identifier: Zhang, Yuxing  (2002) Resonant spectrum method to characterize piezoelectric films in composite resonators.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Resonant Spectrum Method , a direct method to characterize a piezoelectric film which is deposited on a substrate to form a composite resonator (also known as over-moded resonator), has been developed. Based on the parallel and series resonant frequency spectra of a composite resonator, with the calculation of the spacing of the parallel resonant frequencies and the effective coupling coefficient, the electromechanical coupling factor, the density, and the elastic constant of the piezoelectric film can be evaluated directly. Experimental results on samples consisted of ZnO films on fused quartz substrates with different thicknesses are presented. They show good agreement with numerical simulations. The effects of the electrode thickness, the mechanical loss and the contact/electrode resistance on the accuracy of this method have also been investigated and it is found that the electrode thickness manifestly affects the accuracy of the method. The mechanical loss of the piezoelectric film has no significant impact. The contact/electrode resistance has some effect but this can be corrected. Applications of the method in piezoelectric film characterization and resonator filter design have been described.


identifier: Ohayon, David  (2002) Methods for pore size engineering in ZSM-5 zeolite.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: The desilicated form of the ZSM-5 was prepared by a process which involved the selective removal of silicon atoms from the parent sodium form zeolite in an aqueous basic solution of sodium carbonate. If the resulting material was activated at 700C̕, its pore size was larger than that of the parent zeolite. The sample is called DS for: Desilication and Stabilization. The desilication treatment has the effect of lowering the Si/Al ratio, while keeping the zeolite structure essentially unmodified. The silicate material which had been removed was determined to be in large proportion sodium orthosilicate.  Ion-exchange of the Na-DZSM-5 with ammonium chloride gives us the more acidic form H-DZSM-5. An amount of 5 wt.% sodium orthosilicate is reinserted on the H-DZSM-5 zeolite and with a stepwise heating treatment to 700C̕ for 16-18 hours, the pore size decreases to 4.6Å. This process is termed DRS, which stands for: Desilication, Reinsertion and Stabilization. To get this pore narrowing, there is a reaction that occurs between the zeolite's and the orthosilicate's silanols during the thermal treatment. This reaction results from dehydroxylation and formation of siloxane bonds.  Selective adsorptive tests with the BTX aromatics and catalytic runs performed with methanol at various reaction temperatures, confirm the enlargement due to the DS treatment, and the pore narrowing as the result of the DRS treatment.  With the goal of better understanding the mechanism involved in the DRS process and to improve the success rate, we passed the sodium orthosilicate through an acid resin and then an amount of 8 wt.% of the resulting orthosilicic acid was reinserted into the H-DZSM-5. The sample was then activated to 700C̕ for a period of 16-18 hours and a measure of the median pore size gave us 4.4Å with an improved reproducibility. The reaction temperature between the zeolite's and the orthosilicic silanols was determined with the Differential Scanning Calorimetry/Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (DSC/TGA) instrument to be ca. 600C̕. The product of this reaction gives us the formation of new siloxane bonds which are responsible for pore narrowing.  Selective adsorption tests with n-heptane and isooctane, catalytic runs performed with methanol at various reaction temperature, the determination of the constraint index and the internal space, confirmed the pore narrowing as the result of the DRS treatment.


identifier: Scantlebury, Thea  (2001) The postprandial stimulation of acylation stimulating protein (ASP) production in adipocytes.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Acylation stimulating protein (ASP), a cleavage product of complement C3, is a potent stimulator of triacylglycerol synthesis in adipocytes. The three proteins necessary for ASP generation are complement C3, factor B and adipsin. In vivo studies have shown that there is an increased production of ASP in the micro-environment of adipose tissue after a meal and the level of ASP in the blood is substantially higher in obese individuals. Initial in vitro studies in our laboratory demonstrated that cultured differentiated adipocytes produce ASP and the postprandial component, chylomicrons (CHYLO), increased ASP production. Thus the present studies were undertaken firstly to identify the component of CHYLO responsible for the increase in ASP, and secondly to examine the CHYLO effects on the C3 (precursor), factor B and adipsin production. The results demonstrated that CHYLO stimulated ASP, C3, factor B and adipsin production in adipocytes. The stimulatory effects of CHYLO on ASP and C3 production were time- and concentration-dependant, with maximum levels at four to six hours of CHYLO stimulation. Transthyretin (TTR) was identified as a CHYLO component involved in the stimulatory effect. TTR and CHYLO transport retinyl ester/retinol, and it was determined that the TTR mediated retinoic acid transfer from CHYLO was involved in stimulating C3, factor B, and subsequently ASP, but not adipsin production. This CHYLO effect includes both de novo protein synthesis and secretion. While retinoic acid partly accounts for the stimulatory effect of CHYLO on C3, factor B and ASP production, we believe there are other factors that are relevant in regulating C3, factor B, adipsin, and ASP production. Taken together, these studies demonstrated that CHYLO is a novel physiological trigger that stimulates ASP production and the necessary proteins (C3, factor B, adipsin) required for ASP generation. This in turn can result in the direct stimulation of triacylglycerol storage in adipose tissue after a meal thereby enhancing the overall body fat stores. With the increase in obesity prevalence over the last decade, we believe that understanding the ASP pathway will allow us to better ascertain the physiological development of obesity and possible new drug targets in controlling it.


identifier: Pitsikas, Photini  (2002) Assessing the contributions of Dcm and Vsr to spontaneous and chemically-induced DNA damage in Escherichia coli.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: DNA repair processes are crucial in maintaining genome integrity. Postreplication repair systems target specific misincorporations which occur during DNA replication. The mismatch repair system corrects most base pair mismatches, the nucleotide excision repair system corrects bulky lesions and the very short patch repair system of E. coli , repairs G-T mismatches that occur in the CCWGG sequence context.  The purpose of this study is to investigate the roles of very short patch repair, mismatch repair and nucleotide excision repair systems, and their interactions in the presence of mutagen induced lesions caused by 2-aminopurine and 5-azacytidine.  We have examined the regulation of the dcm and vsr genes of the very short patch repair system, and have found that Vsr is growth phase regulated while Dcm levels remain constant throughout the various stages of the cell's growth. The Vsr regulation was also found to be post-transcriptional and also, although to a lesser extent, operon structure regulated. This helps explain why 5-methylcytosines are hotspots for mutations in E. coli .  We have shown that Dcm, the only cytosine methyltransferase in E. coli , when bound to its target site CCWGG and in the presence of mutagens, 2-aminopurine and 5-azacytidine, affects DNA repair and replication, respectively. Our results indicate that the 2-aminopurine effect is due to increased mispairing of 5-methycytosines with 2-aminopurine compared to normal cytosine.  5-azacytidine stimulates C-to-G mutations which are independent of the methylase. We have evidence which suggests that the lesions leading to the C-to-G mutations are C-C mismatches. We also have results which indicate that these 5-azacytidine induced lesions are repaired by the nucleotide repair system as well as the MutS and MutL proteins of the mismatch repair system. Other lesions caused by the drug include a methylase dependent lesion. Dcm induced lesions occur when the cytosine methyltransferase binds covalently to 5-azacytosine containing DNA. Our results show that this lesion leads to a reduction in DNA replication, cell growth and cell division.


identifier: Munro, Edith M  (2002) Functional analysis of mutations in a Eukaryote-conserved surface loop in thymidylate synthase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Thymidylate synthase (TS) provides the sole de novo source of the DNA precursor thymidylate (dTMP) in almost all organisms, and is one of the most conserved enzymes known. One salient feature of the eukaryotic version of the enzyme is the occurrence of two peptide inserts, absent in the prokaryotes, in surface loops peripheral to the core structure. The biological function of these inserts is unknown, but they have been shown in yeast TS to contribute to the structural integrity of the enzyme (Munro et al ., 1999). More precisely, the removal of one of the inserts (EUK1) leads to reduced affinity for both substrates as well as decreased enzyme activity, while removal of the other (EUK2) completely abolishes enzyme activity.  In this study we further analyzed effects of deletion and point mutations in the loop (Loop 2) that harbours EUK2. Gel filtration chromatography indicated that inactive deletion mutants that mimic prokaryotic versions of this loop fail to form stable dimers. Activity could not be restored when a phenylalanine residue, presumed to be buried by the conformation of the normal eukaryotic loop, was substituted by a polar residue which even more closely mimicked the prokaryotic TS. Point mutations in EUK2 that substituted one or the other of two conserved tyrosines with phenylalanine partially affected enzyme activity; complementation of TS-deficient E. coli appeared to be gene-dosage dependent and tritium release activity was drastically reduced both in E. coli and yeast. Surprisingly however, yeasts that were auxotrophic for dTMP did not suffer any discernible deleterious effects when complemented by the single tyrosine/phenylalanine mutants, even when the mutant genes were expressed from single copy plasmids. A mutant with both tyrosines replaced by phenylalanine did not complement in E. coli , complemented in a yeast TS-knockout strain only when overexpressed, but showed heteroallelic complementation in a yeast strain that has a mutation in the active site of TS. All mutations introduced in Loop 2 so far dramatically reduce enzyme activity as determined by tritium release assays.  These results indicate that Loop 2, despite its peripheral location, is highly sensitive to modification and contributes to the structural integrity of the protein. In contrast, prokaryotic TS (from E. coli ) was functionally expressed in a yeast TS-knockout strain, suggesting that although EUK1 and EUK2 are essential for structural integrity they do not provide an additional essential biological function. Moreover, our results suggest that the enzymatic impairment of Loop 2 is offset by a factor present in S. cerevisiae cells but not in E. coli


