title: ASSESSING OUTPATIENTS’ ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS TOWARDS ELECTRONIC PERSONAL HEALTH RECORDS (ePHR) SYSTEMS IN SECONDARY AND TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

contributor:
McKibbon, Ann
eHealth

subject:
Electronic Personal health records
eHealth
Saudi Arabia
Health informatics
Patient portals

abstract:
This study is the first report of Saudi patients in the literature on electronic
personal health records (ePHRs). It investigates patients’ attitudes and expectations
regarding ePHRs in Saudi Arabia. It also gives insights about addressing the gap
between the interest and the utilization of ePHRs by presenting information about
patients’ preferences for ePHR features and activities. The findings show higher
interest rates in ePHR use compared to other studies with similar sample frame in
developed countries. They also indicate high levels of perceived usefulness of ePHRs
on patients’ health and healthcare. More research is needed to explore the ePHR
privacy concerns of patients and the key factors in improving the use of ePHRs among
specific populations such as the elderly and those patients with chronic disease.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract:
This study is the first report of Saudi patients in the literature on electronic
personal health records (ePHRs). It investigates patients’ attitudes and expectations
regarding ePHRs in Saudi Arabia. It also gives insights about addressing the gap
between the interest and the utilization of ePHRs by presenting information about
patients’ preferences for ePHR features and activities. More research is needed to
explore the ePHR privacy concerns of patients and the key factors in improving the
use of ePHRs among specific populations.


contributor:
Newbigging, P.L.
Occupational Therapy

abstract: Title: Time Estimation as a Determinant of the Practice Effect in Tachistoscopic Reconstruction and Choice Reaction Time, Author: Leonard J. Williams, Location: Thode

abstract:
Two experiments, involving 70 subjects, were performed
which support the conclusion that it is the experience
that subjects have with a regular foreperiod which is in
large part responsible for the improvement with practice
that is found in tachistoscopic recognition and in reaction
time tasks.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


contributor:
Bruha, Ivan
Computer Science

abstract: Title: Genetic Algorithms Working in Dynamic Environments, Author: Beikezhati Dilimulati, Location: Thode

abstract:
Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are search methods based on principles of natural selection
and genetics. GAs attempt to find good solutions to the problem at hand by manipulating
a population of candidate solutions.

Each member of the population is typically represented by a single chromosome, the
chromosome encodes a solution to the problem, the initial population is generated
randomly, GAs are often used as optimizers, and the fitness of an individual is typically
the value of the objective function at the point represented by the chromosome. The
individuals with better performance are selected as parents of the next generation. GAs
create new individuals using simple randomized operators that resemble crossover and
mutation in natural organisms. The new solutions are evaluated with the fitness function,
and the cycle of selection, recombination, and mutation is repeated until a user defined
termination criterion is satisfied.

In the real world, we always encounter the problems that need to be solved in a
changing environment. This means that our algorithm needs to be dynamic or even
adaptive to the changing environment.

In this thesis, we will mainly deal with the adaptive GAs that have a new genetic
operator called transformation instead of traditional crossover.

In our study, we use a dynamic problem generator to create a dynamically changing
landscape and study the behavior of transformation based GA in different parameter
settings, such as: transformation rate, mutation rate, segment replacement rate.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: A Component-Based Architechture for Medical Image Processing

contributor:
Poehlman, W.F.S.
Computer Science

abstract: Title: A Component-Based Architecture for Medical Image Processing, Author: Christopher Lambacher, Location: Thode

abstract:
This thesis discusses the development of a component-based architecture for
the processing of medical imaging data. Such an architecture enables a wider
range of analysis techniques as applied to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
data than is currently the norm. Differences in image segmentation results on
images obtained using 1.5T vs. 3T MRI machines were investigated using the
architecture and tools presented in this thesis. This thesis presents an analysis of
the design, implementation, and sample results of such an architecture processing
actual MRI data. Studies on images acquired from a test object (phantom) and the
brain of a human subject reveal that a component-based architecture can assist in
developing and testing novel algorithms in the computational laboratory, and serve
as a platform for examining the effects of various image processing procedures in
a radiology suite.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


contributor:
Morrison, G.R.
Sticker, E.M.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Some Differences in the Saline Consummatory Behaviour of Acute and Chronic Sodium Deficient Rats, Author: Donald F. Smith, Location: Thode

abstract:
The effect of acute and chronic sodium deficiency
on the saline appetitive behavior of rats was
investigated using a brief exposure multistimulus
taste test that was shown to eliminate post-ingestional
factors. The chronically deficient
adrenalectomized rats showed a distinct preference
for dilute salt solution. The acutely deficient
formalin injected animals generated saline
acceptability curves which were similar to the
normals, but increased their salt consumption
overall by taking more trials. It is concluded
that the sodium appetite of adrenalectomized rats
is mediated, at least in part, by peripheral
events.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Altruism as a Signal of Status

contributor:
Wilson, Margo
Daly, Martin
Psychology

abstract: Title: Altruism as a Signal of Status, Author: Greg Dingle, Location: Thode

abstract:
From an evolutionary point of view, it is difficult to explain the existence
of altruism that is not directed at kin or at friends. But humans
demonstrate this form of altruism commonly, in such ways as donating to
charity or heroically saving another's life. One explanation of these
behaviours that is still consistent with evolutionary theory is the idea that
altruism may function as a signal. Altruists gain a positive reputation
through their deeds that may ultimately return to increase their biological
fitness. Here I test this idea in a variety of ways, focusing on altruism as a
signal of status. In the laboratory, I conducted an experiment where
participants had the incentive to signal their personal wealth to others. In
another experiment, I manipulated participants' relative status in an
attempt to reduce costly conflict between participants. Outside the
laboratory, I investigated the connection between heroism and
reproductive success through a sample of WWI heroes. The background,
methods, and conclusions of these studies are detailed within.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


contributor:
Vanderwolf, C.H.
Psychology

abstract: Title: The Relation of Heart Rate and Spontaneous Motor Behaviour is the Rat, Author: Mary L. Wanderwart, Location: Thode

abstract:
The thesis seeks to determine the heart rate of
the rat which normally accompanies the performance of
spontaneous motor behaviors such as resting, head movement,
walking, rearing, scratching, biting, face washing,
and licking. The results indicate that different motor
patterns are associated with different heart rates. In
particular, heart rate increases during behaviors which
involve vertical posture and/or phasic movement. Heart
rate is also recorded under conditions designed to alter
the level of arousal, i.e., food deprivation. Mean heart
rate of each of the spontaneous behaviors does not increase
as a result of food deprivation. Therefore, heart rate
is considered to be primarily an index of motor activity.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


contributor:
Roberts, L.E.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Changes in Skin Conductance, Skin Potential and the Suppression of Operant Behaviour During CER Conditioning in the Restrained Rat, Author: Rebecca Young, Location: Thode

abstract:
Skin conductance (SC), skin potential (SP), and lever pressing
for a food reward were examined throughout discriminative CER training
in restrained rats. Restraint was accomplished through use of a
fixed electrode technique in which the animal was immobilized on a
platform and electrodermal recording electrodes attached directly to
the footpads, thus eliminating the artifacts inherent in grid techniques
of recording electrodermal phenomena. Conditioned suppression
of lever pressing was accompanied by an increase in SC amplitude and an
increase in SP negativity. These results were attributed to peripheral
and central response mechanisms regulating electrodermal activity.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Beat perception and synchronization abilities in young children

contributor:
Trainor, Laurel J.
Psychology

subject: music, child development, entrainment, meter, enculturation, synchronization

abstract: Even without formal training, adults can easily perceive, clap, tap, and move in time to a musical beat, but these behaviours are more difficult for children and the development of these abilities in childhood is not well understood. Until the present thesis, there were no developmentally appropriate tasks to separately assess musical beat perception and beat synchronization in children. In Chapter 2, I created a child friendly video judgment task to assess beat perception in the context of both simple and complex musical timing, and demonstrated that five-year-old children’s ability to perceive both tempo- and phase-driven beat misalignments is affected by metric complexity. In Chapter 3, I again used the complex Beat Alignment Task (cBAT) to show that the detection of beat misalignment is not significantly affected by the inclusion of dynamic video stimuli compared to static images. Chapter 4 expanded the perception task by adding a tapping synchronization component, and tested both five- and seven-year-old children. The complex Beat Alignment and Tapping Task (cBATT) showed that although children’s overall perceptual sensitivity improves with age, the perceptual bias for simple structures persists. However, although children were significantly better at tapping to metronomes than to songs, musical tapping synchronization was not obviously affected by metric complexity. Instead, performance related to other acoustic characteristics of the music, such as spectral flux, energy, and density. Together, these findings suggest that musically untrained children are sensitive to phase and tempo information in a perception-only task, and show perceptual specialization for culturally typical musical metres, but this is not the case for production. Thus, beat synchronization ability appears to be somewhat dissociated from beat perception in children. These studies represent the first use of a developmentally appropriate task to separately assess children’s beat perception and synchronization while also examining the role of metre and early experience.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: An Analysis of Program by Symbolic Computation

contributor:
Carette, Jacques
Janicki, Ryszard
Computing and Software

subject: symbolic computation, analysis, while loop, algebraic manipulations

abstract:
 We present a symbolic analysis of a class of while loop programs which can automatically derive a closed-form symbolic expression for the input-output relation embodied in that program.

 We show that this is especially well-suited to analyzing programs from scientific computation, in particular programs which compute special functions (like Bessel functions) from its Taylor series expansion. Other than making heavy use of algebraic manipulations, as available in any computer algebra system, we also require the use of recurrence relations. It is from these recurrence relations that we derive most of our information.

