title: PATHOGENESIS OF ANTI-GRP78 AUTOANTIBODIES IN PROSTATE CANCER

title: CHARACTERIZING THE ROLE OF ANTI-GRP78 AUTOANTIBODIES IN PROSTATE CANCER AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO TUMOUR PROLIFERATION

contributor:
Richard, Austin
Medicine

abstract:
Prostate Cancer Canada estimates that sixty-five Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) daily, thus, PCa is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of caner-related deaths in men. Currently, the etiology of PC remains under investigation and mechanisms of its growth and proliferation are yet to be fully characterized. This gap in knowledge places patients diagnosed with PC at risk of being under- or over-treated, and thus this thesis was dedicated to better understand the pathology of this disease.
We and others had demonstrated that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident molecular chaperone, termed GRP78, can translocate to the cell surface in some cancer cells, including PC, bladder, breast and leukaemia malignancies. In PC, cell surface GRP78 can bind to different ligands and elicit new functions such as activation of pro-survival and/or pro-apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, studies have found that cell surface GRP78 acts as an antigenic receptor leading to production of anti-GRP78 autoantibodies.
The overall objective of my PhD thesis was to study and identify new functions for cell surface GRP78 and define its impact PC tumour growth and proliferation. Based on my findings, we report a new function of cell surface GRP78 where it can modulate the activity of the major initiator of the coagulation cascade, tissue factor (TF), following the binding of anti-GRP78 autoantibodies to cell surface GRP78. Here, we demonstrated that the binding of anti-GRP78 autoantibody to cell surface GRP78 elicits an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, and leads to TF activation on intact bladder carcinoma cells (T24/83). This finding was preceded by establishing a new technique of real-time measurement of TF activity in a continuous manner on intact cells.
In addition to its function as the major initiator of the coagulation cascade, TF contributes to angiogenesis in cancer biology. This raises the question whether anti-GRP78 autoantibodies can activate TF and contribute to enhanced tumour progression. Using the NOD/SCID mouse model, anti-GRP78 autoantibodies were shown to accelerate tumour growth of implanted DU145 PC cell line xenograft. This observed accelerated rate of tumour growth was reversed using a TF knock down DU145 cell line, emphasizing the requirement of TF expression to mediate this process. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of heparin and low molecular weight heparin molecules to interfere with the binding of anti-GRP78 autoantibodies to cell surface GRP78; in vitro and in vivo investigations demonstrate reduced TF activity and tumour progression, respectively. This likely involves the ability of heparin and low molecular weight heparin to bind to a reported heparin binding region in cell surface GRP78 that is also known to harbor the epitope for the anti- GRP78 autoantibodies. To our knowledge, this novel finding is the first to show a direct role for an autoantibody produced by the host immune system as the driver for tumour progression via TF. These findings have the potential to improve management of this disease which will help in improving quality of life for patients affected with PC.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


abstract: Title: A Decision-Making Model for Industrial Development, Author: M. J. Saunders, Location: Thode

abstract:
Studies of industrial location decision-making and the construction
of decision-making models to date have invariably been
couched in behavioural terms.1 Likewise the majority, if not all of
such empirical studies have centred on the industrialist as the decision-
maker, on the assumption that, because he has made a location
decision, he necessarily knows how best to do so. Little or no attention
has been paid to the legislative structures within which
industrial location decisions must be made, or to the part played by
the elected representatives who are responsible for making such decisions.
This paper is an attempt to escape from the behavioural habit
by developing a structural model for industrial location and development
decision-making at the community level.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


contributor:
Round, G.F.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract: Title: Influence of Spherical and Cylindrical Capsules on Pressure Transients in Hydraulic Pipelines, Author: Rajbir S. Samra, Location: Thode

abstract:
The influence of capsules on pressure transients in hydraulic pipelines has been reported in this dissertation. This experimental investigation was carried out for flow velocities of 1 to 4 ft/sec. for both cylindrical and spherical capsules. Shock waves were generated by a fast closing valve in a 1 in. diameter pipe and pressure transients were measured for a train of cylindrical capsules of diameter 0.875 in. and 0.95 in. The spherical capsules were of diameter 0.75 in. and 0.875 in.

A theoretical analysis for this type of waterhammer problem using a perturbation technique has been obtained. The theoretical solution was found to be in agreement with the experimental observations for cylindrical capsules.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: FATTY ACID PROFILES OF NUTRTION SOURCES AND PLASMA IN PRETERM INFANTS

contributor:
Fusch, Christoph
Medical Sciences

subject: Fatty acids, Lipid emulsions, Breast milk, Preterm infants, Quantification, GC-MS