identifier: He, Kan  (2002) Interlaminar stresses and fracture behavior in thickness-tapered composite laminates.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Design and manufacture of a variable thickness composite laminate such as a helicopter yoke involves tapering the laminate by dropping individual plies at discrete internal locations, in order to tailor the stiffness of the laminate. The ply drop in the laminate creates large interlaminar stresses and initiates delamination. Therefore, there is a necessity to investigate the fundamental failure mechanisms and controlling parameters that account for the delamination mode of failure in tapered laminates. In this thesis, a numerical and experimental study on interlaminar stresses and delamination in tapered laminates is presented, including a critical and comprehensive review on earlier works on this type of structure. Numerical analyses performed involved development of partial hybrid stress finite elements needed to enhance computational efficiency, and development of a physical concept-based modified shear-lag model that is based on the essential assumptions that both plies and resin layers are treated as carriers of tensile stress and also to act as stress-transfer media. Experimental analysis was attempted to assess the accuracy of the numerical predictions. For this purpose, tapered NCT-301 Graphite/Epoxy specimens were manufactured using a ply in-fill technique for the cured consolidation and tested under quasi-static uniaxial tension. To perform strength and delamination analyses of the tapered laminate, the laminate was modeled as a generalized plane deformation problem, where all the variables involved in the model are independent of the coordinate system. Also quasi-three dimensional partial hybrid finite elements were used to quantify the analysis. In addition to the plies, the inter-ply resin at the critical ply interface was also modeled in order to have direct and realistic interlaminar responses. Stress-based criteria that have proved to be effective in determination of critical location and load of delamination onset were utilized in this study to predict the delamination strength of the laminate. A good correlation between the predictions and experimental results were observed. Evaluation of strain energy release rates of delaminations occurring at the critical interfaces of the tapered laminate was carried out by using the J -integral approach. This was possible because of the path-independence of the J -integral that results in avoiding the need for analyzing the singular stress field near the delamination tip and reducing the computing effort required. Effects of various design parameters on the structural performance of the tapered laminate were studied so as to gain an insight into design considerations for tapered composite structures.


identifier: Sorial, Hani  (2002) Transcoding of MPEG compressed video.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

title: Transcoding of MPEG compressed video

abstract: Many video services use pre-encoded video for the distribution of video programs to end users. The transmission of compressed video over channels with different capacities may require a reduction in bit rate if the transmission media has a lower capacity than the capacity required by the video bitstream, or when the communication network is congested. The process of converting a compressed video format into another compressed format is known as transcoding. This thesis addresses the specific transcoding problem of bitrate reduction of a previously compressed MPEG video.  Fully decoding a compressed video then re-encoding it at a lower bit rate, as a second generation video, has two disadvantages. First, it is not an efficient solution in terms of implementation complexity, delay and cost. Second, errors are introduced in the repeated compression/decompression of MPEG video, known as multigeneration. In this research, five mechanisms contributing to the continued degradation in multigeneration of MPEG video are identified: Pixel Domain Quantization (PDQ), Pixel Domain Clipping (PDC), Compression Control Parameters Variation (CCPV), Motion Vector Re-estimation (MVR) and Error Propagation due to Motion Compensation (EPMC). The degradation caused by each mechanism is illustrated and quantified by experiments.  Next, the research addresses transcoding of MPEG compressed video. Two methods to reduce the requantization errors in transcoding are proposed. The first method assumes Laplacian distributions for the original DCT coefficients. A Laplacian parameter for each coefficient is estimated at the transcoder from the quantized input DCT coefficients. These parameters are used in transcoding to improve the quality of the transcoded video. The second method, selective requantization, is based on avoiding critical ratios of the two cascaded quantizations (encoding versus transcoding) that either lead to larger transcoding errors or require a higher bit budget. The experimental results show that both methods improve the quality of the transcoded video.  Moreover, the thesis addresses the problem of multi-program video transmission over heterogeneous networks and provides a joint transcoder for transcoding multiple MPEG video bitstreams simultaneously. It is shown that joint transcoding provides better picture quality than independent transcoding of each sequence at a constant bitrate. Furthermore, joint transcoding minimizes the variation in picture quality between the sequences, as well as within each sequence. Consequently, joint transcoding results in a better utilization of the channel capacity.


identifier: Mehrvar, Hamid-Reza  (2001) Prediction of cell loss rate and its application to connection admission control.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: At a node of a broadband network, such as an ATM network, the prediction of quality of service plays an important role in formulating traffic control functions. The historical data from 1995 to 2001 has shown that data traffic has doubled each year and this trend is likely to continue. Assuming that traffic is generated from a number of data sources, we propose a new approach in predicting packet (or cell) loss rate, which is considered to be the quality of service of interest. The proposed approach not only does not rely on an assumption of a statistical model for the traffic patterns, but also closely approximates the cell loss rate in an output queue of a node. To do this, first, we identify a set of traffic parameters, as traffic indicator , that can describe the behavior of short-term, long-term or self-similar traffic. Then, we approximate the cell loss rate in terms of the traffic indicator using function approximation capability of a neural network system consisting of a linear combination of a number of sigmoid functions.  The proposed traffic indicator and cell loss approximator can be used for traffic engineering of broadband networks, e.g., ATM networks, to maximize the utilization of an output link. As an illustrative example, we propose a new connection admission control that predicts packet cell loss rate from the aggregate of two traffic indicators: one for the existing connections and the other for the new connection. If the predicted cell loss rate for the aggregate traffic indicator is less than a pre-set threshold the new connection is admitted. Under the assumption that the users do not tight bound on the cell loss rate, we showed that the proposed admission control is twice as efficient as the Equivalent Capacity


identifier: Marzouk, Mohamed  (2002) Optimizing earthmoving operations using computer simulation.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis presents a new methodology for optimizing earthmoving operations using computer simulation and genetic algorithms. It provides an optimization tool geared towards selection of near-optimum fleet configurations. The optimization used in the selection of fleets accounts for availability of equipment and aims at minimizing the total project cost or duration. The simulation process, in the proposed methodology, utilizes discrete event simulation (DEVS) and object oriented modeling. Different features of object orientation are employed including classes, dynamic data structure and polymorphism. The three-phase simulation approach, rather than process interaction, was employed to control the dynamics of the simulation process and track involved activities. This simulation approach is considered most appropriate for object oriented simulation (OOS). The optimization process uses a developed genetic algorithm to search for a near-optimum fleet configuration that reduces project total cost. The algorithm considers a set of qualitative and quantitative variables that influence the production of earthmoving operations. Qualitative variables represent the models of equipment used in each fleet scenario, whereas, quantitative variables represent the number of equipment involved in each scenario.  The proposed methodology accounts for: (1) uncertainties associated with earthmoving operations; (2) optimization of project duration or its total cost, considering equipment availability; and (3) realistic estimates of haulers' travel time. It also makes full use of object oriented features and is implemented in a prototype software system named SimEarth . The system consists of five main components: (1) EarthMoving Simulation Program ( EMSP ); (2) Equipment Cost Application ( ECA ); (3) Equipment Database Application ( EDA ); (4) EarthMoving Genetic Algorithm ( EM_GA ), and (5) Output Reporting Module ( ORM ). Beside these main components, SimEarth is supported by: (a) Hauler's Travel Time Application ( HTTA ), and (b) EarthMoving Markup Application ( EMMA ). All system components are implemented in Microsoft ( MS ) environment except the dynamic sub-module of ORM component, which is implemented utilizing " Proof Animation " software. Five numerical examples were analyzed in order to validate and demonstrate the essential features of the system's components. A comprehensive case study of an actual project was analyzed in order to test the performance of the developed system (including the dynamic interaction among its components) and to illustrate the practical features of the developed methodology. The project involves the construction of a large rockfill dam, located in the northern part of the province of Quebec.


identifier: Shehab-Eldeen, Tariq  (2001) An automated system for detection, classification and rehabilitation of defects in sewer pipes.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The poor status of sewer pipes in North America has been reported by many researchers, revealing the presence of many defects that impact their performance. Inadequate inspection is considered as one of the main causes behind the declining condition of this class of pipes. This could be attributed to high cost of inspection and inadequate funds allocated to this purpose. The high cost is due to the current manual and high labor intensive inspection practice. Sewer rehabilitation methods are numerous and are constantly being developed. One of the rapidly expanding fields in the sewer rehabilitation industry is trenchless technology. Due to the large number of methods associated with this field, selecting the most suitable method manually can be a challenging task. Selection in this environment may also suffer from the limited knowledge and/or experience of the decision-maker.  This research presents two developed automated systems: AUTO-DETECT and AUTO-SELECT. AUTO-DETECT detects and classifies defects in sewer pipes automatically. The system utilizes image analysis techniques, artificial intelligence (AI) and Visual Basic programming language for performing its task. A multiple classifier module encompassing a total of fifteen classifiers was developed to counter-check the results generated by the system. A solution strategy was also developed for efficient utilization of the developed specialized classifiers in an effort to improve the system's performance. The automated system was validated using actual data from randomly selected sections of the sewer network of a major Canadian municipality. The system's accuracy was found to range from 80% to 100%.  AUTO-SELECT is essentially a multi-attribute decision support system designed to select and rank the most suitable trenchless rehabilitation methods for sewer pipes. The system utilizes two modules: (1) database management system (DBMS) and (2) decision support system (DSS). The developed relational database assists in identifying suitable trenchless rehabilitation techniques that satisfy a total of sixteen factors which account for technical, contractual and cost requirements of projects as well as user specified preferences. In case of having more than one suitable rehabilitation method, a DSS was developed to evaluate and rank them and, accordingly, suggest the most suitable one. A case example has been worked out to demonstrate the use and capabilities of the developed system.


