identifier: Timothy, Taylor  (2006) The legacy of punk and hiphop : 1979-1985.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis investigates how and why members of the Hiphop and Punk scenes were using the spatial terrain of New York City as a site of cultural struggle and survival between 1979 and 1985. It engages discourses on race and class with respect to the dominant culture with which Hiphop and Punk would find themselves in constant tension.  This examination of the Hiphop and Punk scenes uses concepts from cultural studies in space, 'logics of change' and disciplined mobilization. Further, it highlights the crossovers that occurred between musicians and artists in the Hiphop and Punk scenes, often addressed separately in previous literature, with a particular interest in the unique and groundbreaking film Wild Style (1982).


identifier: Alison., Harvey  (2006) The name of the game : building methodologies for the study of video game theory.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: The study of the video game as a medium is characterized by several problems characteristic of new domains of study, as the projects, methods, terminologies and assumptions of other disciplines have been carried into discussions of this form. These epistemological assumptions have both confounded the nature of the video game and led to circular debates on the relevance of particular approaches in video game research. This has led to a relative dearth in academic inquiries that is disproportionate to the importance and growth of this medium in everyday life.  This thesis aims to address this debate and promote theoretically-sound methodologies that adequately describe the traits of the video game. The research first identifies the key fields mobilized within the current literature and then investigates the epistemological roots of each field, thereby identifying the relevant aspects of particular disciplines and the elements that obscure the unique nature of the medium. The research also involves case studies of several different games, which allows for the proposal of methodological approaches that are open to scholars from varying fields and premised upon rigorous theoretical examination of both the form and traditional approaches to media.


identifier: Dufresne, Catherine  (2006) The first Indochina war and the failure of the European Defense community 1950-1954.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Previous scholarly works pointed to the connection between the failure of the European Defence Community and the Indochina conflict, but no one has analyzed the development of this link. What were the repercussions of the Indochina-EDC link on the policies of the three French Foreign Ministers who succeeded each other between 1950 and 1954? How did international and national events influence the French Foreign Ministry in its dealings with the Indochina-EDC link? Based on evidence from the unpublished diplomatic archives of the Quai d'Orsay, this thesis sheds new light on the significance of the Indochina-EDC link.  Foreign Ministers Robert Schuman, Georges Bidault and Pierre Mendès-France had to deal with the EDC and the Indochina questions under severe international and national constraints arising from economic problems, political instability in Paris and Cold War tensions. Foreign Minister Schuman used the EDC-Indochina link to advance France's policies. The lack of progress on the EDC proposal and French setbacks in Indochina undermined the efforts of his successor, Georges Bidault. Mendès-France, Bidault's successor, had to promise to find quick solutions to both problems. This paper explains how the EDC first served France's imperial policy, but turned into a political liability that finally led to the dramatic end of France's involvement in the Indochina conflict and to the rejection of the EDC proposal by France, guaranteeing the fall of the Fourth Republic and precipitating the end of Franco-American cooperation.


identifier: Sekar, Mukesh  (2006) Rehabilitation of RC-inverted-T bentcarp girders using CFRP sheets.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Existing infrastructure includes significant number of reinforced concrete (RC) bridges that are old and designed based on outdated design codes. Inverted-T beams used as bentcap girders that support the bridge's longitudinal precast beams provided a popular structural system of many existing bridges. The structural behaviour of inverted-T beams is different than that of conventional top-loaded beams, due to the fact that the loads are introduced into the bottom flange rather than the top of the beam.  The objective of the present study is to experimentally examine the effectiveness of new rehabilitation techniques using anchored carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets to eliminate non-ductile failure mechanisms in hanger, web, and flange zones of RC inverted-T girders, and to analytically evaluate the effect of design variables on the failure mechanisms of FRP-rehabilitated RC inverted-T bentcap bridge girders.  The experimental phase of this study included conducting eight tests on four simply supported RC inverted-T girders before and after rehabilitation. The girders represent a 1/3 rd scale model of a prototype bentcap girder. The experimental results showed that the proposed new rehabilitation schemes proved to eliminate the non-ductile mechanisms in hanger, web, and flange zones. The rehabilitated girders were able to reach displacement ductility levels of up to 4 and showed an increase in strength up to 20% compared to the control girders.  The analytical phase of this study included conducting a parametric study on the effect of the uncertainties in the design variables on the failure mechanisms of an existing RC inverted-T bridge bentcap girder rehabilitated using externally bonded FRP sheets. The analytical study identified the design variables that are directly- or indirectly-proportional to the required content of FRP wraps that is needed to ensure a ductile response, which is useful for design engineers of rehabilitation schemes that uses externally-bonded FRP sheets


identifier: Shalchian, Hesam  (2006) Surfactant assisted removal of copper (II), cadmium (II), and lead (II) from a sandy soil.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The role of surfactants in remediation of metal contaminated soils is a subject that has gained considerable scientists attention in many related research fields. In the present study, surfactants with and without a chelating agent are used to remove Cu (II), Cd (II), and Pb (11) from an artificially contaminated sandy soil. SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) and AOT (sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate) are the anionic surfactants. Tx-100 (Triton x100) is the nonionic surfactant and EDTA (Disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate) is the chelating agent selected to form the extracting solutions. Batch and column tests were conducted at room temperature (22{493}C ± 2{493}C. Batch results indicated that replacing distilled water with SDS can enhance the metal removal rates by a factor of 5.5, 28.8, and 29.1 for Cu (11), Cd (II), and Pb (II), respectively. A combination of SDS and EDTA was found to be an ideal extracting solution for both batch and column tests. In column tests, the mixture was able to remove about 83%, 88%, and 70% of Cu (II), Cd (II), and Pb (II) respectively. This study shows that SDS is an effective extracting reagent. Therefore, it may be considered for in-situ remediation of metal contaminated sites. Results related to competition and interference among metals to get adsorbed or desorbed to sandy soils, are also briefly presented. Lastly, the effect of flow rate and aging of contaminants are discussed.


identifier: Yousuf, Md  (2006) Seismic design and performance of steel moment resisting frame buildings designed using NBCC 2005.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Currently the building code authorities in many jurisdictions including Canada feel that a performance-based design approach should be used to ensure that the structure has adequate strength and deformation capacities. Although the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC 2005) is not yet a fully performance-based code, it presents an objective-based format which incorporates some concepts of the performance-based design. It provides a force-based seismic design approach, where the displacement capacities are provided indirectly. The current research focuses on the performance of a set of five, ten, fifteen and twenty storey steel moment resisting frame buildings designed according to the seismic provisions on NBCC 2005. A series of static and dynamic analyses have been carried out to evaluate their performance. It has been observed that the assumed ductility capacity in the force-based design may not always be achievable, and the capacity of the building, under seismic force decrease, with the increase of building height. Also the nonstructural element has a great effect on the performance of the structure and it decreases the drift demand. The thesis also examines a number of simple methods available for performance-based design of buildings and implemented some of them for one of the buildings considered here. It has been observed that the design base shear calculated for a target damage parameter or drift demand, varies based on the method used. Further studies are needed to develop a robust method for performance-based design within the context of the Canadian code.


identifier: Karimi, Behnam  (2006) Comparative analysis of face recognition algorithms and investigation on the significance of color.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Face recognition technology has rapidly evolved and become more popular in recent years. It is being used for both research and other applications such as security systems. One of the key challenges in face recognition systems is to identify the role of different cues for face identification. The role of color, which appears to be a salient attribute of faces, is debated within the literature. Some research has suggested that it confers little recognition advantage for identifying faces. Other research suggests that color is a very important cue in face identification. The clear perception of colors in the environment illustrates that color must be important in the interpretation of complex scenes and recognizing objects in the environment.  In this thesis several face recognition methods are introduced. Experiments were conducted using both grayscale and color images. The accuracy of each algorithm has been identified and a comparison was performed between them in terms of recognition rates. A system is also proposed, which uses color features for face recognition. This system can be used by different face recognition algorithms. The goal of this study is to show the differences between some popular face recognition methods (new and traditional) and also the role of color in face recognition using different face recognition algorithms. The results of our experiments show that using color improves the recognition rate for traditional and new methods. The improvement is more obvious for traditional methods because the recognition rate is not near the peak


