, specifically a long span deeply corrugated box culvert. The work was also relevant to other types of flexible buried structures and loading scenarios. The investigation involved the application of both a robust experimental testing process and the development of 3-D finite element models. Full scale live load tests, performed in Dorchester NB, were executed to obtain a large sample of experimental data. The testing program was designed specifically to fully characterize the structural response of a long span box culvert to CHBDC design truck live loads. The program included live load testing at six different backfill depths with 21 unique truck positions per lift, with instrumentation at four separate rings. The experimental data was used to assess and calibrate the finite element models being developed to predict structural effects. The finite element software package ADINA was used to model the test structure in 3-D. The basics of model development, such as element types, boundary conditions, loads, and other analysis options were discussed. An orthotropic shell modeling approach to accurately describe the corrugated plate properties was developed. A number of soil constitutive models, both linear and nonlinear, were examined and evaluated. The data obtained from experimental testing was compared to the results obtained by the finite element modeling and the various soil models were evaluated. A parametric study was performed examining the sensitivity of modeling parameters. The impact of various assumptions made regarding the model was quantitatively established. The thesis provided guidance on the 3-D modeling of soil-steel structures allowing future researchers to study the factors which were significant to their design and field applications.


title: Biological Information Extraction using Patterns of Characters, Tag Sequences and Subgraphs

contributor: Dr. Vlado Keselj and Dr. Christian Blouin

abstract:
The magnitude of the document collection in the biology domain boosts the demand for effective and efficient literature mining and knowledge discovery that can help biologists to gather and make use of the knowledge encoded in text documents. In this thesis, we present three different pattern-based techniques to target two important tasks of biological information extraction: entity recognition and relation extraction.

The first technique is an unsupervised method to automatically extract domain-specific prefix and suffix characters from biological corpora. The extracted characters are integrated into the parametrization of an existing system for biological entity recognition in order to aid the system to annotate biological entities.

The second technique is an approach to identify sentences that describe interactions between co-occurring biological entities using patterns defined as a sequence of specialized Part-of-Speech (POS) tags that capture the structure of key sentences in the scientific literature. Each candidate sentence for the classification task is encoded as a POS array and then aligned to a collection of pre-extracted patterns. The quality of the alignment is expressed as a pairwise alignment score. The most innovative component of this work is the use of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to maximize the classification performance of the alignment scoring scheme.

The third technique is a graph matching-based approach to extract complex biological events from the scientific literature. Sentences are represented as dependency graphs, and biological event rules are extracted from sentences as minimal dependency graphs that capture the typical contextual structures of biological events. We investigate whether the subgraph matching problem can be used in the BioNLP field to extract biological events by searching for subgraphs isomorphic to the graphs of event rules within the graphs of sentences.


title: Large-Scale Web Page Classification

contributor:
Faculty of Computer Science
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Malcolm Heywood
Dr. Evangelos E. Milios
Dr. Malcolm Heywood
Dr. Michael Shepherd
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Web page classification,class imbalance,rarity

abstract:
Web page classification is the process of assigning predefined categories to web pages.
Empirical evaluations of classifiers such as Support Vector Machines (SVMs), k-Nearest
Neighbor (k-NN), and Naïve Bayes (NB), have shown that these algorithms are effective
in classifying small segments of web directories. The effectiveness of these algorithms,
however, has not been thoroughly investigated on large-scale web page classification of
such popular web directories as Yahoo! and LookSmart. Such web directories  have
hundreds of thousands of categories, deep hierarchies, spindle category and document
distributions over the hierarchies, and skewed category distribution over the documents.
These statistical properties indicate class imbalance and rarity within the dataset.

In hierarchical datasets similar to web directories, expanding the content of each category
using the web pages of the child categories helps to decrease the degree of rarity. This
process, however, results in the localized overabundance of positive instances especially
in the upper level categories of the hierarchy.  The class imbalance, rarity and the
localized overabundance of positive instances make applying classification algorithms to
web directories very difficult and the problem has not been thoroughly studied. To our
knowledge, the maximum number of categories ever previously classified on web
taxonomies is 246,279 categories of Yahoo! directory using hierarchical SVMs leading to
a Macro-F1 of 12% only.

We designed a unified framework  for the content based classification of imbalanced
hierarchical datasets. The complete Yahoo! web directory of 639,671 categories and
4,140,629 web pages is used to setup the experiments. In a hierarchical dataset, the prior
probability distribution of the  subcategories indicates the presence or absence of class
imbalance, rarity and the overabundance of positive instances within the dataset. Based
on the prior probability distribution and associated machine learning issues, we
partitioned the subcategories  of Yahoo! web directory into five mutually exclusive
groups. The effectiveness of different data level, algorithmic and architectural solutions
to the associated machine learning issues is explored. Later, the best performing
classification technologies for a particular prior probability distribution have been
identified and integrated into the Yahoo! Web directory classification model. The
methodology is evaluated using a DMOZ subset of 17,217 categories and 130,594 web
pages and we statistically proved that the methodology of this research works equally
well on large and small dataset.

The average classifier performance in terms of macro-averaged F1-Measure achieved in
this research for Yahoo! web directory and DMOZ subset is 81.02% and 84.85%
respectively.


title: PLANNING FOR EMERGENCE: AN INFORMAL INTERVENTION ON THE OKANAGAN LAKE

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Brian Carter
Stephen Parcell
Rory MacDonald
Richard Kroeker
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Houseboat, informal, housing, intervention, Yellowknife, West Kelowna, Narrow boats, participatory design, re-appropriation

abstract:
Entering the informal domain may be considered contrary to a formal understanding of
architecture yet it is within this context that many architectural strategies are being resolved.
Unbound by law and tradition, informal settlements allow for creative solutions that would
otherwise not be explored.  Such unconventional solutions speak to the discourse of
architecture and planning, challenging ideas of public space and private ownership.  The
goal of this thesis is to investigate how public space is achieved in established informal
houseboat communities using off-grid systems and salvaged material.   An investigation
of the houseboat community in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and the Narrow boats in
London, England are case studies in this process.  This thesis seeks to identify how the city
of West Kelowna, the Westbank First Nation and the Central Okanagan Regional District
of British Columbia can be agents of an informal intervention on the Okanagan Lake in
British Columbia.


title: WHAT ARE THE IMPRESSIONS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS WHO USE THE SHORT SENSORY PROFILE IN ASSESSMENTS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS?

contributor:
School of Occupational Therapy
Master of Science
Dr. Brenda Merrit
Dr. Robin Stadnyk
Dr. Grace Warner
Dr. Joan Versnel
Received
No
Not Applicable

subject: FASD, SENSORY PROCESSING, SHORT SENSORY PROFILE, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

abstract: Introduction: The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) released guidelines for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Diagnosis (FASD) in 2005 that attempted to equalize diagnostic practices across Canada. A multi-disciplinary neurodevelopmental assessment is expected and the occupational therapist must assess soft neurological signs, which includes sensory processing and motor development. In 2007, Northwest Partnership for FASD Research gathered a panel of OTs to consult on assessment tools who chose the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) as the main sensory processing assessment tool. Methods: Six qualitative interviews were completed for data collection. The inclusion criterion for the participants were involvement with a FASD diagnostic team and familiarity with the SSP. Qualitative data from the interviews was coded for likeness and analyzed for themes. Results: Three main themes developed from this research including: “Uncertainties about the FASD Diagnostic Process”, “Questioning the Validity of the Assessment Tool SSP” and “Strengths of the SSP”. The overaching theme that emerged was that the participants were attempting to find balance in many different ways throughout their assessments. While participants predominantly focused on concerns, they also indicated that the SSP is our best option at this time. Conclusions: Participants were not completely satisfied with using the SSP for FASD diagnostic assessments but will continue to use it. It was suggested that the panel of occupational therapists should reconvene and consider further options for assessment of sensory processing for FASD diagnostic assessments. There were also considerations for occupational therapy university education and continuing education.


title: Derived from the Interstitial: An Architectural Investigation into Laneway Development

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Brian Carter
Steve Parcell
Steve Parcell
Steven Mannell
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Laneway
Laneway Development

abstract: This thesis addresses the decaying and under-utilized space found within the laneways of downtown Brampton, Ontario. Through studies that examine the role and idea of the laneway an architectural language is derived that is used to inform strategies for materials, thresholds, structure and spatial form that respond to the laneway context. Within the building, a series of architectural interventions utilize the existing infrastructure allowing the buildings to integrate through structural and spatial interactions. These interactions create opportunities for programmatic activity to reclaim the existing under-used spaces for inhabitation as part of the new building. Programmatically, a brewery is used to promote social interaction while also introducing industrial practices to Diplock Lane. Additionally, through the laneway studies an urban strategy is derived that uses a series of interventions  to create public space. This space facilitates social programming such as markets, cafes and festivals to reclaim Diplock Lane for the local inhabitants.