abstract: Preterm infants are not able to tolerate full enteral feeding of breast milk due to gut immaturity. To fill this nutritional gap, parenteral nutrition is introduced while enteral feeding is gradually increased. Of parenteral nutrition, lipid emulsions supply energy, essential and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which significantly affect short- and long-term health outcomes of growth, visual-and neuro-development for preterm infants. However, elevated plasma triglyceride (TG) levels in preterm infants receiving lipid emulsions have been observed despite less lipid intake compared to breast milk fed infants. We hypothesized that unbalanced fatty acid profiles in lipid emulsion was one factor to cause high plasma TGs for preterm infants. In the multi-center, observational, prospective study, the following samples were analyzed using GC-MS: (1) lipid emulsions (n=5) and breast milk (n=112), (2) plasma (n=294) including normal TG (n=116) and high TG (n=88). Lipoproteins in normal TG (n=18) and high TG (n=24) plasma were measured using gel electrophoresis. Fatty acid profiles in lipid emulsions differed from ones in breast milk. Plasma fatty acid profiles were related to dietary fatty acid intake. Accumulation of all fatty acids except C20:5n3 and relatively high (LDL+VLDL) levels (p<0.001) resulted in high TG plasma compared to normal TG plasma. Overall, this study supports the hypothesis that nutrition of lipid emulsions was associated high TG with differences in fatty acid uptake but it is still unclear if the imbalance of fatty acids directly causes high TG. More research is necessary to investigate other factors such as enzyme activity, lipid clearance rate, or different rate of fatty acid metabolism.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Impulsive Response of Cantilever Beams

contributor:
Heidebrecht, A.C.
Civil Engineering

abstract: Title: Impulsive Response of Cantilever Beams, Author: Azfar Saeed, Location: Thode

abstract: This thesis describes the analytical and experimental study of cantilever beams subjected to impulse at their tips. Tests were conducted on four beam specimens. These tests were carried out for the purpose of investigating the validity of the theory as presented in this thesis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: The Effects of Leader-Member Exchange on Employee Conceptualizations and Displays of Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: A Mediational Model

contributor:
Hackett, Rick D.
Business Administration

subject: leader-member exchange, employee, conceptualizations, organizational citizenships, behaviour, mediational model

abstract: The literature on how employees conceptualize organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) has not been well integrated. Research on employee conceptualizations of OCB is comprehensively reviewed and a model is proposed linking leader-member exchange (LMX), employee conceptualizations of OCB and supervisory ratings of OCB. I found support for the discriminant validity of three key facets of how employees conceptualize OCB: perceived role breadth, perceived instrumentality of OCB and perceived leader expectations for OCB. These facet conceptualizations mediated the relationship between LMX and OCB. My findings challenge past practices of blurring distinctions among facets of employee conceptualizations of OCB and provide new insights into the process by which LMX influences OCB. Implications for research and for practice are discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A Study of the Reactions of Ethylene, Chlorine and Water in Bubble Columns

contributor:
Johnson, A.I.
Chemical Engineering

abstract: Title: A Study of the Reactions of Ethylene, Chlorine and Water in bubble Columns, Author: Hajimu Saeki, Location: Thode

abstract:
An investigation of the reactions of ethylene, chlorine and water in a bubble column reactor, forming ethylene chlorohydrin and ethylene dichloride has been carried out.

The effect of gas flow rates on the yield of the products was studied in an unbaffled column reactor.

In the later period of this study, baffles made of perforated plates were introduced into the column to investigate the effect of reducing the axial mixing on the product distribution. An improvement in the conversion and yield of ethylene to ethylene chlorohydrin was observed in the baffled reactor. The results were compared to an axial dispersion model.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Antecedents and Consequences of Organizational Justice: An Investigation in China

contributor:
Agarwal, Naresh C.
Business Administration

subject: antecedents, consequences, organizational justice, behaviours

abstract: Organizational justice has received considerable research attention over the past three decades. Most of this attention, however, has focused on examining the relationship between organizational justice and outcome variables such as work attitudes and behaviours. The question of organizational antecedents of organizational justice has not been fully explored. Also, most previous studies have been conducted in western countries. The amount of available research from nonwestern countries is limited. The present study investigates both antecedents and outcomes of organizational justice using a sample of 242 supervisor-subordinate dyads from Chinese organizations. A path model is developed and tested depicting perceived HR practices (empowerment, psychological contract breach, and communication) as antecedents to organizational justice perceptions (distributive, procedural, and interactional), and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) and turnover intention as outcomes. The results provide empirical evidence of the impact of: (a) empowerment on distributive justice perceptions; (b) psychological contract breach on distributive and procedural justice; and (c) communication on procedural justice and interactional justice. The results also demonstrate that perceptions of distributive, procedural and interactional justice positively predict OCB and that perceptions of distributive and interactional justice contribute to turnover intention. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Macro Processor for HP 2100A Assembler

contributor:
Solnsteff, Nicholas
Computation

abstract: Title: Macro Processor for HP 2100A Assembler, Author: Kondapuram S. Sampathkumaran, Location: Thode

abstract: A Macro Processor is implemented in PILOT (Purdue International Language for Writing Operating systems and Translators) for HP 2100A DOS-M Assembler. The Macro Processor has the capability to handle Macro calls within macros, Macro definitions within other Macro definitions, conditional Macro expansion and the string operation of canatenation. A simple set of Macros for Fundamental Structured programming constructs is provided. The project also demonstrates, how an Intermediate-level language like PILOT can be used to implement system software. Experiments with a new programming philosophy for the writing of structured programs are also described.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Evaluating Layoff Techniques: A Policy-Capturing Study of Voluntary Versus Involuntary Layoffs

contributor:
Agarwal, Naresh
Business

subject: layoff, techniques, policy-capturing, voluntary, involuntary, job, salary

abstract:
 An organization can adopt one of two implementation techniques to execute layoffs. Through involuntary layoffs, management can unilaterally select which employees to layoff. Alternatively, through voluntary layoffs, employees can self-select through volunteering for a layoff. A model from the turnover realm was adapted and applied to assess antecedents of the layoff decision for both implementation techniques. Antecedents included work related variables (job performance, salary, job satisfaction, stress, organizational commitment, severance packages) and non-work related variables (age, education, tenure, gender, family size).