identifier: Zhang, Yan  (2006) The effect of font design characteristics on font legibility.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Human eyesight has deteriorated over the past decades. One of the main reasons is that we have to read a lot. The long-term goal of our research is to identify legible print-fonts or invent some new print-fonts which will sooth our eyes and prevent damages from too much reading. In this thesis, from a pattern recognition point of view, we focus on the study of the effect of font design characteristics on font legibility.  First, the effects of typeface on legibility are investigated in an experiment. Studied are nine sans serif typefaces and nine serif typefaces. OCR systems, one of the most successful applications of machine reading, were used in legibility measurements. The results show how the legibility is affected by different fonts.  Second, the detailed font design characteristics were studied. They include serif and sans serif design, x-height, ascender and descender of the typeface, the inter-letter spacing setting, the weight of the stroke and the distinctive character features. In order to measure them mathematically and objectively, each characteristic is represented by one or two legibility factors and the extraction methods of some factors are proposed.  In addition, the statistics on the common recognition errors of the eighteen fonts are studied. How the legibility factors affect and contribute to legibility is analyzed. Moreover, design suggestions are made on typeface characteristics to maximize typeface legibility.  Finally, one of the important font characteristics, inter-letter spacing, is studied. We addressed the issue of how the condensed or expanded inter-letter spacing setting contributes to legibility. By measuring the legibility of different inter-letter spacing settings for a given typeface, and analyzing their corresponding touching errors, better inter-letter spacings for reading are suggested


identifier: Vo, Luu Huy Danh  (2006) Investigations into the simulation of cloth.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The subject of cloth simulation has seen many advances since the mid 1980's. It would certainly be interesting to know what aspects can be simulated, how they are simulated, as well as what the limitations are. In this thesis, we set the goal to explore the task of building cloth simulators; and hopefully, identify any missing part and its solutions. We begin with the necessary overview of the topic and the reference of related works and their contributions. Two popular models are selected as the base for the construction of two respective cloth simulators. One model is mass-spring type while the second model referenced defines its mechanical forces from energy condition functions. Each model presented brings along a multitude of approaches and techniques to solve the different subtasks that the challenge of building a cloth simulator consists of: The internal mechanisms, the integration method, damping, constraint handling techniques, collision detection and response all figure among the tasks involved in cloth simulation. The two constructed simulators serve for testing and comparison purposes. The results and analyses allow the exploration of additional possible solutions in the quest of finding the most appropriate methods. Finally, we propose the definition of an additional mechanical property of cloth to help simulate the curves and wrinkles observed on real cloth. And, further discussions of possible solutions are presented for certain cloth behaviors and aspects of cloth simulation that were left unspecified previously.


identifier: Rezk, Mhd. Dherar  (2006) Improved layered space-time architecture with unequal transmit power allocation and multi-stage decoding.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The use of multiple antennas at the transmitter and the receiver can significantly increase the data rate and reliability of communications over wireless channels. With constraints in practical implementations, transmission techniques are designed to achieve a certain trade-off between transmission rates and implementation complexity. Layered space time (LST) architecture achieves high data transmission rates in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with reasonable complexity through separate multi-user detection and decoding. However, LST architecture is suboptimal since the redundancy in error correcting codes is not fully exploited in detection. This suggests improvements to the existing LST design are possible. Multi-level coding (MLC), which achieves the channel capacity based on the information chain rule, has been applied in MIMO communications for improved performance. In practice, however, rate optimization is difficult to implement. In this thesis, we consider improved LST architecture that provides better performance without increasing the implementation complexity.  For improved performance, we propose the use of multi-stage decoding (MSD) in the LST receiver. The use of MSD exploits the inherent redundancy in error correcting codes in data detection and effectively applies the idea of multi-level coding (MLC). In addition, we propose unequal transmit power allocation to achieve equal capacities among layers. The introduction of transmit power as an additional dimension in design adds more flexibility to the design process and improves performance without increasing implementation complexity.  Based on the notion of unequal power allocation, an improved LST architecture is proposed. The power allocation required to achieve equal capacities among layers in LST architecture is derived. The theoretical analysis of the proposed unequal power allocation is carried out for both fast and quasi-static fading channels based on different criteria. Performance analysis of the proposed approach is conducted and its practical implementation is discussed.  It is shown that the proposed architecture is flexible in terms of implementation and offers a convenient trade-off between capacity and implementation complexity. The difference between achievable capacity in the proposed architecture and theoretical limits is negligible and converges to a constant at high SNR. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed architecture provides significant performance gain as compared to existing LST architectures and approaches the near optimum bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) within a fraction of 1 dB


identifier: Ji, Peng  (2006) An experimental teletaction system for detection and display of human pulse.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Teletaction is the sensing of a remote object by transmitting tactile information from a remote tactile sensor to an operator's skin by using tactile interface devices. Tactile interface is used to reproduce the information such as force (static and dynamic), texture, roughness, temperature, and shape. One of the important applications of teletaction is in telesurgey where tactile information such as tissue softness and pulse sensing becomes important parameters. This dissertation describes the design, modeling, simulation, fabrication and testing of an experimental teletaction system to detect and reproduce human pulse. It consists of three major components: pulse sensing system, pulse display system and the data processing system. In the pulse sensing system, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) probe sensor was designed and fabricated to sense the human pulse signal. In the pulse display system, a real time position and a force feedback control systems were designed to control the linear actuator system which would reproduce the pulse position or force information on the pulse display block. In the data processing system a real time computer control system was built. This system included hardware and software to perform data acquisition, signal processing and control. In addition, the analysis and simulation of the stress and strain matching based on elastic half space model were carried out to ensure the stress and strain matching between the pulse sensing and pulse display. The simulation and the experimental results demonstrated the close matching between the sensed and displayed pulse. A psychophysics test showed that the fingertip feeling at the pulse display end closely matched the feeling of touching human pulse directly.


identifier: Uddin, Mohammad Faisal  (2006) Artificial life techniques for cryptology.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis, we investigate the applications of two swarm-inspired artificial life optimization techniques in cryptology. In particular, we investigate the use of both Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for automated cryptanalysis of simple classical substitution ciphers. We also use PSO to construct Boolean functions with some desirable cryptographic properties.  Both ACO and PSO based attacks proved to be effective for the cryptanalysis of simple substitution ciphers encoded with various sets of encoding keys. Purely uni-gram and bi-gram statistics are used for solving this problem.  Boolean functions are vital components of symmetric-key ciphers such as block ciphers, stream ciphers and hash functions. When used in cipher systems, Boolean functions should satisfy several cryptographic properties such as balance, high nonlinearity, resiliency and high algebraic degree. Using PSO, with an unorthodox approach of spectral inversion, we are able to construct Boolean functions that achieve the maximum possible nonlinearity (Bent function) and several other important resilient functions. In fact, we were able to construct, for the first time, a 9-variable Boolean function with nonlinearity 240, algebraic degree 5, and resiliency degree 3. This construction affirmatively answers the open problem about the existence of such functions


identifier: Liu, Kun  (2006) A directional MAC protocol for MANET.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: A directional MAC protocol for MANET

abstract: In a typical mobile ad hoc network (MANET), all nodes contend for a single channel access using carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA). Thus, a fundamental limitation of MANET is that, as the number of nodes increases, the performance of the system will dramatically degrade due to the large number of collisions. This, in turn, results in an overall low system throughput.  Several researchers have focused on the potential throughput gains achieved using directional antennas in ad hoc networks. When compared to omnidirectional antennas, directional antennas are more attractive option in terms of power and bandwidth efficiency. On the other hand, when used in ad hoc networks, directional MAC (DMAC) protocols usually require all nodes, or part of nodes, to be aware of their exact locations. The location information is typically provided to the DMAC protocol from upper network layers, for example, by using a Global Positioning System (GPS). Other problems that face these DMAC protocols are the deafness problem and the hidden terminal problem.  Solving these problems is at the core of designing any DMAC protocol. At the same time, DMC protocols should not sacrifice channel bandwidth to deal with theses problems.  In this thesis, we propose an efficient 2-channel 2-mode DMAC protocol. In particular, our protocol employs two frequency division multiplexed channels: Channel one is used for omni mode packets transmission and channel two is used for directional mode packets transmission. Estimation of Signal Parameter via Rotational Invariance Technique (ESPRIT) is used for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation. By avoiding the reliance on GPS for obtaining the position information, our protocol is also suitable for indoor environments.  Under different operating conditions and channel models, our simulation results clearly show the improved throughput of our protocol compared to IEEE 802.11


identifier: Narayanan Babu, Nagarajan  (2006) Annular microfabricated piezoelectric tactile sensor for minimally invasive surgery.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The commercially available endoscopic graspers are tooth like in order to grasp slippery tissues during a Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). However, they don't provide the tactile feedback to the surgeon during the operation. One of the most important requirements of a tactile feedback in MIS is softness sensing. This thesis presents the design, analysis, fabrication and testing of an annular microfabricated piezoelectric tactile sensor to determine the softness of tissues during MIS. This tooth-like sensor consists of an array of four sensors on each jaw of the endoscopic grasper. Each sensor consists of a rigid inner cylinder surrounded by a soft hollow cylinder. The sensor works on the principle of relative deformation between the inner rigid cylinder and the outer compliant cylinder. In this design Polyvinyledene Fluoride (PVDF) film is used as the sensing element.  The fabrication sequence of the sensor involves three steps, namely, fabrication of cylinders, PVDF film patterning and sensor assembly. The compliant cylinders are realized by micromolding of liquid silicone rubber. The PVDF film was patterned using photolithography techniques and the patterned portions are etched using commercially available aluminium etchant. Different parts of the sensor are assembled under a stereomicroscope.  Different materials are tested under dynamic applied load and their modulus of elasticity has been found using the force ratio output from the PVDF sensing element. A 3D analysis in ANSYS has been done to compare the force ratios with the experimental values. It has been shown that good agreement exists between experimental and finite element results. A viscoelastic Kelvin model is employed for tissue characterization. A closed form expression is derived to express the relationship between the force ratio and compliance. Using the force ratios output from the experiments performed, the compliance of various soft materials in contact with the tactile sensor are obtained. These results are shown to be in close agreement with the manufacturer's value


