identifier: Dawoud, Jamal N  (2006) Structures and stabilities of H₂ adlayers on ionic crystal surfaces.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Our Monte Carlo (MC) simulations investigate the possible formation of a series of structures, p (2{604}2)[arrow right] p (8{604}2)[arrow right] p (4{604}2)[arrow right] p (6{604}2) with coverages |=0.5, 0.625, 0.75 and 0.83 respectively, by H 2 molecules on the MgO(001) and LiF(001) surfaces. On H 2 /MgO(001) the sequence p (2{604}2)[arrow right] p (4{604}2)[arrow right] p (6{604}2) is possible and is stable up to 9 K, while on H 2 /LiF(001) the progression p (2{604}2)[arrow right] p (8{604}2)[arrow right] p (4{604}2) is found. These structures are consistent with recent Helium Atom Scattering (HAS) results in terms of coverage and thermal stability, but disagree in terms of symmetry. The HAS work found " c " type structures whereas the MC simulations (without quantum considerations) yield a " p " type structures. The p (2{604}2) structures contains two H 2 molecules per unit cell, with each molecule lying parallel to the plane of the surface ([straight theta] = 90{493}) directly above every other cationic site. The molecules adopt a "T" configuration with respect to their nearest neighbours. For the p (8{604}2), p (4{604}2) and p (6{604}2) structures, there are two kinds of adsorption sites: a parallel site, as in the case of p (2{604}2) structure, and a tilted site, where the H 2 molecules sit between cationic and anionic sites with the molecular axis directed towards the anionic site, with [straight theta] {598} 60{493}. To reconcile the results of the simulations and experiments, the quantum mechanical rotational motion of the adsorbed H 2 molecules was studied using perturbation theory. These calculations show that the adsorbed hydrogen molecules are azimuthally delocalized and hence these structures are indeed c -type.  For the H 2 /NaCI(001) system, the MC simulations of the bi-layer system show that the formation of a second layer is possible, in which the molecules lie tilted ([straight theta] = 45{493}) at the top of the Cl - sites in a unit cell of p (2{604}1) symmetry. It also found the molecules in the bottom layer lie flat over the Na + sites and arranged in a unit cell of p (2{604}1) symmetry, where the molecules adopt a tee configuration along diagonals, and have the same orientation along the rows. In terms of thermal stability, the bottom layer is stable up to 12 K whereas the upper layer is orientationally disordered at T > 5 K and molecules desorb at T > 8 K. These predicted structures are in agreement with the experimental findings in terms of coverage and thermal stability but disagree in terms of symmetry since the PIRS-ATR and HAS experimental findings show a (1{604}1) structure. To solve this problem, the rotational motion of H 2 molecules has been studied using perturbation theory and it is found that quantum effects will azimuthally delocalize the orientation of the molecular axis of H 2 . Thus, those predicted structures become a (1{604}1) structure.


identifier: Katz, Andrew  (2006) Missing you.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: Missing you

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: Missing You is a collection of three short stories, the first two of which are fiction and the third a memoir. Though these stories stand independently, they are linked through their Montreal setting, their grounding in the medical profession, and their theme of connection and control in intimate human relationships. In "Break," "Ward," and "Play," the central relationships explored are, respectively, husband-wife, child-mother and child-father. In each story, the basic need and desire for connection with some important other is palpable. The characters typically respond to this need and desire with a fear of loss of control, based on an underlying threat of absence, chaos, unreality and/or the annihilation of the self. When the other ultimately eludes control, it can be both shattering and depressing, but at the same time can provide an unexpected opening for connection to take place.  Though each story originates within the conventions of realism, differing concerns for each necessitate differing perspectives and styles. The impressionistic interiority of the second-person in "Break" allows an appreciation of the depth of the protagonist's anxieties. The more distanced stance in the third-person "Ward" provides a level of objectivity in observing the protagonist, who both needs connection and is also herself an important other with whom connection is sought. Finally, the memoir-style approach of "Play" underscores the gradual, tectonic shifting, with episodic, sudden ruptures and transformations, that can characterize a person's relationship to the other over time. The conversational approach of this last story also suggests the importance of the reader as other.


identifier: De Genna, Natacha  (2005) Problem behaviour and health problems : an inter-generational study of parents with childhood histories of aggression and social withdrawal with their offspring.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: There is evidence from longitudinal studies of individuals with childhood problem behaviours that this behavioural risk may translate into health-risk and health problems in adulthood, with implications for health-risk in the next generation. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the long-term sequelae of childhood aggression and withdrawal on health-risk, health problems, and health-promoting behaviours such as preventative care and use of services. The Concordia Longitudinal Risk Project is a prospective, inter-generational study of individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods in Montreal, including girls and boys who were selected for extreme levels of aggression and social withdrawal. These individuals were followed across childhood and into adulthood, allowing us to examine processes of continuity and change, primarily experiential factors that precede and support cessation of unhealthy behaviour. In the inter-generational phase of the project, mothers were visited at home at two time points: when offspring were 1-6 years old, and again at 9-12 years old. At both waves of testing, mothers were interviewed about their health-risk, and medical histories were taken for mothers and their target child. In addition, during Study 1 mothers were asked about their adolescent health-risk behaviours and provided obstetric histories, and were asked in Study 2 about preventative health behaviours and use of developmental and medical services. Results indicated that girls who were both highly aggressive and socially withdrawn showed the earliest signs of health-risk behaviour, and that adolescent health risk behaviour was a marker for poor health management in adulthood. Girlhood aggression was a risk factor for health-risk behaviour in both studies, and maternal health-risk behaviours were shown to have a direct impact on health outcomes in offspring. Although the pattern was not as clear for childhood withdrawal, this characteristic appeared to be linked more closely to psychosocial risk than medical risk. Offspring of withdrawn parents were more likely to be prescribed medication during the second wave of testing. Taken together, there was evidence that early problem behaviour was linked to health-risk in adulthood and for young offspring. The results of these two studies have important implications for the long-term sequelae of childhood aggression and withdrawal, and the inter-generational transfer of health-risk.


identifier: Tan, Fang  (2006) Nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation in cure-rate models based on uncensored and censored data.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis, we shall attempt to give the NPMLE of the event time distribution and cure-rate based on different types of uncensored and censored data. Cure-mixture model and hidden model are used extensively. We address the non-estimability of the cure-rate when no cures are actually observed, in the uncensored case and some important censoring models. A proof is also given for the almost sure convergence of [Special characters omitted.] F ( x ) to (1 - s), where [Special characters omitted.] F ( x ) is the supremum of the MLE of the underlying distribution function, and s is the true underlying cure-rate, for random censoring and interval censoring (case-1). We describe and illustrate the "max-min formula" derived by Groeneboom and Wellner (1992) for interval censoring (case-1), then modify it to get the MLE of the cure-rate under a cure-mixture model, when some cures are observed. We perform a simulation study to give some numerical results as well. Finally, we discuss a probable approach to find the NPMLE in interval censoring (case-2), as a problem for further research.


identifier: Nicholson, Luke  (2006) Being framed by irony : AIDS and the art of General Idea.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis investigates transformations that took place within the work of the Toronto-based art collaborative General Idea before and after it came to deal with the AIDS crisis in the late 1980s and early 1990s and it explores how these relate to its ongoing concern with irony. In General Idea's work of the 70s, irony appears in many playful varieties. Yet the collaborative's irony seemed to wane as its work dealt increasingly with AIDS or, at least, its character seemed to change: it appeared to become more wry, critical, and less exuberant. In The AIDS Project (after 1987) and other, later works, General Idea's visual language becomes sparer and develops a public or installation-based inquiry into ambiguities around originality and cultural transmission and dissemination that parallels the behaviour of the AIDS virus itself or aspects of its cultural contexts. But this thesis argues that these later series represent a continuation of many of the collaborative's earlier concerns and not at all their abandonment. Drawing upon close analysis of works throughout General Idea's oeuvre , as well a theoretical investigation of irony, "Being Framed by Irony: AIDS and the Art of General Idea" seeks to anatomize and explain these developments.


identifier: Rashid, Mahmud Tariq  (2006) Design and modeling of a linear array of longitudinal slots on substrate integrated waveguide.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis, the design of a broadside resonant linear array antenna of longitudinal slots on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) for uniform aperture distribution and for a symmetric tapered distribution is presented. The concept of SIW has been proposed and used in which an "artificial" waveguide is synthesized and constructed with linear arrays of metallized via-holes or posts embedded in the same substrate used for the planar circuit. The SIW has been suitably converted to an equivalent rectangular waveguide. Elliott's modified design procedure including the internal higher order mode coupling, suitable for the usual range of thickness of the substrate, has been followed to obtain the optimum dimensions and positions of slots. The data for 'self-admittance' of an isolated slot as a function of its length and displacement, a requisite in Elliot's design procedure, has been generated by a commercially available full-wave finite element package Ansoft HFSS using an equivalent circuit for the slot with a subsequent extraction of Stegen-type curves. The validity and accuracy of the methodology have been compared with available published results for a slot on an X-band waveguide at 9.375 GHz.