 A policy-capturing approach compared voluntary versus involuntary layoffs. Management and employee dyads assessed employee profiles and judged the layoff decision for each profile. Given the exploratory nature of this research, subject matter experts (SMEs) assessed 388 profiles to validate the model. Semi-structured interviews with SMEs provided improvements adopted for the field study. The field study involved managers and employees from three companies evaluating 976 employee profiles to determine the likelihood for voluntary or involuntary layoffs. Logit regression analysis provided the significance, strength and direction of influence for each antecedent on the layoff decision.

 The results provide evidence that job performance, job satisfaction and organizational commitment have a negatively correlated relationship with both layoff implementation techniques. Slightly more than half (56.35%) of employees had the same stay or leave decision during voluntary versus involuntary layoffs. The residual (43.65%) represent mismatches that are a result of different influence and interpretation of the remaining layoff antecedents. This thesis provides evidence that voluntary and involuntary layoff implementation techniques result in a different mix of employees leaving the organization. From a policy perspective, recommendations on how to minimize mismatch are provided. From a theory perspective, a closer bridge between layoff and turnover research is proposed. This thesis also suggests that layoffs should be assessed based on the voluntary-involuntary divide in future research.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Eyles, Carolyn
McCann, Brian
Geography

abstract: Title: Late Wisconsin Ice Lobe Dynamics: Assessment Through G.I.S. Supported Three Dimensional Mapping and Surface Physiography, Author: Michael C. Sampson, Location: Thode

abstract:
the study are is approximately 4,500 km^2 including [arts of Hastings, Prince-Edward and Northumberland countries. The area was glaciated during the Late Wisconsin (20-11,800 y.b.p) by the Simcoe Lobe and the Lake Ontario Lobe of the Laurentide ice sheet. Ice activity created subsurface characteristics and surface physiography that can, therefore, be used to suggest patterns of ice flow during the Late Wisconsin.

A computer generated recreation of the bedrock topography within the area revealed two bedrock channels and other characteristics that aid in determination of ice flow patterns. Computer generated drift thickness maps exposed several packages of sediment that were also important in the creation of an ice flow model. Surface features such as drumlins, moraines and eskers provided the final link in suggesting that ice flow was actually contained by bedrock topography.

Evidence suggests, both subsurface and surface, that the Lake Ontario Lobe moved in a southwest direction following bedrock channels. for this reason it is believed that the profile of the ice in this region was thin. At one time the Simcoe Lobes and the Lake Ontario Lobe approached one-another and created the Oak Ridges Moraine. The profile of the Oak Ridges Moraine at this point extended much further than suggested by Chapman and Putnam (1984). There was then a surge of one of the Simcoe Lobes towards the south which ultimately, after ice recession, created the physiography  of today.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


title: Batch Scheduling in Supply Chains

subject: batch, scheduling, supply, chains, industries, cost, manufacturing, machine, algorithms

abstract:
 Supply chain management is a major issue in many industries as firms realize the importance of creating an integrated relationship with their suppliers and customers. In many manufacturing organizations minimizing the total cost of inventory holding and delivery plays a major role in production scheduling. Inventory holding cost is proportional to the flow time of jobs at the shop. Therefore, we study single machine batch scheduling problems to minimize the sum of weighted flow time and the delivery cost in supply chains.

 It has been proven that many single machine batch scheduling problems even at the supplier level and the manufacturer level are hard problems to be solved. Therefore, batch scheduling problems for supplier-manufacturer coordination are even harder. Hence, heuristic algorithms may be developed to solve such problems. A good heuristic can be developed only when the specific properties of the given problem are analyzed thoroughly. Since there are many problems at the supplier level and manufacturer level not yet solved, we study single machine scheduling problems under different conditions at the supplier and manufacturer. Then we study batch scheduling problems in a supplier-manufacturer system.

 We first study some polynomially solvable problems at the supplier and at the manufacturer. Batch scheduling problems at the supplier when jobs have arbitrary processing times and arbitrary weights are intractable. We provide a 2-approximation algorithm for this problem. The performance of this 2-approximation algorithm shows that it provides close to optimal solutions for practical situations. Batch scheduling problems at the manufacturer of multi-product case is intractable even if the weights are identical. We provide a 2-approximation algorithm for this problem and a hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm for the arbitrary weight case. We develop an algorithm for the lower bound of this problem and compare the result of the heuristic algorithm with that of the lower bound solution.