title: MECHANICAL RESPONSE OF SANDWICH PIPES SUBJECT TO HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE AND BENDING

contributor:
Department of Civil Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Magdi Mohareb
Dr. Margaret Walsh
Dr. Shawn Kenny
Dr. George Jarjoura
Dr. Farid Taheri
Not Applicable
Yes

subject:
Offshore pipeline
Sandwich pipe
Pipe in pipe
High grade steel
Stability
Buckling
Hydrostatic external pressure
Bending
Pressure capacity
Plastic buckling
Elastic buckling
Optimization
Characteristic behavior

abstract:
The recent substantial increase in world demand for energy and raw material resources has accelerated oil and gas exploration and production. At the same time, the depletion of onshore and shallow water oil resources presents a challenge to engineers to develop new means of harvesting and transporting oil and gas from harsh and remote areas. Sandwich Pipe (SP) is a relatively new design concept developed to address the transportation of oil in deep and ultra-deep waters as well as in cold environments. The main focus of this thesis is on the characterization of the structural performance of these novel systems.
Deep and ultra-deep water offshore pipelines are subjected to excessive hydrostatic external pressure during installation and operation. In this research, an innovative analytical solution was developed to evaluate the external pressure capacity of SPs by calculating the linear eigenvalues of the characteristic equations of the system. In the proposed solution, the interface condition between the layers of the system is accounted for in the governing equations. As well, a set of comprehensive parametric studies using the Finite Element (FE) method was developed to investigate both the elastic and plastic buckling response of SPs. The influence of various structural parameters such as the material, geometrical and intra-layer interaction properties on the characteristic behavior and the buckling pressure of SPs was examined. In addition to the proposed analytical solution, two sets of semi-empirical equations based on the FE analysis results were recommended in calculating the elastic and plastic buckling pressure of SPs.
As bending represents an important loading state in the installation and service life of SPs, it should be considered a governing loading scenario. In this thesis, the behavior of SPs under bending was investigated using a comprehensive set of parametric studies. SP systems with a wide practical range of physical parameters were analyzed using the FE method, and the influence of various structural parameters on the characteristic response and bending capacity of the system was explored, including pipe geometry, core layer properties, material yield anisotropy of high-grade steel pipes, and various intra-layer adhesion configurations.


title: The Dynamics of Allochthonous Terranes in the Pangean Suture Zone of Southern Iberia

contributor:
Department of Earth Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy
James Hibbard
Dave Scott
Nick Culshaw
Djorde Grujic
Brendan Murphy
Not Applicable
Yes
Not Applicable

subject:
tectonics
pangea
rheic ocean
structural geology
suture zones
geochronology

abstract: Most researchers contend that the destruction of the Rheic Ocean culminated in the formation of the supercontinent Pangea. However, despite the importance of this ocean, there are major uncertainties in the identification of its margins, mechanisms and timing of its formation, and the geodynamics of its closure. Rocks recording the evolution of the Rheic are excellently preserved in the southern Iberian peninsula of Western Europe. Here, the Ossa Morena (OMZ) is separated from the South Portuguese (SPZ) zone by a sequence of polydeformed rocks know as the Pulo do lobo Zone (PDLZ).  The PDLZ isinterpreted as a late Paleozoic accretionary prism, which contains potential vestiges of the ancient Rheic Ocean (ophiolites).  The objective of this study is to better understand the processes associated with the formation of Pangea by determining the lithotectonic histories of both the PDLZ and SPZ. New field, geochronological and geochemical data are used to test and further constrain current models for the evolution of Pangea as recorded in the Variscan orogen. Fieldwork and geochronological data indicate that the PDLZ was derived from neither the OMZ (Gondwana) nor the SPZ suggesting that if the PDLZ is an accretionary prism it was not derived from the upper or lower plate.  This apparent conundrum can be reconciled by a model involving excision of a crustal fragment during collision between an Iberian indenter (Gondwana) with Laurussia during the formation of Pangea. Geochronological and Geochemical data from the SPZ indicate that the lower crust isnot compositionally similar to the overlying Devonian-Carboniferous continental detritus. This unusual relationship is similar to the relationship between the relatively juvenile basement and ancient upper crust documented in the exposed portion of the Meguma terrane in the northern Appalachians, which paleogeographic reconstructions show was immediately outboard of southern Iberia in the Late Devonian.  Taken together with the suggested complex tectonic history of the PDLZ the results of this thesis provide important insight into the geometry and timing of the formation of Pangea and indicate that re-interpretation may be required for what is known concerning the tectonic evolution of both the Variscan and Appalachian orogens.


title: The Role of Charge Redistribution in the Self-discharge of Electrochemical Capacitor Electrodes

contributor:
Department of Chemistry
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Peter Pickup
Dr. Mark Stradiotto
Dr. Mary Anne White
Dr. Russell Boyd
Dr. Peng Zhang
Dr. Heather Andreas
Not Applicable
Yes
Yes

subject:
Electrochemical Capacitor
Self-discharge
Energy Storage
Charge Redistribution

abstract:
This work examines the role of charge redistribution in the self-discharge of electrochemical capacitor electrodes. Electrochemical capacitors are charge storage devices which have high power capability and a long cycle life, but have a low energy density compared to other devices, coupled with a high rate of self-discharge which further diminishes the available energy. The mechanisms of self-discharge in electrochemical capacitors are poorly understood, and it is important to gain a better understanding of the electrode processes which lead to self-discharge, in order to minimize self-discharge and enhance electrochemical capacitor performance.
To learn more about charge redistribution and its role in the self-discharge of electrochemical capacitors, multiple self-discharge experiments were performed on carbons with various surface areas/pore structures and in various electrolytes. Charge redistribution was also examined in a model pore (a transmission line circuit based on de Levie?s model of a porous electrode) and results from this model were compared to the self-discharge of a high surface-area carbon.
Results demonstrate that charge redistribution is a major component of the self-discharge in high surface-area carbons. Results also indicate that charge redistribution requires a much longer time than previously thought (tens of hours rather than minutes) which further highlights the importance of charge redistribution during self-discharge. Therefore when performing mechanistic studies of self-discharge in electrochemical capacitors, it is important that effects of charge redistribution are not neglected.
The self-discharge profiles of various pore shapes were also examined using the model pore, and results emphasize the superiority of cone and cylindrically shaped pores, and the disadvantages of restrictive pore mouths and bottlenecks for high power applications.


title: Aerosol Wet Scavenging and Cloud Processing of Aerosols in a Global Climate Model

contributor: Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science

contributor: Dr. Ulrike Lohmann and Dr. Randall Martin

subject: Aerosols, climate, wet scavenging

abstract:
Clouds strongly influence three-dimensional aerosol distributions by 1) wet scavenging and subsequent deposition to the earth's surface, and 2) processing and subsequent release to the atmosphere by evaporation processes. In this study, physically detailed size-dependent representations of below-cloud and in-cloud scavenging for mixed phase clouds are introduced into the ECHAM5-HAM global climate model. As well, a stratiform cloud aerosol processing scheme is extended to convective clouds.

Below-cloud impaction scavenging is found to contribute strongly to the global and annual mean mass deposition for sulfate (14%), black carbon (13%), particulate organic matter (10%), sea salt (23%), and dust (24%). The modeled global mean aerosol optical depth, and sea salt burden are reduced by about 15% for the more vigorous size-dependent parameterization of below-cloud scavenging by rain and snow.

In stratiform clouds, aerosol mass is found to be primarily (>90%) scavenged by cloud nucleation processes for all aerosol species, except for dust (50%). Uncertainties in the representation of in-cloud scavenging processes change the predicted
 annual, global mean aerosol mass burdens by 20 to 30%, and change the predicted aerosol mass concentrations by up to one order of magnitude in the middle troposphere where mixed phase clouds exist. Closer agreement with observations of black carbon
 profiles from aircraft is found for the new in-cloud scavenging scheme.

Convective and stratiform clouds contribute about equally to the global, annual mean aerosol processing, but wet deposition is primarily attributed to stratiform clouds (75%). Sulfate and carbonaceous aerosols undergo 1-3 cloud cycles before deposition. Aerosol burdens and optical depth (AOD) increase by a factor of 3-5 with the explicit representation of cloud/precipitation evaporation. Revised sea salt emissions and more vigorous in-cloud impaction scavenging reduce the AOD by a factor of three to give closer agreement with satellite retrievals. Observed marine boundary layer accumulation mode size distributions, and vertically integrated aerosol size distributions from AERONET observations are more closely approximated with the aerosol
processing scheme than for the standard ECHAM5-HAM.


title: An Ontology-Based Electronic Medical Record for Chronic Disease Management

contributor:
Faculty of Computer Science
Master of Computer Science
Dr. Malcolm Heywood
Dr. Grace Paterson
Dr. Michael Shepherd
Dr. Syed Sibte Raza Abidi
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: EMR EHR Ontology HL7

abstract: Effective chronic disease management ensures better treatment and reduces medical costs. Representing knowledge through building an ontology for Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) is important to achieve semantic interoperability among healthcare information systems and to better execute decision support systems. In this thesis, an ontology-based EMR focusing on Chronic Disease Management is proposed. The W3C Computer-based Patient Record ontology [32] is customized and augmented with concepts and attributes from the Western Health Infostructure Canada chronic disease management model [27] and the American Society for Testing and Materials International EHR. The result is an EMR ontology capable of representing knowledge about chronic disease.  All of the clinical actions of the proposed ontology were found to map to HL7 RIM classes. Such an EMR ontology for chronic disease management can support reasoning for clinical decision support systems as well as act as a switching language from one EMR standard to another for chronic disease knowledge.