identifier: Cameli, Luisa  (2006) Memory and language : insights from picture description and past tense generation in a native and a second language in bilingual Alzheimer and Parkinson patients.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Despite the fact that bilingualism is common, little is known about the effect of aging or age-related disorders on bilingual speech production. No previous study has contrasted narratives or examined verb inflection in a native (L1) versus a second language (L2) in healthy older adults or patients. We tested 16 young and 16 older adults, and 9 Alzheimer (AD) and 8 Parkinson patients (PD), all French/English bilingual who learned L2 after age 8. Participants described a complex picture (Manuscript 1) and generated the past tense of verbs (Manuscript 2) in L1 and L2. The neurolinguistic models of Paradis (1994) and Ullman (2001) suggest that L2 grammar (when L2 is learned late) and the lexicon are linked to declarative memory, whereas L1 grammar is linked to procedural memory. Given that AD affects mostly declarative memory, and PD procedural memory, AD was expected to chiefly affect the lexicon in L1 and L2, and L2 grammar, and PD to mostly impact L1 grammar. The speech and verb inflection performance of AD patients suggests that AD affects lexical processing more than grammatical processing in L1, and affects L1 more than L2. The speech and verb inflection performance of PD patients suggest greater grammatical than lexical impairment in L1, but both grammatical and lexical difficulties in L2. The L1 findings replicate those in the literature. The L1-L2 findings suggest that AD and PD affect L1 and L2 differently, in a manner that differs from that predicted, and that aging has little effect on picture description and verb inflection.


identifier: Zhang, Ping  (2006) Reliable recognition of handwritten digits using a cascade ensemble classifier system and hybrid features.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Aiming at a high recognition rate and a low error rate at the same time, a cascade ensemble classifier system is proposed for the recognition of handwritten digits. The tradeoff among the error, rejection and recognition rates of the recognition system is analyzed theoretically. Three solutions are proposed: (i) extracting more discriminative features to attain a high recognition rate, (ii) using ensemble classifiers to suppress the error rate, and (iii) employing a novel cascade system to enhance the recognition rate and to reduce the rejection rate. Based on these strategies, seven sets of discriminative hybrid features and three sets of randomly selected features are extracted and used in the different layers of the cascade recognition system. Novel gating networks are used to congregate the confidence values of three parallel Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) classifiers. The weights of the gating networks are trained by the Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to achieve the overall optimal performance. Experiments are conducted on the MNIST handwritten numeral database with encouraging results: a high reliability of 99.96% with a minimal rejection, or 99.59% correct recognition rate without rejection in the last cascade layer.  In the verification model, a novel multi-modal nonparametric analysis for optimal feature dimensionality reduction is proposed. The computational complexity of our proposed algorithm is much lower than that of other similar approaches found in the literature. Experiments demonstrate that our proposed method can achieve a high feature compression performance without sacrificing its discriminant ability. The results of dimensionality reduction make the ANNs converge more easily. For the verification of confusing handwritten numeral pairs, our proposed algorithm is used to congregate features, and it outperforms the PCA and compares favorably with other nonparametric discriminant analysis methods


identifier: Zhang, Jian  (2006) Optical side-polished fiber coupler : design and fabrication.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis, fiber optical ray theory and mode coupling theory are used to analyse the transfer characteristics of fiber optical couplers. For light transmission in telecom optical fibers, the variations of mode numbers and mode field diameter (MFD) are simulated. The transferred and coupled power characteristics of fiber couplers are also simulated. Using the simulation results, some etched couplers, micro optical components, and side-polished fiber couplers are designed and fabricated.  In order to keep the fiber characteristics unchanged, the work is focused on the process of making fiber couplers at room temperature. We used two methods of fabrications, etching fiber and side-polishing fiber to fabricate 2x2 etched fiber couplers and side-polished fiber couplers. Couplers of side-polished fiber are also fabricated. Coupling and structures of the fabricated devices were examined using SEM and microscopic pictures.  Also, in this work, it was tried to fabricate couplers fibers with etched period ditches, however, due to the difficulties of matching the fibers the attempt is failed.  Star couplers and x-couplers in silicon V-grooves, silicon, and in glass substrates are fabricated. In order to couple two polished fibers, a work stage for fiber coupler is designed, which has a coarse horizontal X-Y stage and a vertical Z coarse stage, and a small fine XYZ stage is used to adjust the sample in om level.  The structures of all the devices were characterized using scanning electron or optical microscopes.


identifier: Balage, Sudantha  (2006) Finite element splitting methods applied to incompressible navier-stokes flow solvers and introduction to mixed mass method.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Splitting Methods are considered to be a strong candidate for obtaining accurate, robust and computationally efficient incompressible Navier-Stokes (NS) solvers based on Finite Element Method. The type of spatial errors such as the numerical boundary layer observed on pressure solution near walls is known to affect the stability of NS solvers. The inclusion of stabilization terms such as upwinding or artificial viscosity terms would adversely affect the accuracy of the solver. NS solvers based on LBB compliant elements, such as Taylor Hood (TH) elements do not require stabilization terms to simulate higher Reynolds number flow provided their robustness is not affected by above mentioned type of error. This motivates the study of Splitting Methods based on Taylor Hood elements with the emphasis on how well they handle numerical boundary layer type errors to obtain highly accurate NS flow solvers. The effect of the enrichment of the TH elements with pressure bubble nodes is also investigated. The present work brings several well-known Splitting Methods under a common theoretical framework and classifies them appropriate to the study.


identifier: Banimelhem, Omar Qasem  (2005) Label assignment and failure recovery approaches for IP multicast communication in MPLS networks.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) framework that provides for the efficient designation, routing, forwarding, and switching of traffic flows through the network. MPLS is widely used for multicast traffic engineering. However, integrating MPLS with IP multicast communication is difficult. This thesis proposes solutions for two problems: label assignment and failure recovery.  When a set of multicast flows (sessions) is deployed in an MPLS network, each multicast entry for the sessions consumes an MPLS label. However, MPLS labels are significant resources in MPLS networks, as the 20-bit field of the MPLS header limits the number of available labels. It is advantageous if different multicast sessions can share the same multicast tree in the network and re-use the MPLS label. In the first part of the thesis, we propose two algorithms to do this. The first one is called State Encoding (SE), in which a code is calculated for every tree built in an MPLS network. The second algorithm is called Tree Numbering (TN), where a number represents each tree. If the IP packets of different multicast sessions are delivered over the same tree, all those packets are then classified to the same Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC) and only one label is used instead of using a number of labels equal to the number of those sessions.  The second part of this thesis contributes to this area. To trade off between the large amount of bandwidth required for reserving backup paths in local recovery and the large recovery time taken in global recovery, a new tree division approach is proposed. In this approach, a multicast tree is divided into several domains, where each domain represents a local stand-alone sub-tree of the original one. Two MPLS-based methods are then proposed to set up the backup paths inside the domains.  A comparison is made among the local recovery approach, the global recovery approach, a method that sets up the backup paths between the branching points, and the proposed approach. The comparison is based on three metrics: the total backup capacity, the maximum and the average notification times, and the average number of the notification messages that are produced as a result of a failure. In terms of the reserved capacity, the results have shown that our architecture consumes backup capacity close to that consumed by the global recovery


identifier: Abdel-Hamid, Amr Talaat  (2006) Watermarking techniques for intellectual property protection in SOC designs.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Sharing Intellectual Property (IP) blocks in today's competitive market poses significant high security risks. Creators and owners of IP designs want assurances that their content will not be illegally redistributed by consumers, and consumers want assurances that the content they buy is legitimate. Recently, digital watermarking emerged as a candidate solution for copyright protection of IP blocks.  In this thesis, we propose a new approach for watermarking IP designs based on the embedding of the ownership proof as part of the IP design's finite state machine (FSM). The approach utilizes coinciding as well as unused transitions in the state transition graph of the design. Based on this approach, we have developed a robust watermarking framework, used for copyright protection, as well as fragile watermarking framework used for design authentication. For both frameworks, we developed related algorithms for watermark insertion and extraction.  The developed techniques increase the robustness of the watermark and allow a secure implementation, hence enabling the development of the first public-key IP watermarking scheme at the FSM level. The algorithms have been implemented in a prototype tool that accepts IPs in VHDL. We also define evaluation criteria for IP watermarking, which we used for experimental measurements, and to compare between different algorithms.  In order to integrate these proposed algorithms in the design cycle of industrial projects, we extend the above techniques to enable the watermarking of hierarchical and concurrent designs. Finally, we introduce and describe the first algorithm for watermarking hierarchical finite state machines (HFSMs)