 Then some batch scheduling problems at the manufacturer in a customer centric supply chain are analysed and dynamic programming algorithms are developed to solve these problems optimally. Finally batch scheduling with supplier manufacturer coordination is studied and there again dynamic programming algorithms are developed to solve the batch scheduling problems of given job sequence under two different conditions.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Dokainish, M.A.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract: Title: The Dynamic Response of Double Bilinear Hysteretic Systems, Author: Birendra Sahay, Location: Thode

abstract: An investigation of the dynamic response of single and two degree of freedom systems with double bilinear hysteric restoring force has been made. The stability of the two systems has also been examined. Numerical integration and Digital-Analog simulation of the system equations of motion has been done using fourth order Runge-Kutta Method and MIMIC simulator to check the approximate analysis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


contributor:
King, Leslie J.
Geography

abstract: Title: Diffusion of Supercentres in England and Wales, Author: Michael D. Sanderson, Location: Thode

abstract:
In the last ten years Britain has witnessed a revolution in
retailing, partly through rationalization of operations within the
retail trade, and partly as a response to external demands for change
resulting from suburban growth, increased affluence and changes in
consumer attitudes towards shopping. A major result of these factors
has been the growth and spread of an innovation in retailing which has
come to be called the "out-of-town Superstore or Hypermarket", or
the more inclusive term, "Supercentre" used in this paper.

Qualitative analysis of this growth, outlined in Sections
two and three of this paper, indicates that diffusion of this
innovation conforms to the hierarchical-expansion diffusion model in
the earlier stages, with evidence of neighbourhood effects during
the later stages of infilling, at the same time following the urban
hierarchy in overall growth.

Quantitative analysis, employing the multiple linear regression
model, which is described in Section four, tested the validity of
several hypotheses relating to the influence of "economic" or "market"
factors in determining the growth and spread of Supercentres. The
results indicate that these factors partially explain diffusion of
this innovation between 1964 and 1972.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: The Nature and Incidence of Non-Standard Work Arrangements

contributor:
Zeytinoglu, I. U.
Business Administration

subject: nature, incidence, non-standard, work arrangements

abstract:
 This dissertation explores the nature and incidence of several non-standard work
arrangements (NSWAs). Statistics confirm the growing prevalence of NSWAs. By 1995, less than one third of Canadian workers were employed in a single full-time, permanent job with a "normal" work schedule. Conventional wisdom suggests that the net effect of the increasing incidence of NSWAs is negative for workers. However, certain NSWAs potentially provide better work-life balance for employees and more flexible utilization of labour for employers. Thus, it is suggested that far too little attention has been paid to the varying nature of particular NSWAs. A typology of NSWAs, consisting of five dimensions and three types, is conceptualized. After examining the dataset and some preliminary data analysis, a modified typology of four dimensions and two types is presented and analyzed. In particular, the two key types of NSWAs are categorized as employee-friendly or employer-friendly. In addition to the typology, the workplace and worker characteristics that affect the incidence of NSWAs is
examined.

 This dissertation has a quantitative research design, and utilizes Statistics Canada's 1999 Workplace and Employee Survey (WES). The chosen dataset and methodology also allow inferences to be made regarding employer strategies. Results suggest that job satisfaction is positively related to employee-friendly NSWAs but negatively related to
employer-friendly NSWAs. When controlling for a range of worker and workplace variables, it was found that industry, occupation, gender, tenure, and employee participation are related to the incidence of NSWAs. Finally, consistent with existing research, only a tenuous link was found between workplace outcomes and the incidence of NSWAs. The implication is that the implementation of NSWAs is affected more by employers' strategic choices rather than economic necessity.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Subadult Growth and Rickets from a Late Roman and Merovingian Period Context in Lisieux, France

contributor:
Brickley, Megan
Anthropology

subject: Rickets Growth Subadult Gaul

abstract: The transition during the fall of the Roman Empire and eventual rise of Merovingian kingdoms in northern Gaul (modern France) was a period of political upheaval, and social and economic instability. A collection of subadult skeletal remains dating to the late Roman (3rd – 5th c. AD) and Merovingian period (5th – 8th c. AD) in modern day Lisieux, France, permitted an analysis of the effects of these purported stresses on past population health using measures of growth and development. The four aims of this study are to: 1) identify growth delay using measures of growth and development; 2) determine the prevalence of rickets in this sample; 3) determine if growth disruption and frequency of rickets varied between subadults of different ages, time periods, from different burial types, or those associated with and without grave goods; and 4) discuss how the results of this study contribute to an understanding of the interpretation of health at the site, and the social, cultural, and environmental circumstances that impacted health in the past. The remains of 130 subadults from the Michelet necropolis were examined for the presence of rickets as a part of the SSHRC funded project ‘Social-Cultural Determinants of Community Wellbeing in the Western Roman Empire: Analysis and Interpretation of Vitamin D Status.’ A subset of this sample (N=60) was used further to examine disruptions in endochondral growth, appositional growth, cortical thickness, and body mass estimates. Results indicate over half (53%) of the sample exhibited stunting with growth delay beginning around two years of age, highly variable cortical thickness for age, as well as low estimates of body mass for age. Approximately 9% of subadults (N=12/130) analysed exhibited pathological and radiographic features characteristic of rickets. There were no differences between patterns of growth faltering and presence of rickets during the two time periods, between individuals with or without grave goods, or between those in different burial types. The presence of growth faltering and rickets demonstrates that this population experienced nutritional stresses, but that there were no measurable changes in health between the Roman and Merovingian periods.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: A FRAMEWORK FOR SPATIO-TEMPORAL UNCERTAINTY-AWARE SCHEDULING AND CONTROL OF LINEAR PROJECTS

contributor:
Razavi, Saiedeh
Civil Engineering

subject:
Linear Projects
Cyber Physical Systems
Space-Time Float
Fuzzy Inference System
Linear Scheduling
Constraint Satisfaction Optimization
Uncertainty
Productivity