title: Exploring Nurses' Perceptions on the use of Kangaroo Mother Care to Reduce Pain During Heel Lance Procedures

contributor:
School of Nursing
Master of Health Services Research
Maureen White
Dr. Marilyn MacDonald
Dr. Dora Stinson
Brenda Hewitt
Dr. Marilyn MacDonald
Dr. Margot Latimer
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Neonatal
NICU
Pain
Kangaroo Mother Care
Nonpharmacological
Heel lance

abstract: Infants in the NICU undergo many painful procedures and literature supports KMC as an effective intervention to diminish pain however, it is not used routinely in NICUs. The purpose of this qualitative study is to provide NICU nurses an opportunity to describe their experience of utilizing KMC for pain, and to interpret this experience with the goal of generating patterns that explain this understanding. The findings can be used to formulate interventions that foster the use of KMC. Using Interpretive Description as a philosophy of inquiry and research methodology, 8 NICU nurses were interviewed and participated in a focus group. Four patterns emerged: (1)”Seeing is Believing”; (2) Human Heartedness: “It’s the Least I can do”; (3) Playing it Safe; and (3) Creating the Possibility within Constraints.


title: The Adaptation of a Thunder Bay Grain Elevator

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Terrance Galvin
Steve Parcell
Steven Mannell
Steve Parcell
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Grain Elevator Reuse Adaptive Architecture

abstract: This thesis is an exploration of spatial possibilities within a concrete terminal grain elevator in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.  Informed by research into the history, function, and construction of grain elevators, this investigation develops an approach to adaptation that would inhabit the interior spaces while preserving the sense of wonder and intrigue inherent in these structures.  Using a program defined only as the most basic requirements for habitation, spatial possibilities are investigated to augment the aesthetic, monumental, and mysterious qualities of the structure, without domesticating it.


title: The Emergence of a Superstructure: Griffintown's Revival Inspired by Surviving Industrial Artifacts”

contributor:
Schoolof Architecture
Master of Architecture
Carol Burns
Steve Parcell
Jane Abbott
Brian lilley
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Architecture
Griffintown
Montréal
Sustainable Cycles

abstract:
Montréal’s Griffintown is a neighbourhood facing multiple transformations. Formerly a
working class district gathered around warehouses and industries based along the Lachine
Canal, it is home today to various avant-garde artistic groups. It is simultaneously
under pressure of rampant condominium redevelopment. This thesis explores a means of
reinforcing the identity of the area based on the re-use and celebration of existing, industrial
artifacts.
Existing infrastructure is examine as a potential host for related programs of renewable
energy, recycling, waste treatment, and urban agriculture, thus Acting as a means to regenerate
a public engagement with public utility processes.
The rail viaduct in particular is explored as a means of incorporating both a new public utility
as well as remaining an existing means of public transportation. The architecture of this
new urban armature extends to engage with two buildings of great heritage and cultural
value, both in need of being preserved and valorized before it is too late. These buildings
have the potential to become urban anchors and community landmarks, particularly in
conjunction with development of adjacent urban plazas and landscapes.


title: Enacting and/or Retreating: A Theory of Registered Nurses' Practice of Accountability

contributor:
School of Nursing
Master of Nursing
Cindy Cruickshank
Dr. Marilyn Macdonald
Dr. Nancy Edgecombe
Mary Ellen Gurnham
Dr. Marilyn Macdonald
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Accountability, professional practice, nursing, ethics, autonomy

abstract: In the current context of health care, the registered nurses’ perception and enactment of accountability may be constrained by many factors out of their control.  The purpose of this research was to examine how registered nurses perceive accountability and translate this to professional practice.  A Grounded Theory approach was adopted to explore 11 registered nurses’ understanding and experiences enacting accountability in clinical practice.  Data were obtained through semi structured interviews. The theory that emerged provides a detailed portrait of the process of enacting and/or retreating from accountability.  The process encompasses 4 stages where the registered nurses: develop personal understanding, then gain professional knowledge, find their way in the complex healthcare system and concludes with becoming professionally confident.  The development of the stages exposed a multitude of challenges faced by the registered nurses in fulfilling accountability expectations.   Importantly, the registered nurses’ expended significant effort in finding a balance between their individual accountability and the collaborative accountability of the healthcare team and organization which contributed to retreating from accountability.  The contextual factors of financial and human resources, institutional culture and healthcare system processes were found to contribute to the registered nurses enacting and/or retreating from accountability.  The study findings illustrate the importance of ongoing reflective practice, mentorship and continuing education, all of which have implications for nursing educators and healthcare executives in preparing and supporting registered nurses’ in practice.  Further research on the concepts of this theory of accountability is needed to obtain a greater understanding of how the concepts can be operationalized within the context of current healthcare systems.


title: Visualizing Geospatial Uncertainty in Marine Animal Tracks

contributor:
Faculty of Computer Science
Master of Computer Science
Not applicable
Dr. Malcolm Heywood
Dr. Norman Scrimger
Dr. Dirk Arnold, Dr. Stephen Brooks
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Uncertainty, visualization, marine, marine animals, SSMs, MCMC, NASA World Wind, geospatial

abstract: Marine animal movement is a fundamental yet poorly understood process. One of the reasons is because our understanding of movement is affected by the measurement error during the observation and process noise. Differentiating real movement behavior from observation error in data remains difficult and challenging. Methods that acknowledge uncertainty in movement pathways when estimating constantly changing animal movement have been lacking until this time. However with the arrival of state-space models, this problem is partially solved as SSMs acknowledge this problem by allowing unobservable true states to be estimated from data observed with errors which arise from imprecise observations. State-space models use Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods which generate samples from a distribution by constructing a Markov Chain where the current state only depends on the immediately preceding state. The task of fitting SSMs to data is challenging and requires large computational effort and expertise in statistics. With the arrival of the WinBUGs software, this formidable task becomes relatively easy. Though using the WinBUGs software researchers try to visualize the tracks and behaviors, new problems appear. One of the problems is that when marine animals come back to certain places or animals' tracks cross each other several times, the tracks become cluttered and users are not able to understand the direction. Another problem of visualizing the confidence intervals generated using SSMs is that images generated using other systems are static in nature and therefore lack interactivity. Information becomes cluttered when too much data appear. Users are not able to differentiate tracks, confidence intervals or the information they would like to visualize. Acknowledging these, we have designed and implemented an interactive visualization system, MarineVis, where these problems are overcome. Using our system the confidence intervals generated using the SSMs, can be visualized more clearly and the direction of the turtle tracks can be understood easily. Our system does not occlude the underlying terrain as much because the glyphs are localized at the sample points rather than being spread out around the entire path. Our system encodes both direction and position rather than just position. Users can interactively limit the view of data points as a subset of available data points on a path, in clustered regions, to reduce congestion, and can animate the progression of the animal along its trajectory which is absent in existing approaches. All these results are visualized over NASA World Wind maps that facilitates the understanding of the tracks.

abstract:
Electronically collected animal movement data has been analyzed either statistically or visually using generic geographical information systems. The area of statistical analysis in this field has made progress over the last decade. However, visualizing the movement and behavior remains an open research problem. We have designed and implemented an interactive visualization system, MarineVis, to visualize geospatial uncertainty in the trajectories of marine animals. Using MarineVis, researchers are able to access, analyze and visualize marine animal data and oceanographic data with a variety of approaches. In this thesis, we discuss the MarineVis design structure, rendering techniques, and other visualization techniques which are used by existing software such as IDV to which we compare and contrast the visualization features of our system. Finally, directions of future work related to MarineVis are proposed which will inspire others to further study the challenging but
amazingly interesting and exciting research field of marine visualization.


title: ON THE STRUCTURE OF GAMES AND THEIR POSETS

contributor: Department of Mathematics & Statistics - Math Division

subject:
combinatorial game theory
option-closed
lattice
Oslo games
side-sum
ordinal sum
juxtaposition
Cricket Pitch
Toppling Dominoes
loopy games
Oslo Grundy's Game
Oslo Wythoff's Game
octal .007

abstract: This thesis explores the structure of games, including both the internal structure of various games and also the structure of classes of games as partially ordered sets. Internal structure is explored through consideration of juxtapositions of game positions and how the underlying games interact. We look at ordinal sums and introduce side-sums as a means of understanding this interaction, giving a full solution to a Toppling Dominoes variant through its application. Loopy games in which only one player is allowed a pass move, referred to as Oslo games, are introduced and their game structure explored. The poset of Oslo games is shown to form a distributive lattice. The Oslo forms of Wythoff’s game, Grundy’s game and octal .007 are introduced and full solutions given. Finally, the poset of option-closed games is given up to day 3 and all are shown to form a planar lattice. The option-closed game of Cricket Pitch is also fully analyzed.


title: FOSTERING CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT:FOSTER PARENTS' PERSPECTIVES

contributor:
Maritime School of Social Work
Master of Social Work
Dr. Adrienne Chan
Dr. Catrina Brown
Dr. Wanda Thomas-Bernard
Dr. Catrina Brown
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: FOSTER PARENTS, FOSTER CARE, TRANSCULTURAL FOSTER CARE PLACEMENTS, CHILDREN AND YOUTH FROM RACIALIZED GROUPS, RACE, CULTURE, CULTURAL RECEPTIVITY, CUTLURAL DEVELOPMENT,CHILD WELFARE, IDENTITY

abstract: Given the increased number of children from racialized groups requiring foster care and the decreasing number of foster parents from racialized groups, transcultural foster placements are on the rise.  Addressing racial and cultural diversity within the context of transcultural foster care placements is one of the most pressing dilemmas of contemporary child protection practice, in Canada.  In this qualitative exploratory study, the perspectives of regular non-kinship foster parents groups in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, Canada, who provide foster care to children and youth from racialized groups, were explored through open-ended structured interviews.  Participants consisted of nine foster parents, between the ages of 30 and over 60 years old, who were asked to share their experiences regarding transcultural foster care placements.  The results of this study indicated foster parents were culturally receptive and ‘fostering cultural development’ in their homes as well as their respective communities.