identifier: Pasini, Mark  (2006) Modeling and design of an independent solar house.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Design tools that are flexible enough to simulate homes that contain custom designs that harness energy from renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy are rare and usually in the form of black-box software. This thesis presents the simulation of the thermal behavior of a completely self-sufficient 75m 2 home by developing a custom simulation program that incorporates mathematical models of most of the significant energy subsystems of the home. Mathematical models use thermal networks to model heat flow and heat storage. Simulations are performed using transient one-dimensional heat flow models. Simulation and design of a photovoltaic-thermal system is focused on due to the lack of design tools that are able to simulate this emerging technology. Simulations and experiments reveal that an overall yearly solar energy utilization efficiency of approximately between 30%-40% can be achieved by capturing the heat from the solar panels. Simulations also show that with the proper use of thermal storage and motorized shading, the heating load on a typical cold winter night that follows a cold, sunny winter day is only 3 kWh. On a hot, sunny summer day simulations reveal that only 4.5 kWh of cooling is required with the proper use of thermal storage and motorized shading controlled based on room temperature and solar gains. A case study of the 2005 Solar Decathlon Home is presented including preliminary results which are used to verify the software models presented in the thesis


identifier: Shahata, Khaled  (2006) Stochastic life cycle cost modeling approach for water mains.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The ability to regularly deliver safe drinking water is a constant challenge to municipalities. According to the Canadian National Research Council reports, the present estimated cost across Canada for replacement and rehabilitation of water mains is at least $15 billion. Therefore, selecting the best repair and/or rehabilitation scenarios is essential to optimize the quality of the existing water mains and to minimize rehabilitation losses.  Current research identifies several rehabilitation methods for water mains, which are classified into three main categories: (1) repair (i.e. Open trench, sleeves); (2) renovation (i.e. slip lining, cement lining, epoxy lining, CIPP); and (3) replacement (i.e. pipe bursting, micro-tunneling, directional drilling, auger boring, open cut).  Stochastic life cycle cost (SLCC), using Monte Carlo simulation approach, is utilized to compare the current new installation and rehabilitation methods, so that the optimal scenario can be accommodated for different types of water mains (i.e. Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Concrete, PVC, and Asbestos). Data, related to the cash flow of each scenario, are collected from contractors and municipalities in Canada.  Results showed that using "Open Trench" and "Slip-Lining" are the best methods for "repair" and "renovation" categories, respectively. However, the best method for "replacement" category is pipe bursting for small pipe diameters (<30'') and open cut for large pipe diameters (>30''). Accordingly, a maintenance plan is developed to manage repair, renovation, and replacement decisions.  Current research framework will assist municipality engineers to select the optimum rehabilitation scenario for each type of water main. In addition, it will assist them to properly manage their assets, which guarantee better quality of life for the society.


identifier: Chen, Zhen Yu  (2006) Formalization and classification of product requirements using axiomatic theory of design modeling.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The objective of the present thesis is to transform the customer requirement described in a natural language into a formal specification. The effective specification of product requirements is critical for designers to deliver a quality design solution in a reasonable range of cost and time. No significant research results have been reported in the literature regarding the generation of formal design specification, regardless of its important roles in product development. A good specification depends on a well-defined classification and categorization of product requirements, on flexible means of representation that can capture the various structures behind the requirements, and also on the formalization of natural language based description of the design problem.  The present thesis proposes two criteria to classify the product requirements based on the structure of the product-environment. A graphical language, named ROM, is developed to represent the formal specification of the design problem. Since majority of design problems are described in a natural language, the relationship between the formal specification and the structure of natural language is investigated in the present thesis by the formal linguistic analysis


identifier: Nohra, George  (2005) Low voltage CMOS LNA design.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: Low voltage CMOS LNA design

abstract: Two important factors are motivating recent CMOS Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFIC) research: freeing new bandwidth for commercial use and the appealing characteristics of CMOS technologies. Traditionally implemented in bipolar and III---V compounded semiconductors, radio frequency receivers operating on frequencies up to 40 GHz are currently being researched and implemented in CMOS. Global Positioning System (GPS), Blue Tooth, Radio Frequency ID (RFID), wireless local area network (WLAN) and Automated Highway System (AHS), is a partial list of the newly growing market of RFIC commercial products and these products share the same design concepts: low prices, highly integrated systems and low power designs. With these concepts in mind, CMOS technology becomes a strong contender and the question of CMOS suitability has been answered. Low Power CMOS chips have been successfully fabricated in both, research centers and industry.  This dissertation explores the architectural and design techniques for CMOS Low Voltage Low Noise Amplifier design. The thesis studies different low voltage techniques and proposes a novel Low Voltage LNA design based on a cascade topology and a new way to control the amplifier gain and improve its linearity. Also, based on electromagnetic theory and simulation, simple techniques were proposed that increases the quality factor of on chip inductors. Detailed LNA design steps and optimization are presented with special focus on CMOS transistor design, biasing and layout optimization for RFIC applications.


identifier: Chen, Mingbin  (2006) Preliminary study of ontology for systematic gathering of product requirements.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Industry practice shows that many of the problems in product design arise from a misunderstanding of the requirements or from the existence of ambiguities in the statement of the product requirements or from both. There has been a lack of a robust requirements management system to help designers to get the right requirements in the right time. The main objective of this thesis is to develop ontology for systematic gathering of product requirements.  The starting point of this thesis is the environment-based design theory by Zeng (Zeng, 2004), where product requirements are attributed to the conflicts in product environment. This present thesis extends the environment-based design theory in two aspects: first, ontology is developed for product environments based on product life cycle; secondly, ontology for product-environment relations is investigated from the perspective of traditional engineering sciences. By using these two sets of ontology, product requirements are classified into three levels: product, corporate, and environment. Based on the ontology and taxonomy developed in this thesis, systematic procedures are proposed to gather product requirements. A case study is used to demonstrate how this research can be applied to develop right product requirements for the product design.


identifier: Chowdhury, Mahabubul Alam  (2006) Dynamic performance of heavy vehicles using finite element method.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this study, a finite element model of a typical highway bus is developed with ANSYS, and is used to demonstrate its effectiveness in evaluating its dynamic performance in ride, handling and longitudinal modes. The number of degrees of freedom (DOF) of the developed highway bus model is 1848, and the model is validated by static weight balance check and frequency analysis. The major challenge and effort in this investigation was in the implementation of tire mechanics. Both linear and nonlinear tire models are incorporated in the FEM model in this study. Transient analyses have been carried out using mode superposition method. As such, determination of frequency range is essential, and the first twenty-two natural modes of the given bus are identified to be important in which the highest natural frequency is found to be 20.976 Hz. Ride quality of the bus model has been evaluated under two road surface irregularities (half sinusoidal and random input). The effects of the nonlinear tire model and the corresponding linear tire model on simulation results are investigated using different amplitudes of half sinusoidal input.


identifier: Khandaker, Md Forhad  (2006) Voice coil actuated variable valve timing system for spark ignition engines.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Electromechanical valve actuators have been investigated in recent literature to implement variable valve timing (VVT) in spark ignition vehicle engines. Various types of electromechanical actuators are being investigated to control engine valves independently from crankshaft and ultimately get full benefits from variable valve timing. This thesis investigates a new type of electromechanical actuator - voice coil actuator (VCA). The thesis addresses the modeling of the voice coil actuated engine valve system and proposes a novel control strategy using pulse width modulation (PWM) that achieves fast transitions and low seating velocities. A Lyapunov-based stability analysis of a discrete-time model of the closed-loop PWM system as well as an experimental validation of the static force characteristics of the VCA are also presented in the thesis


identifier: Khosh Nejad, Mina  (2006) Fuzzy logic based autonomous parallel parking of a car-like mobile robot.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study aims at developing an autonomous parallel parking controller for a Car-Like-Mobile-Robot. In this research we have presented a Neuro-Fuzzy control strategy to back drive the car to the parking lot based on the sonar data. We have focused on the case where the parking space dimensions are not known which has not been investigated by the previous approaches. Our controller is able to decide about the motion direction at each time interval by starting form the initial position and by processing the information obtained by the sensors. On the other hand, in the traditional approaches the path is planned in offline by knowing the parking space dimensions and then will be tracked based on path tracking algorithms. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed algorithm and show that the proposed scheme can be considered as a step towards autonomous intelligent vehicles which can successfully adapt their parking behavior in unknown parking spaces.