 It is important to note that we can often get interesting information about a program (like termination) without requiring closed-form solutions to the recurrences.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Optimization by Distributed Control of Reactors with Decaying Catalyst

contributor:
Crowe, C. M.
Chemical Engineering

subject: optimization, distributed control, reactors, decaying catalyst

abstract: The quasi-steady state optimization of a single tubular fixed bed chemical reactor with a slowly decaying catalyst is considered. The optimal choice of temperature T(z,t) distributed in both the space of the reactor and in chronological time is sought so as to maximize the total amount of reaction in a fixed given period of time. A single irreversible reaction is considered with a rate expressible as a product of separate functions of temperature, activity and conversion. The rate of catalyst decay is also a product of separate functions of temperature and activity but independent of conversion. Upper and lower bounds are placed on the permitted temperature. Theoretical characterization of the optimal policy is obtained using Sirazetdinov and Degtyarev's maximum principle derived for first-order partial differential equations and the influence of the ratio of reaction activation energy to catalyst deactivation energy on the derived optimal policy is indicated. Numerical calculations are presented to illustrate the optimal policies.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Runoff Process of a Subarctic Canadian Shield Lake Stream System

contributor:
Woo, Ming-ko
Geography and Earth Sciences

abstract: Title: Runoff Processes of a Subarctic Canadian Shield Lake Stream System, Author: Corrine A. Mielko, Location: Thode

abstract:
Many lake-stream networks consisting of numerous lake basin elements linked by
surface flow channels occupy Precambrian Shield and lowland areas in the boreal region.
To investigate the processes causing flow generation and seasonal severance of flow
connection in the lake-stream system, a chain of lakes in northern Canada was studied in
2004. Water balance shows that rapid and substantial runoff from the local basin slopes
during the snowmelt period led to a rise of lake levels above their outlet elevations to
generate outflow. Continued summer evaporation caused draw down of lake storage
below the outflow thresholds, represented by the lake outlet elevations. Outflow ceased
and the lakes became disconnected. Summer rainfall in a semi-arid environment was
insufficient to overcome storage deficit to re-establish flow connectivity among all lakes.
Individual lake outflow generation is dependent on the rate of runoff delivery, the initial
antecedent storage level with respect to the critical outflow threshold level and the ratio
of catchment to lake area. For the drainage system as a whole, streamflow interruption or
continuity depends on linkage of its lake-stream sub-units. The principle of fill and spill
governs runoff generation and flow connection between the lake elements. This principle
is applied to model the flow along a chain of lakes, taking account of antecedent storage
in individual lakes, their storage change calculated through water balance and the
thresholds to be exceeded for outflows to occur.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Modeling and Design of Inverters using Novel Power Loss Calculation and DC-Link Current/Voltage Ripple Estimation Methods and Bus Bar Analysis

contributor:
Emadi, Ali
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Inverter design
Inverter power loss
Inverter DC-link current
Inverter DC-link voltage ripple
Inverter bus bar

abstract:
This thesis proposes novel methods and comprehensive analysis for power loss calculation, DC-link current and voltage ripple estimation, and bus bar design in two-level three-phase voltage source inverters (VSIs). A novel method of MOSFET voltage rise- and fall-time estimations for the switching power loss calculation is developed. The estimation accuracy is significantly improved by the proposed method. In order to provide a reference for thermal management design, inverter power loss analysis is presented. Using the parameters obtained from the semiconductor device datasheets and inverter operating conditions, power loss calculations of three types of devices, namely IGBT, MOSFET, and diode, are discussed. The conduction power loss calculations for these three devices are straightforward; and, the switching power loss of IGBTs and diodes can be obtained from the energy losses given by datasheets. However, many MOSFET datasheets do not provide the switching energy losses directly. Therefore, to acquire MOSFET switching energy losses, switching transient times must be estimated as accurately as possible. The impacts of inverter anti-parallel diode reverse recovery on the DC-link current
and voltage ripples are investigated. According to the analysis, the impact of diode reverse recovery on the voltage ripple is negligible, while the RMS value of current ripple is influenced by both diode reverse recovery and inverter switching frequency. A novel method is developed to calculate the ripple current RMS value and the estimation accuracy is significantly improved. Depending on the calculated current and voltage ripples, DC-link capacitor selection is introduced. Generally speaking, failures in the DC-link capacitors take place more frequently than the failures in other parts of the inverter system, and plenty of research has been focusing on minimizing the required DC-link capacitance. As a result, the accurate estimations of DC-link current and voltage ripples are vital in the optimization methods. In addition, with
the accurate estimations, the over-design in the DC-link capacitance could be reduced. Finally, the design of a practical bus bar is presented. The DC current distribution is aff ected by the numbers and locations of the DC input tabs, while the AC current distribution is influenced by the numbers and locations of the installation holes for DC-link capacitors and semiconductor devices. Furthermore, parasitic parameters of the bus bar, especially the stray inductance and voltage spikes caused by this inductance during switching turn-o  transients, are also discussed from the angle of the design rules and correlation between the parameters and bus bar geometry structure. In the end, a bus bar is designed with balanced current distribution and
low stray inductance.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Cyclic Dynamics Caused by Antigenic Drift

contributor:
Earn, David J.D.
Ma, Junling
Mathematics

subject: cyclic dynamics, antigenic drift, strains, seasonal, stochastic mutation process

abstract: Traditionally, seasonal forcing has been considered to be the major cause of the influenza seasonality. However, Andreasen [2003] showed that repetitive introductions of new strains can lead to cyclic dynamics. The cyclic dynamic produced by his model is not seasonal, because the length of seasons cannot be defined in his model. In this report, we develop a model that combines a stochastic mutation process with a two-strain competition process governing the spread of the mutant strain. This model can produce stable seasonal dynamics. If we introduce a small seasonal forcing to the transmission rate, the length of a season can be regulated to one year if the unforced system oscillates with a period close to one year. If the system has a period that is far from one year, then the forced system may behave chaotically.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Requirements Documentation for Manufacturing Systems: Template and Management Tool

contributor:
Khedri, Ridha
Tounsi, Nejah
Computing and Software

subject: manufacturing systems, template, management tool, requirements, documentation, SRSD

abstract:
 The experience shows that any shortcoming in defining the requirements for computer based systems imperils the deliverables of all the subsequent stages of their development. This importance is undeniable when dealing with manufacturing software-systems due to their significant role in all spheres of human life. These systems have very stringent non-functional requirements such as accuracy and real-time constraints. The development of manufacturing software-systems is very challenging and requires special caution, since any mistake might have broad impact on very expensive work-pieces or might lead to a machining accident with
irreparable effects. The success of their development depends largely on the quality of their Software Requirements Specification Document (SRSD).

 We propose a new requirements template specifically designed for manufacturing systems. The template is structured to reflect their characteristics including multi-constraints and multi-disciplinary problems, multi-stage processes, multi-tasking, dynamic behavior, evolutionary nature, time-varying physical characteristics, and the usage of complex scientific models. A complementary usage of goal-driven, viewpoint oriented, and scenario-based approach is adopted for structuring the template content. To provide a high quality SRSD, the template is designed to
enhance unambiguity, consistency, completeness, precision, non-redundancy, and good organization of the requirements document as well as other criteria including breadth of applicability and methodology independence.

 An automated tool for requirements management according to the proposed template has been designed and implemented. The requirements management tool provides relatively secure and easy-to-use capabilities for the documentation and the retrieval of the requirements. It accelerates capturing the requirements, improves system quality by enhancing the reduction of requirements errors, and helps in establishing a common understanding between the system builders and the stakeholders. In addition to a user friendly environment for changing the information, we developed a powerful dynamic report generator that can be configured by the user and that provides a simple way for retrieving the requirements and formatting them.

 Both the template and the tool have been validated using the requirements for a Tool Trajectory Planning for High Speed Machining system developed at the Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Centre, Institute for Aerospace Research (Montreal).

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Misremembering or Misinformation? Highly Inconsistent Self-Reports of Exposure to Violence from Chicago Children

contributor:
Daly, Martin
Wilson, Margo
Psychology

subject: inconsistent, self-reports, Chicago children, violence, exposure, misremembering, misinformation

abstract:
Upon interviewing a sample of youths, researchers who study exposure to violence are often faced with a substantial number of reports of exposure to violence and no way to confirm the veracity of these claims. The remarkably high levels of violence exposure reported by young preschool children (Richters & Martinez, 1990), paired with the low concordance between parents and children concerning what violence the child had witnessed and experienced (Howard, Cross, Li & Huang, 1999; Shahinfar, Fox & Leavitt, 2000), suggests that child self-reports of exposure to violence may not be entirely veridical. Since self-reports appear to be the only feasible method of measuring lifelong exposure to violence, determining the possible causes of false reports and investigating possible predictors should be a significant aspect of studying youth exposure to violence. With this thesis, I have investigated the veracity of child self-reports by comparing responses to a life-long exposure to violence questionnaire administered first between 1997 and 1999, and a second time two years later. Inconsistent reports, wherein an initial report of exposure to a particular violent instance was not confirmed by re-reporting at the second interview, were prevalent on a variety of violence-assessment items, including witnessing a murder and being the victim of a physical attack. For instance, when initially interviewed, approximately one in seven Chicago children aged 8 to 17 reported witnessing a shooting at least once during their lives. Alarmingly, 50% of these children did not confirm this instance of violence when interviewed again two years later. In an effort to identify self- or parent-reported characteristics and behaviours predictive of inconsistent responses concerning witnessing a shooting, I conducted several series of Binomial and Multinomial Logistic Regression analyses. Explanatory
variables were selected to be representative of two main likely reasons for inconsistent
self-reports: misremembering due to forgetting over time and the inaccuracy of children's
memories, and misinformation due to an impulsive propensity towards lying or exaggeration. My findings suggest that, in comparison to individuals who confirmed their initial reports of having 'witnessed a shooting', individuals who retracted their initial claims were generally younger, from a higher socio-economic status level neighbourhood, admittedly lacked guilt after misbehaving, desired a lot of attention, and reported less impulsivity as measured by delinquency and behavioural impulsivity scales.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Thermal Storage for Electric Vehicle Cabin Heating in Cold Weather Conditions