identifier: Chatrathi, Kiran Kumar  (2006) Microfabrication and characterization of PVDF copolymer thin films suitable for integrating with optical microsystems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In the emerging field of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) silicon continues to be the best material to integrate with mechanical and electrical miniature systems such as microsensors and microactuators that use various schemes of sensing and actuation. The functionality of these systems may be enhanced from extended type of materials with enhanced sensitivity and improved actuation. The integration of piezoelectric materials in MEMS facilitates the functionality of the devices. PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) and its copolymers in the domain of piezoelectric materials have always been upfront to integrate with MEMS, in particular, copolymers of PVDF possess a much enhanced material properties and can eventually deliver better performance than PVDF homopolymer. The application of copolymers extends to all classes of miniaturized systems such as optical microsystems, sensors, actuators etc. In thin film technology, it is very important to have a better understanding of the crystal structure and material properties of thin films.  In the present work microfabrication and characterization of P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer thin films are carried out. Various deposition techniques for PVDF thin films are presented and spin coating technique is finally adopted for microfabrication of PVDF copolymer thin films due to its advantages. Further spinning characterization of PVDF copolymer thin films are presented. An optimized set of spin parameters are found in order to develop a uniformly deposited PVDF copolymer thin films. In the current work, polarization of the films is performed through step-wise poling method. A simple experimental setup for stepwise poling method is presented. The main aspect of the present work is focused on the material characterization of the microfabricated PVDF copolymer thin films through "Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy" (FTIR). An in-depth FTIR analysis on the effect of annealing PVDF copolymer thin films is presented and the analysis is extended through the study on the variation of the significant optical parameters such as absorbance and transmittance spectra in the infrared region. The study focuses on the variation of the spectra in the piezoelectric phase of the thin films. Further, the effect of polarization ( poling ) of PVDF copolymer thin films on the absorbance and transmittance spectra is also presented, FTIR analysis is further extended through comparison of the spectra of the microfabricated PVDF copolymer thin films with the available commercial PVDF thin films.  In the present work, the mechanical properties of the spin coated PVDF copolymer thin are characterized through the measurement of piezoelectric constant, d 31 for the considered geometry of PVDF copolymer thin films. The results are compared with the measured piezoelectric constant of commercial PVDF thin film. Finally a novel variable optical attenuator (VOA) through piezoelectric actuation is presented. The design of the VOA using PVDF copolymer thin films is discussed and the optical attenuation properties of the VOA are analyzed


identifier: Long, Shun Hong  (2006) Active control of shimmy oscillation in aircraft landing gear.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Shimmy oscillation is an anxious concern in aircraft landing gear design and maintenance. Through related literature review, it is found that active shimmy control (suppressing) is still an open problem. In this thesis, an in-depth analysis has been carried out on aircraft landing gear shimmy dynamics and active control strategy has been developed to suppress shimmy oscillation.  Based on a nominal aircraft landing gear model, its shimmy Limit Cycle Oscillation (LCO) variation with respect to varying parameters has been studied by numerical integration. The shimmy stability variation with varying caster length and taxiing velocity has also been analyzed after linearizing the system. Due to inherent system dynamics uncertainties (such as varying taxiing velocity) and external disturbances (such as rough runway), Robust Model Predictive Control (RMPC) technology is resorted to suppress shimmy during aircraft landing. A new active control strategy has been proposed suitable for online shimmy control application by combining a RMPC control law with a LPV polytope design. The proposed RMPC has been compared with two present RMPCs both in a benchmark example and the landing gear shimmy control. It has been verified by simulation results that the proposed RMPC stabilizes the unstable parameter-varying landing gear system with guaranteed closed-loop stability, high computational efficiency and strong disturbance rejection ability. Related design parameters, mathematical proof and implementation considerations are addressed in this thesis.


identifier: Thatte, Girish  (2006) Development and characterization of self-healing epoxy systems for space applications.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Composite materials used in space applications are susceptible to damage due to space debris, thermal shock, exposure to UV radiations and atomic oxygen. In space, repair of the damage to space structure is very difficult and in some cases impossible. As such if the micro damage can get healed automatically, it may extend life of space structures.  In the last few years a lot of research has taken place in the field of self-healing of materials. In previous work many different techniques were developed. The majority of these techniques are in their initial stage. The self-healing process can be activated by radiation, addition of chemicals, change in temperature and some without any external assistance. In past work healing efficiency was determined from the critical fracture load of the samples.  This thesis introduces a new monomer for self-healing of materials in space applications. A new approach to determine the healing performance is suggested and different types of environmental conditioning tests were carried out. A finite element model was developed for the calculation of healing efficiency. Finite element results were compared with experimental results


identifier: Alawneh, Lu'ay  (2006) Verification and validation in systems engineering : application to UML 2.0 activity and class diagrams.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The increasing complexity of industrial systems requires more efforts to be invested in the process of system verification and validation. The quality of such systems depends on the different types of techniques that are used to verify and ensure their correct functionality.  The cost of maintaining systems in the latter phases of development is usually very high and may lead in most of the cases to inefficient solutions. Therefore, checking the correctness and validity of systems early in the design phase is greatly desirable. Different verification and validation techniques such as those involving testing and simulation are helpful and useful but may lack in many cases the desired level of rigor and completeness. Moreover, these conventional techniques are generally costly, laborious and time consuming. Conversely, using formal techniques, such as model-checking and program analysis along with design metrics complementary to the conventional verification techniques provides an elevated level of confidence since they are based on theoretical foundations.  Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach that aims to enable the successful realization and deployment of complex systems. Many modeling languages emerged in the systems engineering arena in order to provide the means for capturing and modeling of system's specifications and requirements. The most prominent languages are Unified Modeling Language (UML) 2.0 and Systems Modeling Languages (SysML). Formal verification and software engineering techniques can be applied in order to assess the correctness of different diagrams belonging to the aforementioned modeling languages.  This research work presents a unified paradigm for the verification and validation of software and systems engineering design models expressed in UML 2.0 or SysML. The proposed paradigm relies on an established synergy between three salient approaches, which are model-checking, program analysis, and software engineering techniques


identifier: Senitt, Aaron  (2006) Signs of substance : an investigation regarding the confluence of art and language in an elementary school context.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this document two key points are presented to argue that a teacher with a visual arts background can make experiences with language arts more substantial in the elementary school classroom. The first point is that there are solid grounds for attention to the "object", or "concrete" qualities of language within elementary art and language instruction, and this leads to the second point, that elements of Conceptual art practice can inform our uses of language within elementary school. Written from the point of view of a reflective practitioner, a description of academic research and practical experiences support and illustrate the theoretical speculations put forth in the document. Strategies initiated by Conceptualist artists are utilized to foster a rich learning environment in which language and visual art function as complementary modes of expression.


identifier: Kader, Laurie  (2006) Art and the museum : the educational partnership between a museum and a school.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis provides an inside look at the dynamics of museum/school partnerships. One of the more successful of these programs is Arrimage, a program which combines art and academic subject matter geared to enhance problem solving skills, cognitive development, and to sensitize children to art and its history. My research centers on the Arrimage partnership (musée d'art contemporain de Montreal), and examines the key components of positive, interactive relationships with art educators in museums and schools. I conducted three in-depth interviews with key, but diverse Arrimage participants, each conducted in their respective institutions; one museum school educator, one generalist school-teacher and one art specialist. The generalist school teacher and art specialist worked together in the same school. Each participant was strategically chosen for the purpose of gaining as much knowledge as possible about museum/school partnerships. The three interviews were transcribed and analyzed for a different and/or a similar working knowledge of the partnership. My research shows that when schools and museums partner their resources, students benefit from art education with increased artistic skills and self-awareness; learning through the arts can shape the future of education. A successful museum/school partnership is a comprehensive and creative way for students to have a hands-on and inspiring experience in art education.