identifier: Shabani, Arghavan  (2006) DNA immobilization onto electrochemically functionalized surfaces for direct detection of hybridization.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Two different methods were used to modify surfaces for covalent attachment of single stranded DNA probe sequences. In the first protocol, n-type Si (100) surfaces were modified by reduction of 4-nitrobenzendiazonium through cyclic voltammetry.  Contact mode AFM was employed to produce holes in the deposited layer to determine layer thickness. Layer thickness was found to increase with the number of cyclic potential scans in both aqueous and acetonitrile media. In acetonitrile the layer thickness, after a single cyclic scan, was determined to be approximately 15 nm whereas, after three cyclic scans, the layer thickness was found to be approximately 35 nm. Layer thicknesses were also measured by ellipsometry and are in good agreement with the AFM results.  In the second protocol, screen-printed carbon electrodes were functionalized using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide, under an applied potential of +2.2 V in aqueous acidic media. Both functionalized silicon and carbon surfaces were used to immobilize single stranded DNA-C 6 NH 2 sequences. Probe oligonucleotides were then attached to these surfaces and their hybridization with complementary strands was confirmed by fluorescence measurements. Electrochemical impedance measurements were used to detect hybridization of immobilized DNA. A significant shift in the flat band potential confirmed the hybridization event


identifier: She, Ying Ying  (2006) Real-time animation of walking and running using inverse kinematics.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Computer animation technology is a rapidly developing topic in computer science. Realistic human motion, such as walking and running, is an important part of computer animation. However, the simulation of walking and running in articulated human figure is difficult, especially in real time simulation. Fortunately, recently, Inverse kinematics algorithms provide an approach to simulate human motion in articulated figures.  In this thesis, I analyzed Jacobian based Inverse Kinematics algorithms that allow theses methods to be used as an efficient real-time inverse kinematics simulator. I describe the implementation of a human motion simulator, which mainly focuses on using inverse kinematics algorithm to simulate (wounded) walking and (wounded) running motion in an articulated body. With the assistance of inverse kinematics algorithms, the animator merely gives the desired location of certain chosen points on the body and relies on the algorithm to automatically compute a set of joint angles that satisfy the end-effectors constraints. This kinematics simulation approach can be used for real time animation in articulated figure without any motion capture data. In addition, the thesis shows that it is also possible to simulate human animation by using purely mathematical techniques without physical considerations


identifier: Perri, Mary  (2006) The drama of knowledge transfer in a merger environment : a case study.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This research explores the links between organizational learning and knowledge management, emphasizing the roles that organizational culture and infrastructure play in supporting and facilitating organizational learning. A review of the literature is followed by a discussion of the development of one specific corporate event---the implementation of knowledge structures at a large hi-tech company during a merger. The research begins with a retrospective look at Merger 1 between Company A and Company B, focusing on what was learned from the knowledge management process during the merger.  As a result of Merger 1, forming Company A 1 , knowledge management and transfer was recognized as the conscious control of a key corporate asset for the purpose of advancing organizational learning, strengthening the organization's ability to sustain and expand its core competencies and securing competitive advantage (Foley Curley and Kivowitz, 2001). In the corporate boardroom of Company A 1 , senior management postulated, "...that knowledge management and transfer is a key business process to ensure business continuity..." Management asserted that these processes would be implemented in Merger 2, a subsequent union of Company A 1 and Company C.  This research explored the knowledge transfer process, as a case study using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. My research question deals with the perceived effectiveness of knowledge management/transfer, including the capture of intellectual capital during Merger 1 and Merger 2. The study examines the business practices, and barriers to employee participation in the knowledge management/transfer process during Merger 2.  This research contributes to the scant literature on knowledge transfer and knowledge management in a merger environment. Specifically it documents the merger parameters and the trials and tribulations of implementing a systematic knowledge transfer approach in a merger environment. It contributes to management studies an understanding of the interplay of organizational structure and roles and responsibilities for knowledge transfer in a merger. To sociology it contributes understanding the pivotal role culture plays in the knowledge transfer process. To educational technology it supports the varied human performance technology literatures and tests various elements of it using case study methodology. Kakabadse and Kouzmin (2003), eloquently state "it can be argued that knowledge management is not about managing knowledge, but about changing entire business cultures and strategies of organizations to ones that value learning and sharing" (p. 86)


identifier: Chwojka, Caroline  (2006) Shades of identity : exploring cultural identity construction of allophones and francophones in French-medium schools post Bill 101.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: When Bill 101 was implemented, the issues relating to language retention and acquisition became paramount in defining culture identity in Quebec. In education, Francophones and Allophones, now sharing French-medium schools, created a hub for inevitable cultural and linguistic interactions. This study explored the impact of these educational changes on the cultural identity construction and language acquisition of four Allophone and four Francophone young adults. This research was inspired by a need to explore my own cultural identity and its relation to Quebec. Eight participants discussed various issues relating to language, culture, identity, education and politics. According to this study, whether Allophones identified with Francophones depended on their social interaction in schools and on their socio-cultural background.  There were three main findings in this study. The first was that all the participants' cultural identity was, in fact, influenced by their schooling experience. Second, the schooling experience for Allophones and Francophones was somewhat similar. Third, most participants agreed with the goals of the current Reform


identifier: Goodfriend, Tali  (2006) To see from your perspective : Palestinians and Israelis using art, dialogue and narratives to build mutual understanding.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This method of teacher-as-researcher, or action research, grew out of a personal need to explore the issues of how art was being used in Israel as a means to connect with the Arab-Israeli and Palestinian population. The research began by interviewing students, teachers and the director of the photography project at Givat Haviva, Israel. The project titled "Through Others' Eyes" brought together 20 Arab-Israeli and 20 Jewish youth for a period of one year. The project involved taking photos of each other's homes, families and lifestyle. The aim was to help the students move away from stereotyping and prejudices and replace them with friendship. Could a project such as this achieve the desired end result? Would the high school students be able to connect with one another through the photography project? Would the process be enough to build new perceptions and help the participants begin to see from another perspective?  The Givat Haviva research encouraged me to participate in my own process of art, dialogue and personal narrative within a multi-faith, Arab, Palestinian and Jewish, dialogue group in Montreal, Canada. In bringing both projects together, I reflect upon the process and conclude with the general findings from this interactive teaching/learning experience.


identifier: Teasdale-St-Hilaire, Anik  (2006) Hygrothermal performance of different wood-frame wall assemblies wetted by simulated rain infiltration.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The infiltration of rainwater can result from envelope defects that allow water to infiltrate into the stud cavity behind the exterior sheathing, i.e. the back wall. Once rainwater migrates into the stud space, it cannot easily evacuate and is thus likely to accumulate, leading to potential degradation of the wood studs and exterior sheathing, depending on the temperature conditions. Therefore, studying the drying potential of wood-frame wall assemblies that have been subjected to a moisture load like rain infiltration can provide valuable information with respect to the assembly's hygrothermal performance.  The primary objectives of the research project were: (1) To evaluate the wetting and drying performance of hygroscopic components in wood-frame wall assemblies wetted by rain infiltration; (2) To investigate the impact of several parameters on the hygrothermal response of the various monitored components such as the sheathing material, the type of vapor retarder, and the presence of foam insulation on the exterior side of the assembly, (3) To develop a framework for large-scale envelope testing of wall assemblies subjected to wind-driven rain infiltration.  The role of the vapor retarder, the exterior insulation, an added exterior insulation, the wall height, the presence of hygroscopic cladding was studied and the effect of varying the moisture load was also investigated. The research was primarily experimental but also included some simulation work.  The moisture content results from the experiments show that the sheathing material had the most significant impact on the drying response of the wall components, with the lowest and highest drying rate occurring when OSB and fiberboard sheathings were employed, respectively. Increasing the vapor permeability of the vapor retarder within the range allowed by the National Building Code of Canada increased the drying rate of the wetted components within the walls when OSB sheathing was employed. Comparison of the experimental and numerical results highlighted the difficulties in simulating a three-dimensional problem in a two-dimensional domain, the need for accurate and complete material properties, and the need to include of all relevant transport phenomena like air transport in hygrothermal envelope models to increase the accuracy of the simulation results


identifier: Rinaldi, Gino  (2006) Dynamic analysis and validation of cantilever MEMS subjected to electro-thermo-mechanical influences.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) integrate, by definition, both electrical and mechanical components onto a microscale silicon substrate. Hence, in this regard it is often difficult to differentiate between mechanical and electrical influences on the microsystem. The inclusion of thermal gradients, as can be expected in harsh environments, for example, further tempers an already diluted microsystem response. Hence, the various combined input parameters need to be discretized, analyzed, and finally synthesized in order to obtain a systematic evaluation of microsystem performance.  The main influences investigated here that will affect the elastic properties of MEMS cantilevers are microfabrication tolerances at the support boundary, applied electrostatic potentials used to deflect the microcantilever, thermal loads that mimic harsh environments and alter the physical dimensions of the microcantilever, structural geometry used to optimize and tune, for example, the dynamic response, and cutouts along the microcantilever used for mass reduction and also for tuning capabilities. Artificial springs are used to model boundary support conditions and electrostatic influences. These influences are investigated first separately and then in a synthesized manner in which they are all combined.  The theoretical model is based upon the Rayleigh-Ritz energy method. This method is suitable for MEMS cantilevers under various applied influences, however, it is limited to microcantilevers without cutouts due to discontinuities created along the length of the cantilever by the cutouts. Hence, a segment Rayleigh-Ritz energy model was developed, in order to improve the theoretical formulation, based on a segmental approach in which the microcantilever is divided into segments that are a function of the number of cutouts