contributor:
Emadi, Ali
Cotton, James
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Thermal Storage
Electric Vehicles
Vehicle Cabin Heating

abstract:
With global warming, an inevitable threat to humanity, significant efforts in all carbon emitting industries are required. Electric vehicles are a suitable alternative to the petroleum dominated automotive industry. However, obstacles like charging infrastructure and limited range still stand in the way of their continued acceptance. This limited driving range can be further reduced in cold weather due to decreased battery efficiency and increased heating load. The heating in most electric vehicles is provided by an electrical positive temperature coefficient resistor. This architecture can lead to reductions in range of over 50 %. A thermal storage system has been devised and presented in this thesis which can partially or fully offset the thermal requirements. This is accomplished by pre-heating a thermal storage tank which then uses sensible energy to provide the heat for the cabin and battery pack. The system has been shown to reduce consumption and improve driving range in low ambient temperature conditions. This system successfully offers a potential solution to the concern of large range fluctuations due to different ambient temperatures. After producing a representative electric vehicle model in AMESim, it was compared to the Nissan Leaf with acceptable errors. The range implications for this baseline electric vehicle are then presented. A coolant based, thermal storage tank is then added to the model and simulated across a variety of temperatures and thermal storage masses. The results show that an 80 kg, 80 °C coolant tank can provide all the heating requirements for a 36 km, hour and 9 minute city drive cycle. Offering a calculated consumption reduction of up to 36 % at -30 °C as compared to the baseline electric vehicle model. Furthermore, a yearly analysis was performed based on this
cycle and the results have shown that an optimal 30 kg thermal storage tank can decrease the yearly average consumption by up to 20 Wh/km or 12 %.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: An Optimal Design Method for MRI Teardrop Gradient Waveforms

contributor:
Anand, Christopher Kumar
Terlaky, Tamás
Computing and Software

subject: optimal design method, MRi Teardrop, gradient, waveforms

abstract:
 This thesis presents an optimal design method for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) teardrop gradient waveforms in two and three dimensions. Teardrop in two dimensions was introduced at ISMRM 2001 by Anand et al. to address the need for a high efficiency balanced k-space trajectory for real-time cardiac SSFP (Steady State Free Precession) imaging.

 We have modeled 2D and 3D teardrop gradient waveform design as nonlinear convex optimization problems with a variety of constraints including global constraints (e.g., moment nulling for motion insensitivity). Commercial optimization solvers can solve the models efficiently. The implementation of AMPL models and numerical testing results with the solver MOSEK are provided. This optimal design procedure produces physically realizable teardrop
waveforms which enable real-time cardiac imaging with equipment otherwise incapable of doing it, and optimally achieves the maximum resolution and motion artifact reduction goals. The research may encompass other waveform design problems in MRI and has built a good foundation for further research in this area.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Interoperability of Data and Mined Knowledge in Clinical Decision Support Systems

contributor:
Sartipi, Kamran
Software Engineering

subject: interoperability, data, minded knowledge, clinical decision support systems

abstract:
 The constantly changing and dynamic nature of medical knowledge has proven to be
challenging for healthcare professionals. Due to reliance on human knowledge the practice
of medicine in many cases is subject to errors that endanger patients' health and cause
substantial financial loss to both public and governmental health sectors. Computer
based clinical guidelines have been developed to help healthcare professionals in practicing
medicine. Currently, the decision making steps within most guideline modeling languages
are limited to the evaluation of basic logic expressions. On the other hand, data mining
analyses aim at building descriptive or predictive mining models that contain valuable
knowledge; and researchers in this field have been active to apply data mining techniques
on health data. However, this type of knowledge can not be represented using the current
guideline specification standards.

 In this thesis, we focus is on encoding, sharing and finally using the results obtained from a data mining study in the context of clinical care and in particular at the point of care. For this purpose, a knowledge management framework is proposed that addresses the issues of data and knowledge interoperability. Standards are adopted to represent both data and data mining results in an interoperable manner; and then the incorporation of data mining results into guideline-based Clinical Decision Support Systems is elaborated. A prototype tool has been developed as a part of this thesis that serves as the proof of concept which provides an environment for clinical guideline authoring and
execution. Finally three real-world clinical case studies are presented.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Predictable Run Time Scheduling

contributor:
Lawford, Mark
Computing and Software

subject: run time, scheduling, predictable, hybrid, periodic, asynchronous

abstract:
 Hybrid task-lists are sets of periodic and asynchronous processes. To verifiably schedule
hybrid tasks-lists with hard and soft real-time requirements, Xu and Lam proposed Integrated Pre-Run-Time scheduling (IPRTS) [13], a two phase method that first makes use of pre-run-time scheduling techniques, converting some asynchronous tasks with hard deadlines to periodic tasks and reserving processor capacity for the remaining hard deadline asynchronous tasks. These remaining asynchronous tasks are scheduled by a novel run-time scheduler that enforces arbitrary exclusion relations between any combination of periodic and asynchronous processes. The technique has two significant drawbacks: (i) a custom run-time scheduler is required that is not available on existing Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and (ii) in many circumstances the reservation of processor capacity is overly pessimistic, causing the
failure of the method for many simple task lists. To overcome these drawbacks, this thesis narrows the set of task-lists considered to those where the asynchronous tasks exclude periodic tasks and periodic processes do not exclude asynchronous tasks. A high priority polling server is then used to handle all hard asynchronous tasks. In cases where the method succeeds, it is easily implementable on any RTOS that has priority based scheduling with phased release times, and inherits the error handling and soft real-time process scheduling capabilities of the RTOS. A set of software tools which partially automates the technique, including an open source implementation of the Xu-Parnas pre-run-time scheduling algorithm [14], has been developed and applied to the examples in the thesis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Modelling Fire Weather Index Series

contributor:
Easterby, Silvia
Statistics

subject: modelling, fire weather index series, environmental, precipitation

abstract:
 The fire weather index (FWI), useful as a measure of forest fire danger, is calculated from precipitation and other weather variables. In the present environmental study, precipitation, fuel moisture codes, and fire behavior indices were available for a reference site and 4 higher elevation sites around Smithers, British Columbia. The objective of the study was to determine whether the use of local precipitation would lead to a different FWI than obtained from precipitation at the reference site.

 The features of the series of daily FWI values which needed to be taken into account were: peaks following dry periods, serial correlation, and heteroscedasticity. Two types of models were developed to characterize the record as a smooth component, for the upward and downward movements of the index, and a component of correlated error terms. The first type was a parametric Fourier series in a context of a generalized linear model (GLS) that allowed for serial correlation and heteroscedasticity. The second form was a smoothing cubic spline with a bootstrap procedure
for estimation of standard errors and confidence bands. The question, of whether FWI on a particular day differed between a higher elevation station and the reference station, was addressed by adding a station effect to the GLS model and by graphical comparison of the smooth curves with confidence bands for the spline method.

 The Model-3 for the combined station effect is not able to capture the sharpness of the peak and found insignificant while cubic spline smoothing curves fitted to the bootstrap behave well to capture peaks and troughs in the index but it encounter some difficulties for few lower index values.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Application of the Direct Oral Anticoagulants to Thromboprophylaxis of Mechanical Heart Valves

contributor: Medical Sciences (Blood and Cardiovascular)

subject:
Anticoagulation
Heart Valves
Coagulation

abstract:
Patients with valvular pathology who require heart valve replacement surgery are faced with the option between a bioprosthetic heart valve (BHV) or a mechanical heart valve (MHV). BHVs have a limited lifespan and are prone to structural degeneration. In contrast, MHVs are free from structural deterioration, but necessitate lifelong anticoagulation due to a more robust activation of coagulation. This is usually achieved in the outpatient setting with the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), such as warfarin. Due to the cumbersomeness of managing warfarin with regular monitoring and its numerous food- and drug-drug interactions, other oral anticoagulants were sought.
	Within the last decade, the advent of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has largely supplanted warfarin and other VKAs for numerous indications, including stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. When evaluated in a clinical trial in patients with MHVs however, use of the thrombin-directed DOAC, dabigatran, led to an increase in both bleeding and clotting; prompting a halt to the study and a black box warning against the use of dabigatran and other DOACs in patients with MHVs. The cause of this failure at the time was not understood and prompted the investigations detailed in this thesis.
	The work described within this thesis sought primarily to understand why dabigatran failed to adequately provide thrombo-protection for patients with MHVs. Firstly, the mechanism of thrombin generation on MHVs was identified as being initiated and propagated through the contact and intrinsic pathways, respectively. Within this same work, a mechanism for the failure of dabigatran and the efficacy of warfarin was presented. It was shown that dabigatran concentrations of greater than 250ng/mL were required to suppress thrombin generation, whereas the same effect could be achieved with warfarin at an INR of 1.5 or greater.  Secondly, the effect of the other DOACs, rivaroxaban and apixaban, on MHV-induced thrombin generation was assessed, and we showed that individually, these two DOACs were unable to suppress thrombin generation within clinically-relevant dosing regimens. We also evaluated a combination of dabigatran and rivaroxaban to determine whether the combination would be superior to either agent alone at suppressing MHV-induced thrombin generation. Lastly, the capacity of two assays – the ecarin chromogenic assay and the dilute thrombin time – to detect both on treatment and low levels of dabigatran is presented as a tool for clinicians to determine whether patients taking dabigatran can safely undergo procedures or whether they necessitate rapid reversal in emergent situations.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Anand, Christopher
Terlaky, Tamas
Computing and Software