title: Photolithography Patterning of Complementary Organic Circuits

contributor: Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

subject:
OTFT
Organic electronics
Photolithography

abstract:
The application of organic electronics to display technologies, large area electronic paper
(or plastics), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic solar cells, radio frequency
identification tags, smart cards and chemical sensors has received a great deal of attention
in recent years. The main advantages of using organic semiconductors (OSCs) are lowcost,
low processing temperature, flexibility, light weight and rugged design. The
substantial progress in this field has been driven not just by existing technologies, such as
flat panel displays, but also by new applications, such as flexible solid-state lighting, lowcost
printed integrated circuits, and plastic solar cells, to name a few.
Performance-wise, organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) are on par with their a-Si
(amorphous silicon) counterparts. Since OTFT fabrication offers lower processing
temperatures and lower cost, it has the potential to replace a-Si in the near future. To
date, all organic complementary circuits have used stencil mask patterning. Stencil mask
patterning is not practical for mass manufacturing; hence, a way to pattern organic
complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (O-CMOS) using photolithography is
paramount. This is the goal of this thesis. In this dissertation the design and fabrication
of improved OTFTs for electronic displays and complementary circuits are illustrated.
Here, we demonstrated OTFTs that have excellent stability; hence, they are more suitable
for the above-mentioned electronic applications. In addition, for the first time, successful
photolithographic patterning of an n-channel organic semiconductor is demonstrated.
These important results have enabled us to integrate the n-channel and p-channel organic
materials using a complete photolithographic process in realizing O-CMOS.


title: ADAPTING TO SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH ARCHITECTURE: AN INTEGRATED COMMUNITY HUB FOR MOSHUPA VILLAGE, BOTSWANA

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Deborah Gans
Steve Parcell
Roland Hudson
Richard Kroeker
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Social Traditions, Urbanization, Socio-Economic, Rural Development, Material Culture, Environmental Sustainability, Civic and Community Architecture

abstract:
The thesis explores the role of Architecture in enhancing a sustainable rural livelihood in Botswana. Moshupa village is analyzed and assessed to create an alternative, self-sustainable model for rural development that can add value to the local economy, by fostering self-reliance, capacity building and empowerment.
Through the design of an Integrated Community Hub for Moshupa, the thesis attempts to embrace the changing dynamics of a village. It explores strategies that would inject life into the village making it a desirable place for younger generations and women to live, similar to what is currently achievable in towns and cities. Most importantly, the design principles and guidelines of traditional building techniques are explored through studying spatial habitation and organization. Materiality of built form and study of details are examined in search for an architecture that belongs to a place, by responding to the current economic, cultural, technical and environmental challenges in Botswana.


title: Shared Pathway: Re-Imagining A Railway Corridor As A Destination In The Urban Landscape

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Deborah Gans
Steve Parcell
Roland Hudson
Steven Mannell
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Halifax Halifax

abstract: This thesis is an exploration in redefining the existing railway corridor in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, to become a shared transit path as a mechanism to reinvigorate the urban fabric. Study of Halifax’s urban landscape identifies key points of reconnection in the urban network, with particular focus on the bounded areas of the railway cut. Two sites, Flynn Park and the Oaks, are studied for their inherent contribution to the urban landscape, and their potential to engage the community, street and city dweller. Both sites provide public access to the shared transit path, and  transform the interstitial land of the rail cut, currently derelict, to a place of civic importance. The redesigned sites work in synergy with the shared transit path not only by increasing physical and community activity in their respective sites, but also their role in revitalizing the link between the rail cut and the urban landscape.


title: Squint / Unsquint: Associative Composition as a Key to Facade Analysis and Design

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Deborah Gans
Steve Parcell
Noel Fowler
Emanuel Jannasch
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Architecture
Facade
Composition
Parking garage
Associative composition
Design
Analysis

abstract:
This study explores compositional abstraction in architecture. The act of squinting adopts
propositions from Christopher Alexander and structuralist Marcel Mauss. An analytical
method based upon element density and regularity is tested through residential facade
studies. Observed limitations prompt the introduction of a third axis of exceptionality.
Generative possibilities are investigated through a series of facade games.
Focus turns to the facades of parking garages as a neutral background for the examination
of compositional qualities. Notable garages are examined, and local design guidelines are
critiqued.
Finally, a garage in Halifax, Nova Scotia is redesigned. Compositional ambiguities inherent
in the existing confi guration prompt the introduction of an alternative, associatively rich
diaphragm system based upon the compositional and structural logic of trees. A review of
the associative method notes its value as an explicit decision-making tool, but suggests
that key formal moves remain beyond the generative scope of organizational modelling.


title: EFFECTS OF APEX ANGLE VARIATION ON FLOW DEVELOPMENT IN JETS ISSUING FROM DIFFERENT ISOSCELES TRIANGULAR ORIFICES

contributor:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Mysore Satish
Dr. Alex Kalamkarov
Dr. Prabir Basu
Dr. Willie R. Quinn, Dr. Dominic Groulx
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: TURBULENCE MIXING TRIANGULAR JETS

abstract: Isothermal, incompressible jets of air issuing from sharp-edged isosceles triangular orifices with apex angles of 10°, 20°, 30°, 70° and 160° into still surrounding air, were used to study the effects of apex angle variation on flow development in the jets. Some measurements were made in two round jets issuing from a sharp-edged orifice and from a contoured nozzle. The mean streamwise centreline velocity decay, mass entrainment and spreading results show that the 160° jet, which originates from the orifice with the longest perimeter, has the highest mixing rate in the near flow field. The results also suggest that the 10° jet, which originates from the orifice with the second longest perimeter, has the highest mixing rate in the far field. The results demonstrate that all the triangular jets have higher mixing rates than the round jets, throughout the flow region investigated.


title: TORREFACTION OF BIOMASS

contributor:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Alex Kalamkarov
Dr. Dominic Groulx
Dr. Kenneth Corscadden
Dr. Prabir Basu, Dr. Animesh Dutta
Not Applicable
No
Yes

subject:
Biomass
Biocoal
Renewable Energy
Carbonization
Torrefaction

abstract:
Torrefaction is a thermo-chemical pre-treatment of biomass within a narrow temperature range from 200°C to 300°C, where mostly the hemicellulose components of a biomass depolymerise. This treatment is carried out under atmospheric conditions in a non-oxidizing environment at low heating rates (< 50°C/min) and for a relatively long reactor residence time. Torrefaction increases the energy density of a biomass and reduces its O/C and H/C ratio, so its properties approach to that of coal.
Biomass is usually referred to as lignocellulose, as its major mass constituents are cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Research on torrefaction carried out to date deals solely with lignocellulose biomasses, and their degradation mechanism is explained primarily in terms of hemicellulose. However, there are biomasses which are non-lignocellulosic, have a small fraction of fibres in them or could possibly benefit from torrefaction. These include municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, animal waste, etc. Experiments were conducted on three non-cellulose biomasses (poultry waste, digested sludge, and undigested sludge) along with three typical lignocellulose biomasses (wood pellet and switchgrass and an agricultural waste – coffee bean husks).  Results showed that non-lignocellulose biomasses torrefy similarly to their lignocellulose counterparts.
Due to the immense potential of the torrefaction process, numerous manufacturers have developed their own patented technology for torrefying. Nevertheless, choosing the right torrefaction technology has become exceptionally difficult because of a near absence of a comparative assessment of different types of reactors. An experimental work was conducted to review the major generic types of reactors such as rotating drum, convective bed, fluidized bed and microwave, delineating the essential features of generic types of reactors. According to the results of this study, biomass torrefaction in a rotating drum gave the highest energy dense product, followed by fluidized bed and convective bed; the microwave reactor showed over-torrefaction at the core, while leaving the exterior green.
To help effective design of a torrefier, several systematic experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of some of the more important operating parameters, such as torrefaction temperature, residence time and biomass particles size on the torrefaction yield. Although the mass yield decreased with the torrefaction temperature, energy density increased with it. Moreover, torrefaction yield varied for different biomass particle sizes depending on the type of reactor used, but the particle size did not have any clear effect on the energy density of the torrefied product.