identifier: Johnson, Cheryl Ann  (2001) The effect of patch size and competitor number on aggression among foraging house sparrows.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: To test between the contradictory predictions of resource defence theory and a modified hawk-dove model, I examined the effect of patch size and competitor number on aggression among foraging house sparrows, Passer domesticus . The birds were observed at feeding tables of seven different sizes, each table doubling in surface area from 0.014 m 2 to 0.922 m 2 , allowing for a broader quantitative description of changes in aggression with patch size than previously examined. Resource defence theory predicts that small patches will be more defendable than large patches and that aggression will peak at intermediate competitor numbers at defendable patches. In contrast, a modified hawk-dove model predicts an increase in aggressiveness with competitor number; the model makes no predictions about patch size. Contrary to resource defence theory, birds did not defend an entire patch, even when it was as small as 0.014 m 2 . As a result, aggression among the birds decreased more gradually with increasing patch size than expected by an all-or-none threshold model of resource defence. Moreover, birds fought more frequently and intensely at high competitor numbers, a result that is more consistent with the predictions of a modified hawk-dove model than the dome-shaped relationship predicted by models of resource defence. Interestingly, females were more aggressive and foraged faster than males. Because females were able to compete more effectively when individuals were aggressive, the proportion of females increased as patch size decreased. My results have implications for the truncated phenotype ideal free distributions.


identifier: Wu, Gi-Mick  (2001) An empirical investigation of risk-sensitivity in foraging flocks of Nutmeg Mannikins (Lonchura punctulata).  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Foraging in a group allows for the exploitation of other individuals' food findings, often modeled as a producer-scrounger game. Producer-scrounger games assume that searching for food patches (producer) and for exploitation opportunities (scrounger) are mutually exclusive tactics, and predict that the proportion of scrounger in a group should reach a stable equilibrium where both tactics provide equal payoffs. A stochastic producer-scrounger model assumes that scrounger reduces the variability of intake and that animals minimize the probability of incurring an energy shortfall (risk-sensitive). Consequently, it predicts that the proportion of scrounger at SEF should depend on the animals' energy requirement. In experiment one, I tested the crucial assumption that producer yields a more variable intake than scrounger. I observed flocks of Lonchura punctulata foraging for hidden patches of seeds on a board, in an indoor aviary. At a short time scale, producer yielded a more variable intake than scrounger in 17/20 birds. Based on the cumulative probability distributions of intake rates, scrounger frequency should decline with decreasing energy reserves, the opposite predicted by the stochastic model. In experiment two 7/8 birds reduced their use of scrounger with decreasing energy reserves. I conclude that L. punctulata is sensitive to the variability of intake rate (risk-sensitive), but that the current stochastic producer-scrounger model does not apply to these birds.


identifier: Au, Catherine  (2002) Interactions between the CREA protein and the glaA promoter region of Aspergillus niger.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: I constructed a genomic DNA library of Aspergillus niger , and determined that it contained 50 000 independent clones of an average size of 14 kb. This library contained approximately twenty genome equivalents. I also constructed an expression vector using the plasmid pGEX-2T to express the fusion protein GST:CREA. This construct contained the full coding sequence of the creA gene of A. niger . The GST affinity tag is located as an amino-terminal fusion with respect to CREA. Induction of the fusion protein was performed under various conditions, and it was concluded that a construct containing a carboxy-terminal affinity tag would ameliorate the yield of full length protein, along with the expression of the construct in the Rosetta © strain of cells produced by Novagen. The protein was purified over a Glutathione Sepharose 4B column from Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, and used for electrophoretic mobility shift assays with oligonucleotides containing the CREA consensus binding sequence, and mutated segments of the glaA promoter of A. niger . Shifted bands were observed in the presence of the purified protein, and competition between labeled and unlabeled DNA indicated clearly that the protein was binding to the CREA consensus binding sequence.


identifier: Cammalleri, Caterina  (2002) The effect of HIV protease inhibitors on insulin binding, triglyceride synthesis, lipolysis, and insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Retroviral protease inhibitors used as therapy for HIV-infection have been causally associated with serious metabolic side effects, including peripheral lipodystrophy, central adiposity, hyperlipidaemia, insulin resistance, and in some cases, type 2 diabetes. The etiology of this characteristic clinical syndrome remains unknown.  We demonstrate that the HIV protease inhibitors (PIs), saquinavir, indinavir, and ritonavir inhibit adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Furthermore, they exert a dose-dependent increase in basal triacylglycerol synthesis followed by a concomitant decrease in insulin-stimulated triacylglycerol synthesis. However, PIs did not stimulate lipolysis under basal or norepinephrine-stimulated conditions in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Also, this study reports an inhibition of specific 125 I-Insulin binding to insulin receptors in the presence of PIs throughout distinct stages of 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Additionally, this inhibition was found to be reversable upon removal of the PIs during the binding process. However, insulin binding affinities and processing were not affected by PIs.  To continue, we investigated whether the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir altered insulin signaling. In cells not exposed to ritonavir, insulin led to a rapid increase of insulin-receptor substrate-1-phosphorylation. In ritonavir-treated cells, these insulin stimulated increases were reduced by approximately 50%.  We conclude that HIV protease inhibitors are capable of selectively inhibiting the insulin response and contributing to the metabolic abnormalities seen in HIV-infected patients


identifier: Russo, Caterina  (2001) Partial structure and characterization of the mouse oxytocin receptor gene.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Oxytocin (OT) is a hypophyseal nonapeptide which exerts a wide spectrum of central and peripheral effects. One of its well-known functions is its involvement in uterine contractions during labor. These functions are mediated by specific oxytocin receptors (OTRs). In order to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the OT/OTR system. I have isolated and characterized 2 identical recombinant phage n-DASH II genomic clones containing the mouse OTR gene using sequence information available from the human and rat OTR genes. Restriction enzyme mapping of the phage showed that the OTR gene spans >20 kbp. A 6.0 kbp Sst I fragment was subcloned and sequenced. Comparison of this sequence to that of the published rat OTR gene sequence confirmed that the fragment was indeed the mouse OTR. The predicted amino acid sequence is 94% and 97% identical to the human and rat OTR sequences, respectively. The transcription start site was mapped by 5 ' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The major start site was mapped at 307 by upstream of the ATG codon. The mouse OTR lacks an apparent TATA or CCAAT box as is the case for the rat and human OTR genes. The mouse OTR gene contains three exons and two introns. The first intron lies within the 5 ' -UT region and is 97 bp long. The second intron interrupts the region encoding the sixth and seventh transmembrane domains and is at least 12 kbp long. The OTR gene is highly expressed at parturition and gives rise to at least two transcripts of 5.0 and 3.6 kbp, respectively.


identifier: Hossain, Md. Alomgir  (2001) The Wigner function and its relation with the wavelet transform for certain Lie groups.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: We study Wigner functions on general Lie groups when the group admits square-integrable representations. We develop a relation between Wigner functions and wavelet transforms. In the main part of this thesis, we build Wigner functions and study the connection between Wigner functions and wavelet transforms on the group [Special characters omitted.] . Further we check the covariance property, marginality and overlap conditions for the Wigner functions on G ab .


identifier: Li, Hongmin  (2002) Validation of three multi-zone airflow models.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Understanding airflow and contaminant transport patterns in building helps engineers to design systems that effectively ventilate all spaces. Computer simulation models are used to predict air and contaminant flow as inexpensive alternatives. Several airflow and contaminant dispersion models have been developed to study air distribution and indoor air quality in buildings.  A comprehensive research was conducted to validate the three multi-zone airflow models--COMIS, CONTAM and ESP-r. The validation process was carried out at different levels: fundamental comparisons of three models, validation with experimental data collected in a controlled environment test in a laboratory, and validation with field measurement data of two single-family houses in Ottawa. An approach was developed to distribute the measured air leakage characteristics of the whole house with the garage through cracks and gaps on exterior walls and roof, before the simulation with field measurement data. After that, COMIS and CONTAM were used to predict indoor air contaminant dispersion in the field measurement houses caused by car exhaust in the attached garages.  The validation comparisons indicate that there are good agreements between the predictions made by COMIS, CONTAM and ESP-r; there are, however, some differences between these models' predictions and the measured data. The contaminant concentrations predicted by COMIS and CONTAM illustrate that the air-tightness of garage/house interface wall has significant impact on the contaminant dispersion in the rooms of houses.