abstract: Title: Magnetic Resonance Tissue Quantification Using Optimal Pulse Sequence Design, Author: Zhuo Zheng, Location: Thode

abstract:
We present a method for tissue quantification at a resolution that would not be possible for either conventional Dixon method or MR spectroscopy. Our objective is to design a steady-state free precession (SSFP) pulse-sequence which maximizes the contrast to noise ratio in tissue segmentation by solving a nonlinear, nonconvex semi-definite optimization problem. To solve the problem a grid search is used to get a good starting point, and then a sequential, semi-definite trust-region method is developed. The subproblems in our algorithm contain only linear, second order, and semi-definite constraints. Our method can easily be adapted to other pulse sequence types, and it can handle any numbers of tissues and images. As an illustration, we show how the pulse sequences designed numerically could be applied to the problem of quantifying intraluminal lipid deposits in the carotid artery.

We also consider the case where the main magnetic field is not homogeneous,
for which we first present a heuristic by adjusting RF pulse phase
cycling to correct for the field inhomogeneity. Then we construct a total variation regularization based model, from which we extract two subproblems -field inhomogeneity estimation and tissue density estimation that can be interleaved iteratively. The computational and numerical results show that the model yields a good estimate of both field inhomogeneity and tissue density.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Electrophysiology of interstitial cells of Cajal

contributor: Medical Sciences (Division of Physiology/Pharmacology)

subject:
Electrophysiology
Interstitial cells of Cajal
Patch clamp
Pharmacology
Pacemaker
Small intestine
Colon

abstract: This thesis focuses on elucidating the electrical mechanisms underlying excitation of small intestinal and colonic smooth muscle initiated by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). All the ICC subtypes are involved in the orchestration, generation, and/or transmission of electrical signals to smooth muscle to pace gut motor patterns. Some ICC types have intrinsic activity leading to omnipresent rhythmic changes in smooth muscle excitability; others respond to stimuli, inducing pacemaker activity as required. Together they orchestrate motor patterns such as propulsion and segmentation, essential functions of the gut. To study ICC electrophysiology, I utilized patch clamping to record ion channel currents from single intestinal ICC and sharp microelectrodes to record colonic smooth muscle membrane potentials. I have made several discoveries contributing to our understanding of ICC electrophysiology. Firstly, my research increased our understanding of the properties of intrinsic pace-maker activity. I showed that maxi Cl– channels from small intestinal ICC make a significant contribution to slow wave depolarization triggered by intracellular calcium. Secondly, I showed that colonic intramuscular ICC (ICC-IM) selectively express KV7.5 channels, which are suppressed by cholinergic agonists, meaning that excitatory stimuli triggering acetylcholine release deactivate KV7.5 channels, leading to increased excitability. Thirdly, I have shown that the bile acid chenodeoxycholic acid and the nitric oxide donor sodium ni-troprusside both induce pacemaker activity, rhythmic transient depolarisations in mouse colonic muscle, which led to the hypothesis that nitrergic nerves are involved in generating inducible myenteric plexus ICC (ICC-MP) pacemaker activity.  It is only when ICC are suitably stimulated by intracellular processes such as rhythmic Ca2+ transients or extracellular signalling from neurotransmitters or small molecules, that ICC produce membrane potential rhythmicity, required for generation of intrinsic slow waves, low-frequency rhythmic transient depolarisations and transmission of excitation into the muscle.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: The gut is essential for digestion and absorption of food. The gut has special cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which control the contractions of the gut muscle. ICC are pacemaker cells, like those that pace heart beats. To pace gut muscle contractions, ICC generate electrical signals which cause the muscle to contract in an organized rhythmic manner, which promotes mixing or propulsion of gut contents, called motility. I used tiny electrodes to record electrical activity from ICC or gut muscle, to improve our understanding of how ICC pacemaker activity controls motility. My research characterised ion channels, which are microscopic protein pores that allow cells to make electrical currents, that enable generation of pacemaker signals by ICC. I also investigated activation of ICC electrical activity that causes propulsive colonic motility. This will hopefully lead to treatment improvements for patients with motility disorders in the future.


title: THE COMBINATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND GLYCEMIC BIOMARKERS FOR EARLY DECISION MAKING IN PATIENTS PRESENTING TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT WITH SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

title: CARDIAC AND GLYCEMIC BIOMARKERS FOR EARLY DECISION MAKING

subject:
Cardiac
Glycemia
Biomarkers
Emergency Department
Acute Coronary Syndrome

abstract:
Chest pain is a common presenting complaint to emergency departments (EDs) and is a symptom of serious cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI) and possibly cardiovascular death. Early decision-making regarding patient disposition is crucial for early intervention and to avoid ED congestion. The Third Universal Definition of MI states that MI diagnosis be made using electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and/or a rise and/or fall in cardiac troponin (cTn) concentrations. However, patients with ECG abnormalities represent less than 1/3 of all ACS patients, leaving the remaining to be diagnosed using multiple measurements of cTn over several hours. I therefore aimed to develop a strategy to identify patients at low-risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (early rule-out), as well as those at greatest short-term cardiac risk (early rule-in).
In this thesis I present published work on the clinical utility of glycogen phosphorylase Isoenzyme BB (metabolic marker) in combination with high-sensitivity cTn (hs-cTn) to rule-out adverse cardiac events within 72hrs for patients presenting to the ED within 6hrs of ACS symptom onset. I further assessed the utility of metabolic markers using glucose in this setting. Preliminary results show that using a “healthy” hs-cTn concentration with a normal glucose measurement at presentation can be used to rule-out patients who present to the ED with clinical suspicion of ischemia.
Further expansion of this hypothesis demonstrated that an algorithm incorporating both glucose and cTn can effectively rule-in/rule-out MI or MI/cardiovascular death in patients who present to the ED with symptoms of ACS. In addition, presentation hemoglobin A1c identified previously unknown diabetes; which may have overall health implications for these patients. I also demonstrate that using glucose in combination with cTn is a cost-effective decision-making tool in the ED as compared to cTn alone.
Application of these rule-in/rule-out algorithms can improve morbidity/mortality rates, and alleviate healthcare burdens.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Science)

abstract:
Myocardial ischemia is a reduction in coronary blood flow that is insufficient for heart cell demand, which can lead to myocardial injury and cell death. Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses three clinical presentations of myocardial ischemia: ST-elevation MI (STEMI), non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA). Current guidelines recommend using electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and multiple cardiac troponin (cTn) measurements over several hours to diagnose (rule-in) or rule-out ACS in the emergency department (ED). However, given these recommendations patients may spend several hours in the ED, consuming valuable time and resources.
This project explores the use of glycemic biomarkers [e.g., glucose and haemoglobin A1c] in combination with cTn to rule-in/rule-out MI and other major cardiovascular events (MACE) to facilitate early decision-making in the ED. This thesis demonstrates that a combination of cTn and glucose at presentation is both an efficient and cost-effective tool for early decision-making in the ED.


title: Characterization of Reaction Products Formed in Metal-Oxygen Batteries with Multinuclear Solid-State NMR

contributor:
Goward, Gillian R.
Chemistry

abstract: This thesis has investigated electrolyte stability for the Li-O2 and Na-O2 batteries and the viability of applying multi-nuclear solid-state NMR to characterize their respective electrochemistries. Metal-oxygen batteries have extremely high energy densities, making them very attractive candidates for electric vehicle applications. However, the exact nature of the metal-oxygen battery chemistry is still not well understood. In this work, 7Li nutation spectroscopy was demonstrated to be a diagnostic tool for distinguishing Li2O2 (desired product) from Li2CO3 (undesired species) in electrochemically-cycled electrodes. The TEGDME electrolyte was shown to display superior stability to the TMP electrolyte. With 17O NMR, Li2O2 and evidence of electrolyte breakdown was observed in the TEGDME cell, whereas only electrolyte breakdown products were discovered within the TMP cell. A detailed breakdown mechanism for TMP was proposed, which accounts for the reaction products observed in the 1H, 7Li, 17O and 31P NMR spectra of the cycled electrodes. The expected Na-O2 reaction products were establish to have unique 23Na NMR signatures, allowing the desired Na2O2 and NaO2 to be distinguished from the undesirable Na2CO3 using; 1D, 2D 23Na-3QMAS, VT NMR and T1 filtering experiments. 23Na NMR of cycled Na-O2 electrodes revealed a newly observed species, NaF in addition to the expected products; Na2O2 and Na2CO3. 23Na NMR and PXRD of a mock electrode confirmed that NaO2 degrades the carbon electrode (carbon C65 + PVDF), producing NaF and Na2CO3, in the absence of the electrolyte. This thesis highlights the value of solid-state NMR, which revealed the instability of NaO2, and points to future research in topics of reagent stability and lifetimes for metal-air cells.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: INTERACTIONS OF ANILINE OLIGOMERS WITH IRON OXIDE SURFACES