identifier: Daneshkhah, Kasra  (2006) Aerodynamic inverse design of turbomachinery blading in two-dimensional viscous flow.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: An inverse blade design method, applicable to 2D and 3D flow in turbomachinery blading is developed and is implemented for the design of 2D cascades in compressible viscous flow. The prescribed design quantities are either the pressure distributions on the blade suction and pressure surfaces or the blade pressure loading and its thickness distribution. The design scheme is based on a wall movement approach where the blade walls are modified based on a virtual velocity distribution that would make the current and target momentum fluxes balance on the blade suction and pressure surfaces. The virtual velocity is used to drive the blade geometry towards a steady state shape corresponding to the prescribed quantities.  The design method is implemented in a consistent manner into the unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, where an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation is used and the boundaries of the computational domain can move and deform in any prescribed time-varying fashion to accommodate the blade movement. A cell vertex finite volume method is used for discretizing the governing equations in space and, at each physical time level, integration in pseudotime is performed using an explicit Runge-Kutta scheme, where local time stepping and residual smoothing are used for convergence acceleration. For design calculations, which are inherently unsteady due to blade movement, the time accuracy of the solution is achieved by means of a dual time stepping scheme. An algebraic Baldwin-Lomax model is used for turbulence closure. The flow analysis method is applied to several test cases for steady state internal flow in linear cascades and the results are compared to numerical and experimental data available in the literature.  The inverse design method is first validated for three different configurations, namely a parabolic cascade, a subsonic compressor cascade and a transonic impulse turbine cascade, where different choices of the prescribed design variables are used. The usefulness, robustness, accuracy, and flexibility of this inverse method are then demonstrated on the design of an ONERA transonic compressor cascade, a NACA transonic compressor cascade, a highly cambered DFVLR subsonic turbine cascade, and a VKI transonic turbine cascade geometries, which are typical of gas turbine blades used in modern gas turbine engines


identifier: Durand, Catherine  (2006) Making sense of Japanese locative particles : the acquisition of 'ni', 'de' and 'e' by French- and English-speaking learners.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis reports findings from a cross-sectional study of the second language (L2) acquisition of the Japanese locative particles 'ni', 'de', and 'e', features that are polysemous, not salient, and can be omitted in informal speech (Aida, 1993). Although each particle is associated with separate spatial relationships---'ni'/existence, 'de'/location of action and 'e'/direction---there is semantic overlap: 'ni' also indicates direction, and is required to link actions with directions, or if 'actions' are state-like (habitual). Its 'existence' function does not however extend to special events, which are marked by 'de'.  The polysemous nature of Japanese particles allows for the investigation of two factors thought to play roles in L2 acquisition. One is the use of prototypes to establish core meanings (Taylor, 2003). Also, because spatial relationships are expressed differently across languages, first language (L1) influence (Inagaki, 2002) may be an important factor


identifier: El Sabbagh, Habib A  (2006) A quality assurance model for airborne safety-critical software.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Software applications in which failure may result in possible catastrophic consequences on human life are classified as safety-critical. These applications are widely used in a variety of fields and systems such as airborne systems, nuclear reactors' control, and medical diagnostic equipment. Unfortunately, the world has seen several accidents and tragedies caused by software failure error or where such failure/error was part of the problem. This thesis looks into safety-critical software embedded in airborne systems. It proposes a lifecycle specially modeled for the development of safety-critical software in aerospace and in compliance with the DO-178B standard and a software quality assurance (SQA) model based on a set of four acceptance criteria that builds quality into safety-critical software throughout its development. The thesis also provides frameworks and guidelines for the implementation of the proposed SQA model in addition to sets of rules defining how to assess the software development with respect to the four acceptance criteria.


identifier: Christine M., Werk  (2006) Bidirectional synaptic plasticity within layer V of the sensorimotor cortex.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The neocortex of awake animals requires spaced and repeated tetanization to successfully induce long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). Changes in synaptic strength can be promoted by synchronous neuronal activation, and the theta-rhythm (10 Hz) may be effective at inducing these changes. To investigate if theta-patterned stimulation is effective at inducing LTD in the sensorimotor cortex standard 1 Hz stimulation, pairs of pulses (with a 100 ms inter-pulse interval) delivered every 2 seconds, or 20-pulse 10 Hz trains were delivered daily for 10 days. Results were compared with control animals that received no stimulation. Prolonged 10 Hz trains were most effective at inducing LTD. To assess if 10 Hz activity in the form of large amplitude spindle waves are affected by plasticity of neocortical synapses, evoked spindle waves were recorded before and after LTP induction. The ability of single pulses to evoke spindle waves was increased following induction of LTP. The increased activation of spindle waves may have occurred due to strengthening of Layer V horizontal projections. To directly assess changes in the strength of these projections, LTP was induced and responses were recorded from a rostro-caudal array of five electrodes following corpus callosum stimulation as well as following direct stimulation of Layer V. Long-term potentiation of monosynaptic inputs to the cortex was found, but no significant increases in field potentials evoked by direct stimulation of the horizontal projections were observed. In addition, paired-pulse facilitation was observed at all electrode sites indicating the ability of the recording array to reflect enhanced responses. This research emphasizes the importance of theta-patterned activity in bi-directional synaptic plasticity in the sensorimotor cortex and suggests that LTP may occur primarily at monosynaptic inputs to the cortex rather than at synapses within the horizontal collaterals of Layer V.


identifier: Basha, Wassim  (2006) Accurate drag prediction for transitional external flow over airfoils.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: When analyzing the flow over airfoils at relatively low Reynolds numbers, transition from laminar to turbulent flow plays an important role in shaping the flow features and in quantifying the airfoil performance such as lift and drag. In most cases, laminar separation bubbles and transition zones that extend over a relatively long portion of the airfoils surface are present. Hence the proper modeling of transition, including both the onset and extent of the transition region, will lead to a more accurate drag prediction.  The onset of transition is related to the disturbances that propagate in the laminar flow region. Analyzing such instabilities is carried out either by a full study of the Tollmien-Schlichting waves or by the use of empirical correlations most of which are based on results for two-dimensional incompressible flows. As for the transition extent modeling, different intermittency functions of the linear, algebraic or differential type have been developed.  The current work presents a transition model that combines existing methods for predicting the onset and extent of the transition region. The transition onset is predicted using Cebeci and Smith's correlation which is based on Michel's method for incompressible two-dimensional flow while the extent of transition is quantified by developing a linear model for the intermittency function. The proposed transition model is implemented into the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model available in the commercial software, Fluent, using user defined functions (UDF). It is then used in simulating transitional flow in different well documented experimental cases including single-element and two-element airfoils under different free-stream conditions. Given the experimental data, the results obtained with the developed transition model reflect a consistent and significant improvement in drag prediction, when compared with the drag predicted using a fully turbulent flow simulation.


identifier: Yao, Hu Jing  (2006) A comparative study of low phase noise voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) in CMOS technology.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) are key components in frequency synthesizers for Radio Frequency (RF) wireless communications. The design of monolithic VCOs with standard CMOS processes has been the object of several recent research projects. The common goal of these attempts has been to investigate the possibility of meeting the very demanding VCO phase noise specifications without making use of bipolar processes or external components. Two categories of VCOs are studied in this thesis, one involving an inductor, and the other is inductor free, which is a ring oscillator.  The study of the phase noise performance of complementary LC VCO shows that most of the phase noises come from the tail current. A modification has been made based on this topology, where the tail transistor is removed. However this brings another problem: higher power consumption. To overcome this problem, sub-threshold techniques have been used leading to sub-threshold LC VCO. A Ring oscillator is designed at the end because of its wide tuning range and ease of implementation. Schematic simulations, layout and post-layout simulations are accomplished using TSMC 0.18 um CMOS technology. The performances of the three types of VCOs are compared regarding the oscillating frequency, phase noise and tuning range. All of these can be used in the Bluetooth applications. In addition, the figure of merit (FOM) of the designed VCOs is compared with work by other researchers


identifier: Al-Kazzaz, Haider  (2006) Nd: YAG laser welding of ZE41A-T5 magnesium sand casting alloy.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Butt joints of ZE41A-T5 plates with two thicknesses (2 and 6 mm) were laser welded using 1.6 mm EZ33A-T5 filler wire and a continuous wave Nd:YAG system with variable laser process parameters; power (2.5--4 kW), welding speed (2--7 m/min), joint gap (0--0.6 mm) and defocusing distance (0 to -4 mm). Acceptable weld geometries with smooth top and bottom profiles and minor defects were produced with the open keyhole mode. The optimum laser power was 4 kW for both thicknesses, and the welding speed was 6 and 2 m/min for thin and thick plates, respectively. The suitable gap size for the 2 mm and 6 mm plates was found to be between 0.3 and 0.4 mm. The increase in welding speed reduced the FZ defects on a condition of having an open keyhole mode. The fusion zone showed significant grain refinement due to high cooling rate. No grain coarsening was observed in the HAZ. The microhardness test showed that fusion zone hardness was recovered to the value of the base metal after natural aging of around one year. The HAZ with a typical width between 1.5 and 2 mm, showed a drop in hardness compared with the BM. Tensile test showed that the optimum parameters had a joint efficiency between 85 and 95%. Moderate and high Weibull moduli were obtained for the mechanical properties and weld geometry indicating that the laser welding process seems to have good repeatability. Simulation of laser welding process was developed through combining different models and concepts that enabled to describe the keyhole and weld profile. This model shows good agreement with the experimental results.