identifier: Solati, Babak  (2002) Computer modeling of the energy performance of screw chillers.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The energy crisis and mandatory energy conservation standards together with the advancement in computer technology led to rapid development of the energy calculation procedures for the prediction of the performance and energy requirements of buildings. DOE-2 is one of the major public domain programs, which is used throughout North America, however this program does not contain computer models for screw compressor chillers.  The main objective of this study is to evaluate the energy performance of screw-compressor chillers, based on thermodynamic principles and parameter identification from the manufacturers' data. The thermodynamic model used in this study was based on the ASHRAE Toolkit-I for primary HVAC system energy calculations.  Results showed that the screw compressor chillers perform almost similar to centrifugal chillers at off-design conditions under full load; however at part load regime, screw chillers perform completely different from centrifugal chillers. It was observed that unlike the centrifugal chillers, the screw chillers have the best performance at part load ratio about 0.7, and at low part load ratio the COP is significantly low. After the energy performance correlation for screw compressor chillers were derived, they were used in the DOE-2 program to compare the energy performance of an office building in Montreal with that of centrifugal chillers. Results showed that the electric demand of screw chiller is significantly higher. Meanwhile the monthly peak electric demand is almost constant throughout the year, while that of centrifugal chillers shows a significant variation from month to month.  Beside the correlations for energy performance of screw compressor chiller based on the DOE-2 generic format, some other type of correlations were developed using the identified parameters, which can be used in the Fault Detection and Diagnostic (FDD) systems to check continuously the performance of chillers during the operation.


identifier: Ghotbi, Mohsen  (2001) Multiuser detection of DS-CDMA signals using parallel interference cancellation in wireless communications.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In a limited network resource, techniques are needed to share the channel among different users as efficiently and as fairly as possible. Among multiple access techniques; Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) has the exclusive advantage of allowing all active users share the same channel concurrently.  When CDMA technique is used, Multi User Detection (MUD) is needed to reject or reduce the Multiple Access Interference (MAI) affecting each active user. In this thesis, it is shown that multiuser detection using Parallel Interference Cancellation (PIC) technique provides a good compromise among the complexity, latency, and performance. This technique is suitable for Digital Video Broadcasting-Return Channel via Satellite (DVB-RSC) as well as Base Station (BS) in cellular communication systems. We offer a new scheme that is a combination of soft and hard PIC detectors whose performance is superior to that of the other famous sub-optimal detectors.  For most MUD schemes, a perfect knowledge of users' parameters is required. In this thesis, we apply a very simple method to estimate the parameters. PIC detectors are usually studied in equal-power case, i.e., a perfect power control scheme is assumed. We study PIC detector in near-far condition as well, where users arrive at receiver with different power levels. It is shown that our proposed scheme has some advantages over other schemes. First, it is much less complex than optimal and linear detectors. Second, it is much faster than sequential detector. Third, it has better performance than that of linear detectors


identifier: Waqar, Muhammad Umer  (2001) Automated enrichment of SDL specifications with MSCs.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Formal methods and Formal Description Techniques (FDT) are becoming more and more important for developing complex real-time and distributed systems. Message Sequence Charts (MSC) and Specification and Description Language (SDL) are standardized FDTs for specification of telecommunication protocols in particular and distributed systems in general. We present an automated approach for enriching an SDL specification with MSC. This approach can be used for incremental development with SDL and MSC or for maintenance of a system in SDL.  Enrichment of SDL with MSC involves enrichment of SDL architecture and behavior. Our automated approach consists of three interconnected steps i.e. pre-phase, MSC2SDL phase and post-phase . In the pre-phase SDL architecture is enriched using new MSC. We give algorithms for enriching SDL architecture using MSC. MSC2SDL phase generates new SDL behavior using new MSC and enriched architecture. This phase uses MSC2SDL tool. Finally, the post-phase merges old and new SDL behavior to get enriched SDL. We have developed 14 rules of behavioral merger based upon a formal extension relation which guarantees to preserve all the old behavior and prevents introduction of new non-determinism in the enriched specifications. Furthermore, we have developed tools for pre-phase and post-phase and they have been connected with MSC2SDL tool to get a tool set for automated enrichment.


identifier: Zhu, Shaopeng  (2001) Performance analysis of a modified zone-based hierarchical link state routing.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Existing IEEE 802.11 provide minimal connectivity for wireless network, while a number of different routing protocols are proposed for wireless ad-hoc network connectivity in recent years. Traditional routing protocols are classified in two categories: proactive and reactive. More efficient routing protocols combine both features to minimize network overhead and transfer delay.  In this work, a modified zone-based hierarchical link state routing protocol (MZHLS) is presented. In MZHLS, the network is divided into non-overlapping zones. Link state routing is performed on two levels: node level and zone level. MZHLSP is proactive at node level and reactive when destination node exists in different zones. Only zone ID and node ID of a destination are needed for routing and zone ID is found by searching specific zones, for example, periphery zones.  Performance analysis of MZHLS is emphasized. To evaluate the performance of MZHLS, a simulation model of file transfer process is built in C programming language. Performance analysis of MZHLS focuses on transfer delay, overhead, throughput, buffer overflow, etc. The protocol's behavior and changes introduced by variations on some of the parameter settings and the mechanisms that makes up the protocol are examined. Simulation results show the parameter and mechanisms that have the greatest impact and the trade offs that exist between them.


identifier: Elsaid, Husam Saleh  (2002) System configuration for universal wireless systems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: When a mobile station is powered on or handed off in future cellular or wireless LAN environment where multi types of cellular and LAN access techniques (CDMA, GSM, 3G. IEEE802.11 etc.) exist, the universal cellular Base Station will select the best combination of the techniques for the mobile station based on the given mobile station size, power, distance and hardware available. The universal cellular Base Station communicates with the mobile station in many access modes, different modulation modes (PSK. QAM. GMSK etc.) and different FEC coding (Reed-Solomon, convolutional etc.). The base station will run a complex budget calculation to find the best modulation type. FEC type and multiple access technique and inform the mobile station about the best possible modes of operation in its cell. This thesis introduces such complex algorithm and gives few results.


identifier: Islam, Md. Wahidul  (2001) Stability of haptic displays in distributed virtual environment.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: To meet the growing demand of the development of Distributed Virtual Environment (DVE), stability of haptic displays in DVE is now an interesting and challenging research problem. In the case of network-based haptic display the criteria for stability are far more complicated and requires the force and kinematic data to be transferred over the communication links.  In this thesis, Dead Reckoning Algorithm in haptic simulation is introduced to guarantee stability for any kind of time delays or loss of information over network. Haptic dead-reckoning allows a comparatively simpler, local environment model to serve the haptic rendering while being periodically updated by a more complex and accurate model. Two force calculation models--"Complex" and "Simple" are simulated with an order reduction technique in a two user DVE with haptic devices. Force outputs for different types of interaction from both the force calculation models along with the errors between them are investigated. Stability and discrete-time passivity of haptic displays are guaranteed for any kind of delays without sacrificing the total loop gain. This technique enhances the real-time performance in force feedback realization and reduces the human risk involved.


identifier: Mazumder, Anup  (2002) Capacitor commutated converters for HVDC transmission system.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The operation of HVDC systems using conventional Line Commutated Converters (LCCs) operating with weak AC systems becomes unreliable due to frequent commutation failures which can occur for any small disturbance in the AC networks.  The thesis starts with a brief survey of the present state of the art in HVDC systems. This is followed by the descriptions of different subsystems of the CIGRE benchmark model. The basic control characteristics of HVDC systems are discussed and their implementations are described using block diagrams. Finally, different tests are carried out by applying varying faults and step changes in the control parameters.  PSCAD/EMTDC simulation package is used to model the CIGRE benchmark and its various control circuits.  The performance of the CCC is compared with conventional LCC using the same benchmark model. Finally, a modified version of CCC configuration, namely Hybrid Converter Combination (HCC) configuration is presented. This configuration uses a combination of both a traditional LCC and a CCC. Its viability is assessed in terms of technical suitability and lower overall cost


identifier: Yang, Yi  (2002) A distributed arithmetic based CORDIC algorithm and its use in the FPGA implementation of the 2-D IDCT.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The discrete cosine transform (DCT) based image compression techniques play an important role in today's digital applications. A video codec chip requires an integration of high-speed DCT and inverse DCT (IDCT) hardware units in a limited silicon space.  This thesis presents a distributed arithmetic based CORDIC algorithm for the computation of the 1-D IDCT and an FPGA implementation of a cost-effective architecture for a 2-D IDCT processor using the proposed algorithm. The processor consisting of two 1-D IDCT cores, a transpose memory and a control logic block performs the 2-D IDCT computation by using the row-column decomposition approach. The basis of the proposed scheme is a combined use of the distributed arithmetic and the CORDIC algorithm in order to provide a small access time to the lookup tables and a reduced complexity for its architecture. In the proposed design, the deep pipeline structure of an existing CORDIC based architecture is replaced by much smaller DA-based ROM accumulators.  In the proposed design, a bit-level digit-serial structure based on the redundant number system using an on-line algorithm is employed.