title: A SURVEY ON THE EFFECTS OF PROGRESSIVE REMOVAL OF BRAND IMAGERY ELEMENTS FROM CIGARETTE PACKS ON THE PERCEPTION OF ADULT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

contributor: Master of Health Services Administration

contributor: Dr. David Persaud, Dr. Shyuemeng  Luu, and Dr. Chris Simms

contributor: Dr. Chris Simms (Supervisor)  and Shyuemeng Luu (co-supervisor)

subject: Plain packaging, tobacco control, health policy

abstract:
Plain packaging can arguably reduce the appeal of cigarette packages and deter people from smoking. In this study, a 1 (brand type) X 4 (levels of plain packages) betweensubject
design was utilized. The method used was an internet survey. 220 adult smokers
and non-smokers from Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) rated packages in terms of
their brand imagery characteristics and answered a single multiple choice question to test
their recall of the health warning on their package. According to the results of a
MANOVA test and a bivariate logistic regression test of perception attributes, the
association between plainer packages and the participants’ ratings for some attributes
were significant, and ranged from slightly moderate to moderate strength levels of
associations. Health warnings recall and plainer packages were also significantly and
moderately associated. These associations provide a compelling argument for the need
for plain packaging policies as a deterrent for smoking.


title: EFFECTS OF OVARIAN HORMONES ON SLEEP AND RECOVERY FROM SLEEP DEPRIVATION IN OVARIECTOMIZED MIDDLE-AGED FEMALE RATS

contributor: Department of Anatomy & Neurobiolgy with Neuroscience

subject:
Menopause
Sleep
Estrogen
Progesterone
Middle Age

abstract: Menopausal symptoms, including sleep problems, occur as a result of reduced production of ovarian hormones in middle-aged women, and are often treated with replacement of these hormones.  However, the efficacy of hormone replacement for improving sleep is controversial.  We assessed sleep/wake patterns during baseline and recovery following 6 h of sleep deprivation in ovariectomized middle-aged rats treated with oil, estradiol, or estradiol and progesterone.  We found that, at baseline, hormone administration reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep initiation and non-REM sleep amount, promoting wakefulness, particularly during the dark (active) phase, but that, during recovery following sleep deprivation, hormonal treatment reduced sleep intensity initially and lengthened REM sleep recovery.  These results indicate that in middle-aged female rats ovarian hormones modulate baseline and recovery sleep differently, possibly by modulating circadian and homeostatic regulation of sleep in an age-dependent manner.


title: A STUDY OF THE ROLE OF INTRAGUILD PREDATION IN THE POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THREE SPECIES OF RHYACOPHILA

contributor:
Department of Biology
Master of Science
Donna Giberson
Hal Whitehead
Cindy Staicer
Patricia Lane
Sandra Walde
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Biology, streams, predation, intraguild predation

abstract: Intraguild (IG) predation, where species within the same guild prey on each other, is common in aquatic communities. I used the abundance and distributional patterns of three species of Rhyacophila (Trichoptera), derived from a survey of 25 streams in Nova Scotia, Canada, to test several predictions of IG theory. I first sampled microhabitats and conducted behavioural observations to establish that the species do co-occur and prey on each other.  Abundance patterns did not conform to two key model predictions: (1) Neither of the IG prey (R. minor, R. vibox) was excluded from the most productive streams, and (2) IG prey densities were not inversely related to productivity in streams with the IG predator (R. fuscula). It remains possible that intraguild predation occurs between these species of Rhyacophilia, the measured abundances do not indicate any measurable effects from IGP, the abundance being determined instead by the availability of prey.


title: Two Roads to Middle-earth Converge: Observing Text-based and Film-based Mental Images from TheOneRing.net Online Fan Community

contributor: Master of Library and information Studies

subject:
visualization
mental imagery
The Lord of the Rings
online fan communities
text analysis

abstract: Mental imagery as a form of human cognition is still not well understood, particularly in the area of spatiality.  This thesis attempts to find the relationship between the mental images of places created while reading a story (ekphrastic) and the mental images created while viewing a cinematic adaptation of that story.  Using Bakhtin’s idea of chronotope, and Panofsky’s theory of iconography, associations can be made between places in text and film that inform the themes that readers/spectators identify and evaluate.  Netlytic, an online text analysis tool, permits the analysis of online message board fan opinions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s and Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings according to themes of visualization and of place.  Analysis of findings suggests that mental images created from the text and from the filmic adaptation are both passively and actively integrated in order to increase comprehension of spatial elements in Tolkien’s epic.


title: Detection of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Progression of Steatohepatitis in Mink (Neovison vison) with Fatty Liver

contributor:
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
Master of Science
Dr. Sandra McConkey
Dr. Dian Patterson
Dr. Leslie MacLaren, Dr. Lori Parsons
Dr. Kirsti Rouvinen-Watt
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Fatty Liver, Steatosis, Steatohepatitis, GRP78, Glucose regulated protein 78, Endoplasmic reticulum, ER

abstract:
This study used the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis activity index (NAI), presence of
fibrosis and Mallory-Denk bodies (MDBs), and quantification of glucose regulated
protein 78 (GRP78) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) as indicators of steatohepatitis
development and recovery in the American mink (Neovison vison). Mink were fasted for
0, 1, 3, 5, or 7 days, and one group re-fed 28 days post 7-day fast. Liver NAI indicated
that moderate fatty liver developed after 5 days of fasting. Liver recovery was achieved
after the re-feeding period. There was no evidence of fibrosis or MDB formation. Upregulation
of GRP78 was observed by day 7 of fasting indicating endoplasmic reticulum
stress. This effect was greater in females. Results suggest that liver steatosis did not
advance to steatohepatitis within a 7-day fast. However, should the length of fast be
increased the mink may be at risk. Results also show that liver recovery from simple
fatty liver is possible.


title: Bad Reputation: Joan Jett and Questions of Canon

contributor:
Department of Music
Master of Arts
Steven Baur
Estelle Joubert
Jacqueline Warwick
Steven Baur
Roberta Barker
Jacqueline Warwick
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Popular Music
Canon
Joan Jett

abstract: The purpose of this project is to identify and examine the reasons for which American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Joan Jett has been widely excluded from critical musicological study and discussion.  The overall aim is to create a discourse around the problems of canonizing popular music and the subsequent marginalization of artists who do not conform to the standard identity associated with a particular genre.  The thesis focuses on three songs from Jett’s career as the foundation for in depth analysis of her musical contributions and career as well as discussions about gender and authenticity in the music industry to establish Jett’s musical credibility and historical relevance in popular music studies.


title: Supporting the Student Research-paper Writing Process: Activities, Technologies, and Sources

subject:
Task-based design
Information search and retrieval
Student paper-writing process

abstract: Students use a myriad of disparate technologies and information sources to conduct a variety of activities during the research-paper writing process. While this process is considered a complex task, there is no “information appliance” that provides support. Using established frameworks of the research-paper writing process, an online survey was conducted to describe how activities, sources, and technologies used by students during the process are related to the various phases of that process. Connections were made between activities and technologies to show how an information appliance may support the process from onset to completion. Results show that the activities conducted during the process are iterative. The design application is that some technologies, such as those that support searching, need not be viewable at all times, but must always be available.  These connections provide further insight into the student research-paper writing process and provide an example of how design may support task.


title: Screening for New Primary Cancers in Cancer Survivors: Systematic Review and Analysis of Nova Scotian Colorectal Cancer Survivors

contributor: Department of Community Health & Epidemiology

subject:
cancer epidemiology
cancer screening
cancer survivorship
systematic review
retrospective cohort study

abstract: Little is known about the receipt of cancer screening for new primary cancers among Canadian cancer survivors. The objectives of this thesis are to i) synthesize evidence comparing receipt cancer screening between cancer survivors and non-cancer controls; and ii) analyze breast and cervical cancer screening receipt among Nova Scotian colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. This thesis consists of a systematic review and meta-analysis, and a population-based cohort study of Nova Scotian CRC survivors. We found that while cancer survivors were more likely to receive cancer screening than the general population, a significant proportion of cancer survivors were not screened. We observed significant heterogeneity between studies, most of which remained unexplained after subgroup and sensitivity analyses. 30.1% and 47.9% of Nova Scotian CRC survivors never received a breast and cervical cancer screen after their CRC diagnosis. Receipt of pre-CRC diagnosis screening was strongly predictive of receiving screening post-diagnosis.


title: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SURVIVAL FOR A COHORT OF  CLINICALLY CONFIRMED DIABETES CASES IN NOVA SCOTIA

contributor: Dr Jennifer Payne and Dr. George Kephart (co-supervisor)

subject: Diabetes Survival Comorbidity

abstract: Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia (DCPNS) Registry data were used to examine factors associated with survival for clinically confirmed diabetes mellitus (DM) cases. Type 1 (N=2,043) and type 2 (N=47,974) cases were followed from first Diabetes Centre visit until death/study end. Kaplan Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore differences in survival by sex, district health authority of care, and comorbidity status (hypertension and/or dyslipidemia). Median lifespan for type 1 cases was 12 years shorter than for type 2 cases. Hazard rate ratios for those with dyslipidemia, hypertension, or both compared to those with neither comorbidity were 1.63, 2.57, and 7.52 for type 1 cases and 0.95, 1.15, and 1.00 for type 2 cases. Disease progression and the relationship between comorbidity status and survival differed markedly for the type 1 and type 2 DM populations underscoring the need to examine these populations separately.