contributor:
Kruse, Peter
Chemistry and Chemical Biology

subject: Surface science, corrosion, corrosion inhibition, polyanine

abstract: Aniline oligomers have become a very interesting topic for research because of their potential application not only in organic electronics but also in smart coatings for corrosion treatment of iron and steel. A majority of the studies in the literature are focussed on the bulk or direct interaction between the organic molecules with metal substrates, without considering the native oxide film. In order to develop smart coatings (has redox activity and self-healing ability) for iron and steel, one must first understand how these oligomers interact with the native iron oxide film. In this thesis, we develop new knowledge from our fundamental understanding of the interactions of redox-active aniline oligomers with the iron oxide surface. Phenyl capped aniline dimer with two oxidation states [fully reduced (DPPD) and fully oxidized (B2Q1)] and phenyl-capped aniline tetramer (PCAT) with three oxidation states [fully reduced (B5), half-oxidized (B4Q1), fully oxidized (B3Q2)] were chosen for investigation. The former is the smallest redox active aniline oligomer but with one fewer oxidation states than polyaniline whereas the latter mimics the redox system as well as corrosion inhibition properties of polyaniline. Moreover, the phenyl-caps help both of these molecules to resist polymerization on the surface. Raman spectroscopy, mid-IR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to study interactions. We demonstrate that charge transfer and interconversion to different oxidation states take place during interactions between each of these molecules with iron (III) oxides surfaces. During interaction with the surface, all three tetramer molecules and DPPD prefer standing on their edge orientation, whereas B2Q1 molecules tend to orient in lying down direction on the same surface. Having amino groups in the chain helps reduced and half oxidized molecules to strongly hydrogen bond with the surface and make them static on the surface. On the other hand, a lack of amino groups makes oxidized molecules mobile and loosely bound to the surface. Interactions and change of oxidation states impact the corrosion inhibition properties of PCAT. Strong ability of sticking to the surface and not fully oxidizing (B3Q2) during interactions makes B5 molecules superior corrosion inhibitors than B4Q1 and B3Q2 molecules. Transformation into B3Q2 form at the beginning of interaction allows B4Q1 to moderately inhibit corrosion but as it transforms back to its original form with time it becomes the 2nd best corrosion protector of iron oxide surface after B5. The study of all oxidation states and their surface interactions with iron oxide surface will open up pathways towards of designing smart coatings using aniline oligomers and other redox-active molecules.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Kumar, Christopher
Terlaky, Tamas
Computing and Software

abstract: Title: Surface Reconstruction from Structured-Light Images for Radiation Therapy, Author: Olesya Peshko, Location: Thode

abstract:
In this thesis the surface reconstruction problem for radiation therapy is
studied. The knowledge of the body's surface in the affected area is required to
design and deliver proper radiation treatment for cancer patients. We develop
an inexpensive non-contact optical 3D surface scanner prototype. It can easily
be mounted on an x-ray treatment machine integrating unobtrusively into the
current workflow.

We start with preliminary information on radiation therapy, explaining
how the patient's body surface is used in planning and treatment, and discussing
the currently available methods. Then, we review the commonly used
optical 3D surface measurement methods, and discuss the advantages of structured light
techniques for the stated problem. In our method, the projected pattern
is the regular rectangular grid of colour-coded circular spots. Images of the
light pattern deformed on the surface are photographed by an off-the-shelf inexpensive
camera and analyzed by the developed software.

Finally, we present the special purpose image processing and surface reconstruction
algorithm, implemented as a MATLAB package, and provide the
experimental results. Optimization procedures are used in the pattern recognition
code to process low-quality images efficiently. The software package can
run on any standard PC and takes a couple of minutes to process one image.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: The Experience of Nurses Who Use Automated Early Warning Systems Technology in Clinical Practice

contributor:
Dr. McKey, Colleen
Nursing

subject: Early Warning Systems

subject: Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision Making

abstract:
Failure to rescue (FTR) outcomes may be one consequence of the relationship be-tween healthcare provider behaviors and attitudes, organizational factors, and environ-mental factors that intersect to potentially threaten patient safety. Early warning systems (EWS) were designed as surveillance systems to reduce failure to rescue events and avoid morbidity and mortality. Challenges with EWS include lack of standardization, organiza-tional barriers, such as culture and supports, and human factor attributes such as intuition, expertise, and experience. The experience and perceptions of nurses using EWS technolo-gy as it relates to their clinical assessment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills has yet to be undertaken. This study adds to the body of EWS and FTR literature and the broader culture of safety literature in acute care environments.
The purposes of this exploratory qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experiences of nurses using EWS in acute care practice settings and how they perceive it impacts on their critical thinking and clinical decision-making processes. The study identi-fied three informative findings: a) EWS has added value particularly with novice nurses or nurses new to practice settings, b) EWS provides benefits to nurses working in acute clinical environments that experience high volumes and high acuity of patients by alerting or reminding them about potential FTR situations, and c) Existing EWS may require mod-ification to improve adequacy, reduce redundancy, and reduce alarm fatigue. Based on the evidence reviewed, a qualitative study to increase our understanding of the experi-ence of nurses and their perception of the impact of EWS and related technology on their critical thinking and other nursing practice processes has the potential to contribute to a wider evaluation of EWS systems and to improve patient outcomes.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract:
Before patients on general medical or surgical hospital units become so ill that they need to be transferred to an
intensive care unit, they have abnormal vital signs and other physiological changes that can go unnoticed for 2448
hours. As these changes can be hard to detect and serious illness can begin very slowly at first, early warning
systems have been developed to help health care professionals respond to patient’s conditions before they need to
be in an intensive care unit. These early warning systems can be in the form of new technology and assist nurses
with preventing a serious illness from becoming critical. It is not well research or understood how nurses experience
such early warning systems technology and it is not well understood how nurses think this technology impacts their
nursing practice. The overall aim of the study is to learn more about the experience and perception of nurses who
use this technology, how they believe it informs their nursing practice and how it supports them in making clinical
decisions about patient care.


title: THE ROLE OF FEMALE SEX HORMONES AND LACTOBACILLI ON GENITAL EPITHELIAL CELL BARRIER FUNCTIONS AND INNATE IMMUNE RESPONSES IN THE PRESENCE AND ABSENCE OF HIV

contributor: Medical Sciences (Molecular Virology and Immunology Program)

subject:
Epithelial Cells
Hormones
HIV
Microbiota
Lactobacilli

abstract:
Background: Approximately 40% of global human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) transmission occurs in the female genital tract (FGT). Epithelial cells lining the FGT comprise the first barrier to HIV-1 entry. The functions of these cells are influenced by female sex hormones and the mucosal microbiota. Studies have suggested that hormonal environment and a dysbiosis of the FGT microbiota may lead to inflammation in the genital mucosa and enhance HIV acquisition. A Lactobacillus dominant microenvironment in the FGT is considered to have protective functions against sexually transmitted pathogens, however the interaction between sex hormones and lactobacilli and their effect on epithelial cell functions remains to be determined.
Methods of Study: For these studies, primary genital epithelial cells (GECs) were isolated from hysterectomy tissues obtained following patient consent. GEC cultures were grown to confluence on cell culture inserts in the presence or absence of the female sex hormones estrogen (E2), progesterone (P4), or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Polarized monolayers were exposed to two probiotic strains of Lactobacillus: L. reuteri (RC-14) or L. rhamnosus (GR-1), or the most common strain of bacteria found in the FGT, L. crispatus in the presence or absence of HIV-1. Cell viability, barrier integrity, and innate inflammatory factors were among the primary measures performed.
Results: In our system, cell viability was unaltered in the presence of Lactobacillus species and/or female sex hormones. All three strains of bacteria (L. crispatus and probiotic lactobacilli GR-1 and RC-14) significantly increased GEC barrier integrity, as measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). Both GR-1 and RC-14 significantly reduced GEC barrier permeability as measured by a dextran dye leakage assay, whereas L. crispatus did not. Conversely, hormones did not alter barrier integrity nor barrier permeability. However, hormones did alter secretion of cytokines and chemokins by GECs. GECs grown in the presence of estrogen decreased TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-8 secretion in comparison to no hormone treatment, while GECs grown in the presence of MPA significantly decreased MIP-1α and TNF-α secretion. In the presence of HIV both GR-1 and RC-14 were able to confer an increase in barrier integrity similar to that observed with GR-1 and RC-14 treatment alone. Addionally, GECs grown in the presence of E2 and MPA displayed a less inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-1β) environment when exposed to HIV compared to no hormone and P4. Interstingly, the decrease in inflammation was not observed when measuring chemokines such as IL-8 and RANTES. Furthermore, probiotic bacteria were able to significantly reduce HIV mediated increases in TNF-α when grown in the presence of  no hormone, P4, and MPA. A similar trend was observed for GECs grown in the presence of E2 however, given that E2 reduced the TNF-α response mediated by HIV, results were not significant. Overall, probiotic lactobacilii GR-1 and RC-14 enhanced GEC barrier functions while E2 and MPA appeared to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on epithelial cell innate responses in both the presence and absence of HIV.
Conclusions: In our system, probiotic lactobacilli enhanced GEC barrier functions and estrogen appeared to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on epithelial innate responses. Enhanced barrier function and decreased inflammation correlate with decreased in HIV acquisition and replication. These studies provide an insight into how factors in the genital microenvironment can affect HIV acquisition in the FGT, and will subsequently assist in the development of prophylactic strategies to reduce HIV transmission.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: Approximately 40% of global HIV transmission occurs in the female genital tract. Although women make up more than 50% of infected individuals worldwide, the details regarding how HIV infection starts in the female genital tract remains poorly understood. The cells that line the genital tract are the first barrier against HIV entry. These cells are influenced by common factors within the genital tract microenvironment such as female sex hormones and natural bacterial populations. Previous studies have suggested that certain hormonal contraceptives or a build-up of pathogenic bacteria within the genital tract, leads to an inflammatory microenvironment and may enhance HIV acquisition. Comparatively, ‘good bacteria’ within the microenvironment have been shown to have protective effects against sexually transmitted infections. For this study, we were interested in understanding how different hormones (estrogen, progesterone and progesterone based hormonal contraceptives) and ‘good bacteria’ (specifically probiotic strains of lactobacilli), affect the cells that line the genital tract and local inflammation in the presence and absence of HIV. Therefore, we obtained cells that line the genital tract (epithelial cells) from women undergoing hysterectomies. The cells were grown in the presence or absence of hormones, exposed to ‘good bacteria’ and then challenged with HIV. In our system, probiotic lactobacilli enhanced genital epithelial cell barrier functions and estrogen appeared to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on epithelial cells. Furthermore, when genital epithelial cells were pre-treated with lactobacilli and exposed to HIV, lactobacilli treatment was able to protect against HIV mediated barrier disruption. Lactobacilli treated genital epithelial cells also reduced inflammatory markers in the presence HIV. Enhanced barrier function and decreased inflammation correlate with decrease in HIV infection and replication. This study provides insight into how factors in the genital microenvironment can affect HIV infection in the female genital tract and suggests potential prophylactic strategies to reduce HIV infection.