abstract:
Linear repetitive projects, which are resource-driven in nature, are characterized by a series of repetitive activities in which the resources share the same space either in sequential or parallel manner. The frequent movement of resources over limited shared space needs to be well-planned to avoid potential issues during the execution of linear projects. As such, schedules developed for these projects needs not only to take into account all the logical, project-dependent and precedence constraints of activities but also to incorporate the space and time constraints that co-exist for the movement of thei8r resources. Negligence in incorporating spatial and temporal constraints in developing and improving schedules of linear projects increases the risk of delays and workspace congestions that can substantially hinder the performance of the activity resources.
The study presented here proposes and develops an uncertainty-aware scheduling and control framework for linear projects to address the needs mentioned above. For this purpose, first, a new type of float was introduced as the Space-Time Float. The Space-Time Float is an envelope for all possible movement patterns that a linear activity or its associated resources can take considering the time and space constraints of that activity.
The next endeavor in the development of the uncertainty-aware linear scheduling and control framework was to augment the current linear scheduling methods by presenting an uncertainty-aware optimization method to optimize the duration of linear projects while minimizing their potential congestions. A constraint satisfaction approach was used for the two-tier optimization of duration and congestion, and a fuzzy inference system was incorporated to assess the inherent uncertainty in linear activities. A new type of buffer, Uncertainty-Aware Productivity Buffer is also introduced to account for the uncertainties inherent in project activities.
Spatial progress of activities needs not only to be considered in the planning phase but also to be closely monitored during construction. The framework presented in this study also applies to the monitoring and control of linear projects. While most of the current methods still do not accommodate real-time bi-directional control of linear projects, this framework is based on the Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) architecture and bi-directional communication of data. To this end, a CPS-based application for Earned Value (EV) monitoring and control of road and highway projects is presented.
Different steps of the generated framework are validated through various literature and field-based case studies. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented method in planning and control of unforeseen variations from the planned schedules of linear projects. As such, the present study contributes and adds to the current body of knowledge of linear projects by presenting an efficient scheduling and control framework that takes into account logical, spatio-temporal and project-based constraints of linear activities.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: User Acceptance of Wireless Text Messaging in Telehealth: A Case for Adherence

contributor:
Archer, Norm
Business Administration

subject: user acceptance, wireless, text messaging, Telehealth, adherence

abstract:
 This work is an investigation of user acceptance of a prototype solution utilizing wireless text messaging (or SMS - i.e., short messaging service) to improve people's adherence. Insufficient adherence, also known as medical non-compliance, is a major cause of failure in self-management programs, causing significant losses to all healthcare stakeholders.

 Innovative mobile healthcare solutions, based on portable devices like cell phones, may address some non-adherence aspects by helping outpatients to follow treatments agreed with their health providers. Although this seems a win-win situation, a verdict on the overall usefulness of such an approach cannot be formulated before exploring outpatient acceptance, as this is a novel technology that targets a new area of implementation. Accordingly, this research investigates key factors that may influence the acceptance of a mobile healthcare solution based on SMS to support improved adherence to healthy behaviour, with special attention to motivation (the 'pro' factors) and perceived risk (the 'con' factors).

 As a means of investigation, a one-month longitudinal experiment with two groups of subjects (an intervention group and a control group) was utilized. Data were analyzed with quantitative and qualitative techniques: descriptive statistics, partial least squares modelling, and content analysis.

 Findings show that users are aware of the potential usefulness of such a
pioneering application. However, enjoyment is the unique reason for adopting, and perceived financial and psychological risks the main obstacles against adopting, an SMS-based solution for improving adherence to healthy behaviour. Furthermore, a business analysis shows that users are concerned about usefulness features, even when asked about financial aspects.

 These results, together with encouraging findings about the effectiveness of the application, open the way for medical-led research to investigate if long-term mobile
healthcare initiatives customized to patient needs are also beneficial for outpatient adherence and health outcomes.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Warkentin, J.
Chemistry

abstract: Title: Kinetic and Stereochemical Studies Concerning the Question of Nonclassical Free Radicals, Author: Emerson C. Sanford, Location: Thode

abstract:
The relative rates of tr-n-butyltin hydride reductions of several 7-halonorbornane derivatives have been obtained in search of evidence for the existence of non-classical free radicals. Reduction products were identified and the stereochemistry of reduction of 7-norbornenyl bromides was determined. Possible contributions to the relative rates by ground state effects were considered. The relative rates of reduction and reduction products provided evidence for the existence of non-classical free radicals.

The synthesis of several polychlorinated norbornane derivatives is described. A study of the relative rates of reduction and reduction products of some of these compounds was carried out. Further evidence in support of non-classical free radicals was obtained.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Individual Differences in Group Interaction Behaviour: Cultural Differences in the Exhibition of Organizational Citizenship Behaviours

contributor:
Jain, Harish C.
Business Administration

subject: individual differences, group, behaviour, organizational citizenship

abstract:
 Discrimination in employment still exists in Canada despite legislative attempts to minimize the disparity in treatment of minorities in the workplace. This dissertation examines the possibility of whether deep-level characteristics, such as differences in behaviour, are culturally influenced.

 Organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) in the workplace have been a popular area of study for nearly twenty years in the industrial/organizational
psychology literature. Research has demonstrated that OCBs can explain variance in job performance over and above that of task performance. While much of the OCB research has focused on the antecedents of OCBs (particularly individual attributes), a handful of cross-cultural and intercultural studies have been conducted with respect to OCBs; however, the type of studies and the findings from these studies have varied widely. Cross-cultural studies have evaluated OCBs in a single non-Western culture, collectivism and individualism as within-culture individual differences and their effects on OCBs, demographic dissimilarity in teams and OCBs, the role of perceptions and the exhibition of OCBs, and the presence and structure of OCB in different countries. From these studies, one can draw few conclusions about the status of national culture as an antecedent of OCB.

 The main objectives of this study were to investigate whether OCBs are culturally determined (using Vygotsky's sociocultural theory as an underlying basis for this hypothesis and using Hofstede's cultural framework), and whether individual acculturation and gender orientation moderate this relationship. Findings reveal overall that these three variables explain little of the variance in
OCBs. None of the moderation hypotheses were supported for individual-level OCBs (OCB-I) or for team-oriented OCBs (OCB-T). Power distance was the only one of Hofstede's cultural dimensions that had relationships (both negative) with OCB-I and OCB-T. Gender orientation and acculturation played more prominent roles as independent variables instead of moderators, though the coefficients were weak. The study also revealed that individual levels of acculturation to Canadian culture may be more of an influencing factor on organizational
citizenship behaviours than individual scores on national dimensions. The overall findings show that cultural differences do not have much influence on the exhibition of OCBs within work teams; however, further research must be done to assess the underlying mechanisms of discrimination in the workplace.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Actors and Entanglements in Global Governance: The ILO in sub-Saharan Africa

contributor: Political Science - International Relations

abstract:
This dissertation critically interrogates existing theories of global governance. It
argues that they have tended to occlude much of the messiness, complexity, and
forms of agency involved in the practice of global governance by focusing on
delineating the sources of authority of ‘global governors’ or critiquing regulatory
frameworks. Critical approaches linking global governance to broader structural
power relationships are valuable, but by attributing the trajectories of governance
to the workings of ‘hegemony’ in global politics they similarly fail to account for
the complexities and forms of contestation implicitly in the practice of
governance. This thesis argues instead for an ‘actors and entanglements’ approach
to global governance, focusing on the entwinement of governmental practices
with multiple histories of struggle ‘on the ground’. This perspective is elaborating
by drawing on governmentality theories, an alternative reading of Gramscian
historicism, and reflections about spatiality in Actor-Network Theory.
Empirically, the value of this approach is demonstrated by tracing the
entanglements of ILO programming in sub-Saharan Africa related to forced
labour and ‘development’ assistance in the areas of employment, social
protection, and workers’ education. The thesis covers the full history of the ILO
from 1919-present, although focusing primarily on developments after 1960. It
draws on original archival and interview research conducted at ILO headquarters
in Geneva, as well as field offices in Pretoria and Dakar, on a series of research
trips between June and December 2014.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract:
Conventional studies of global governance tend to focus overwhelmingly on the
regulations developed by international organizations. This often comes at the
expense of looking in detail at the practices by which these rules are actually put
into practice. This study argues that paying attention to these practices reveals
important patterns of contestation that have often been overlooked. It draws on
original archival and interview research -- conducted in Geneva, Pretoria, and
Dakar -- on the role of the ILO in sub-Saharan Africa across a number of different
policy areas in order to illustrate the argument.


contributor:
Hassanein, Khaled
Business

abstract: Title: Consumer Satisfaction with Online Health Information: A Theoretical Model and an Empirical Study, Author: Michael Bliemel, Location: Thode

abstract:
The Internet has enabled consumers to become more proactive in managing their
health by accessing information published online. Studies of this phenomenon have
indicated that a large percentage of the population is now utilizing information found on
the Internet to educate themselves and to make and reinforce decisions about
medications, treatments and lifestyle choices for themselves and others. This research
examines the area of Online Consumer Health Information Retrieval as: "a field of study
that pertains to consumers' use of the Internet to locate and evaluate health related
information, for the purposes of self education and collection of facts to enable informed
decision making." Prior studies in this area have largely focused around the issue of
quality of health information found online from the perspective of researchers and
physicians. Consequently, many of these studies have been prescriptive in nature,
suggesting to consumers of online health information how they should evaluate quality of
health information Websites. It is necessary to examine how consumers assess the
credibility and validity of such information themselves, taking into account their own
perceptions of both the quality of Websites and quality of the information found on these
sites, as well as the relationship with their beliefs of trust worthiness of Websites and their
authors. A research model exploring the antecedents of consumer satisfaction with online
health information is proposed using an IS research methodology. By synthesizing related
research on the constructs of quality, trust and satisfaction, a proposed second order
model is developed. This proposed model for consumer satisfaction with online health
information is quantitatively validated using structural equation modeling techniques.
The findings of this research provide evidence that content quality, technical adequacy
and trust beliefs explain a large proportion of the variance in satisfaction with online
health information retrieval for consumers.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Effect of Brief Intense Stair Climbing on Cardiometabolic Health

title: Brief Intense Stair Climbing and Cardiorespiratory Fitness

contributor:
Gibala, Martin J
Kinesiology

subject:
Sprint Interval Training
Cardiometabolic Health
VO2 peak
Glucose Homeostasis
Exercise

abstract: A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science.