identifier: Cai, Zhen  (2002) Trajectory tracking control of pendubot using the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy sheme.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Pendubot is a planar two-link underactuated robotic mechanism and serves as a benchmark example to test developed control algorithms for underactuated mechanical systems.  In this thesis we attempt to use the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model for the task of the trajectory tracking of the Pendubot. Two proposed control algorithms employ the fuzzy control that is designed by an aggregation of the fuzzy local controllers. For the first control algorithm, the local controller consists of an optimal output feedback plus a term for perturbation rejection, which is design based on the output optimal control and the linear regulatory theory. For the second control algorithm, the local controller is constructed with the state observer. The advantage for such designs is only simple fuzzy controllers are used in the approaches. The proposed two control laws ensure global stability of the closed-loop system and the first one also guarantees the optimal output trajectory tracking


identifier: Chui, Nianfu  (2002) The development of a dynamic test bed for flight management systems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: One of the important steps in Flight Management Systems (FMS) development is its testing in the dynamic environment for a specific aircraft type. While such testing is mostly performed in the actual aircraft, a more economical approach is to carry out the bulk of the testing using a laboratory-based simulated environment or test bed, for which the basis is a re-configurable, real-time flight dynamic model.  Such a dynamic test bed, when used for the test and evaluation of the FMS, has three issues identified in order to provide a simulated, real time, dynamic working environment for the FMS. The first issue is a real time software representation of the specific aircraft type to generate aircraft performance data and navigation information for the FMS, and to implement the FMS navigational commands. An on-the-shelf commercial flight simulator software package from Virtual Prototypes Inc, which has a re-configurable fixed-wing aircraft six-degree aerodynamic model and a complete set of simulated aircraft systems, was chosen as the baseline for this simulation software development. The baseline software package was enhanced by developing new control laws, automatic flight control modes, robust environment models and basic navigation facility models to satisfy the test bed as an engineering tool. The second system is the interface system interfacing the FMS with the test bed. This involved the multiple processes interface software configuration and development for the interface cards and the simulation software. Finally, a graphical user interface is developed for the user to operate the test bed, including controlling the simulation and performing data acquisition.  There are three issues concerned with the development of the Dynamic Test Bed, which are the system's architecture/structure, hardware, and software. This thesis is mostly devoted to the architecture/structure and software issues


identifier: Fan, Shen  (2002) Design of an expert system for ergonomic assessment.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: As a branch of artificial intelligence, expert systems have achieved a tremendous development in the past two decades and have gained mature implementations in many industrial fields. Ergonomics is playing an important role in the modern society. Applying the technology of expert systems in ergonomics makes it possible for people to use the expertise of ergonomic experts to finish their work correctly and efficiently without the assistance of experts.  This thesis presents the design of a rule-based expert system that is used to analyze and evaluate the working conditions by ergonomic standards. CLIPS (C Language Integrated Production System) is the tool used to develop this expert system. The knowledge base of this expert system is acquired from OSHA's (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) ergonomic standards and Washington State's Ergonomics Rules.  Our expert system has five subcomponents construct this expert system: management component, general OSHA questions component, Visual Display Terminal analysis component, Lifting calculation component and In-depth work analysis component. The management component controls the flow of the other subcomponents whereas the other subcomponents identify hazards of musculoskeletal disorders and evaluate ergonomic conditions in the workplace. The power of our expert system is shown by doing a step-by-step in-depth work analysis as an example.


identifier: Li, Ming  (2002) Optimal lot streaming and scheduling of multiple jobs in two-machine no-wait flow shops.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis, a heuristic method is developed to optimize the sublots sizes of a number of jobs and to sequence these jobs simultaneously in two-machine no-wait flow shops. The objective is to minimize the production cost.  A no-wait manufacturing system is a production environment in which each job must be processed from start to finish, without any interruption either on or between machines. Such situations can be found in many manufacturing systems, as in iron and steel production as well as in the process of anodizing products and components. In a manufacturing flow shop, there normally are several jobs with multiple identical items to be processed by a set of machines. Lot streaming is to create sublots so that machine operations can be overlapped. This thesis work devotes to the development of a heuristic method to find optimal discrete-sized sublots for each job and sequence multiple jobs efficiently in a two-machine no-wait flow shop.  Simulated annealing based heuristic search is used to search for a global optimal solution of the problem. The heuristic method is extended to solve three-machine flow shop problems. The efficiency and the effectiveness of this method are illustrated using several numerical examples.


identifier: Gaspar, George J  (2002) Re-examining the IPO unlock day anomaly : do market conditions and increased availability of information matter?  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The lockup agreement prohibits insiders and pre IPO shareholders from selling any of their stake in the company prior to the unlock date. Field and Hanka (2001) find that the unlock day is associated with significant abnormal returns. During the period of the Field and Hanka (2001) study the public was almost never reminded of the unlock date, other than the unlock date being available in the company's prospectus. However, as of October 1999, reminders of the unlock date have been widely available via internet sources. This study investigates if the greater degree of public information/scrutiny pertaining to the unlock day results in the elimination of the unlock day abnormal returns. Abnormal returns are found to be confined to firms having venture capital backing. Observed price adjustments tend to begin much earlier and declines appear more severe than previously reported. The study considers if the nature of the actual response observed at unlock is tied to the overall market sentiment at the time of IPO and unlock finding that firms making IPOs in cold markets are less affected at unlock than those firms making IPOs in hot markets. Further, many of the factors surrounding the IPO of a security act to lessen the informational asymmetries persisting at the time of the offering: the study confirms the relation of these IPO signalling factors as drivers of unlock day selling pressure. Furthermore, in the examination of the unlock day effect, consideration was also given to aftermarket price support and industry effects.


identifier: Hung, Loretta T. S  (2002) Dynamic asset allocation modeling for international investment : a comparison of information-based active strategies versus passive strategies for the EAFE and S&P 500 portfolios.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Tactical asset allocation has become popular in asset management since the stock market crash in October 1987. Researchers and practitioners have always promoted the benefits of international diversification. Much research has been done in domestic asset allocation and global asset allocation. However, a portfolio mix between the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI EAFE Index is a novel combination for tactical asset allocation. The objective of this study is to develop a dynamic asset allocation strategy dealing with such an asset mix. A rolling binary logit model is built using the preceding sixty months of data and is used to forecast the next month's movements of these two indices. Forty-eight trading strategies are implemented to validate the forecastability of the prediction model using the out-of-sample data from January 1978 to September 1999.  This study affirms that a dynamic asset allocation strategy can be established to time the market and generate a superior abnormal return on a portfolio investing in these two assets. A prediction model can be built on public information variables to successfully forecast the upcoming movements of these two indices. Even with transaction costs, an investor can rely on the signals to make asset allocation between these two indices and produce a terminal wealth significantly larger than the passive portfolios invested in either one of the indices alone


identifier: Soussa, Anwar  (2001) Marketing in developing countries : an audit on the state of marketing activities and marketing orientation.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: According to the two schools of thought on marketing and economic development, marketing can either spur economic development or be spurred by it. As such, there is a hypothesized link between economic development and the level of marketing orientation and activities in developing countries. This thesis aims to determine the level of marketing orientation and marketing activities in developing countries and seeks to investigate the correlation between these levels and the variables that the literature argues are key for economic development. To this end, a model is created based on the literature on economic development and marketing in developing countries--with the independent variables resembling [what is known in emerging market circles as] the 'Washington Consensus'. A survey is carried out using Kotlers' Marketing Audit as the investigative tool and sent to members of the American Marketing Association in developing countries. The data is analyzed by means of factor analysis and multivariate regression analysis. Descriptive statistics and a summary of the Marketing Audit results provide insight into the state of marketing in developing countries. Evidence was found supporting the hypothesis that the variables linked to the economic development of developing countries may also be used to predict the level of marketing orientation and activities in these countries. The implications of this research for academics and practitioners are discussed. Future research suggestions are also provided.


identifier: Zhao, Jia  (2002) Knowledge management support for Web based learning.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The overlapping area of Knowledge Management (KM) and Web Based Learning (WBL) deserves more attention from researchers. The WWW is becoming more and more popular for disseminating distance learning programs; and KM technologies have been largely utilized in industrial and business corporations in contrast to their application in the educational sector. Current WBL environments, whose major role should be delivering and presenting knowledge, still lack systematic KM support. Motivated by intention to apply KM strategies to the area of WBL, this thesis aims: (1) to perform a systematic analysis and categorization of KM strategies that can be utilized in the field of WBL; (2) to propose a system model for developing a WBL environment with KM support; (3) to explore in depth two KM strategies: namely Subject Knowledge Modeling and Dynamic Course Planning-cum-scheduling . As the practical contribution of this thesis, two prototype systems are developed and tested. One is called Online Course Presentation System and the other is called Online Course Planning System . Both prototypes have been tested by a group of 10 students in a practical environment.


identifier: Yu, Zhongde  (2002) Function cross-reference browser.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: Function cross-reference browser

abstract: In this thesis, we describe the construction of a Function Cross-Reference Browser, a tool of software visualization. The Browser is able to parse all the source files of a software application written in ANSI C++, to extract the information on the function cross reference hierarchy, and to provide 3D display of the call hierarchy. The Browser can handle a proper subset of the standard C++ features (including dynamic binding), and it provides a convenient way to traverse the function call tree in a graphic window, as well as other features for clear displaying. This thesis demonstrates the design and implementation of the Browser, provides detailed analysis of its execution behavior, discusses the limitations of it, and outlines some possible enhancements in the future. In summary, the work done by this thesis adds a new member to the area of software visualization. The Browser is a useful tool for software engineers. It can help them better understand a large, complicated software application written in C++ language


identifier: Yang, Liusong  (2002) A design of a BLAST server with Jini technology.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The explosion of biological data, particularly the nucleic acid and protein sequences, has been proved to be both an opportunity and challenge for biologists as well as computer experts. The burgeoning of huge-sized sequence databases necessitates the invention and renovation of powerful computational tools to efficiently manage and utilize these sequence data. Among the various bioinformatics tools, BLAST Local Alignment Search Tool) is the most commonly used one for DNA sequence database searching. To enhance its working efficiency, in this thesis, we have tried to design a new distributed system for BLAST service with the recently developed Jini technology. Since the service is involved in sequence databases query, the RMI (Remote Method Invocation) proxy was chosen in its architecture. The structures on both the client and the server sides were designed mainly based on Java technology and demonstrated with class diagrams of Unified Modeling Language (UML).