identifier: Gómez Weiss, Maria Victoria  (2006) Adaptive neuro energy management control strategies for HVAC systems in buildings.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Energy consumption in buildings is either directly or indirectly related to HVAC systems. As buildings increase in size their corresponding cooling loads also increase, which leads to the necessity of having evermore efficient cooling systems. Control systems and energy management strategies play an important role in improving the overall performance of the system, also allowing the reduction of energy consumption with existing equipment. However the design and implementation of these strategies is not trivial. It is the purpose of this study to develop and implement a series of neural networks (NNs) for energy management control strategies (EMCS) in a model. These Neuro EMCS are: start and stop lead times, temperature base economy cycle, supply air and water temperature reset, and gain selector for the PI controller. To determine the potential benefits and possible energy savings a comparison is made between the developed NNs and a previously developed and tested EMCS algorithms (Base Case). The results show that the adaptive NNs perform very well and as such they are considered as good candidates for implementation in real building systems.


identifier: Aljerjawi, Mohamed  (2006) Space-time spreading and transmit diversity for DS-CDMA systems over fading channels.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The application of space-time coding in wireless communication systems has shown to improve the quality of the received signal at the mobile user by placing the spatial diversity at the base station. In this thesis, we propose a simple space-time spreading scheme for code-division multiple-access (CDMA) systems over fast-fading channels. The proposed transmit diversity scheme is based on two transmit and M receive antennas and is suitable for Rayleigh fast-fading channels. In this we employ orthogonal spreading codes to exploit the time diversity introduced by the channel, and hence a two-fold of the diversity order obtained using existing spacetime spreading schemes is achieved. Nevertheless, for slowly-fading channels, we show that the proposed coding scheme reduces to existing schemes introduced in the literature with no performance degradation. Then, we examine the effect of using nonorthogonal spreading codes on the receiver performance. Our results show that using a simple adaptive decoder, based on the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) criterion, the diversity order is still maintained and only a small loss in the signal-to noise ratio (SNR) is incurred relative to the ideal case with orthogonal codes.


identifier: Gordon, Angela  (2006) 'Authentic' language vs. English language teaching recommendations and predictions.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Classroom language may prepare language students to communicate, but it often doesn't adequately prepare students to comprehend 'authentic' language (i.e., language used by native speakers in real life situations) since some characteristics of authentic language such as complex syntax and lexical variety are quite often not present in teaching materials. Consequently, language students who may be able to communicate successfully to native speakers outside the classroom can encounter difficulty when trying to comprehend language native speakers say to them. The aim of this study was to compare language produced by native speakers to the language presented in ESL materials and language predicted by ESL teachers in relation to giving directions and giving advice tasks. The results indicate that there is little match among the three groups. This study also shows that certain types of tasks, namely close-ended ones, produce certain amounts of predictable lexis and syntax which is often not included in teaching materials


identifier: Albataineh, Mohammad  (2006) A new protocol for password authentication and key exchange.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Computer security is a field of computer science concerned with the control of risks related to computer use. The importance of computer security is continuously increasing with the rapid growth of computer technology, and becomes nowadays the most essential aspect in the computing world. One of the key requirements of computer security is authentication, which is to establish the authenticity of someone or something by verifying the real identity of that entity.  In this thesis, we researched authentication, its techniques and requirements. Then, we shifted our focus on passwords, their history, subjective attacks, passwords systems, password authentication protocols, their history, evolution, goals and characteristics, formal definitions and proofs, and provided a summary of all existing protocols accompanied with comparisons.  We included some statistics gathered from a password survey. Then based on our results, we suggested some enhancements on existing password systems to strengthen their advantages and minimize their weaknesses.  We also introduced our protocol Mutual Authentication and Key Exchange using Usernames and Passwords (MAKE-UP), to implement our key idea on practical setting and help in solving numerous problems in this crucial security field.  Our idea is to keep the user ID secret, and to use it as a compulsory form of authentication with the passwords


identifier: Thilakaratne, I.D.S.I.P. (Indunil)  (2006) Effects of natural and anthropogenic stressors on biomarkers of fish health in spottail shiners (Notropis hudsonius).  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Parasites and pollution are natural and anthropogenic stressors respectively in fishes. A range of biomarkers have been used to assess the sublethal effects of pollutants in fish, but few studies have examined sublethal effects of parasites and pollution in combination. I examined seven biomarkers (pigmented macrophage centres and pigmented macrophage counts in the spleen, pigmented macrophage counts in the liver, white blood cell counts, haematocrit, leucocrit, and condition factor) and parasite abundances in 204 (age 1+ and 2+) spottail shiners ( Notropis hudsonius ) collected at three polluted and two reference localities in the St. Lawrence River, Quebec, Canada. The number of pigmented macrophage centres and pigmented macrophages in the spleen was significantly higher at polluted localities than at reference localities. Seven of the nine species of parasites found in 1+ fish showed significant correlations with biomarkers. More parasites (18 species) but few significant correlations were observed in 2+ fish, indicating that parasite effects are more pronounced in young spottail shiners. A significant negative relationship was observed between condition factor and Neoechinorhynchus rutili (Acanthocephala) in 1+ fish, indicating its potential pathological significance in fish. High abundance of Plagioporus sinitsini (Digenea) was associated with increased spleen macrophage counts and decreased condition factor at polluted localities. Results suggest that counts of spleen macrophages and macrophage centres are good indicators of exposure to pollution in spottail shiners. Furthermore, infection by P. sinitsini in under polluted conditions appears to a greater negative impact on fish health than either stressor alone.


identifier: Whitmore, Karli  (2006) Fast food, safe drug : an ethnography of vitamin use in contemporary Canadian society.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: One third of the population of North America uses nutrient supplements, spending billions of dollars per year on these products. Yet only a minute portion of individuals need vitamins supplements to correct physiological deficiencies.  This thesis explores the underlying reasons for this huge discrepancy, trying to determine what it is about North American culture and lifestyle that causes people to take so many vitamins that they supposedly do not 'need'.  Four major findings emerged from this research, which is based principally on data taken from fifty interviews. First, individuals are incited to take vitamins because they lack confidence in the food supply and their diet. Second, few deterrents to taking vitamins exist. Third, individuals easily establish vitamin taking routines ensuring consistent consumption. Finally, high supplementation can be attributed to normalisation of vitamin ingestion


identifier: Kartchava, Eva  (2006) Corrective feedback : novice ESL teachers' beliefs and practices.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between novice ESL teachers' beliefs about corrective feedback and their instructional practices. Ninety-nine teachers-in-training, with little or no teaching experience, completed a questionnaire seeking information about their teaching beliefs in general and their beliefs about corrective feedback, in particular. To see whether beliefs affected classroom performance, ten of these teachers watched videotape scenarios illustrating different language error types and indicated whether and how they would correct them. Later, they were videotaped teaching an authentic ESL class.  The results indicate both consistency and inconsistency in the relationship. While the inconsistency was apparent in that the teachers corrected fewer errors in the classroom than they said they would, the consistency was noted in the same type of corrective techniques (regular and interrogative recasts) the teachers used with the videotaped scenarios as well as in the actual classroom. Complexities of the second language classroom and the challenge of integrating the novice teachers' technical and practical knowledge due to inexperience were suggested as possible reasons for the inconsistency. The consistency in the choice of corrective strategies is argued to be weak for it stems from the participants' limited knowledge about corrective feedback as well as the fact that they behave more as native-speaking interlocutors than as classroom teachers. Education and additional teaching experience are likely to bridge the gap of inconsistency between these teachers' stated beliefs and instructional practices.


identifier: Kuang, Heng  (2006) Architecture for reactive autonomic systems : AS-TRM approach.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Real-time reactive systems are some of the most complex systems, so the modeling and development of real-time reactive systems becomes a very challenging and difficult task. The TROMLAB framework makes this modeling and development easier and more rigorous by integrating the Timed Reactive Object Model (TROM) formalism with a practical development methodology. However, current TROM formalism does not have the appropriate mechanism for specifying distributed autonomic reactive systems, which systems can simplify and enhance the end-users experience by anticipating their needs in a complex, dynamic, and uncertain environment.  This thesis is the first step towards extending TROM to Autonomic Systems Timed Reactive Model (AS-TRM) for modeling and supporting distributed, autonomic, and reactive behavior. The thesis presents the following: (1) extending TROM to AS-TRM for supporting distributed autonomic behavior; (2) defining AS-TRM's characteristics for determining AS-TRM systems' requirements, design, and implementation; (3) building AS-TRM's architecture and communication mechanism for implementing both autonomic and real-time reactive functionalities; (4) modeling AS-TRM's reliability assessment for monitoring AS-TRM's evolution


identifier: Murakami, Sachiko  (2006) The invisibility exhibit.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: The invisibility exhibit

abstract: The poems of this manuscript circle the issues surrounding the "Missing Women" of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Although women had been going missing from the neighbourhood since the late 1970's, efforts were not co-ordinated into a full-scale investigation until the issue was given visibility by Lori Culbert, Lindsay Kines and Kim Bolan's 2001 "Missing Women" series in the Vancouver Sun . This media coverage, combined with efforts in political and cultural sectors, resulted in increased investigation efforts which have so far led to the arrest of Robert Pickton, on whose property the remains of twenty seven of the sixty eight listed women were found. Pickton awaits trial in one of the highest-profile criminal cases to take place in BC's history; yet this is not the focus of the manuscript. As the title suggests, the primary concern of this project is the investigation of the troubled relationship between this specific marginalized neighbourhood and its population and the wealthy, healthy city that surrounds it. These poems interrogate the comfortable distance from which the public consumes the sensationalist news story by turning their focus toward the normative audience, the invisible public.