identifier: Bai, Peijun  (2006) Handoff procedures in integrated GPRS (EGPRS) and WLAN network.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: WLANs provide high speed services but the radio coverage is small and does not support good mobility performance as compared to cellular systems. In this thesis, an integrated network of GPRS and wireless LAN is presented and a handoff algorithm is proposed for the integrated network. Handoff is an important issue when considering mobility in an integrated wireless communication network. The objective of the algorithm is to achieve seamless network service coverage and maximum data transfer speed. Traditional cellular GPRS/EGPRS networks can provide good mobility performance but relatively low speed data service. In the proposed handoff algorithm, the mobile station can camp on the best serving access point based on its geographic position and moving speed. Accessing a WLAN network, if possible, has a higher priority than accessing GPRS/EGPRS cellular network. To achieve a comprehensive performance investigation, a simulation is implemented based on a large traffic load. Simulation results show the performance characteristics and functionalities of the algorithm that includes total throughput, call successful rate, call block rate, packet error rate, handoff rate and resource utilization. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed handoff algorithm achieves higher throughput and call successful rate than the traditional cellular network. The optimization of the deployment of access points of the integrated network is also investigated.


identifier: Du, Liang  (2006) Decentralized supervisory control of reactive discrete-event systems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis we propose to apply Ramadge-Wonham supervisory control theory to Reactive Discrete-Event Systems (RDES). A reactive system continually interacts with its environment at the speed dictated by the latter. We will first present our decentralized RDES architecture, which is based on Input/Output (I/O) automata model. After introducing safety and progress, we define the corresponding centralized and decentralized supervisory control problems concerning both safety and progress. We explain through examples why the existing results in supervisory control theory cannot be directly applied. Substitute sufficient and necessary conditions for the existence of decentralized solutions are given. In the special case where only safety is considered, we also study centralized and decentralized supervisory control problems, and present more straightforward sufficient and necessary conditions for the existence of their solutions. An example is presented to illustrate how decentralized RDES are modeled, how decentralized components co-operate with each other, and how the revised decentralized supervisory control theory can be applied to the study of RDES.


identifier: El-Helaly, Mohamed  (2006) Integrated audio-video synchronization system for use in multimedia applications.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The use of multimedia system have moved beyond the studio barriers and into the homes. As computers become more powerful, multimedia systems become more realizable on the PC. As these multimedia systems become more complicated, the need to provide complex integration systems and synchronization arises.  To develop a multimedia system, one must ensure that a synchronization approach is in place to solve the timing issues related to the media types involved. Temporal information in multimedia systems must be maintained such that no loss of coherency is endured. The system must ensure that no matter how much processing is performed on the signals, the output has to maintain the temporal integrity of the signals as they were when they were inputted.  This thesis develops a multimedia system that processes two media streams. Audio and video streams are fed to the system. The system produces an object segmented output, (silhouettes of the object) along with the recognized speech from the audio. The speech that is to be recognized by the system is spoken by the objects/speakers. The challenge lies in maintaining the synchronization and integrating the video and the recognized speech at the output. Note that the system is a stream based system by that the video and audio are continuously captured and processed.  This thesis presents a solution to the problem of synchronization in the temporal domain and the overall integration of the multimedia system. The thesis presents a time-stamp approach to solve the synchronization problem between audio and video signals. This approach is adaptive to the cases where the video processing delay is larger or smaller than the audio processing delay. The contributions include the verification of using time-stamps in the synchronization process and that it is possible to synchronize heavily delayed signals. The system requires an integration process such that the audio and video signals are integrated with one another at the output


identifier: Wang, Peng Fei  (2006) Design and performance analysis of VDSL systems with per-tone equalization.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Digital subscriber line (DSL) is considered as an attractive approach to transmit high-speed data due to its advantage in the provision of affordable broadband services in a wide range of end users without massive capital outlays. Very-high-speed DSL (VDSL) is the latest generation of the xDSL family. It is a promising internet access technique for broadband services, which is capable of supporting high-definition television (HDTV), Voice over IP, and general Internet access over a single twisted pair of wires. In order to overcome the harsh VDSL transmission environment and to realize a reliable high-speed data transmission, equalization technique is required at the receiver to compensate for the channel attenuation and distortion.  In this thesis, we focus on the design and performance study of VDSL systems using the per-tone equalization (PTEQ). Some background material pertaining to VDSL systems and equalization techniques is first presented. The per-tone equalization technique is then investigated. Based on a two-port model of the subscriber loop, namely, the so-called ABCD theory, the transfer function of various VDSL test loops are well formulated and simulated. A practical VDSL system with configurations following the standard as well as the PTEQ in the receiver is designed and simulated. Performance study is conducted over several VDSL test loops with various channel conditions, showing a great improvement on the SNR of the received signal and the overall transmission bit-rate of the VDSL system as a result of employing the PTEQ. In order to reduce the computational complexity of the training-based PTEQ initialization, a few adaptive schemes based on the NLMS and SR-RLS algorithms are proposed. Various simulation results regarding the convergence speed of the two adaptive algorithms, the number of equalizer taps and different VDSL test loops are presented. A comparison of the performances of the two adaptive initialization schemes is also presented


identifier: Barnick, Heather  (2006) Personal motivations, political pathways : Canadian university students studying in Australia.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Student mobility programs are promoted as an experience of a lifetime. Students who study abroad are thought to acquire a number of skills necessary for today's increasingly global labour market--cross cultural competence, familiarity in a second language, and a broadened world view. Studying overseas is also presumed to accelerate the personal development of students. As students negotiate unfamiliar environments, far away from home, friends, and family, they are thought to gain wisdom, self-confidence, and independence. Along with its educational dimensions, student mobility is also enmeshed with issues related to university internationalization, international trade, a move towards knowledge-based economies, and immigration.  Based on ethnographic research, which focussed on Canadian university students studying mainly in Melbourne, Australia, I advance two main arguments in this thesis. First, I suggest that claims about the potential outcomes of studying abroad are premature and need to be re-assessed against students' own motivations for wanting to study abroad and their actual experiences during their time overseas. Second, I argue that student mobility patterns are reflective of the differential economic and political positioning of nation-states in a globalizing world. The experiences of Canadian students are, therefore, considered within the larger context of the processes involved with university internationalization and relevant political and economic priorities of nation-states. This research also forms a part of a larger project on international youth travel, developed by Professors Vered Amit (Concordia University) and Noel Dyck (Simon Frasier University).


identifier: Koay, Elvina  (2006) Animating inanimates : motion, depth, and potentiality in Austen's characters.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The development of three-dimensional characters in Jane Austen's novels is influenced by the works of Ann Radcliffe, Frances Burney, and Maria Edgeworth. By examining the elements of Gothicism and nationalism in her contemporaries' works, this thesis attempts to trace the ways in which they each collate the realities of the material world and the internal world of the novel. The blurring of boundaries between the interior and exterior creates depth and mobility in characters, making them seem more realistic.  Radcliffe's novels illustrate the psychological projections and internalisation of the physical world in Gothicism while Burney's works introduce a sociological correlative to the Gothic. Austen follows in her contemporaries' footsteps by depicting the interconnection between interiority and exteriority and by constructing multiple voices which further provide dimensionality and potentiality for change in her characters.  Edgeworth shows that, despite the mutability of national identity, individual choice over identity is restricted by factors of gender and class. Austen's characters overcome such obstacles through subversive maneuvers or within a new commercial class. They have greater fluidity of identity, and their individuality interacts more dynamically with their network of social relationships. Perpetual motion and potential for change, grounded by readers' knowledge of characters and their social imperatives, allow for the projection of imagination within the realm of probability. This thesis analyses Austen's derivation of techniques and themes from her precursors to create round characters which have the potential to escape the narrative frame of her novels.


identifier: Field, Tyler  (2006) An aesthetic challenge to manipulation : a study on the pragmatics of communication.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis, it is my intent to argue that introducing John Dewey's aesthetic theory into Jürgen Habermas's pragmatics of communication will provide more evidence in opposition to the suggestion that manipulation can avert future legitimation crises. In developing this thesis, several steps will be taken. First, I will explicate Habermas's work on legitimation crises in order to explain what a legitimation crisis is and how such a crisis arises. I will then consider two potential remedies that might help avert a legitimation crisis: increasing material rewards or increasing ideology/manipulation. Next, I will provide some explanations concerning why Habermas's pragmatic theory needs to be reinforced in order to adequately oppose the recommendation to use manipulation to avert legitimation crises.  By juxtaposing Dewey's aesthetic theory with Habermas's pragmatics of communication, I intend to align myself with Habermas, and oppose the suggestion that manipulation can permanently avert future legitimation crises. By considering Dewey alongside Habermas, I will problematize manipulation and argue that manipulation is an unstable remedial measure. In conclusion, I will suggest that more stable remedial measures need to be sought if society desires to permanently avert legitimation crises


identifier: Kurstak, Daniel  (2006) A phenomenological examination of esoteric states of conciousness.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Esoteric states of consciousness, also known to us as mystical experiences, are characterized by the presence of three main elements: highly unusual and oftentimes ambiguous sensory and non-sensory forms of awareness, along with the bestowment of various forms of seemingly vast knowledge, upon the subject. Due to the first two elements, mystical experiences are often said to be ineffable and esoteric ; due to disagreements regarding the third element, they can also become the source of serious socio-political and religious conflicts. Finally, due to all three of these elements, they are also often viewed with great scepticism, especially within the scientific milieu. We propose a joint solution here, both to the problem of potential conflicts, as well as to the concerns of the sceptics. We do so by showing, by way of a phenomenological investigation, that much of what is purportedly claimed to be ineffable, by the mystics, is actually quite "effable", on condition that the proper questions be asked, and that the proper descriptive framework be employed. In so doing, we pull mystical experiences out of the shadows, and into the spotlight of public language-games. Finally, we further show that, far from negating the mystics, this process actually empowers them, with the fine distinctions needed to address the concerns of today's pedantic sceptics, as well as with the ability better to voice their account of the mystical experience. This, in turn, helps to alleviate potential conflicts, arising from misunderstandings, regarding the contents of the experience itself.