identifier: Shen, Xin  (2002) An architecture tradeoff analysis of postgreSQL.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) was developed by R. Kazman, M. Klein and P. Clements to evaluate early architectural decisions of software development in terms of quality attributes to avoid expensive architectural mistakes.  PostgreSQL developed in the University of California was a pioneer of many modern RDBMS systems. It is now an open source project.  We applied ATAM to the postgreSQL project in light of identifying the architectural features and possible pitfalls in the architecture of similar DBMS systems. The result shows that we identified some sensitive points, trade-off points and risks of postgreSQL although we did have some difficulties when extracting precise quality attributes. This work proves the effectiveness of ATAM method and explores the possible way to use ATAM on general purpose software.


identifier: Zhou, Jun  (2001) Segmentation of legal amounts on bank cheques.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Automatic processing of bank cheques has been investigated for ten years at CENter for PAttern Recognition and Machine Intelligence (CENPARMI). Topics studied include the recognition of legal amount, courtesy amount and date. In the CENPARMI Cheque Processing System, sentence-to-word segmentation has to be done before the recognition of legal amount. Segmentation serves as the basis of recognition. However, the previous segmentation module is hindered by both under-segmentation and over-segmentation. To overcome this problem, a feedback-based approach is proposed. It is implemented in two steps. In the first step, segmentation is done according to the structural features found between the connected components in the legal amount. In the second step, a feedback process is introduced to re-segment the parts that could not be identified in the first step. Subsequently, the classifier is used to verify the re-segmentation result. The confidence value produced by the classifier is used to determine the best segmentation points. Two neural network classifiers have been introduced into the segmentation process. Their performances are compared. This approach is tested on a CENPARMI database with 680 images and the result indicates that the new approach has increased the correct segmentation rate by 15.0% from the previous approach.  After segmentation, the legal amounts are recognized by a neural network classifier and a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) hybrid classifier. With the new segmentation method, the performances of the two classifiers have increased by 9.7% and 8.9% respectively


identifier: Li, Ning  (2001) Usability patterns-assisted design for Web user interfaces.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Many Web design and usability problems have a tendency to recur in various projects. Web designers often try to reinvent solutions from scratch, because the current Web design guidelines are hard to remember, and difficult to use effectively by novice Web designers or software engineers who are not familiar with user interfaces and Web design principles. Furthermore, current Web authoring tools have long been available to assist developers in integrating many aspects of Web applications, although the majority of these environments do not provide a mechanism for explicitly ensuring the usability of the developed Web user interfaces. For our research, we will describe a pattern language supported by an innovative tool for Web applications design. Using this tool, the patterns are shown to be more than an alternative design tool to current Web design guidelines and tools. We perceive them as an ideal vehicle for gathering best design practices, and transferring by means of Web authoring tools the knowledge of usability experts to software engineers unfamiliar with usability engineering.


identifier: Abdi, Naziha  (2002) Écriture féminine et traduction d'œuvres écrites par des femmes dans deux nouvelles d'Elizabeth Stuart Phelps : "The Cloudy Morning" et "The Angel Over the Right Shoulder".  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: A text written by a women is not obviously a feminist one. Feminist writers use different ways to express their orientation in their writings. In the case of Elizabeth Stuart Phelps (1815-1852), we consider that her texts are feminist. Mainly because they are intended for women readers, but also because, in addition to explaining the status of women in the nineteenth century, they vehicle a message of liberation from the clichés that a patriarchal society has imposed upon them.  Because of her childhood and the religious education she had, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps' feminist approach is very faltering and she never follows her ideas through. We notice that even when she encourages women to handle their intellectual life, she tries not to shock the society. In that context, we wondered how to translate the two novels we worked on, "The Cloudy Morning" and "The Angel over the Right Shoulder". Should we take into consideration the author's faltering steps toward feminism? Or should we choose to do a feminist translation and turn Elizabeth Stuart Phelps into a revolutionary and pioneer in feminist literature? Before answering these questions we will define feminine and feminist writings, their goal and their role in the society. We will also show how feminist translators and theorists take up these questions. Finally, we will present our translation.  We translated "The Cloudy Morning" and "The Angel Over the Right Shoulder", keeping in mind the women who was Elizabeth Stuart Phelps.


identifier: Gabinet-Kroo, Kathryn  (2001) A feast of lamentations : the translation of Catherine Mavrikakis's Deuils cannibales et mélancoliques.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Catherine Mavrikakis's Deuils cannibales et mélancoliques , published in Spring of 2000, is a fascinating first novel by this professor of French literature. The 'story', which comprises a series of anecdotes, hovers between fiction and autobiography, though the reader is never sure where one ends and the other begins. Mavrikakis's subject matter--death and mourning--is an extension of her previous academic work, particularly her study of the renowned French author, Hervé Guibert, who wrote a trilogy of novels based on his personal battle with AIDS. Critics responded favourably to Mavrikakis's new work, praising the superior quality of the author's writing, the sardonic humour she maintains in the face of all the dying, and her interesting use of cultural allusions that demand of both reader and translator a familiarity with intellectual and popular icons.  The preface of this thesis places Mavrikakis's new work within the context of new and established literary genres: thanatological writing, elegy and plague fiction, and AIDS-infected literature, and specifically, Hervé Guibert's novels, which Mavrikakis imitates in a curiously anthropophagic way. The final section of the preface examines the difficulties and challenges met during the translation process, such as a shifting level of language and a mercurial narratorial voice. The bulk of the thesis is the English translation of the first half of this remarkable book, newly titled A Feast of Lamentations . Also included are two excerpts from the second half of the novel, which have special significance to the thrust of Mavrikakis's fiction.


identifier: Gruner, Peter Hamilton  (2001) Can end of life narratives help shed light on faith?  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study is a theological exploration of a person's narrative during the terminal phase of his life. The rationale for using end of life narrative in a theological study is discussed. The subject of the narrative, William, suffers from advanced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In recording William's narrative, a particular focus was given to his reaction to the angina he had developed earlier in his life. This reaction was pivotal in his prayer life and paved the way to his acceptance of his ALS. The study considers theological aspects of his life in light of current Christian theological thinking. Among the Christian theological aspects of the study are the mysteries of the Trinity, Incarnation, Redemption and the Communion of Saints. Because it is an exploratory study, further work would be required to assess the value of end of life narratives as a means of understanding faith.


identifier: Wan-Kee-Cheung, Nathalie  (2001) The voices of albinism.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: The voices of albinism

abstract: Albinism is a rare genetic condition that affects the pigmentation of the retina, hair, and skin. Consequently, people with albinism world-wide experience the stigma and negative repercussions of an unconventional physical appearance as well as a visual disability.  In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 women and 5 men, living in various countries globally. The study is framed around Erving Goffman's theory of stigma and "spoiled identity" as well as the more recent Disability Studies that stresses "the normals" as being the "identity spoilers" or the "problem". The participants revealed victimisation from various sources including students, teachers, employers, colleagues, strangers and the medical profession. Focus is placed on the strategies that respondents have devised in coping with the adversities that often accompany a highly visible physical difference and disability. Eight principal methods of reaction and response to the discrimination against people with albinism can be distinguished. These strategies varied depending on the circumstances of the interaction and the informant's coping skills


identifier: Doiron, Ashley A  (2001) Tourism development and the third sector : a case study on Dawson City, Yukon.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Tourism has become a popular way of boosting the economies within rural areas but it may also be accompanied by a variety of far-reaching impacts which affect several (non-economic) aspects of residents' quality of life. Local involvement is considered to be a key ingredient for rural community development and it is also recommended for achieving a successful form of tourism that provides communities with a degree of control over tourism's benefits and outcomes. The case of Dawson City, Yukon shows that community members have become involved in creating tourism events and attractions, developing local facilities, and delivering a range of valuable programs and services by participating in the third sector's activities, organizations and groups. This study argues that Dawson's success is linked to the existence of a strong third sector, which has not only acted as a vehicle for tourism development but has also been essential for enhancing the community's quality of life.


identifier: Pretli, Dwayne G  (2002) Beyond supply and scarcity : an examination of energy systems, externalities, and the move toward renewable resources.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis begins with an examination of the various multifaceted issues facing human energy use, illustrating the contention that the theoretical framework upon which modern energy studies are built must be expanded. Accordingly, it is maintained that a comprehensive study of modern energy systems and, similarly, modern energy use, which employs more than the standard one-dimensional analysis technique, will help to explore many currently overlooked problems, as well as the interconnected foundations of these same problems. Consequently, it is argued that any attempt to develop policies pertaining to the notion of social development, when maintaining a focus on energy use, must begin from this starting point. The primary goals of this thesis are, therefore, to simply: (1) depict the manner in which most contemporary energy studies perpetuate a limited understanding of energy use; (2) elaborate upon how this understanding can be expanded, within the context of a discussion of the evaluation of the concept of sustainable development; (3) discuss the consequences of this in terms of fossil fuel use; (4) point to how alternatives solutions may, in fact, be reached. The central argument is that a shift in global energy systems is not only possible and desirable, but may well be inevitable.