identifier: Moradi, Abdolmajid  (2006) Hierarchical modular fault recovery in discrete-event systems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis studies the fault recovery problem in discrete-event systems using a two-level modular hierarchical approach. We extend the switching modular solutions for failure recovery problems for flat DESs in the framework of Ramadge and Wonham (RW) for supervisory control, using a two-level hierarchical model for DESs. Although in practice, modular design is found to be effective for a variety of systems, in the case of large-scale systems the state sizes may become too large, and so may the computational complexity of these systems for synthesis purposes. Therefore, a hierarchical approach may largely reduce the complexity of practical systems.  We assume that the plant in our problem can be considered as a standard finite-state automaton, describing both normal and faulty behaviors of the system.


identifier: Khalwati, Merwise  (2006) Novel channel estimation and synchronization techniques for OFDM based broadband wireless access systems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) systems have gained a lot of attention in the industry for providing flexible and easy deployment solutions to high-speed wireless communications technology such as WiMAX. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system is one of the technologies that can offer BWA efficiently. However, there are certain problems with the OFDM system that need to be solved. In this thesis, a system based on OFDM scheme and principles has been designed to deliver high-speed mobile broadband services with great efficiency and reliability, with emphasis on resolving the problems that current OFDM systems face.  A comprehensive investigation of OFDM systems are performed. We highlight and analyze in detail the current problems with channel estimation, synchronization and resource allocation of OFDM systems. We propose a new efficient channel estimation technique for the OFDM technology. Furthermore, we present an enhanced synchronization technique to mitigate frequency errors from which OFDM systems normally suffer in certain multipath environment


identifier: Dolunay, Burcu  (2006) Virtual reality based end-user assessment tool for remote product/system testing and support.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Today, it is known that a through understanding of the end-user is the most valuable information to improve design, training, maintenance and assembly/disassembly processes for products or systems. The most widely used method for this purpose, user experiments, requires a product prototype, a test environment and a researcher to watch and collect the data. This results in a procedure that is time consuming and limited by geographical constraints. Although remote testing is being used today by recording or transmitting the test situations, these still depend on audio or video data that require a researcher to watch and analyze. Therefore there is a need for tools that collect and analyze user data automatically from actual interactions of the user with the product. This thesis proposes an approach to achieving that goal. The approach proposed integrates existing virtual reality technology with a four-phase analysis method that uses techniques from data mining and human-computer interaction researches. In our approach, we first cluster subjects into clusters such that subjects with similar performance are placed into the same cluster. Then, for each cluster, we extract paths that have been followed by users during their interaction with the product. Finally we demonstrate these paths together with the statistical results obtained for a cluster. As result the researchers see if the users are following the paths that they were expected to follow, what are the common paths followed by users with a better or relatively poor performance, which aspects of the design can be changed to direct the users to better paths or how can the users be trained better to follow desired paths which leads to easiest, safest, and most effective working conditions. The thesis describes the model constructed for the approach and then presents an example application: simulation study in the evaluation of a simple assembly process. Initial results support the usefulness of method as an automated tool to detect problems.


identifier: Puga-Peña, Carmen  (2006) The living conditions of older Latin American immigrants in Montréal /cCarmen Puga-Peña.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: During the 1970s and 1980s, a large number of South Americans and Central Americans immigrated to Québec escaping from dictatorships and civil wars. Many aged here, while others, older, came later or are still coming today to join their family linked to their own cultural background, under special acceptance programs. Their reality in Canada is different to that of other older immigrants. Therefore, this study aims to examine the growing need to recognize and acknowledge Latin American cultures in the development of policies and services related to older people in Canada.  In this thesis, the living conditions of older Latin American people in Montréal will be summarized and issues of intercultural communication specific to the Latin American context will be identified. Whether the development and delivery of services for older people living in Montréal support the unique cultural needs of older Latin American people will be discussed. Finally, suggestions for the development of improved services will be provided in order to emphasize the need to recognize and acknowledge Latin American cultures in the development of policies and services related to older people in Montréal


identifier: Singh, Amritsar Jeetender  (2005) Micro systems for bio-enzymatic reaction detection.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In recent years a great deal of scientific research has been devoted to fabrication of microdevices for continuous monitoring of biological samples. These samples require easy-to-use, low cost and highly sensitive methods for their identification. Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) or Microsystem Technology (MST) are considered to be ideal candidates for such applications. Biosensing applications is one of the fields where MEMS are promising to revolutionize both industrial and consumer products. Micro-cantilever beams are one of the MEMS devices that are used to sense enzymatic reactions using Micro Opto Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) and that concept is studied in this thesis. Detection of enzymatic reactions needs analytical modeling to validate with the experimental work done in this thesis. Enzymatic detection is carried under various conditions associated with the surrounding electrostatic field. The basic principles of measurement are then formulated.  In the present work, Poly Vinyl Dichloro Fluoride (PVDF) small size cantilever beams are analyzed under the influence of the extra mass which is due to the enzyme droplet on one segment of the beam


identifier: Lapointe, Pascale  (2006) Causes and consequences of transitional goodwill impairment losses.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This dissertation investigates the causes and consequences of the goodwill reporting choices made by Canadian firms following the adoption of revised standards on purchased goodwill in 2002. Standard setters believed that by forcing firms to test goodwill for impairment every year, its economic value would be better reflected on the balance sheet, and its reliability and relevance improved. However, critics were worried that the fair value could not be measured reliably enough to warrant the move towards an impairment-only approach, they were concerned about the potential for management interpretation and bias, and they doubted that goodwill impairment losses would provide timely information to market participants. The empirical analyses contained in this dissertation are motivated by this debate. First, the dissertation shows that transitional goodwill impairment losses are associated with managers' incentives to both overstate and understate them, after controlling for economic impairment. Furthermore, independent board of directors and audit committees act as a constraint on Canadian managers' transitional goodwill reporting choices to ensure that the economic value of goodwill is better reflected in financial statements. Second, it is shown that investors perceive goodwill as an asset, and goodwill impairment losses as sufficiently reliable measurements of a reduction in the value of goodwill to incorporate them in their valuation assessments. Lower valuation weights are put on transitional goodwill impairment losses reported by firms with an independent board of directors while a higher valuation weight is put on transitional goodwill impairment losses recorded by firms with market value of equity lower than book value. Finally, the dissertation shows that transitional goodwill impairment losses were impounded in stock prices prior to the adoption of SFAS 142/Section 3062. Overall, the empirical evidence contained in the dissertation is consistent with SFAS 142/Section 3062 improving the quality of the financial information on goodwill provided in the financial statements.


identifier: Han, Li  (2006) Planning camera motion in a 3D environment.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Most systems for automatic navigation inside a 3D virtual environment often require pre-decomposing the free space into some kind of uniform units or precalculating the path or road map. In this thesis, we propose a new technique for navigation through in a 3D virtual environment without lots of pre-calculation so that the system allows users change their interest target during the camera motion, and even allow users dynamically adjust the 3D objects inside the 3D virtual environment without too much recalculation involved. The technique has successfully been integrated in a system for walkthroughs in a 3D virtual environment.


identifier: Kadiyala, Srividya  (2006) Efficient and scalable search for similar patterns in time series data.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Popularity of time series databases for predicting future events and trends in applications such as market analysis and weather forecast require the development of more reliable, fast; and memory efficient indexes. In this thesis, we consider searching similar patterns in time series data for variable length queries. Recently an indexing technique called Multi-Resolution Index (MRI) has been proposed to solve this problem [Kah01, Kah04] which uses compression to reduce the index size. However, the processor workload and memory curtails the opportunity of utilizing compression as an additional step. Motivated by the need and limitations of existing techniques, the main objective of this thesis is to develop an alternative multi-resolution index structure and algorithm, to which we refer as Compact MRI (CMRI). This new technique takes advantage of an existing dimensionality reduction technique called Adaptive Piecewise Constant Approximation (APCA) [Keo01]. Advantages of CMRI is that it utilizes less space without requiring any compression and gains high precision. We have implemented MRI and CMRI and performed extensive experiments to compare them. To evaluate the precision and performance of CMRI, we have used both real and synthetic data, and compared the results with MRI. The experimental results indicate that CMRI improves precision, ranging from 0.75 to 0.89 on real data, and from 0.80 to 0.95 on synthetic data. Furthermore, CMRI is superior over MRI in performance as the number of disk I/Os required by CMRI is close to minimal. Compared to sequential scan, CMRI is 4 to 30 times faster, observed on both real and synthetic data.