identifier: Chalas, Agnieszka  (2006) School outreach and museum-architect partnerships : an initiative at the Canadian Centre for Architecture.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis focuses on an educational partnership between the Canadian Centre for Architecture and Architects in Action, which explores the potential of utilizing professional arts practitioners in an outreach capacity to extend museum programming. It seeks to answer the following questions: How did the architects' experiences compare to their expectations, and what are the benefits and challenges to using architects as facilitators of post-visit museum activities within the classroom setting? A series of architect interviews, teacher surveys, and classroom observations were conducted and analyzed in order to gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the educational partnership and to ascertain how such partnerships can be improved. The findings generated by this study were used as a basis for the development of a series of recommendations intended to contribute to the improvement of practice within similar educational projects.


identifier: Moore, Jessica  (2006) Resonant response beyond the limits of translation.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Translation is always an act of furthering and response. It takes a written work beyond its boundaries, both structurally and linguistically, and offers, in 'answer,' a new text. But there are instances when a translation goes one full step further, becoming more than a translation, becoming something that requires a new name to indicate its transgression: for example, a "closelaboration," a "nontranslation," or a "trans e lation" (Suzanne Jill Levine, The Subversive Scribe ; Jacques Brault, Poèmes des quatre côtés ; Erin Mouré, Sheep's Vigil for a Fervent Person ). Further still are works, like my own, where translation becomes the door to creative writing. These are practices and texts that have entered a new arena beyond conventional limits of translation--a creative, resonant space.  Moments of creative composition through translation, which are often playful, reveal a deep sympathy between the translated work and the translator: a resonance. My project explores the idea and the act of response, through--and beyond--translation. I begin as the translator (who is more deeply engaged--creatively, already--with the text than a casual reader will ever be) and end as the writer, composing pieces in response to the translated text. Prefaced by a discussion of creative response and the limits of translation, my project is a translation accompanied by a work of resonant response.


identifier: Rahman, Sayed Hafizur  (2006) On the FPGA implementation and performance analysis of a digital carrier synchronizer.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The evolutionary growth of digital communication has an acute impact on the digital integrated circuit (IC) design industry. Nowadays instead of ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are often employed to implement digital communication systems due to the speed, performance, reliability and flexibility. Digital communication systems such as modulation-demodulation and M-PSK require the use of carrier synchronization in phase and frequency. This work addresses the FPGA implementation and analysis of a Digital Carrier Synchronizer (DCS), which is a phase-locked loop (PLL), realized using digital circuits. This novel methodology highlights implementation promises towards some of the critical issues associated with the design of its analog counterpart, usually known as PLL. The principle function of this DCS is heavily dependent on the Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) and the Loop Filter (LF). There are various methods to implement NCOs and LFs that are used in the architectural model of DCS. This research work examines the performance of two different NCOs and LFs realization in DCS for modem (modulator-demodulator) application using FPGA based design solutions. The methods presented are Look up Table (LUT) and Xilinx ROM based NCO in one hand, and 1 st order and 2 nd order based LF in the other hand. Each has its own merits and de-merits. A DCS mathematical model has been developed in order to analyze the stability of the design. Furthermore, the performance of this two implementations based on three performance metrics i.e. stability, locking-time and tracking range has been studied. From the analysis, Xilinx ROM based NCO with 2 nd order LF performs better and are more suited for modem's DCS.


identifier: Bien-Aimé, Tamara  (2006) Écouter pour comprendre : une perspective phénoménologique de l'échec scolaire au Québec.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: La présente recherche porte sur la compréhension de l'échec scolaire tel que vécu par dix jeunes filles et huit jeunes hommes ayant fréquenté des établissements scolaires montréalais durant leur enfance. Cette étude se centre donc sur les significations et facteurs causals permettant d'expliquer et de comprendre l'échec scolaire et ce que ce phénomène a représenté dans l'existence de ces jeunes.  Pour atteindre cet objectif, cette étude s'appuie sur les principes et les fondements de l'approche phénoménologique en recherche. C'est par cette voie qu'il a été possible d'appréhender le cheminement de ces élèves à l'intérieur de notre système scolaire. Puisqu'en phénoménologie, les expériences humaines sont sur quoi l'investigation d'un phénomène débute et se termine, l'approche phénoménologique intégrée au contexte de l'échec scolaire offre une ouverture d'esprit face aux différentes facettes du phénomène étudié. C'est cette ouverture d'esprit suggérée par la phénoménologie qui permet comme Dartigues (1972) le suggère, de percevoir l'échec scolaire à travers les yeux de ceux qui l'ont vécu.  Les témoignages recueillis dévoilent la rigidité de notre système scolaire, l'impact de la pauvreté sur le rendement académique et la nécessité d'instaurer des programmes et des pratiques pédagogiques encourageant l'inclusion et le succès de tous. On constate aussi l'importance pour l'élève de croire en son potentiel lors de l'analyse des causes de son échec. Malgré le caractère multidimensionnel de l'échec scolaire, la relation entretenue avec l'enseignant(e) semble être le facteur de prévention le plus efficace contre cette problématique.


identifier: Diaz, Laura Renteria  (2006) Entrainment to a long daily cycle blocks behavioral sensitization to cocaine.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Behavioral sensitization refers to the increase of the behavioral activating effects of a drug following its repeated administration. Here I examined the effects of varying the length of the daily cycle on the expression of sensitization to cocaine. Rats were entrained to light cycles consisting of a variable dark phase and a fixed (0.5h), light phase (i.e., T cycles). One group was placed on a 24-h T cycle (T24) and another was placed on a 26-h T cycle (T26). Each group received cocaine (10 mg/kg) or saline for five days, at the same local time daily. Thus, injections were given at the same circadian time (CT) in the T24 but not the T26 group. Only the T24 group expressed sensitization. To assess whether injections given at varying CTs blocked sensitization in the T26 group, in a subsequent experiment the timing of the injections during pretreatment was delayed each day by two hours. Thus, the T26 but not the T24 group received injections at the same CT. Once again, the T26 group failed to express sensitization whereas the T24 group showed robust sensitization. In a third experiment, all rats were pretreated under a T26; following pretreatment half were switched to T24. Only animals switched to T24 expressed sensitization. Thus, entrainment to a long cycle prevents the expression rather than the induction of sensitization. These results open up a previously under-appreciated perspective on the influence that temporal features of the environment have on the behavioral effects of a drug.


identifier: Bauer, Tom  (2006) The donkey prince.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: The donkey prince

abstract: The Donkey Prince is a novel in progress about a year in the life of a high school graduate who embarks on a series of adventures in a quest for security, truth, love and meaning. It is a Canadian novel about coming of age in the early 1980s, and takes place in Montreal, Toronto, and British Columbia. The narrative intentionally echoes the dramatic first person voices of hard-boiled American fiction and the French nouvelle vague, though it adheres to the facts of experience and is therefore a form of memoir.  The goal of the thesis is to show the discontinuities that can occur between perception and reality as it follows the protagonist's search for answers to questions that cannot be answered; to show the disconnection between knowledge of the abstract and knowledge of relationships; to explore differing varieties of awareness and reveal the uncertainty of self-knowledge through dramatic fictional representations.