title: Coming Full Circle: Redefining "Effectiveness" for Aboriginal Justice

contributor: Department of Sociology & Social Anthropology

subject:
Mi'kmaq
Micmac
circle sentencing
sentencing circle
aboriginal
restorative justice

abstract: Aboriginal peoples are over-represented in many adverse demographics. Most striking is their presence in the justice system. Aboriginal offenders experience the highest levels of incarceration, and later recidivism. Sentencing circles are an indigenized alternate approach to sentencing that aim to improve their justice experience. Most studies conducted on the efficacy of circle sentencing have focused on its capacity to reduce crime. The findings of such research conclude that circle sentencing is ineffective at achieving such outcomes. I propose that these are the wrong outcomes to analyze and in turn seek to research new evaluative criteria for assessing circle sentencing’s effectiveness, by focusing on its restorative capacity instead of its reductive ability alone. The legitimacy of these measures is examined by interviewing individuals from different levels of restoration and comparing findings to existing scholarship. Semi-structured interviews are used to investigate the efficacy of Mi’kmaq circle sentencing in Millbrook, Nova Scotia.


title: AN EVER CLOSER UNION? IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM POLICY IN ITALY AND SPAIN: A TALE OF TWO EUROPEANIZATIONS

contributor:
Department of Political Science
Master of Arts
Anders Hayden
Frank Harvey
Finn Laursen
Ruben Zaiotti
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Europeanization, immigration policy, European Union

abstract: The European Union expanded from its first conceptualization as an economic union hedging possible German expansion to encompass policy areas traditionally controlled by the state. One of these areas—immigration and asylum—is closely associated with ideas of state identity and citizenship, and is an area in which states have been unwilling to cede control. Two member states—Italy and Spain—have many similarities, one of which is significant issues in regard to large and undocumented migration but, despite that, took quite different policy directions vis-à-vis the EU’s proposed immigration and asylum norms. This research examines Italy and Spain using Knill and Lehmkuhl’s mechanisms of Europeanization during three policymaking timeframes in order to determine how and why these states have taken divergent paths. This thesis found that different mechanisms were used during different periods and that counterintuitive to expected findings, the weakest mechanism is dominant during the current era.


title: The Larger Pelagic Crustacea of the Gully Submarine Canyon

contributor: Ian McLaren, Sandra Walde, Hal Whitehead

subject: Pelagic Crustacea, micronekton, The Gully, submarine canyon, vertical distribution, species assemblage, annotated species list, new species records, rare species, Meganyctiphanes norvegica, Sergestes arcticus

abstract: The larger pelagic crustacean fauna of the Gully submarine canyon is described for the first time, based on three annual summer surveys. The larger Crustacea are a significant part of the Gully fauna, and are dominated by cold temperate species, in particular the northern krill Meganyctiphanes norvegica and the decapod Sergestes arcticus. In all, at least 69 species were collected from the surface to bathypelagic depths, with seventeen being new Canadian records. With the exception of M. norvegica, inter-annual variation in the dominant species was minor. The species assemblage varied primarily with depth surveyed and diel cycle, and not year. Comparing the larger pelagic crustaceans in the Gully and over the adjacent continental slope showed that overall species number, biomass, and abundance were all greater in the canyon, the biomass of S. arcticus particularly showing a positive “Gully effect”.


title: ACCURACY OF SELF-REPORTED STRABISMUS

contributor:
Department of Clinical Vision Science
Master of Science
Elizabeth C. Engle, MD
Francois Tremblay, PhD
Karen McMain, Leah Walsh
David G. Hunter, MD, PhD
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Self-report, strabismus

abstract: Although the diagnosis of strabismus requires specialist examination, many individuals are aware that they are affected. It is thus possible that self-reporting could be sufficient for population or genetic studies of strabismus; however, the accuracy of self-reported strabismus has not previously been evaluated. In this study, participants in the Genetics of Comitant Congenital Strabismus (CCS) Study were asked to report whether they had strabismus prior to receiving a complete orthoptic evaluation. In 671 individuals studied, the sensitivity of self-report for detecting true CCS was 48.5%, with a specificity of 98.6%, giving a PPV of 92.6% (NPV 84.5%). Self-reporting accuracy was influenced by the direction, size and constancy of the deviation, and by sex but not education. Self-reports produced a misclassification rate of 14.5% for CCS alone and 33.1% for combined CCS or strabismus-associated conditions. Considering this high misclassification rate, self-report should not be used for clinical studies of strabismus.


title: A Latent Growth Curve Analysis of Neighbourhood and Family Influences on Canadian Children's Prosocial Behaviour Developmental Trajectories

contributor:
Interdisciplinary PhD Programme
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Doug Willms
Dr. Marina Plushenskaya
Dr. Victor Thiessen
Dr. Dominika Wranik
Dr. Judy Read Guernsey
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Prosocial behaviour, family SES, family dysfunction, parenting practices, social support

abstract: Prosocial behaviour is an important building block of children's future social relationships and overall life achievement. The purpose of this study is to increase our knowledge of how various social pathways influence the developmental trajectories of prosocial behaviour in children between the age of 4 and 11. Conceptually, this study rests on the family stress model and its mediating effects, augmented by parental perceptions of neighbourhood social relationships moderating those family pathways. Research is conducted using data from Statistics Canada's National Longitudinal Survey on Children and Youth (NLSCY), and latent growth models (LGM) in four parenting domains: positive interaction, effectiveness, consistency, and rationality. The study supports the hypothesis that family pathways, such as parental depression, family dysfunction, and parenting practices, mediate the relationship between family SES and children's prosocial development. Study findings also demonstrate the important direct effect sizes of all parenting practices on children's prosocial growth. Results suggest that the magnitude of the direct effects of parenting practices on prosocial behaviour, which are non-negligible and positive, are to a great extent negatively affected by the variables defined in the family stress model. Moreover, this research provides new insights about the types of moderation, and the focus of these moderating effects on the family stress model. Thus, findings support the hypothesis that parents' perceptions of neighbourhood cohesion and social support mitigate one or more family pathways more proximal to the child. Overall, this research study contributes in a distinctive manner to the current literature on children's prosocial behaviour development.


title: OF CRYMSEN TISSUE: THE CONSTRUCTION OF A QUEEN. IDENTITY, LEGITIMACY AND THE WARDROBE OF MARY TUDOR

contributor:
Department of History
Master of Arts
Lynn Sorge-English
Justin Robertson
Cynthia Neville
Krista Kesselring
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: clothing

subject: Mary I, Queen of England, 1516-1558

subject: Henry VIII, King of England, 1491-1547.

subject: history of fashion

subject: English dress

subject: Spanish dress

subject: Wardrobe of the robes

subject: Costume--Great Britain--History--16th century

subject: Great Britain--Kings and rulers--Clothing

subject: Great Britain--Court and courtiers--Clothing

subject: Henry VIII, King of England, 1491-1547--Clothing

abstract: A work discussing Mary Tudor (Mary I)'s use of clothing as a political tool in mid-sixteenth century England. Includes transcriptions of warrants from the wardrobe of the robes from 1547, 1557, 1558.

abstract: Clothing, together with other bodily adornments, is a valuable tool for communicating loyalty, identity and status. The coded messages inherent in the interplay between garments, bodies and society play a fundamental role in political culture, and the early modern era was no exception. The example of Mary I of England and her wardrobe choices demonstrates precisely how useful this tool could be. Through examination of previously-unpublished warrants, information from Privy Purse records, contemporary accounts and portraiture, this thesis analyzes the contents of and changes in Mary I’s wardrobe through the course of her adult life. By examining what the queen wore and when, patterns emerge that correlate with important parts of her political strategies. The first queen regnant, Mary used her wardrobe as a vital tool in the construction of her identity and self-representation, and as a means of navigating through the political and domestic upheavals that threatened her authority.


title: Niches of Activity and Reprieve: An Architectural Induction in Service of Environmental Presence

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Brian Carter
Steve Parcell
Rory MacDonald
Susan Molesky
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Induction, Inductive, Acoustic, Ecology, Media, Methodology, Method, Process, Construct, Dynamic, Sound, Noise, Experience, Presence, Design, Architecture, Edge, Threshold, Dwelling, Art, Residency, Environment, Place, Observation, Context, Acoustic Ecology

abstract:
Design is the meeting of the processes that one employs and the intentions that one brings.

Exploring an inductive methodology situates the design environmentally.  The inherent dynamic and constructive processes, which arise from the qualities of methodological inquiries, are the basis for the inhabitation within place.

An inductive process began by exploring the role of aural perception prior to contextual and design intentions. This resulted in a strong emphasis on experience and presence. Research into analogous disciplines resulted in an exploration of methods that facilitate the inductive operations of media, particularly noise.

The provision of a contextual framework for observations provided order to method. A strategy was posited, where the development of constructs that addressed the entire range of environmental dimensions, from site to structure, could supply integrity to the situation of contextual forces; their tension and release.