contributor:
Sartipi, Kamran
Computing and Software

abstract: Title: Dynamic Analysis of Software Systems Based on Sequential Pattern Mining, Author: Hossein Safyallah, Location: Thode

abstract:
Software system analysis for identifying software functionality in source code remains
as a major problem in the reverse engineering literature. The early approaches for
extracting softwares functionality mainly relied on static properties of software system.
However the static approaches by nature suffer from the lack of semantic and
hence are not appropriate for this task.

This thesis presents a novel technique for dynamic analysis of software systems
to identify the implementation of certain software functionalities known as software
features. In the proposed approach, a specific feature is shared by a number of
task scenarios that are applied on the software system to generate execution traces.
The application of a sequential pattern mining technique on the generated execution
traces allows us to extract execution patterns that reveal the specific feature functionalities.
In a further step, the extracted execution patterns are distributed over
a concept lattice to separate feature-specific group of functions from commonly used
group of functions. The use of lattice also allows for identifying a family of closely
related features in the source code. Moreover, in this work we provide a set of metrics
for evaluating the structural merits of the software system such as component
cohesion and functional scattering. We have implemented a prototype tool kit and
experimented with two case studies Xfig drawing tool and Pine email client with very
promising results.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


contributor:
Waddington, J.M
Geography

abstract: Title: The Effect of Restoration on CO2 Exchange in a Cutover Peatland, Author: Melissa J. Greenwood, Location: Thode

abstract:
Natural peatlands are important components in the global carbon cycle as they
represent a net long-term sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide (C02), however, peatland
extraction converts these ecosystems to persistent sources of atmospheric C02 following
abandonment. Peatland restoration techniques have been developed with the aim to
restore cutover peatlands to carbon-accumulating ecosystem. This is accomplished by
raising the water table and reintroducing Sphagnum peat-forming species. The goal of
this thesis was to examine effect of restoration on peatland-atmosphere C02 exchange at
a cutover peatland.

Peat respiration decreased in the restored site post-restoration, which was partially due
to the rewetting. However, the seasonal average peat respiration from both the restored
and cutover sites were not significantly different from each other. Subsequently, rates of
gross ecosystem production have increased over the same period due to the emerging
vegetative cover, with seasonal mean net ecosystem exchange fluxes for both herbaceous
and moss vegetation displaying significant improved net C02 fixation with time post
restoration. Light response curves showing the relationship between gross ecosystem
production of C02 (GEP) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) indicate that
both the apparent quantum efficiency and the maximum GEP (Amax) increased with time
post-restoration.

Chamber flux measurements upscaled to the ecosystem level based on the percent
cover of each plant species, indicate that the restored site, both one and two years postrestoration
(2000, 2001) was a net sink of C02 over the study season (May-October),
storing~ 13.5 and 20.2 g C m^-2 respectively. Over the same study seasons, the cutover site
remained a large source of C02, releasing ~ 136.8 and 83.0 g C m^-2 in 2000 and 2001
respectively.

Biomass measurements suggest that the restored site is storing substantial amounts of
carbon in above and belowground biomass five years post-restoration. Total biomass
estimates at the restored site ranged from 2227.23 g m^-2 for Carex canescense to 489.32 g
m^-2 for Polytrichum strictum, corresponding to a mean annual NPP of 222.72 g C m^-2 and
48.99 g C m^-2 respectively.

Results of this thesis suggest that active ecosystem scale restoration techniques have
the potential to return cutover peatlands to a net sink of atmospheric C02 within three to
five years. The resultant increased storage of C02 post-restoration can be attributed in
part by a reduction in peat respiration via active rewetting, in addition to the significant
increase in ecosystem productivity from an evolving vegetative cover.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


contributor:
Protas, Bartosz
Mathematics and Statistics

abstract: Title: Feedback Control of Instabilities in Hydrodynamic Systems, Author: Shah Noor, Location: Thode

abstract:
This dissertation is concerned with the development of a linear control strategy for stabilization
of unstable solutions of the lD Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation in a periodic
domain. This equation serves as a simple model for hydrodynamic system. The KuramotoSivashinsky
equation is solved using a spectral method in both steady and unsteady regime,
which is described. Computational results show the existence of several families on steady
solutions, some of which are unstable. The unstable solutions are stabilized using the
Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian algorithm. The feedback operators are determined by solving
the matrix Riccati equation. In the thesis we also analyze computationally the effectiveness
of the feedback stabilization algorithm depending on various parameters.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


contributor:
Eva, Kevin W.
Psychology

abstract: Title: The Pedagogical Value of Adopting Multifaceted Approaches to Diagnostic Reasoning, Author: Tavinder K. Ark, Location: Thode

abstract:
There has been much debate in the medical education literature regarding the role
of analytic and non-analytic reasoning strategies, but the impact of teaching one or the
other strategy has yet to be directly tested. Analytical processes are those that entail the
systematic and conscious consideration of features and their relationship to potential
diagnoses - this is the form of clinical reasoning that has traditionally been advocated by
educators. Alternatively, non-analytical processes are automatic, often unconscious
means by which to arrive at a clinical diagnosis. One example of such a process is
reliance on similarity to previously seen cases. The availability of these strategies are
believed to increase with expertise, but debate exists regarding whether or not they are
useful pedagogically. The purpose of these experiments was to examine the effectiveness
of emphasizing particular decision-making processes during learning using an
experimental methodology. Undergraduate Psychology students were trained to identify
features on electrocardiograms (ECGs) and assign diagnoses. Experiment 1 focused
mainly on understanding the role feature identification plays in decision-making, and
whether instruction regarding how to organize the diagnostic features are beneficial.
The purpose of experiment 2 was to determine the relative benefit of adopting a
combination of feature driven and non-analytical strategies and contrastive instructions
(i.e. being explicitly told to compare similarities and differences between diagnostic
categories) at the time of training.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: We Appreciate Your Business, Not Your Abuse: Incivility by Customers Predicts Revenge Toward Customers

contributor:
Schat, Aaron C.H.
Business Administration

abstract: Title: We Appreciate Your Business, Not Your Abuse: Incivility by Customers Predicts Revenge Toward Customer, Author: Akanksha Bedi, Location: Thode

abstract:
Past research on organizational revenge has often focused on the organization or
organizational members (e.g., coworkers, or supervisors) as targets of revenge
behaviours. Building on Tripp et al.'s (2007, 2009) model of workplace revenge, the
present study examined the influence of customer incivility on customer directed revenge
behaviours. Data from a survey of 434 customer service employees suggested that
incivility from customers was positively associated with the service employee's desires
for revenge and actual revenge behaviours against the uncivil customer. Specifically,
employees who experienced customer incivility and blamed the customer for the
mistreatment were more likely to desire and engage in revenge. Empathic concern,
perspective taking and organizational tolerance of uncivil customers moderated the
relationship between blame attributions and desire for revenge such that individuals who
empathized with the transgressor, took his/her perspective, or perceived their
organization as intolerant of uncivil customer behaviours were less likely to desire
revenge. In addition, empathic concern moderated the relationship between blame
attribution and actual revenge behaviours such that employees who empathized with the
customer were less likely to act on their blame attributions and engage in revenge.
Finally, empathic concern and perspective taking moderated the relationship between
desire for revenge and actual revenge behaviours but in a direction opposite of the other
observed moderation effects. Specifically, employees who empathized with the customer
or took his/her perspective were more (not less) likely to act on their desires for revenge
and engage in revenge. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings and
directions for future research are discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Connelly, Cathrine E.
Business Administration

abstract: Title: The Green-Eyed Monster Strikes Back: Moderators and Mediators of the Relationship Between Distributive Justice and Theft, Author: Christa L. Wilkins, Location: Thode