identifier: Babarik, Sylvie  (2006) The Magpie : a novel as a medium for the study of religion.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The study of religion can be undertaken using diverse methods. This thesis focuses on the novel as a medium for exploring theoretical, experiential, and fictional materials alongside each other. It is divided into two principle sections. The first is an essay explaining the reasons for choosing the medium of the novel, and exploring its advantages over traditional, non-fiction works. The second section is reserved for the novel itself, an original story that makes use of ideas obtained both through daily experience and formal study.  The novel, entitled The Magpie , tells the story of a woman in search of religious affiliation as a means of grounding and structuring her ideas about God. Her goal pushes her to accept a job in Guatemala, working alongside a Catholic priest and a Protestant missionary. The experience does not yield the desired results. Instead, the main character is forced to come to terms with what she has learned about herself.  One of the goals of writing such a novel is the synthesis of potentially disparate materials, treated both objectively and subjectively by way of a set of characters. By placing the narrative in time, there is also opportunity to imitate the types of transformations that can occur in the mind of individuals. Finally, as students of religion must consider a variety of forms of expression, it further made sense to experiment with a less academic form of written expression.


identifier: Hawkins, Michelle  (2006) T.W. Adorno, Iris Murdoch, and the importance of art for ethics.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Theodor Adorno, a member of the first generation of critical theory, and Iris Murdoch, a major contributor to the field of virtue ethics, are not ordinarily thought to have much in common, and, like the diverse philosophical traditions with which they are respectively associated, rarely treated together. Through a discussion of the role of art for ethics in Adorno's Aesthetic Theory and Murdoch's The Sovereignty of Good, this thesis brings these two authors together, highlighting the similarities that in fact exist between them.  It argues that Adorno and Murdoch share similar conceptions of ethics which index the motivation human beings feel for ethical action to the recognition of particular moments within experience that call for ethical response. It argues moreover that Adorno and Murdoch each describe human beings as generally unable to accurately perceive the world that confronts them. Adorno points to the domination of instrumental rationality within modernity as the source of human beings' perceptual failings, and Murdoch, the natural tendency of human beings to focus upon themselves. For both Adorno and Murdoch, the inability of human beings to correctly perceive reality has negative consequences upon ethical life; it is, for Adorno and Murdoch alike, the immediate cause of the ethical failings of human beings. Finally, this thesis demonstrates that Adorno and Murdoch both attribute to art a capacity for enticing and enabling human beings to see beyond the scope of instrumental rationality, or the confines of the self, and therefore consider art to be of unique importance for ethics.


identifier: Mathieu, Sarah Jane  (2006) DNA detectives : a look at DNA in four prime time television crime dramas.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis examines the ways that DNA is represented within the content of fictional prime-time law enforcement dramas, relating to issues of surveillance, identity, technology, expertise and risk. By analysing and coding the dialogue of four fictional law enforcement dramas (CSI, CSI Miami, Law and Order, Law and Order SVU) this study was able to distinguish ten different categories of DNA representation. Further analysis reveals that out of the four series studied, both the CSI and CSI Miami series have higher episode proportions that refer to DNA; the more popular categories of DNA representation present DNA as the truth, as an indicator of guilt or innocence and the utilisation of genetics as a method of interrogation and identity. Across all four shows, DNA was most commonly represented as an identity and revealing one's guilt and innocence.  The manner in which DNA is represented to a mass media viewing public in such a mainstream method of entertainment exposes society to such advances in technology and promotes a system of law enforcement that is based on methods of surveillance and risk theory. In a society that has become aware of a growing risk mentality surrounding surveillance and technological applications, a study such as this sheds light on the popular culture that assists in presenting these surveillant techniques to a population that may become increasingly comfortable with its invasiveness.


identifier: Wu, Zhikun  (2006) Consumer behavior on the internet : investigating search, experience, and credence product classification.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This paper extends the previous literature by proposing a new model incorporating search-experience-credence product classification. The present research investigates the role of the Internet as an information source on the continuum of the search-experience-credence product categorization. Moreover, this research studies some specific factors that influence the information search on the Internet.  The pretest distinguishes search, experience, and credence product, The data collection methods, survey instruments, and sample characteristics are reported. The operationalization of the observed and latent variables, scale development, and statistical data analyses of hypothesis are described.  The findings show that entertainment and effectiveness of information content positively relate to attitude toward website and purchase intention. Attitude toward website, moderated by need for cognition and site involvement, positively relates to purchase intention. The relationship between attitude toward website and the flow experience is replicated in different context. Results also show that the search-experience-credence product framework is salient in the context of online shopping. Theoretical and managerial implications and future research are discussed


identifier: He, Xin  (2006) Design and development of a situated decision support system for personal finance management.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: With the rapid advancement of computer and Internet technology and availability of data and information, the need for decision support is continuously growing. In this context, a new vision of Decision Support Systems (DSSs) called situated DSS (SDSS) has been proposed. The key distinguishing features of SDSS include a tight connection with the problem environment, proactive decision supports, and decision implementation. In this work, a layered model of a SDSS is presented. The model includes three layers: the reactive layer, operational layer, and judgmental layer. Since the layered model is structurally different compared to the traditional type of DSS, a new method for designing and development is proposed. The model and method are illustrated through a personal finance management SDSS prototype. The results of the empirical test are presented and discussed.


identifier: Cochrane, Linda  (2006) Kant, Newton, and the conditions of possible experience.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Kant limited knowledge to the objects of possible experience "whose objective reality can be proved." To support his position, he sought to demonstrate the principles underlying all theoretical knowledge. He thus sought the a priori presuppositions necessary for the possibility of experience. In the Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science, Kant demonstrates that experience includes scientific experience and even seems to imply that the notion of experience is exhausted by scientific experience. Owing to his apparent restriction of experience, and, hence, knowledge, to the objects of Euclidean geometry and Newtonian physics, several philosophers have suggested that developments in non-Euclidean geometries and modern physics have undermined Kant's necessary conditions of possible experience.  In this thesis, I attempt to show that Kant did not contend that Euclidean geometry and Newtonian physics had absolute validity, but limited their applicability to nature " so far as it can be perceived by our senses. " Given this limitation, non-Euclidean geometries and the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics cannot be used to undermine Kant's necessary conditions of possible experience. In other words, the infinitesimally small objects and distances of Quantum Mechanics; the extremely large objects, distances, and velocities of Relativity; and the multiple dimensions of String Theory all lie outside the frame of reference of sensible nature. Further, Newtonian physics is not only a useful way of describing and coping with empirical reality, but is a reflection of the way that the human cognitive capacity functions--that is, humans, and perhaps most other beings, synthesise a Newtonian reality.


identifier: Eldiwany, Ahmed  (2006) Introducing collaborative based recommendation systems to the online brokerage domain.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Online investment is an industry that utilizes the power and flexibility of the Internet and has enabled investors worldwide to break down the traditional barriers of time and physical location in addition to offering functionalities and opportunities considered unthinkable in the past. The importance of online investment, especially online brokerage, stems from the fact that the various research performed on this topic has demonstrated a rapid increase in the population of online investors, which has not been coupled with the appropriate technological advances providing advice given by professionals in traditional investment and brokerage firms. This lack of advice and recommendations especially in the domain of stock trading has in part motivated this research. The research question being investigated is "What are the effects of introducing collaborative filtering recommendation systems on user satisfaction, user's impression of usefulness of the system and the intention to use the system in the domain of online brokerage?" In essence, the study examines the user reactions to recommendations provided by technology in the online brokerage sector. Data was collected electronically via the use of two websites designed and coded specifically for the purpose of this research. Results indicate that on average investors using the recommendation system were significantly more satisfied than investors who had no recommendation system. The same investors also reported a higher intention to use the system once it is commercially available.


identifier: Schaenfield, Hilary  (2006) Work.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: Work

abstract: Work is a collection of short stories linked by themes of career, job, and the all consuming practice of "work". "The Shift", "Your Boy Friday", "Lady Fortuna" and "23 Ways to Creep Into My Sub Consciousness" are first person accounts that move fast in fine focus. Fun and sometimes bawdy, they are the written equivalent of a four-martini business lunch (expensed to the company, of course.)  Taking a far less frenetic approach, the piece entitled "Clean" uses limited third person narration to, among other things, gain a sliver of space between navel and gaze. It is the somberest story of the bunch, dealing with life, death and the impossible, sometimes irrational lengths we go to in order to find acceptance. "Little Girl Games" employs first person, but achieves distance through nostalgia and reflection, putting years between the narrator and the subject of the story.  Whether dealing with travails at the office, janitorial duties, wedding planning or fortune telling, Work attempts to wring a spirited energy out of what can often feel like banal drudgery.