Hence, a general theory for the constructive inhabitation of place.


title: Being Aquifex aeolicus: Untangling a hyperthermophile's Checkered Past

contributor: Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

subject:
Aquifex aeolicus
Thermotogae
phylogenomics
hyperthermophily
lateral gene transfer

abstract: Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is an important factor contributing to the evolution of prokaryotic genomes. The Aquificae are a hyperthermophilic bacterial group whose genes show affiliations to many other lineages, including the hyperthermophilic Thermotogae, the Proteobacteria, and the Archaea. Here I outline these scenarios and consider the fit of the available data, including two recently sequenced genomes from members of the Aquificae, to different sets of predictions. Evidence from phylogenetic profiles and trees suggests that the ?-Proteobacteria have the strongest affinities with the three Aquificae analyzed. However, this phylogenetic signal is by no means the dominant one, with the Archaea, many lineages of thermophilic bacteria, and members of genus Clostridium and class ?-Proteobacteria also showing strong connections to the Aquificae. The phylogenetic affiliations of different functional subsystems showed strong biases: as observed previously, most but not all genes implicated in the core translational apparatus tended to group Aquificae with Thermotogae, while a wide range of metabolic systems strongly supported the Aquificae - ?-Proteobacteria link. Given the breadth of support for this latter relationship, a scenario of ?-proteobacterial ancestry coupled with frequent exchange among thermophilic lineages is a plausible explanation for the emergence of the Aquificae.


title: Factors affecting knee joint muscle activation patterns during gait in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

contributor:
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Walter Herzog
Dr. Sarah Wells
Dr. John Kozey
Dr. William Stanish
Dr. Cheryl Hubley-Kozey
Not Applicable
Yes
Yes

subject:
Osteoarthritis
Electromyography
Gait Analysis
Knee
Pattern Recognition
Knee effusion
Severity

abstract:
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease and a leading cause of morbidity in older adults, resulting in severe mobility limitations. While the osteoligamentous and neuromuscular systems are altered in knee OA, little data is available to illustrate an association among these systems. The objective of this dissertation was to improve our understanding of how muscle activation patterns during gait are altered across the knee OA severity spectrum and to examine how factors related to the OA process are associated with these alterations. Three independent but related studies were conducted.
Muscle activation of the medial and lateral orientations of the gastrocnemii, quadriceps and hamstrings were recorded during gait using surface electromyography for all three studies.  Key activation features were identified using principal component analysis. First, participants selected from a large group (n=272) of individuals classified as asymptomatic, ii) moderate ii) severe knee OA were matched for walking velocity. Significant amplitude and temporal activation characteristics were found, supporting that differences among OA severities exist and were not the result of walking velocity only. Secondly, individuals with moderate OA were sub-grouped based on structural severity determined using Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scores (II-IV) and were compared to a velocity-matched asymptomatic group. Medial gastrocnemius, lateral hamstring and quadriceps amplitudes and temporal patterns were significantly altered by structural severity where significant activation imbalances between the lateral:medial gastrocnemii and hamstrings were found with greater structural impairment (score>II). Thirdly, individuals with moderate OA were prospectively evaluated and divided into knee effusion and no effusion groups, based on a positive bulge test. A significantly higher knee flexion angle during mid-stance, higher quadriceps amplitudes and prolonged hamstrings amplitudes were found when effusion was found.
These studies showed that muscle activation patterns during walking were related to i) OA presence and severity based on functional, symptoms and radiographic evidence, ii) structural severity and iii) knee joint effusion. These findings improve our understanding of the interrelationships between alterations in joint structure and function associated with knee OA and muscle activation patterns during gait.  These data can contribute to the development of gait-based metrics that can facilitate knee OA diagnosis and monitor progression.


title: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND BIODIVERSITY IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY: THE POTENTIAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS FOR PROTECTING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE-BASED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

contributor:
Faculty of Law
Doctor in the Science of Law
Dr. Daniel Gervais
Dr. Steve Coughlan
Dr. Brian Noble
Professor Graham Reynolds
Prof. Bruce P. Archibald
Dr. Chidi Oguamanam, Dr. Aldo Chircop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Yes

subject: Intellectual property, traditional knowledge,  biodiversity, geographical indications, traditional knowledge-based agricultural products, sui generis, trademarks, WIPO, WTO, FAO, CBD,ABS, Access and Benefit Sharing,Appellations of Origin, global knowledge economy, cultural economy, embeddeness, capabilities approach, social-planning theories, international law, developing countries, indigenous peoples and local communities, fair trade labelling, organic labelling, environmental labelling,  international forums, modalities of protection, defensive protection, positive protection, food security, food sovereignty, cultural homogenization, delinking

abstract:
The relationship between international regimes regulating intellectual property, traditional knowledge and biodiversity has received much attention in recent times. Of the many complex and controversial issues in contemporary international legal discourse on this matter, the protection of traditional knowledge (TK) stands out as a significant challenge. Choices abound in the search for modalities to regulate rights to use and control TK systems and their underlying biodiversity.
In recent times, the protection of geographical indications (GIs) has emerged as an option for protecting TK. Despite the considerable enthusiasm over it, there is appreciable research dearth on how far and in what context GIs can be used as a protection model. Indeed, not only is the concept of GIs itself widely misunderstood. As well, analyses as to their applicability for protecting TK often reflect underlying cultural differences in the nature, scope and the jurisprudence regarding GIs across jurisdictions.
This thesis examines the relationship between GIs and TK, focusing on the responsiveness of GIs to the needs and desires of indigenous peoples and local communities (ILCs). The thesis posits that the search for a model to protect TK should involve identifying different modalities, including those based on intellectual property, to fit to the nature and uses of TK in particular contexts. The analysis conceptualizes GIs as a form of IP that are structurally and functionally suitable to protect aspects of TK in traditional knowledge-based agricultural products (TKBAPs).
Substantively, the thesis draws attention to the conceptual underpinnings of GIs as encompassing cultural and economic objectives in the protection of TK. As such, it is argued that stronger protection of GIs should be achieved by integrating the negotiations and discussion concerning GIs and TK at the international level. Further, the case is made for the determination of immediate challenges and long-term opportunities in choosing a legal means for protecting GIs at the national level. In this connection, the thesis suggests that the potential of GIs to meet national and local imperatives to protect TK be assessed, inter alia, based on their instrumentality for economic, biodiversity, cultural and food security objectives in protecting TKBAPs.


title: In Search of an Electrophysiological Correlate to Between-Channel Modulation Gap Detection

contributor:
School of Human Communication Disorders
Master of Science
Dr. Aaron Newman
Dr. Joy Armson
Dr. Dennis Phillips
Michel Comeau
Dr. Steve Aiken
Received
No
No

subject:
Modulated Gap Detection
Auditory Processing Disorder
Temporal processing
P1N1P2
Between channel gap detection

abstract: Auditory processing disorder (APD) is characterized by deficits in the auditory modality that are not due to a global processing problem or to deficiencies in the peripheral auditory system. Diagnosis of APD is time-consuming and could benefit from an objective test. Temporal processing ability is often impaired in cases of APD, which includes deficits on gap detection tasks. Previous attempts to correlate gap detection thresholds to electrophysiological responses have used the P1-N1-P2 response, mismatch negativity (MMN), and 40 Hz auditory steady-state response (ASSR), but these attempts have not been successful, especially using between-channel gap detection tasks. The current study used a modulation gap detection task and recorded the above responses to supra- and subthreshold gaps and stimuli with no gap. A significant P2 response and a later positive peak distinguished perception of a suprathreshold gap. Improvements over previous studies, the relation to auditory training, and limitations and directions for future research are discussed.


title: Rising Sea Level: An Amphibious Community for the Dartmouth Cove

contributor:
Schoolt of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Geoffrey Thun
Brian Lilley
Steve Parcell
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Amphibious architecture
Sea level rise
Urban Design
Flood resilience
Coastal environments

abstract: To respond to the global issue of sea level rise, this thesis examines architectural adaptation strategies by focusing on a low-lying coastal community in Dartmouth Cove in Halifax, Canada. Without a comprehensive adaptation strategy, these residents, along with 75% of the properties surrounding the harbour, will be forced to abandon their homes, resulting in a massive retreat from the coast. This project explores ways to build that can accommodate the future rise in sea level and population growth but are sensitive to the natural environment. It includes designs for urban organizations and amphibious housing blocks. The findings presented in this thesis suggest that amphibious architecture could become a viable solution for coastal environments in urban areas.


title: Planting Urban Health - Integrating Architecture and Productive Urban Greenspace into an Educational Health Facility

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Deborah Gans
Stephen Parcell
Ted Cavanagh
Sarah Bonnemaison
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Greenspace
urban agriculture
education
health

abstract: Chronic health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are on the rise in Canada, and particularly in Nova Scotia. Lifestyle-related factors including stress level, exercise, and a healthy diet are crucial to preventing such illnesses. Research shows that access to greenspace can greatly effect physical and mental health in terms of stress-reduction, social cohesion and exercise promotion. Importantly, food-producing greenspace provides further mental and physical benefits; highlighting the importance of a healthy diet and a connection to the earth. Despite these findings, productive greenspace in our cities as a viable source of wellness is not optimized. This project, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, examines how productive greenspace can be integrated with interactive learning spaces to encourage a preventative approach to lifestyle-based illnesses.


title: Across 110th Street: Breathing Life into Harlem's Decaying Street Culture

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Peter Henry
Steve Parcell
Yusef Dennis
Roland Hudson
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Culture, Street Culture, Harlem, Hip-Hop, Landscape Building, Museum, Urban

abstract:
This thesis looks to expand on the ways in which urban design can influence and foster the development of street culture. Gentrification has resulted in the deterioration of many cities that were well known for their rich and vibrant street culture. In particular, Harlem, New York City has experienced decay in its tradition of having a strong and lively street presence. With its busiest street lined with numerous vacant lots, W 125th St in Harlem is the ideal testing ground for a project that breathes life into a dying street culture.
Museums have the ability to spark urban regeneration and vitality. Taking cues from examples of successful museums, this project breaks free of the building envelope to create spaces that encourage and promote street culture activities. With a program that is heavily based in street and popular culture, a new cultural center provides support for this urban regeneration project.