identifier: Madore, Denis  (2002) Friedrich Nietzsche's esotericism : developing a media askesis.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The present study is divided into two major parts. The first deals with Nietzsche's writing and approach towards esotericism, the first of these chapters concentrates on Nietzsche's esoteric public, the context of his milieu, and how his writing style dealt with such pressures. The second chapter deals with how Nietzsche understood esotericism less as something which was locked within the written art as it was in the art of taking care of ones health. This study attempts to demonstrate how Nietzsche's esoteric approach is an engaging in an askesis that is non-idealized.  The second part of this study deals with the present context in which a 'Nietzschean' ethic has to navigate. As such it draws much from the work of Michel Foucault on Governmentality, Pastoral Power, normalization and the Care of Self. From this third chapter, and the first part on Nietzsche's esotericism, an experimentation is undertaken in order to constitute an attempt at a media askesis . As such much of this last chapter deals with the manner one approach a self-practice which takes modern media technologies as a meeting point in which to engage an askesis of esotericism. Rather than being a definitive presentation, this chapter is a thinking and overview through an animation of Zarathustra which is provided alongside the written thesis.


identifier: Hecker, Tim  (2002) The velvet glove and iron fist revisited : an analysis of contemporary civilian police practices.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This paper will explore two separate but intertwined recent developments within U.S. civilian policing organizations: the popularity of "community"-based policing initiatives, and the increasingly paramilitary aspect of many police departments. This study will trace the development of these phenomena, their areas of intersection, and related issues, such as fear, ideology, telematic crime, and nostalgia. Because of the complex nature of the subjects, this study serves more as an exploratory tract than a prescriptive policy paper.


identifier: Uddin, Lisa  (2002) Abominable knowledge : popular culture in the science of human origins.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis argues for the generative powers of popular culture and asks what they can bring to a critical understanding of modern science. Drawing on literature in science studies, cultural studies and feminist theory, the project considers in particular how sensational discourses--from monster culture to detective fiction to celebrity expose--are productive in human origins research, and what kinds of knowledge they produce. It begins by theorizing connections between the scientific and the sensational through a cultural history and theory of missing links. Following is a combined textual and discursive analysis of "Lucy", a partial skeleton whose discovery in the 1970's led to the naming of a new species of ancient hominid. Lucy's case is seen simultaneously as a credible science of human prehistory and an incredible discourse of Western modernity. Her investigation and publication constructed an ape-like specimen (and her scientists) into multiple modern-day subjects, revealing in the process some highly cultural conceptualizations of being biologically human. Moreover, the case demonstrates the intolerable horrors implicit in researching half-human creatures, and the ensuing sensational efforts to humanize our apish beginnings.


identifier: Campion, Josée  (2002) L'évolution de la figure de la sorcière dans l'histoire du cinéma américain.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Ce travail vise à suivre l'évolution de la figure de la sorcière dans l'histoire du cinéma américain dans le but ultime de mieux comprendre la multiplication d'images de sorcières pendant les quinze dernières années. Nous trouvons avant tout une coexistence de différentes sorcières--diabolique, satanique, domestiquée, vengeresse et contemporaine--dans l'imaginaire cinématographique américain. Au cours de l'étude, l'accent est mis sur la capacité singulière de la sorcière à répondre aux besoins et aspirations contemporains tout en perpétuant une semblance de continuité avec le passé. Puis, il s'agit de décrire et d'analyser une série d'évolutions suite au questionnement féministe contemporain: ce qui aboutit 'à la priorité,' 'à l'abjection' et 'à l'adoucissement' de la figure de la sorcière dans l'histoire du cinéma américain.


identifier: McCaughey, Dominique Anne  (2002) Leone Modena's Life of Judah : a textual and contextual inquiry into early-modern identity.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This inquiry explores the juxtaposition of medieval rabbinic and Renaissance humanistic thought in the autobiography of Rabbi Leone Modena (1571-1648). The emphasis is placed on the role that context and text played in shaping Jewish identity and self-consciousness. Specific attention is given to the unique dynamics of Counter-Reformation Venice, as well as the post-Spanish expulsion rupture with Biblically-driven Jewish historiography. Finally, a textual interpretation, resting on the recently published English-language translation of Modena's autobiography, the Life of Judah , is posited in light of this context.


identifier: Sutherland, Ingeborg  (2001) From warlords to kings, c.e. 1-752 : in search of military and political legitimacy in Germanic societies.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This is an inquiry into the tools developed by the early Germanic aristocracy to solidify, extend and maintain their leadership roles and hence their right to rule. It applied to the individual warlord as leader of his band of followers as well as to the collectivity of warlords within a tribe who were represented in the institution of the council of leading men. During this time Germanic peoples were exposed to the cultural influences and political policies of the Roman Empire which greatly furthered the transformation of tribal societies into formal states when warlords became kings and free warriors were bound in patronage. Nevertheless, throughout the turmoil of migration and change, Germanic leadership held on to their native legitimacy originally endorsed and validated by an oath of allegiance on part of their followers. When some Germanic peoples settled on Roman soil individual leaders fought to maintain viable communities eventually transforming them into political entities. In doing so, they added to their Germanic right to rule imperial criteria of legitimization that was designed to enhance their status, acceptance, authority and power in the Romans' perception whom they eventually ruled as kings. This study follows Germanic aristocracy through the transformation of their societies and exposes the many means deployed to maintain themselves as leaders and hence uphold their legitimacy.


identifier: Primeau, François  (2001) Enquête sur la représentation de la masculinité et la Méthode dans le cinéma états-unien des années mille neuf cent soixante-dix : vers une nouvelle conception de l'acteur cinématographique.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Cette enquête personnelle explore divers aspects de l'acteur de cinéma américain des années soixante, soixante-dix et quatre-vingt, et du métier d'acteur en tant que tel. L'emphase est mise sur l'héritage de Constantin Stanislavski et sur l'application de ses préceptes en Amérique durant la période de l'après-guerre, plus spécifiquement durant l'époque de la révolution sexuelle (1967-1984). L'argument principal est que cette application coïncide avec un renouveau des codes, des fonctions et des rôles sexuels, tant au niveau social, politique que culturel. La thèse mise de l'avant veut qu'une nouvelle masculinité s'incarne dans la performance de certain acteurs. Tout particulièrement dans plusieurs rôles interprétés par Dustin Hoffinan, Jon Voight et Al Pacino, tous des method actors formés à l'Actors Studio de New York.  Étant donné que l'étude de ces différents textes filmiques tient compte du rôle du spectateur dans la reconstruction d'un film, les conclusions qui en sont tirés ne pourront qu'être constamment remisent en question à l'aide de lectures ultérieures et d'interprétations futures. Il s'agit somme toute d'un travail didactique à nature expérimentale qui préconise à la fois l'analyse formelle et l'interaction entre le lecteur et le texte à l'écran


identifier: Habib, André  (2001) Origine et fin : Méthode(s) á partir et autour des Histoire(s) du cinéma de Jean-Luc Godard.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: A This master's thesis explores the question of origins and death in Jean-Luc Godard's Histoire ( s ) du cinéma (1987-1997). Methodologically, technically, and conceptually, the philosophical and historiographic perspectives offered in Histoire ( s ) are shown to reside on the "Before" and "After": two potentialities that are in perpetual exchange, displacement and convergence throughout the work. The dichotomy of birth and death is explained in terms of loss and survival, search for cinema in the wake of its disappearance, return to the origins as a way of defying death and paying tribute to the dead.  Histoire ( s ) du cinéma is analysed as a "writing" of history, a "process" of memory, and a "practice" of montage. These three modes cross-fertilize each other and the nature of their exchanges is explored, using certain concepts from Foucault, Benjamin and Deleuze. The epistemological presuppositions of Godard's work are analysed from a "historical-archeological" point of view which investigates the relationship between history and memory, and shows how a redefinition of history through memory is undertaken, in Histoire ( s ), by a renewed conception of montage. In particular, the question of the return to the origins is addressed both as redemption and as an act of resistance, based on the belief in the image's capacity of restoring a belief in this world.


identifier: McEwen, Laura April  (2002) Exploring assessment of on-line collaboration in distance education : an action research study.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) environments offer the perfect opportunity to explore self and peer assessment practices. Through an Action Research approach, this study explores the use of self and peer assessment within an on-line learning context. The process took place over a twelve-month period and involved students registered in the Winter and Fall, 2000 semester sections of the same undergraduate course. The course, Technology for Educational Change , is offered by the department of Education at Concordia University and is delivered completely at a distance using FirstClass ® software. Findings suggest that learners do require support in developing collaborative skills for on-line group work. The quality of learners' collaborative interaction was directly related to the quality of products produced by groups. Results also indicate the need for educators to find ways to support the development of learners' evaluative skills. In conclusion, recommendations for the orchestration of self and peer assessment practices to meet these instructional goals are offered.