identifier: Lu, Ying  (2006) Canadian business trust conversions.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: Canadian business trust conversions

abstract: This thesis first examines the short-term market- and risk-adjusted abnormal returns and their determinants around the announcement and effective dates for a sample of 37 business trust conversions from the period from January 1998 until September 2006. While positive and significant abnormal returns are associated with both event dates, the abnormal returns associated with the effective conversion dates are much smaller in magnitude and are not robust. The only empirically supported explanation for the market impact of trust conversion announcements is the tax savings associated with conversion to an income trust.  The longer-term market- and risk-adjusted returns are then examined around the trust conversion announcements. Based on an examination of the Jensen alpha estimates for each of the three years before and after the trust conversion announcements, the average trust conversion exhibits positive abnormal returns in all six years but the abnormal returns are only significant in the year prior to the trust-conversion announcement and in the second year after the announcement.  Thus, the evidence supports the conjecture that the market deems trust conversions as value-enhancing events


identifier: Boyer, John-Christopher  (2006) Synthesis and spectroscopy of upconverting lanthanide-doped nanocrystals.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In the past two decades it has been widely demonstrated that the optical properties of select inorganic materials may be modified by changing either their size or shape on the nanometer level (sub-nanometer to 100 nm length scale). Much of the early research on this topic focused on semiconducting nanocrystals, where it has been effectively demonstrated that reducing particle size below their Bohr radius produced a characteristic blue shift of the band gap absorption. A little over a decade after the initial work on semiconducting nanocrystals, the first scientific articles on insulating nanocrystals doped with lanthanide ions started to appear. While numerous studies have focused on examining the luminescence generated by exciting with ultraviolet (UV) light, very few have examined the upconversion phenomenon in nanocrystalline materials. Upconversion is the generation of higher energy light from lower energy radiation typically through the use of lanthanide ions doped into a solid state host. Much of the interest in upconverting nanocrystalline materials is due to their prospective application as fluorescent biological labels.  In this thesis the synthesis, spectroscopic, and upconversion properties of lanthanide-doped nanocrystalline materials will be discussed. We report on our efforts to date to achieve viable upconversion luminescence from Ho 3+ doped nanocrystalline Y 2 O 3 and Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 prepared via the combustion synthesis. These studies have determined that, while upconversion occurs in Y 2 O 3 bulk samples, it is severely reduced or nonexistent in the nanocrystal samples. This behaviour is attributed to the presence of high vibrational energies, 1500 and 3350 cm -1 , due to adsorbed atmospheric CO 3 2- and OH - anions, respectively, on the surface of the nanocrystals. A substantial increase in the upconversion efficiencies was observed in the case of the garnet (Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 ) nanocrystals due to considerably less surface contamination. The effect of Yb 3+ Co-doping on the upconversion luminescence in the Gd 3 Ga 5 O 12 sample will also be introduced.  We also evaluate the spectroscopic properties of lutetium oxide nanocrystals doped with trivalent europium (Lu 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ ) prepared by the same combustion synthesis technique. These results are compared and contrasted to those of a bulk Lu 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ sample. In the case of Lu 2 O 3 we observe significant changes in the luminescence behaviour that we attribute to the vastly different particle sizes of the two different materials.  Finally, we present a new procedure for synthesizing NaYF 4 :Er 3+ , Yb 3+ nanoparticles that are capable of colloidal dispersion in non-polar organic solvents. The highly luminescent nanoparticles are synthesized via the thermal decomposition of trifluoroacetate precusors in a mixture of oleic acid and octadecene. The Er 3+ , Yb 3+ and Tm 3+ , Yb 3+ doped cubic NaYF 4 nanocrystals exhibit green/red and blue upconversion luminescence, respectively under 980 nm laser excitation with low power densities while colloidally dispersed. A brief discussion on our current attempts and future efforts towards modifying the nanoparticles surface will also be given.


identifier: Fawcett, Linnet  (2006) Evoking affect, becoming movement : from writing that skates to the swaggering midlife female trick skater.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis questions how bodies in movement might be written into academic scholarship in a more vital and thought-provoking way. Taking as its central figure the swaggering midlife female trick skater and focusing in on dynamics characterising the public recreational ice skating scene at Montréal's Atrium le 1000 , it draws on informal conversations conducted with skaters to create writing that skates, and develop an understanding of where communicating (through language) and skating (as and beyond writing) intersect. Adopting a visceral and sentient approach to researching, analysing and writing up the body, this thesis challenges the paradoxical absence of 'the corporeal' in the scholarly corpus, and embraces a researcher positioning which, while investigating the felt intensities of passion and pleasure, makes no apologies for its own excessiveness. Informed by poststructuralist thinking around affect and by feminist explorations of the gendered body, this thesis points to how the introduction of a truly 'alternative' sporting body into a 'disorganised' sporting environment can significantly impact how moments of self-actualisation as realised through participating in an activity like skating unfold, and how the communicatory relationships that come of joining the rink's communal flow materialise and evolve. In drawing attention to the liberatory potential opened up by this new conception of 'alternative,' this thesis raises our awareness both of the limitations inherent in those scholarly approaches that try to 'capture' moving bodies and motile activities within meaning and representation, and in those sporting and communicatory regimes that seek to 'pin down' aging female bodies.


identifier: Javahery, Homa  (2006) Pattern-oriented UI design based on user experiences : a method supported by empirical evidence.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: User-Centered Design (UCD) is a philosophy surrounding interactive system design, with the purpose of achieving product usability. One challenge with UCD and its related methods is the lack of a concrete process which supports designers in building user interface (UI) designs founded on user experiences. In current practice, design decisions are made based on loosely-defined guidelines, giving rise to a significant "gap" between user analysis and design outcomes. This is especially problematic for novice designers who lack the background and training required to make trade-offs, judgments and interpretations towards a usable design.  In this thesis, we propose a Pattern-Oriented UI Design method which is driven by user experiences. It is founded on a set of core UCD principles which we have enriched with "engineering-like" concepts such as reuse and traceability. The method is based on two key artifacts--personas, used to model user experiences, and patterns, used to capture best design practices. Following this method, we define the UX-P Process, a systematic process which is semi-automated and characterized by rigorously-defined steps; designers iteratively create personas, select patterns, and compose patterns into a comprehensive design, based on user specifications and usability considerations. We have built a supporting tool, which allows designers to cluster users into personas and select candidate patterns based on persona specifications.  We carried out two empirical studies with end-users. The goal of the first study was to assess the feasibility of the method; the second, to validate the process. Both studies were carried out with Bioinformatics applications and were comparative in nature testing the original design with our prototype. The outcome of these empirical studies indicated a positive increase in usability measures for our design prototypes, including a significant improvement in task times and user satisfaction.


identifier: Wang, Qingqing  (2006) Robust adaptive controls of nonlinear systems with actuator hysteresis represented by Prandtl-Ishlinskii models.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The development of control techniques to mitigate the effects of unknown hysteresis preceding with plants, has recently re-attracted significant attention. This thesis deals with robust adaptive control of nonlinear systems preceded by unknown hysteresis nonlinearities. In the literature, the most common methods to reduce hysteresis effects to the controlled systems are based on the inverse hysteresis compensations. Due to the complexity of hysteresis behavior, this approach has its limit. By thoroughly investigating the Prandtl-Ishlinskii models of hysteresis, a robust adaptive control scheme was developed, which makes it possible to fuse the model of hysteresis with the available control techniques without necessarily constructing a hysteresis inverse. The global stability of the adaptive system and to track a desired trajectory to a certain precision are achieved.  Two classes of nonlinear systems preceded by unknown hysteresis nonlinearities are studied. One class of systems is with parametric uncertainties and known nonlinear functions. By integrating proposed hysteresis adaptation law with sliding mode control and back-stepping techniques, the global stability and tracking a desired trajectory to a certain precision are achieved. Simulation results attained for an example of this class of nonlinear system are presented to illustrate and further validate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Then the approach is extended to a more general class of systems in the presence of parametric uncertainties and unknown nonlinear functions with bounded disturbances and preceded by unknown hysteresis nonlinearities. Combined with neural networks adaptation control method, it is proved that for any bounded initial conditions, all closed-loop signals are bounded and the state vector x ( t ) converges to a neighborhood of the desired trajectory.  Concerning the practical applications, determination of the density function of the Prandtl-Ishlinskii model is crucial. In this study, a discretional approach is developed to approximate density function p ( r ) based on the memory effects of the play operator F r [ v ]( t  )