title: Breaking the Black Box: Using Flexible Architecture to Connect Performance with the Landscape

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Deborah Gans
Steve Parcell
Maria Elisa Navarro Morales
Catherine Venart
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Flexibility, Landscape, Body, Dance, Performance

abstract: Buildings are largely static objects, while the people and programs that inhabit them and the landscapes surrounding them belong to a set of more dynamic, shifting and interconnected systems.  The intention of the thesis is to demonstrate a sympathetic resonance between landscape and body, as architecture.  This will be explored through the design of a dance performance and rehearsal space at The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in Ross Creek, Nova Scotia, Canada.


title: A Process of Innovation:  Technological Development in Wood Construction

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Geoffrey Thun
Steve Parcell
Susan Molesky
Ted Cavanagh
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Gridshell
wood
form finding
technology
material
innovation

abstract: This thesis explores the use of small diameter, round timber in the construction of lightweight gridshell structures. The project intention is to develop a simple and accessible construction method, based on locally available material that embraces a diverse range of technology.  The  design is developed using  a material based approach, which first explores the behavior and limits of the material through testing at full scale.  This information is used in a rapid prototyping process of scale modeling which  focuses on material and construction sequence to develop a structural system. Using available materials as a design parameter, the work is an exploration of how the gridshell system can be adapted to the specific context of rural Nova Scotia.  This design method is explored through the design of a  craft school at the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in Ross Creek, Nova Scotia, Canada.


title: Personal Rapid Transit for Halifax, Nova Scotia

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Deborah Gans
Stephen Parcell
Kevin Reid
Roger Mullin
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Personal Rapid Transit
Mobility-on-Demand
Multimodal Network
Corridor Revitalization
Station Prototype

abstract: As auto-dependent development has forced the urban limits of the city to sprawl, it has put considerable pressure on the transportation corridors that serve the city center. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, this condition is exacerbated by the downtown being bounded by water on three sides. Thus, there are a limited number of transportation corridors onto and off of the peninsula. This thesis examines how transit stations for a proposed public transportation line, within an underused rail corridor, can actively support and engage the communities they serve. A personal rapid transit network is proposed as a mobility-on-demand public transit system within this corridor. This introduction of a new transportation strategy is seen as a paradigm shift for the way transportation is conceived of in Halifax. Thus, the typology of the station will be studied in three different social and topographic environments, to form prototypes for the potential of transit stations throughout Halifax.


title: Variable Rate Fertilization in Wild Blueberry Fields to Improve Crop Productivity and Reduce Environmental Impacts

contributor:
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
Master of Science
Dr. Dian Patterson
Dr. David Percival
Dr. Ali Madani
Dr. Shiv Prasher
Dr. Qamar Zaman, Dr. Arnold Schumann
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Precision Agriculture, variable rate fertilization, wild blueberry, surface water, subsurface water, blueberry yield

abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of variable rate fertilization on crop productivity and surface and subsurface water quality in wild blueberry fields. Result illustrated that variable rate fertilization significantly reduce the nutrients loading in surface and subsurface water, and improved blueberry yield.

abstract: Two wild blueberry fields were selected to evaluate the impact of variable rate (VR) fertilization on crop productivity, surface and subsurface water quality. Management zones were delineated based on slope variability, and different fertilizer rates were applied according to prescription maps. Runoff collectors were place in the fields to measure the nutrient losses in surface runoff, while lysimeters were installed to evaluate the impact of VR fertilization (VRF) on subsurface water quality. The VR treatment significantly decreased phosphorus and nitrogen loadings in surface runoff as compared to uniform treatment. The concentrations of nutrients in subsurface water samples were also significantly lower for VR treatment as compared to uniform treatment. The excessive nutrients enhanced vegetative growth in low lying areas of uniform fertilization, while berry yield was less. Based on these results, it can be concluded that VRF in wild blueberry fields improved the crop productivity and potential environmental impacts.


title: MAPPING SOIL PROPERTIES AND WATER TABLE DEPTHS USING ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION METHODS

contributor:
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
Master of Science
Dr. Dian Patterson
Dr. Ali Madani
Dr. David Percival
Dr. Ramesh Rudra
Dr. Qamar Zaman, Dr. Arnold Schumann
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Electromagnetic Induction
EMI
DGPS
GIS
Apparent Ground Conductivity
Soil Properties
Water table Depths

abstract: Detailed soil and water data are essential to ensure the optimum long-term management of fields. The objective of this study was to estimate water table depths, spatially variable and layered soil properties using electromagnetic induction methods. Soil samples were collected and analyzed within two wild blueberry, a soybean-barley and a pasture fields. Observation wells were installed. The DualEM-2 was calibrated to predict the soil properties and groundwater depths. The apparent ground conductivity (ECa) and water table depths were measured simultaneously from each well, before and after every significant rainfall for three consecutive days. Comprehensive surveys were conducted in selected fields to measure ECa with DualEM-2. Survey data were imported in C++ program to estimate layered soil properties using mathematical models. Regression models were developed to predict soil properties and groundwater depths. The predicted soil properties and groundwater table maps were generated. This information can help to develop variable rate technologies.


title: Reactivating the Derelict: Developing an Architectural Framework for Social Interaction through the Analysis of Berlin’s Diverse Physical History and Cultural Character

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Geoffrey Thün
Stephen Parcell
Susan Molesky
Catherine Venart
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Berlin Redevelopment Reactivation Infrastructure Exchange

abstract:
The post-war development of reunified Germany has resulted in many physical, economic, social and cultural changes.  Despite the end of many restrictions imposed upon its populace during the Cold War, change would become an unexpected challenge to the people of a new Germany.  With their residual memories from an extinct authoritative system, the general populace hinder redevelopment, and ultimately leave neighboring communities in a state of continued separation.
The following thesis investigates the physical, social and cultural characteristics of site in attempts at generating, as an architectural methodology, infrastructural and programmatic strategies capable of informing the redevelopment of derelict post-industrial sites.  In addressing the latent characteristics of site, historical, physical and programmatic, the resulting infrastructural and architectural framework assumes a programmatic classification that emphasizes its current dynamic uses and temporary programmes, enables changeability, and maintains memory of place by way of uninhibited openness for its users and surrounding communities.


title: Site Based Phenomena

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Geoffrey Thun
Steve Parcell
Susan Molesky
Catherine Venart
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Phenomenology
Architecture
Nova Scotia
Peggy's Cove
Landscape
Andrew Hill

abstract:
With the perpetual advancements in technology
and communication the focus and obsession
of architectural critique has become surfi cially
focused on building “image”. This focus on image
of architecture has taken away from the
true meaning and focus of what architecture is,
space and experience. Although most talks today
are focused on image, there are a handful
of architects that push for a more phenomenological
approach. In the design process, they
think more of how a space will feel and stimulate
the senses, enrich a viewer’s experience and
strengthen the relationship of the space to the
context beyond.
This thesis attempts to develop methods and
concepts that focus on the study of site based
phenomena. This thesis attempts to fi nd design
processes that will see buildings conceptually
conceived from their sites rather than merely
placed upon them. The development of these
methods and processes is the primary concern
of the thesis. It uses Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
as a laboratory for testing.


title: Temporal and individual song variation in the Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis)

contributor:
Department of Biology
Master of Science
Dr. Hal Whitehead
Dr. Marty Leonard
Dr. Leslie Phillmore
Dr. Cindy Staicer
Received
No
No

subject: Canada Warbler, Cardellina canadensis, vocal behaviour, song, Parulidae, detectability, singing modes, song sharing, repertoire

abstract: Song repertoire structure, organization, and use were studied in 68 male Canada Warblers (Cardellina canadensis) in a breeding population in New Hampshire in 2010-2011.  On average, males had complex repertoires of 12 phrases and 55 variants.  Repertoire sharing was negatively related to distance between territories, and positively related to longer territory tenure, evidence that males learn songs from neighbours.  Males used two singing modes: (I) slow, regular delivery of less variable songs, and (II) fast, intermittent delivery of more variable songs interspersed with chips.  Males used Mode I when unpaired and when near females, and Mode II at dawn and during territory disputes, a pattern similar to other warbler species with two song categories.  Detectability (whether a male sang) differed little between 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-min count intervals.  Song output and detectability were highest at dawn and in unpaired males, and lowest in paired males late in the season.


title: Finite Element Simulation of the Compaction and Springback of an Aluminum Powder Metallurgy Alloy

contributor:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Marek Kujath
Dr. Ted Hubbard
Dr. Paul Bishop
Dr. Darrel Doman
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Finite element simulation
Powder metallurgy

abstract: A new finite element model was developed to predict the density distribution in an Alumix 321 powder metallurgy compact.  The model can predict the density distribution results of single-action compaction from 100 to 500 MPa compaction pressure.  The model can also determine the amount of springback experienced by a compact upon ejection from the die at 100 and 300 MPa compaction pressure.  An optical densitometry method, along with the creation of a compaction curve, was used to experimentally predict density distributions found within compacts, and found results that were consistent with both literature and finite element simulation.  Further powder characterization included testing apparent density and flow rate of the powder.  A literature review was also conducted and the results of which have been organized by three categories (powder type, material model, and finite element code) for easy reference by future powder researchers.