abstract: Sprint interval training (SIT) is a time-efficient strategy to improve cardiorespiratory fitness; however, most protocols have been studied in a laboratory setting and require specialized equipment. We investigated the efficacy of brief intense stair climbing as a practical model of SIT to improve cardiometabolic health, with a key measure being cardiorespiratory fitness as indicated by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Two separate studies, each consisting of an acute and chronic phase, were conducted in a total of 31 sedentary women (age=24±10 y; BMI=23±4 kg•m-2). The acute phase of Study 1 established that the heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses were similar when participants (n=8) performed a SIT protocol that involved 3x20-s “all-out” efforts of either continuous stair climbing or cycling, interspersed with 2 min of recovery. The chronic phase demonstrated that when participants (n=12) performed the 3x20-s stair climbing protocol 3 d•wk-1 for 6 wk, absolute and relative VO2peak increased by 12%, or ~1 metabolic equivalent (1.80±0.25 to 2.02±0.27 L•min-1, p<0.001), as there were no changes in body mass (p=0.35), fat free mass (FFM; p=0.09) or % body fat (p=0.42). There were also no changes in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP; p=0.82 and p=0.97, respectively), resting HR (p=0.62), and fasting insulin sensitivity (p=0.52). The acute phase of Study 2 established that the HR and RPE responses were similar when participants (n=11) performed three different stair climbing protocols. The protocols investigated include the 3x20-s continuous ascent model used in Study 1 (protocol 1), as well as 3x60-s bouts of ascending and descending either one or two flights of stairs, with 60-s of recovery (protocol 2 and 3, respectively). The chronic phase demonstrated that when the same group of subjects performed the 3x60-s 1-flight protocol 3 d•wk-1 for 6 wk, absolute and relative VO2peak increased by 8 and 7%, respectively (1.79±0.36 to 1.93±0.39 L•min-1, p=0.001; 31.2±4.6 to 33.3±5.3 mL•kg-1•min-1; p=0.01). Despite no changes in % body fat (p=0.10), there was an increase 3% increase in FFM (p<0.001). There was no change in systolic (p=0.50) and diastolic BP (p=1.00), but resting HR improved by 8% after training (p=0.03). The change in insulin sensitivity derived from an OGTT was 7.1±11 mg I2•mmol-1•mIU-1•min-1 (p=0.056). These findings demonstrate that brief intense stair climbing is a practical, time-efficient strategy to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in previously untrained women.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract:
Sprint interval training (SIT), involving brief bouts of very intense exercise
separated by short periods of recovery, is a time-efficient alternative to traditional
endurance training for improving fitness. This has largely been established in laboratory settings using specialized equipment, which is impractical for many individuals. This project examined whether brief intense stair climbing was a practical model of SIT to elicit adaptations previously shown with cycling protocols. Subjects performed either three 20-s ascents interspersed with 2 min recovery periods, or three 60-s bouts of ascending and descending one or two flights of stairs, with 60-s recovery periods. Both protocols were 10 min in duration including warm-up and cool-down, and subjects trained three days per week for six weeks. The main finding was that stair climbing is a practical, time-efficient model to improve fitness in previously sedentary individuals.


contributor:
Sowerby, R.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract: Title: Study of Formability and Fracture of Aluminum Alloys, Author: Bal K. Sareen, Location: Thode

abstract:
High strength to weight ratio materials are becoming of increasing importance in the automotive industry. Some aluminum alloys offer strength equivalent to low carbon sheet steel at one third its weight. However, for these alloys no production experience exists. The present work involves the study of formability of three important grades of formable aluminum alloys. Strain distributions have been examined for the materials deformed under different conditions of biaxial straining. In particular the maximum useful strains (limit strains) have been obtained as well as the fracture strains.

A detailed description of fundamental property tests and simulative tests have been provided in this thesis.

Computer programs developed by the author to compute plastic properties of the materials from the test data are also provided.

Some instability analysis have been examined with particular reference to their ability to assess the influence of material properties and the loading system on the useful forming limits.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Crystal Structure of Silane

contributor:
Morrison, J. A.
Physics

subject: crystal, structure, Silane, lattice parameters, diffraction

abstract:
 The lattice parameters and crystal symmetry of silane (SiH4) are examined by X-ray powder diffraction. Comparisons are made with vibrational spectrum and birefringence
measurements and with respect to an order-disorder transition between the two solid phases of silane.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Technology and Employment in Canada's Steel Industry

contributor:
Anderson, W. P.
Geography

subject: technology, employment, steel industry

abstract: The major emphasis of this paper is to examine technological changes in the steel industry and how these effect employment. The hypothesis is that, "technological changes have contributed significantly to unemployment in the steel industry." The history of the steel industry in Canada is examined. Trends in production, consumption and employment are studied. All are found to be declining in Canada. A regression analysis shows technology to be a significant factor affecting production efficiency in western countries. Data from Canada, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States for the years 1964 to 1982 are used in the regression. More efficient production means lower employment for a given amount of output. The hypothesis is accepted because employment is proven to be lowered as new technology is implemented.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Candidate in Philosophy