identifier: Wang, Wenping  (2006) A study of force-motion and vibration transmission properties of seated body under vertical vibration and effects of sitting posture.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This dissertation research concerns with characterization of the biodynamic responses of seated human body to vibration in terms of force-motion and vibration transmission properties. The force-motion biodynamic responses were measured considering the primary driving-point (seat-buttock interface) using 13 male and 14 female subjects under different postural and excitation conditions. The force-motion data were also analyzed to derive the power absorbed within the vibration-exposed body, apart from the apparent mass (APMS). The measured data are interpreted to demonstrate the significant effects of sitting postures, involving variations in backrest support, hands position and seat geometry, on the biodynamic responses. The results revealed most significant effect of the body mass. The results attained from ANCOVA further show that the primary resonant frequency and bandwidth of the biodynamic responses are strongly influenced by the combined effects of hands position and back support condition, while the peak magnitude is further affected by the seat height. Owing to the limitations of the single-driving point force-motion relationships, experiments were undertaken to measure both the force-motion and transmission of seat vibration to the head simultaneously. A secondary driving-point, formed by the backrest and upper body, is also incorporated for fully characterizing the force-motion biodynamics of the body seated with a back support. An adjustable head-strap comprising a three-axes acceleration measurement system was developed to measure the vibration transmitted to the seated subjects' head. These experiments were performed with 12 adult male subjects and the data were analyzed to derive the biodynamic responses in terms of seat-to-head transmissibility (STHT), total apparent mass measured at the seat pan, cross-axis apparent mass of the upper body reflected at the back support. The results attained were used to characterize the roles of various contributing factors, such as back support condition, hands position and excitation magnitude. The results reveal the non-linearities in the APMS and STHT responses. The results of the ANOVA further show the strong influences of the three back support conditions on both vertical and fore-and-aft STHT responses over the entire frequency ranges. The vertical APMS magnitudes in the vicinity of the secondary resonance tend to be higher for the back supported postures.  The mechanical equivalent models of the seated body are further attempted on the basis of observed biodynamic responses. Owing to the significant effects of the back support conditions, one-and two-dimensional models are formulated to simulate the APMS and STHT responses for all three back support conditions. The target datasets, however, are limited to those representing mean body mass of 75.58 kg in the excitation of 1m/s 2 rms acceleration (0.5-15 Hz). A 4-DOF one-dimensional model is developed using simultaneously measured vertical APMS and STHT response. The model parameters are identified for the three back support conditions respectively to emphasize the significance of back support conditions. The model parameter analysis suggest that both the force-motion and motion-motion measures need to be satisfied in order to obtain a more reliable model parameter set. The two-dimensional 5-DOF model allows for the consideration of the upper body interactions with the inclined backrest support. The identified models show good agreements with the measured target responses in APMS measured at the seat pan and the backrest, and vertical STHT.  The model validity is further demonstrated in terms of the absorbed power property of the seated body. Considering that the physical responses of the tissues are more directly related to localized responses, alternate methods that can predict the distributed absorbed power property in body segment are realized in both one-dimensional and two-dimensional models


identifier: Hoteit, Wajih  (2006) A new MAP based channel estimation technique for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems that provide significant increase in channel capacity is rapidly emerging as the new frontier of wireless industry. MIMO systems require the simultaneous use of multiple transmit and receive antennas to dramatically increase data rates and to improve performance reliability. An effective and practical way to approach the capacity promised by MIMO systems is to employ space-time coding (STC). It elegantly combines temporal and spatial correlation into the transmitted symbols to realize diversity and coding gains. Most STC schemes are designed for known quasi-static channels however this assumption is not always justified. MIMO channels often undergo frequency selective fading that leads to intersymbol interference (ISI), which limits the performance of MIMO systems.  The effect of imperfect channel estimation on the bit error rate (BER) of MIMO systems utilizing STC is investigated. An analysis and comparison into the BER degradations of simple transmit diversity (STD) and maximal ratio combining (MRC) schemes due to multipath channel estimation errors are presented. Closed form expressions are derived for the BER performances of the schemes that employ an equalization process to mitigate the ISI caused by the multipath in frequency selective channel. BER curves show that the performance deterioration in the MIMO scheme outweighs the benefits achieved over the single antenna case when the channel estimation errors are large. Results expose the deleterious effects of inaccurate channel estimation on the performance of MIMO systems. Hence, the development of practical and novel channel estimation approaches are desired for MIMO systems using STC.  This dissertation introduces a new MAP based channel estimation technique that is amenable to STC scheme employing two transmit antennas and operating in multipath bandlimited channel. The complex channel parameters are treated as two real-valued tap coefficients; each taking one of M possible amplitude levels with equal probability. The proposed estimation technique is based on an iterative procedure derived through the maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability approach. Unlike classic estimation techniques, we iterate on the probabilities of the different coefficients rather than on the values of the coefficients.  Two low complexity algorithms based on the developed channel estimation technique and simple to implement in practical MIMO systems are also introduced. The performances of the two algorithms are assessed by combined analysis and simulation. Results are presented and compared against the performance of conventional channel estimation techniques. Results show that the required performance can be achieved with less number of iterations using the proposed algorithms compared to conventional techniques.


identifier: Khan, Shahid Hameed  (2006) Local gouging detection and tool size determination for 3-axis finish machining of sculptured surface parts.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Today compound sculptured surfaces have been widely used to design complicated shapes and details of mechanical parts in the automotive, aeronautical, die and mold industries. The technology of machining these surfaces with high quality and efficiency is badly needed in the manufacturing industry. In Computer numerical control (CNC) finish machining of compound sculptured surface parts, local gouging is a major concern due to the geometric mismatch between the engaged regions of the cutting surface and the part surfaces. Specifically, local gouging will occur at a cutter contact point along the tangent direction, in which the normal curvature of the cutting surface is less than that of the part surface. In the past years, some researchers have applied curvature analysis techniques to local gouging detection for a single surface patch; however, a practicable, reliable approach to evaluating the geometric mis/match between the cutting and part surfaces has not yet been available. My research originally proposes an improved approach to detecting potential local gouging for compound surface patches and to determine an optimum tool size for local gouge free machining. This approach applies comprehensive curvature analysis to the engaged regions between the cutting and part surfaces in 3-axis finish machining by using different standard cutters. This research contributes to the research on sculptured surface machining with in-depth understanding about the geometric mis/match between the cutting and part surfaces and has great potential impact to advance CNC machining technique in the manufacturing industry.


identifier: Singh, Amandeep  (2006) Structural optimization and sensitivity analysis using finite element force method.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The objective of the present research is to develop a computer aided environment for optimization of structures by integrating the structural and design sensitivity analysis using the finite element force method, and mathematical programming techniques. A reliable tool for sensitivity analysis is perquisite for performing interactive structural design, synthesis and optimization. The sensitivity analysis is used to provide the gradient information to the gradient-based optimization algorithm. The developed structural optimization methodology using the force method is used to optimize discrete structures subjected to stress, displacement and frequencies constraints, and results are compared with those generated from displacement method and those in literature. The improved accuracy and efficiency of the developed optimization algorithm using analytical sensitivity analysis is also demonstrated by comparing the results with those obtained from the numerical sensitivity analysis.  Later, the developed optimization methodology is extended to the design of the stiffened panels subjected to uniform uniaxial compression loading. The buckling characteristic of stiffened panels subjected to uniform in-plane loading is of considerable importance, while designing for the aerospace, naval and civil engineering applications. The finite element model for the linear buckling analysis of the eccentrically stiffened panels based on the force method is developed, and is validated by extensive numerical analysis. The explicit expressions of the sensitivity of the buckling load with respect to dimensions of plate and stiffener are formulated, and integrated with the optimization algorithm and finite element analysis. The developed optimization algorithm is used to design different types of stiffened panels


identifier: Kafashe Panjeh Shahi, Payam  (2006) Verification and validation techniques in systems engineering : application to state-chart diagrams.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Verification and validation have become very important steps in systems engineering. This is due to the increasing complexity of nowadays systems. Verification and validation aims at detecting flaws early in the design process and/or to verify/validate design models of systems. The state of the art techniques in this field are mainly based on simulation and extensive testing. In this thesis, we propose a new paradigm for verification and validation in systems engineering. It is based on an established synergy between program analysis, software engineering techniques and automatic verification. To illustrate this paradigm, we present a technique for the verification/validation of state-chart diagrams in UML/SysML modeling languages.


identifier: Ryan, Ken  (2006) Unsupervised offline video object segmentation using object enhancement and region merging.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Content-based representation of video sequences for applications such as MPEG-4 and MPEG-7 coding is an area of growing interest in video processing. One of the key steps to content-based representation is segmenting the video into a meaningful set of objects. Existing methods often accomplish this through the use of color, motion, or edge detection. Other approaches combine several features in an effort to improve on single-feature approaches. Recent work proposes the use of object trajectories to improve the segmentation of objects that have been tracked throughout a video clip.  This thesis proposes an unsupervised video object segmentation method that introduces a number of improvements to existing work in the area. The initial segmentation utilizes object color and motion variance to more accurately classify image pixels to their best fit region. Histogram-based merging is then employed to reduce over-segmentation of the first frame. During object tracking, segmentation quality measures based on object color and motion contrast are taken. These measures are then used to enhance video objects through selective pixel re-classification. After object enhancement, cumulative histogram-based merging, occlusion handling, and island detection are used to help group regions into meaningful objects. Objective and subjective tests were performed on a set of standard video test sequences which demonstrate improved accuracy and greater success in identifying the real objects in a video clip compared to two reference methods. Greater success and improved accuracy in identifying video objects is first demonstrated by subjectively examining selected frames from the test sequences. After this, objective results are obtained through the use of a set of measures that aim at evaluating the accuracy of object boundaries and temporal stability through the use of color, motion and histograms