identifier: Naas, Nassima  (2006) Development of a reagentless electrochemical glucose sensor.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this work, developing a reagentless electrochemical glucose sensor by immobilizing the wild type enzyme onto semi-conductor silicon chips as well as screen-printed carbon electrodes, was attempted.  In the first immobilization procedure, the substrates were modified with nitrobenzenediazonium and glutaraldehyde. The electrodes were then put in contact with a glucose solution. The changes introduced to the surface were monitored using impedance measurements, which show that the enzyme was successfully immobilized, but its active site seems to be unavailable for glucose binding.  In the second immobilization procedure, the substrates were modified with an amine terminated NTA ligand. This was done by trying to generate and reduce an in-situ diazonium moiety, after reaction with NaNO 2 . This approach failed because there was no aniline moiety in the ligand, which according to literature, is crucial.  In the last immobilization procedure, the substrates were oxidized in the presence of 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide and then the NTA ligand was added. Electrodes were then loaded with nickel cations. The glucokinase was tagged with a 6-histidine tail, which was expected to coordinate to Ni 2+ , thus ensuring the availability of the active site. Results indicated that the electrodes were successfully modified and showed to be sensitive to the presence of glucose.


identifier: Wan, KaiYu  (2006) Lucx : lucid enriched with context.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

title: Lucx : lucid enriched with context

abstract: Intensional logic is the mathematical foundation for Intensional Programming Languages (IPL). Lucid, initially founded on the dataflow paradigm, embraced intensional logic, and became a multi-dimensional intensional programming language. In all these developments context was the core concept. In its becoming an IPL, Lucid implicitly absorbed the notion of context, allowing expressions to be evaluated at different contexts. However, context cannot be explicitly named and manipulated in the current versions of Lucid. This restricts the ability of Lucid to be an effective programming language for programming diverse applications.  This thesis discusses the extension of Lucid with contexts as a first class object. That is, contexts can be defined, assigned values, used in expressions, and passed as function parameters. The language thus extended, is called Lucx ( Lu cid extended with c[barbelow]ontex[barbelow]ts )(the x is used as the x in Latex). A context theory is developed to provide a semantic basis for context manipulation in Lucx. That is, contexts, context operators, and a context calculus are formally defined, and the formal syntax and semantics of Lucx are also given. The benefits achieved by such an extension are illustrated by applying the extended language to program different applications including Timed Systems, Agent Communication, Constraint Programming, and in the formal development of context-aware systems.


identifier: Zylberberg, Sonia  (2006) Transforming rituals : contemporary Jewish women's seders.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The women's seder, a new Jewish ritual, was created in the 1970s by and for Jewish feminists. Consciously constructed, it transformed the traditional Passover seder to focus specifically on women and the issues they faced. The feminist atmosphere in which it originated encouraged experimentation, resulting in rituals that reflected and increased female spiritual empowerment. Since that time, the women's seder has evolved to become an annual ritual event for many Jewish women, some of whom are feminist but many of whom are not. The ritual resonates with practitioners' hybrid identities, with what I have termed 'belonging-sense'. It provides the opportunity for Jewish women to ritualize together as full active participants and ritual experts.  In order to properly investigate the ritual, I used an inter-disciplinary methodology and developed a concept and term, 'belonging-sense', which links rituals, ritualizers, and identity. I then used these tools to examine how a ritualizer's personal sense of belonging effects and affects transformation, making possible the continuation of tradition.  The thesis also traces the development of the women's seder along with its Jewish and feminist roots. It portrays a number of particular rites, and formulates a description of a generic women's seder. It explores the development of two new ritual objects, the orange on the seder plate and Miriam's Cup, and discusses new and modified texts, or haggadahs. From questionnaires and interviews, I was also able to compile information on the characteristics and attitudes of many ritualizers, and to describe a generic participant. A common priority for most of my respondents was that the ritual combine innovation with tradition, and that it enrich and increase their ritual world, not diminish it. They loved the new ritual for its own sake but did not want to lose the old one. The women's seder has also begun to have its own transforming effect on many regular seders, as participants have brought changes home with them; this study examines some of these sites of transformation and contributes to an understanding of how limits of change are established: when a change can be incorporated and when it is just too extreme.


identifier: Baker, Russell C  (2006) From dialectics to foundations: objectifying subjectivity through an encounter with Thomas Müntzer (1489?-1525).  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This work is grounded in a moral horizon constructed around the worldview of emergent probability as central to a generalized theory of evolution reaching finality in the Trinity, in Otto Friedman's transdisciplinary framework for professional practice transposed into the realm of the transcendent, in Bernard Lonergan's transdisciplinary method in Insight and Method , and in an analysis of core problems in contemporary society. All these elements, when used as a guide to an encounter with the incarnate meaning of Thomas Müntzer, make explicit the horizons and intentions of the author as they relate to different levels of conversion required for intelligent, reasonable and responsible action during times of fundamental institutional change.  This study offers one concrete approach to objectifying such foundations, where the heuristic notion of an encounter with the meaning of another's life provides data for objectifying one's own foundations. This objectified intentionality can then be used to expand one's horizon and intentions or initiate a shift to a higher viewpoint. This work operates not at the level of common sense understanding but in the explanatory theoretical realm of meaning grounded in a working knowledge of the realm of interiority.  My encounter partner is Thomas Müntzer, an early 16 th century German reformer whose commitment to Church and God fills a grey area in my own scientific and policy-making background. Evaluating and extending my positions vis-à-vis Müntzer's foundations is the immediate task; knowing exactly how to do this is the general theme. The subject matter is neither Müntzer nor the Reformation, although both are extensively researched, but my own foundational stance. The objective is not to work out a complete program, but to present and test one concrete procedure for intentionality analysis in the functional speciality of Foundations.


identifier: Hardy, Joel  (2006) David Tracy's methodology : theology in the present.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: As with all fields of study, theology has been forced to come to terms with the shift into post-modernism, understood here in a general sense as a post-positivist, pluralistic shift to the other. David Tracy is a Roman Catholic theologian who has made a career of developing methodologies that embrace this shift without sacrificing the most integral aspects of theological self-understanding. He has been publishing for more than 30 years and with each new work he introduces new means of achieving a sufficiently post-modern methodology. This thesis summarizes some of the various contributions of David Tracy including some commentary as to how effectively they engage post-modernity. I also explore, briefly, some ways in which Tracy's theological understanding has informed my own


identifier: Katsapis, Antonia  (2006) Death and the afterlife in Mycenaean thought.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: By examining archaeological evidence in the form of grave findings and textual evidence dating from or relevant to the period, this thesis aims to reconstruct Mycenaean eschatological beliefs and mortuary practices.  Despite the plethora of archaeological findings dated to the Bronze Age, specifically on the Greek Mainland from the 16 th to 13 th centuries B.C., very little is actually known about Mycenaean religion; therefore, Mycenaean grave architecture and the contents found in graves will be considered in comparison with evidence from Minoan Crete and the Near East, other Bronze Age civilizations. These latter are significant because they display similarities with regard to the deposition of wealth with the deceased, the orientations of the bodies and funerary iconography.  Furthermore, in order to obtain a fuller perspective on the subject, the study also includes evidence for funerary practices from relevant literary sources that are dated to or depict the Bronze Age, especially the Homeric epics, the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Hittite Funerary Ritual for the King .  Taking into account the types and complexity of tombs, the nature and abundance of tomb gifts and funerary iconography, the evidence for a cult of the dead and the sophistication of funerary rituals in the Iliad , this study examines the Mycenaeans' belief regarding death and the afterlife.


identifier: Darley, Catherine Hilda  (2006) Conversations in an art museum : collaborative learning as an approach to art interpretation.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This research is an inquiry into the use of collaborative and constructive learning as an approach for adult learners responding to contemporary artworks in a museum setting. My goal was to see if this approach could be effective in assisting uninitiated viewers to confront the interpretive challenges posed by contemporary art and in helping them to form meaningful responses. To explore these concepts, I enlisted 10 adults of varying ages to undertake, in pairs, a series of interpretive activities at the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal. Central to these activities was the use of dialogue as a reflective and collaborative tool. I observed, facilitated and tape-recorded their discussions and also conducted individual follow-up interviews with each participant, all of which to determine whether learning had taken place and what kind, and whether their responses had been enriched by the activities


identifier: Danese, Marie Louise  (2006) Interviews with four contemporary women craft makers about the personal meaning of craft making.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This qualitative study employs the informal interview technique as both the research and data collection method to delve into the personal meaning that craft making provides for its participants. Research questions addressed four women's backgrounds, experiences and current studio practice dealing with crafts. This study provides the four participants with an opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns and beliefs. The women interviewed speak positively about significant craft making experiences over spans of time. This report demonstrates that such experiences should be made available to a whole range of learners. Results from this study clearly reveal an intense sense of satisfaction and accomplishment derived from craft making. The data analysis and results not only informed the author, an art educator, but it also offers other art educators the opportunity to view craft making as an engaging, meaningful and valuable conduit to successful learning