abstract:
Unfair pay can have deleterious consequences for employees because they may experience envy and engage in workplace theft when they are paid unfairly. Studies show that the fairness of outcomes, or in other words, distributive justice, does not consistently predict behaviours such as theft, and as such, there may be important mediators and moderators that influence the relationship. While the impact of distributive justice on theft is an important area of research, there is limited research on discrete emotions such as envy as a potential mediator between justice and behaviours such as theft. Affective events theory suggests that emotions generally influence how individuals respond to work events, but there is some debate about which specific emotions arise from organizational injustice. There is also some uncertainty as to which individual and situational factors reduce the effects of unfair pay. The purpose of the dissertation is to empirically test affective events theory through a model that suggests that envy partially mediates the relationship between distributive justice and theft, and to explore potential moderators that are associated with reduced theft. In particular, individual factors such as personality (e.g., honesty-humility) and a positive psychological state (e.g., psychological capital), as well situational factors (e.g., token gestures) are studied. The model is tested using a 2 (underpaid or equitably paid) x 2 (token provided or no token provided) experimental design. The validity of the findings is strengthened because different sources were used to measure the independent
and dependent variables, the variables were measured at different times, and an objective measure of theft was used. The experimental design tests affective events theory and builds on self-verification theory. Practical implications for organizations include a better understanding of how employees feel when faced with unfair pay. Organizations may also reduce theft through employee screening and training initiatives.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)


contributor:
Habibi, S.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract: Title: The General  Toeplitz/Observability Smooth Variable Structure Filter, Author: Mohammed A. Al-Shabi, Location: Mills

abstract:
Fault detection can be used to improve the reliability and safety of industrial
system. An important component of fault detection is filtering for parameter and state
estimation. The challenge is to create a filter that is robust and stable in light of modeling
uncertainties and parametric changes due to fault conditions.The Smooth Variable Structure Filter (SVSF) is a recently defined predictor corrector
filter based on the Sliding Mode Control concepts. The SVSF defines a
hyperplane and then applies a discontinuous corrective action that forces the estimate to
go back and forth cross that plane. The discontinuous action results in chattering. To
overcome chattering, the SVSF uses a saturated function with an associated fixed-width
smoothing boundary layer. The SVSF is useful in applications that require robustness due
to modeling uncertainties. In this thesis, the SVSF concepts are explored and further investigated. The
chattering signals are used to establish a monitoring and reconstructing algorithm that can
be used to detect and extract changes and added uncertainties in the system. However, its
ability to determine the source of the added uncertainty is limited to cases involving
abrupt step changes. There are limitations to the SVSF due to the use of the Luenberger method in
terms of sensitivity to noise and modeling errors. A novel strategy using the Toeplitz and
the Observability matrices is proposed to overcome the SVSF's limitations. This strategy
is generalized to high order systems with multiple measurements using new proposed the
General System Toeplitz and the General Observability matrices. This strategy is linked
to the SVSF and improves its performance in terms of robustness and accuracy. A novel parameter estimation technique referred to as the Iterative BiSection/
Shooting Method (IBSS) is derived and is linked to the SVSF to estimate model
parameters and states for systems in which only the model structure is known. The benefits of the proposed estimation methods are demonstrated by using
example studies involving an electro-hydrostatic actuator proposed in (Habibi, 2007) and
a three-degree of freedom mass-spring-damper system.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A developmental perspective of the relationship between Developmental Coordination Disorder and internalizing problems based on the Environmental Stress Hypothesis

title: A DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS HYPOTHESIS

contributor:
Cairney, John
Kinesiology

subject:
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Internalizing problems
Psychological distress
Environmental Stress Hypothesis
Development
Physical health
Psychosocial well-being
Sex effect

abstract:
The Environmental Stress Hypothesis (ESH) illustrates the underlying mechanisms of internalizing problems in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), indicating that the relationship between DCD and internalizing problems could be influenced by numerous physical and psychosocial consequences. However, the potential pathways described in this conceptual framework have not been comprehensively examined. Furthermore, given that child development is a dynamic process, these pathways have not been investigated from a developmental perspective. In order to address these gaps in knowledge, this dissertation sought to advance our understanding of the ESH by examining the underlying mediating pathways connecting DCD and internalizing problems in three age groups: early childhood, late childhood/early adolescence, and young adulthood.
        Study 1 showed that preschool children at risk for DCD (rDCD) experience more internalizing problems than typically developing children. However, physical activity and BMI do not mediate the relationship between rDCD and internalizing problems. Overall, our findings confirm that rDCD and internalizing problems co-occur in early childhood. Nevertheless, as there is no mediation of physical activity or BMI, the underlying mechanisms may be more related to other psychosocial outcomes (e.g., self-concept or perceived social support), suggested in the ESH.
        Study 2 examined school-aged children and included global self-worth, one of the psychological outcomes identified in the ESH, to address one of the limitations in Study 1. Findings support the ESH by showing a sequential mediating pathway from probable DCD (pDCD), through physical activity/BMI and global self-worth, to self-reported internalizing problems. Sex was found to moderate the underlying mechanisms of internalizing problems, altering the pathways from pDCD to internalizing problems.
        Study 3 was conducted to test the full ESH in emerging adults. Results support the mediating effects of psychosocial well-being, including stress, global relationships, perceived social support, and self-concept, on the relationship between poor motor coordination and self-reported psychological distress in young adults. However, in this age group, physical inactivity and higher BMI, did not mediate the relationship between motor coordination and internalizing problems.
        In conclusion, this dissertation highlights the co-occurrence of motor difficulties and internalizing problems across three developmental stages. The underlying mechanisms of internalizing problems may differ by age and sex. It is also worth noting that compared to physical health, psychosocial well-being may play a more important role as a mediator in the relationship between motor coordination and internalizing problems.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or poor motor coordination has been linked to the higher levels of internalizing problems, such as anxiety and/or depression. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Although the Environmental Stress Hypothesis (ESH) provides a theoretical framework illustrating that physical and psychosocial consequences of DCD may play important roles, this model has not been comprehensively examined. Therefore, this dissertation tested different components of the ESH in three age groups (i.e., preschool age, school age, and young adulthood) in an attempt to provide a better understanding of why motor difficulties cause more internalizing problems from a developmental perspective. Findings confirm that children with DCD and adults with poor motor coordination are at greater risk for internalizing problems, and that perceptions of self may play a more important role explaining the relationship. However, the potential pathways from motor difficulties to internalizing problems may differ by sex and age. In summary, it is recommended that, in order to prevent or improve mental health problems, interventions should target improvements in self-concept, such as self-esteem, through participation in physical activity or weight control, while taking into account sex and age.


title: Developing Methodologies for the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Libraries: Parallel Synthesis of Flavours, Maleimides, alpha-beta-Unsaturated-gamma-Butryrolactams and Isoquinolines

contributor:
Capretta, Alfredo
Chemistry

abstract: Title: Developing Methodologies for the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Libraries: Parallel Synthesis of Flavons, Maleimines, α-β-Unsaturated-γ-Butyrolactams and Isoquinolines, Author: Emelia Awuah, Location: Mills

abstract:
Parallel synthesis technologies that allow for rapid generation of compound
collections that can be screened and quickly provide useful structure-activity
relationships are needed to probe and understand biological systems. Synthetic strategies
that are robust and allow the rapid access to a library of flavones, maleimides, α-β-unsaturated-γ-butyrolactams and isoquinolines are described. A Pd2(dba)3.CHCl3 catalyst system incorporating the 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,4,8-
trioxa-6-phenyl-6-phosphaadamantane (PA-Ph) ligand permits the generation of a library
of substituted flavones via sequential microwave-assisted copper free Sonogashira and
carbonylation annulation reactions under mild conditions. Application of this protocol is
described for several aryl iodides and bromides with TMS-acetylenes allowing for the
"one pot" synthesis of a diverse collection of substituted flavones. Synthetic strategies that led to the generation of libraries of bisaryl-maleirnides,
anilinoaryl-maleimides and bisanilino-maleimides as well as bisaryl substituted α-β-unsaturated-γ-butyrolactams are described. The reaction protocol also takes advantage of
Pd-cross-coupling reactions using the catalytic system mentioned above as well as
Michael addition / elimination reactions. Reaction conditions that allow for the control
necessary for the synthesis of a library of symmetrical and non-symmetrical 3,4-
disubstituted maleimides from N-(p-methoxybenzyl)-3,4-dibromomaleimide as well as
symmetrical and non-symmetrical 3,4-disubstituted α-β-Unsaturated-γ-Butyrolactams from 3,4-dibromo-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrrol-2(5H)-one are presented. Protocol for facile deprotection of the p-methoxybenzyl group to generate the final products of both
3,4-disubstituted maleimides and 3,4-substituted α-β-unsaturated-γ-butyrolactams is also
described. A robust parallel synthetic strategy that makes use of simple, cheap and readily
available precursors is described for the preparation of a library of substituted
isoquinolines. The approach involves microwave-assisted Pictet-Spengler and Bischler-Napieralski
cyclizations. In addition, a Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction protocol
using the Pd/PA-Ph provides access to a diverse collection of C1 and C4 substituted
isoquinolines via the activation of an isoquinolin-1 (2H)-one scaffold. A protocol for the Pd- catalyzed α-arylation of active methylene compounds using
the palladium complex of 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-6-(isobutyl)-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phosphaadamantane
(P A-iBu) to generate products that served as precursors for a diverse
collection of substituted isoquinolines is also described.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: EPIGENTIC LANDSCAPE OF THE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR UROKINASE LOCUS IN QUEBEC PLATELET DISORDER

contributor: Medical Sciences (Blood and Cardiovascular)

subject: QPD;Quebec Platelet Disorder;uPA;Urokinase Plasminogen Activator;Fibrinolysis;Megakaryocytes;Epigenetics