identifier: Patterson, Jody  (2001) Painting on the edge : geometric abstraction in Montreal, the 1950s.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Montreal during the 1950s within the constructs defined by the 'avant-garde.' geometry are discussed. The first group, the Plasticiens, was active between 1954 and 1956 and was comprised of Louis Belzile (b.1929), Jean-Paul Jérôme (b.1928), Fernand Toupin (b.1930) and Jauran (1926-1959)--the pseudonym of art critic Rodolphe de Repentigny. The second group, Espace dynamique, undertook a more rigorous and systematic investigation of the reductivist formal program initially developed by the Plasticiens. Espace dynamique was active from about 1956 and included Denis Juneau (b.1925), Guido Molinari (b.1933), Claude Tousignant (b.1932) and Jean Goguen (1928-1989), who was later replaced by Luigi Perciballi.  Through an analysis of the artists' own writings, the manifestos they produced, the formal program demonstrated in their paintings, and the critical response their work received within its historical milieu, this thesis examines the ideological differences and shifts in emphases that arose between the Plasticiens and Espace dynamique. Evolving definitions of 'avant-gardism' are assessed by attending to issues such as the varying interpretations of Mondrian's Neo-Plasticism, the shift that occurred in the turn from Paris to New York as the centre of international 'avant-garde'


identifier: Bollerup, Tasha Leonora  (2002) From the heart : imaginary research + defining moments = a likely story.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: From the heart is a studio art project--and a text. The two parts of this thesis radically relate in a postmodern linear/non-linear format that offers varied points of entry and a multiplex of reading possibilities, including the notion that the previous statement may be unreadable. Alternatively, the two parts illustrate each other with a minimum of fuss.  From the heart is a folk tale and occasional dirty joke. It is an urban/rural legend about a life being lived (my own) and a life that was lost (my brother's). It tells a very specific story about the fundamental interconnectedness of all things, and it affirms the role of love as a powerful, healing force in the world.  From the heart speaks with seven voices, who describe processes of loving, seeing, learning, analyzing, deconstructing, reconstructing and loving once more, each from their various points of view. From the heart documents a personal/political struggle of becoming oneself and learning how to support the struggles of others.  Fundamentally, from the heart challenges western/mainstream assumptions about "the way it is." However, evolution has a tendency to occur, and from the heart is not excepted. Many questions could be asked but there are no definitive answers offered, other than as polemic and opinion--and so, reader dear, you must make up your own mind.  Many possible choices/directions lie before me. I, the author of my own story, stand at the crossroads, love-struck and lugging a big backpack. How will I decide which way to go?


identifier: Govender, Sumanthra  (2002) Four levels of native-likeness : a new method of assessing learner lexicons.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This is a cross-sectional study that focuses on the assessment of the semantic network in the mental lexicon of second language learners. Generally, the number of words a learner claims to know is a reflection of achievement and advances in his vocabulary knowledge. However, the size of a learner's vocabulary knowledge only reveals half of the story about his lexical competence. An understanding of the quality of word knowledge allows for a clearer interpretation of the organisation and integration of lexical items in the mental lexicon. Typically, vocabulary researchers have utilised word association tests to measure vocabulary depth. However, there are several problems with the traditional methodology of this test, which has resulted in some inaccurate claims about a non-native speaker's lexical ability, such as the dichotomous native-like versus non-native-like categorisation of lexical ability. The aim of this thesis study was to test an alternative word association test that claims to capture partial native-like lexical knowledge in non-native speakers. Up to this point, this method had only been developed and tested on native speakers of English. The results of the analysis in this study reveal that this test does capture a range of native-like levels of lexical ability in non-native speakers of English. The findings suggest that this alternate word association measure of vocabulary depth could be used in conjunction with other language and vocabulary measures for both diagnostic and placement purposes. The information gained from this study provides a new approach to and understanding of vocabulary acquisition research and assessment.


identifier: Ascroft, Shirley  (2002) How it was, how it is, and how it should be : the roots of Czech language revival in Bohemia, 1775-1800.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis discusses the phenomenon of language revival through an examination of the Czech National Awakening, a literary, philological and eventually politico-national movement that took place in the Czech Lands in the nineteenth century and the only completely successful case of language revival in Europe. Language death is a steadily increasing phenomenon and it is unclear why most attempts at revival meet with either limited or no success. The study focuses on the twenty-five years immediately prior to the Awakening in an attempt to understand how a small, scholarly, eighteenth-century linguistic movement to preserve Czech in the face of the growing power of German grew into a national cause. To this end it explores the significance of the historical background, the importance of changes to the educational system, the roles played by the aristocracy, the Church, and the Czech intelligentsia, and the great social and intellectual upheaval of the late eighteenth century. All these factors had a role in upsetting the delicate linguistic balance in the Czech Lands. The findings show that the Czechs have experienced a history wherein language has always been a chief identifier of ethnic status. At the end of the eighteenth century a new generation of Czech scholars added to this a new spirit of modern nationalism, wherein it began to be important to speak, read, and write Czech in order to participate in the national experience. It is also suggested that the common assumption that language has always been the chief component of nationalism is fallacious. An important factor in modern language revival may be an analysis of the particular national group or groups involved, in order to see how basic language is to their self-identification.


identifier: Laframboise, Kevin  (2002) An empirical study of the relationship between quality practices and business performance excellence in Central Canada.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Overall excellence of business performance can be defined and measured through various factors. In an attempt to operationalise measurement of performance excellence, a stratified sample of 280 firms in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec is studied. Using the structural equation modeling methodology, this study empirically demonstrates that business performance may be measured by 24 variables grouped into seven correlated factors labelled as financial performance, product quality effectiveness, process quality, the role of customer, of employee, of supplier, and stakeholder behaviour. It is also shown that these 7 factors can be grouped further, to form a higher order factor, which may be labelled as business performance excellence.  In order to identify variables that can affect performance excellence, two sets of variables are considered. First, the effect of different levels of quality initiatives on business performance is studied. Among the several quality initiatives investigated are the national quality award programs, the six-sigma program, and ISO 9000 certification program. Moreover, the effect of using these quality initiatives in combination is studied. Second, the relationship between firm characteristics and performance excellence is evaluated.  The study reveals that, regarding quality initiatives, only ISO 9000 certification combined with initiatives of the highest level such as a national quality awards program assessment has a highly significant affect on perceived performance excellence. Also, the assessment reveals that a firm's location, industry sector, organization size, or whether the firm is private or publicly listed are not significant factors for perceived overall performance excellence.  The upshot of this research is a holistic scorecard for the measurement of business performance excellence. Furthermore, this work offers continuing positive support for the future of total quality management.


identifier: Tourigny, Louise  (2001) Relationship among servant-leadership, altruism and social performance : a study of American presidents.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This dissertation addresses the moral issues surrounding the phenomenon of leadership. It is about the servant-leadership role of American presidents in solving problems, making decisions, responding to constituents' needs, and handling domestic and foreign policy. It examines the relationships among American presidential servant-leadership behaviors, personality characteristics, and performance. It concentrates on the ethical dimensions of leadership such as principle-guided actions, and vision inclusiveness. The American Presidential Management Inventory and American Presidential Performance Effectiveness were developed to measure servant-leadership managerial practices of American presidents and social performance. Statistical tests reveal that servant-leadership is a multidimensional concept that reflects ethical leadership practices. It was found that servant-leadership has a positive effect on presidential social performance. Results indicate that servant-leadership is determined by the personality characteristics of presidents. Furthermore, statistical results indicate that presidential personality characteristics interact in predicting performance effectiveness. The implications of the current study for leadership research and managerial practices are discussed. Avenues for future research are offered.


identifier: Venart, Sarah  (2002) Sun : a novella.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: Sun : a novella

abstract: This manuscript examines what it means for a child to find herself suspended between the desire for the truth about her origins and herself and the fear of autonomy that truth may bring. I portray this tension in the central character, Meryl Leare, as she learns the lessons of origin, truth, love and hate from her manipulative and unstable mother, Julia Leare, a summer tourist-cum-resident and also the pariah of Garvey, a fictional tourist town on New Brunswick's Fundy Coast.  Meryl witnesses disturbing events from the windows and doorways in both her community and her home. As these settings fluctuate both emotionally (through the actions of her mother) and physically (as the logging industry wipes away the forested areas around Garvey and as the shores of the Bay of Fundy do what shores do--erode with each day's tide), Meryl seeks solace and comfort in what little control she can exercise on this environment. These secretive acts of control allow her to explore her station in the community and in her home and become the grounds for her eventual reflection on difference, responsibility and loyalty.  As Meryl lives the events of a summer that changed her life, she comes to understand the actions she witnessed and how they affected her in the following years.


identifier: Panagiotaraku, Eleni  (2002) Native women, the built environment and community well-being : a comparative study of two James Bay Cree communities.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study examines the relationship between the built environment and native women. The research is a comparative study of two Eastern James Bay Cree communities, Eastmain and Oujé Bougoumou, located in Northern Quebec. The emphasis is placed on the behaviour and lifestyles of native women as they are affected by the built environment and how in turn they adapt, modify and utilize the built environment. This research also attempts to provide insight to the relationship of the built environment and community well-being as perceived by native women. The study concludes with women's suggestions for improvements to the built environment that would aid in their own, as well as their community's well-being.