abstract: Quebec platelet disorder (QPD) is a bleeding disorder characterized by a gain of function defect in fibrinolysis. The hallmark feature of QPD is the marked overexpression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in megakaryocytes (MK) and platelets. The genetic cause of QPD is a tandem duplication of a ~78 kb region that encompasses the uPA gene, PLAU. As the mechanism of PLAU overexpression is unknown, gene regulatory mechanisms specifically epigenetics were evaluated at the PLAU locus in QPD MK and granulocytes, a QPD unaffected lineage. The aims of the thesis were to assess if QPD is associated with 1) genome wide methylation changes of promoter CpG islands, particularly at PLAU and 2) genome wide changes of active histone modifications H3K27Ac, H3K36me3 and H3K4me2, particularly at the region of PLAU duplication. Methylation and active histone enrichment analysis revealed that in QPD and control subjects, PLAU promoter CpG island was characterized by unaltered hypo-methylation and changes in active histone peak enrichments that were within the realm of having one extra copy of PLAU in both MK and granulocytes. The findings imply that the PLAU CNV mutation does not induce altered promoter methylation status and/or significantly alter active histone markers as the reason for the marked PLAU overexpression in QPD MK. Instead, the rearrangement of an active enhancer element, particularly an H3K27Ac enhancer expressed in MK but not granulocytes, that is upstream of the second copy of PLAU might underlie the marked PLAU expression by differentiated QPD MK. The thesis provides novel insights into the epigenetic regulation of PLAU that will be crucial to identifying the mechanism underlying the aberrant PLAU expression in QPD.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


contributor:
Badone, Ellen
Religious Sciences

abstract: Title: Transforming Selves: Identity, History, and Autonomy among Roman Catholics in Tokyo, Author: Hisako Omori, Location: Mills

abstract:
This dissertation on Roman Catholic communities in contemporary Tokyo
examines ways in which individuals (re)construct and (re)negotiate their social, cultural
and religious identities using Roman Catholicism. In particular, this study documents the
transformative processes associated with becoming Catholic in contemporary Tokyo. Past
scholarship has established that the Japanese sense of self can be characterized as
"relational" when compared with American and/or Western notions of the self. I argue
that this "relational" sense of self has been shaped through discursive processes in
Japanese history which have emphasized a Neo-Confucian based system of ethics. I
further argue that when converts deepen their understanding of the Catholic world view,
they experience a new power structure in which human authority is significantly
diminished. This re-structuring of authority results in a sense of liberation and elation for
these Japanese Catholics, whose sense of self has previously been shaped by social
obligations and by the Japanese emphasis on the social order and the authority of human
beings. The culturally sanctioned relational sense of self is often transformed to a less
relational one which privileges the notion of integrity, thereby creating an autonomous
self that is analogous to the Western notion of the individual. By situating social actors
within particular historical trajectories that the nation has taken, this study illuminates the
ways in which history and power inform the sense of self in Japan.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Development of a Control System for a Series-Parallel Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

contributor:
Lawford, Mark
Wassyng, Alan
Software Engineering

subject: Hybrid Vehicle

subject: Vehicle Electrification

subject: Control System

subject: Software

subject: Neural Network

abstract:
This thesis outlines the development of a control system for a series-parallel plugin hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle, developed at McMaster University for the EcoCAR 3 Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition, was produced in an effort to provide a Chevrolet Camaro with a high-performance, fuel efficient, hybrid powertrain.
A rational design methodology was adopted and guided the development of the control system and the implementation of its respective algorithms. A simulation tool was created using MATLAB and Simulink which, in turn, allowed for the effectiveness of the supervisory control logic to be evaluated by approximating the vehicle’s energy consumption, fuel consumption, and emissions. The impact of hybridizing the vehicle’s powertrain was similarly assessed by comparing it against its unelectrified counterpart, the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro LT.
A solution to the vehicle’s energy management problem was proposed in the form of an Adaptive Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (A-ECMS) which was then evaluated against more common heuristic approaches as well as non-adaptive instantaneous minimization methods. An artificial neural network was selected as the strategy’s adaptation mechanism and it was used to identify specific vehicular driving patterns in real-time. The neural network addresses many issues that arise due to the sensitivity of algorithms that attempt to solve the energy management problem without prior knowledge of the driving cycle.
The methods used during the process of the control system’s verification and calibration are also discussed in this thesis and, in addition, encompass the use of software representations of the vehicle’s Electronic Control Units (ECUs), the development of test cases, and the supervisory control software’s evaluation in the Model-in-the-Loop (MIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract:
Compared to conventional combustion vehicles, an automobile with an electrified propulsion system has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions due to the presence of an energy storage system and one or more electric machines. These benefits, however, come at the cost of increased control system complexity.
The question of how and when to use alternative energy sources – whether it be electrical or fuel energy – in a hybrid vehicle is at the epicenter of research and development initiatives in the automotive industry. Traditional heuristic methods have proven to be unstable due to their sensitivity to driving conditions and that optimal control policies require prior knowledge of the vehicle’s route and destination, and therefore, are not suitable in most applications. Strategies which attempt to instantaneously minimize a vehicle’s fuel or energy consumption, however, can overcome these aforementioned obstacles. As such, this area of research and development has received much interest.
The objective of this research was twofold: the first being to develop a control system for a series-parallel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in a rational and systematic manner, and, secondarily, to evaluate the benefits of instantaneous minimization methods for energy management.


title: Accurate Prediction of Maritime Trajectories From Historical AIS Data Using Grid-Based Methods

contributor:
Kirubarajan, Thia
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject: AIS

abstract:
In order to aid prediction of future maritime vessel trajectories, it is useful to examine
historical vessel information. It is mandatory for large maritime vessels to broadcast,
among other fields, spatial, speed, and course information using Automatic Identi-
fication System (AIS) transponders. By processing a large historical dataset, it is
possible to predict future vessel trajectories. The region of interest is discretized into
a grid. Then, using offline computations, the historical data are used to determine
second-order transition probabilities and speed information. Predictions will be car-
ried out as an online process. If the destination is known, Dijkstra’s Algorithm is used
to predict the vessel’s path. If the destination is not known, a path can still be de-
termined using transition probabilities, but the prediction will be less accurate. The
path is then smoothed using a line of sight algorithm to produce more realistic paths.
Finally, the speed information is used to predict travel times. Real data were used to
build the graph structure, and predictions were judged against real trajectories.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


contributor:
Thompson, Michael R.
Chemical Engineering

abstract: Title: The Use of Supercritical CO2 in the Processing of Thermoplastic Elastomer Nanocomposites, Author: Jinling Liu, Location: Mills

abstract:
This research studied the use of supercritical C02 (scC02) in the processing of
layered silicate thermoplastic olefinic polymer (TPO) nanocomposites. Focus of the work
was to understand how C02 interacts with the nanofiller in a manner that may lead to
increased interlayer spacing of the clay platelets during processing, and if that interaction
can be exploited as a mechanism for creating a fully exfoliated structure. After a series of
studies, it is understood that scC02 indirectly improves the level of exfoliation and
dispersion for a TPO/clay nanocomposite by plasticizing the maleated polypropylene
(compatibilizer species used for preparing TPO nanocomposites) and the surfactant of an
organoclay filler. The effect of plasticization aided intercalation of the compatibilizer
into the interlayer areas of the clay. For intercalation, concentrating scC02 at the
compatibilizer/clay interface was found to be more effective than when the clay was
annealed alone under the gas before mixing or when all components of the
nanocomposite formulation were heated together in the presence of the gas. In the latter
case, the effectiveness of scC02 to plasticize the compatibilizer/clay association was
diminished by inclusion of the TPO matrix which similarly sought to absorb the gas. In
the case of the clay alone in the presence of scC02, surfactant rearrangement was noted to
occur increasing its surface coverage over the oxygen plane. This in turn, was
hypothesized to reduce the available sites for the compatibilizer to form associations
within the galleries as opposed to the broken edges of the clay particles, thereby lowering
the driving force for interlayer intercalation. The aiding effect of scC02 on the interlayer intercalation was found dependent on
the organoclay species, i.e. chemical structure of its surfactant and the manner which that
surfactant was arranged within the galleries of the silicate. For a surfactant with two alkyl
chains and paraffinic arrangement, scC02 significantly aided the interlayer intercalation.
However, this surfactant appeared fairly unique with other examined organoclays not
displaying scC02 influence, namely an organoclay with surfactant having three alkyl
chains and paraffinic arrangement, or one with surfactant possessing either monoalkyl or
dialkyl chains and a lateral bilayer arrangement. Surfactant rearrangement occurring due
to the presence of scCO2 was ascribed to the different response of the organnoclay to the
intercalation. As observed by X-ray diffraction and differential thermogravimetric
analysis, for the organoclay with two alkyl chains and paraffin-type arrangement the
presence of scC02 resulted in increased interlayer distance and decreased surfactant
packing at the edge area of silicate platelets, both of which were favourable factors to the
interlayer intercalation. Finally, adding a cosolvent of either water or ethanol with scC02 was observed by
infrared analysis to significantly promote chemical associations between the
compatibilizer and clay during melt processing. Water enhanced the compatibilizer/clay
carboxylation whereas ethanol reacted with the compatibilizer generating ester bonds.
The increased chemical affinity was believed to be responsible for the significantly
improved compatibilizer/clay intercalation, and resulting exfoliation and dispersion of the
TPO nanocomposite revealed by XRD, TEM and rheology analysis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)