title: Astrocyte-Secreted Factors in Fragile X Mice

contributor:
Doering, Laurie
Neuroscience

abstract: Astrocytes are required for the proper development of synapses within the brain and astrocyte dysfunction has been indicated in many neurodevelopmental disorders, including Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). FXS is characterized by a deficiency in fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP regulates the translation of numerous mRNAs and its loss disturbs the composition of proteins for dendritic spine and synapse development. Here we investigate whether particular astrocyte-derived factors that have been implicated in governing excitatory synapse development in the brain show altered expression within the context of FXS. Using Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice lacking FMRP, we analyzed the early postnatal protein expression of the astrocyte-secreted factors hevin, SPARC, and glypicans 4/6 in the cortex and hippocampus (regions in which dendritic spine abnormalities have been associated with FXS) via Western blotting. Hevin and SPARC showed altered expression patterns in Fmr1 KO mice, compared to WT, in a brain-region-specific manner. In the cortex, we found a transient increase in the level of hevin in P14 Fmr1 KO mice, compared to WT, as well as decreases in Fmr1 KO levels of SPARC at P7 and P14. In the hippocampus, hevin expression was lower in P7 Fmr1 KO mice than in WT mice, and then surpassed WT levels by P21. Hevin is involved in the proper establishment of thalamocortical synapses, and so, we also examined the number of thalamocortical synapses formed in co-cultures of WT thalamic and cortical neurons with either WT or KO astrocytes. Preliminary data from these experiments show an increase in the number of thalamocortical synapses formed when WT neurons were cultured with KO astrocytes, suggesting the involvement of astrocytes in the proper development of thalamocortical connectivity. Together, these findings indicate aberrant astrocyte-signalling in FXS and suggest that altered expression of hevin and SPARC may contribute to abnormal neurobiology in FXS.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Influences of context on object detection and identification in natural scenes

contributor:
Milliken, Bruce
Psychology

subject: Cognition Attention

abstract:
The way we perceive complex visual scenes has been an area of much research and debate. Many studies have found that the context of a scene is used to guide attention to important and relevant areas of a scene. Other studies, however, have found that objects that are incongruent with the scene context capture attention. These contradictory findings have been found both within and across tasks. The purpose of the present research was to reconcile these contradictory results. Two processes were identified as underlying complex scene perception:  object detection and object identification. Further, the current research demonstrates the relative weighting of these processes differs according to task demands; some tasks weight object detection more heavily, whereas other tasks weight object identification more heavily. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the weighting of these processes can be manipulated within a task in such a way as to produce either congruency benefits or costs. Finally, in circumstances in which processing is weighted in favour of object detection, it was demonstrated that eye gaze, and presumably overt attention, is captured by semantically incongruent objects early into scene perception.
	The current research helps our understanding of complex scene perception by reconciling contradictory findings reported in previous studies. In particular, two processes were identified:  object identification, which relies on a congruent context, and object detection, which relies on an incongruent context. In this way, past experience may promote efficient scene perception by promoting the use of regularities in the environment (e.g., congruent context), but also leaving the attention system sensitive to areas of the scene that contradict the expectations set by the context (e.g., incongruent objects).

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: The way that we perceive and create mental representations of our visual world has been an area of debate in cognitive psychology. The research attempting to address these issues has reported contradictory findings. For example, some studies have shown that the context of a scene is important for efficient perception of that scene and its parts. Other studies, however, have shown that the context of a scene can undermine efficient perception of scenes. The current research identifies two distinct processes that underlie complex scene perception. One process appears to benefit from a congruent context, whereas the other appears to benefit from an incongruent context. Further, the weighting of these two processes can produce context congruency benefits in some experimental situations and congruency costs in others. Finally, it appears as though when processing is weighted towards congruency costs, attention is attracted to incongruent objects early into scene processing.


title: On the Measurement of the Absolute Viscosity of Nitrogen and Air Over the Temperature Range of 100 to 400°K and at Pressures of 1 to 150 Atmospheres

contributor:
Latto, Brian
Mechanical Engineering

subject: measurement, absolute viscosity, nitrogen, air, temperature range, pressures, atmospheres

abstract:
 A series capillary viscometer has been used to measure the viscosity of nitrogen and air over a temperature range of 100 to 400°K and to pressures of 150 atmospheres.

The low pressure results have been correlated using a modified Sutherland equation of the form: n = C1T^C2 / T+C3

 Intermolecular force constants have been computed for nitrogen using the Chapman Enskog collision theory approach.

 The viscosity in the dense gas region was correlated using equations of the form n-no = A1ρ + A2ρ^2 and thus overall equations for viscosity as a function of temperature and density were formulated as n = C1T^C2 / T+C3 +A1ρ + A2ρ^2

 These equations were used to generate tables of smoothed values of viscosity as a function of pressure and temperature.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


contributor:
Ford, D.C.
Geography

abstract: Title: Geomorphology and Mass Budget of Peyto Glacier, Alberta, Author: John K. Sedgwick, Location: Thode

abstract: As part of Canada's contribution to the International Hydrological Decade, the mass budget of Peyto Glacier, Alberta was determined for the budget year 1964-1965 from measurements of total accumulation and ablation. The mass budget is considered in relation to long-term climatic trends at Lake Louise. Techniques are described which permit detailed ablation rates to be related periodically and seasonally to weather conditions and topography of the glacier. Melt-river hydrology was provisionally established and is related to ablation and weather. The lacier and its features are described and glacial landforms are discussed to clarify ice recession in Peyto Valley. The trend and form of the valley is shown to be due to geological structure.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Community and Social Mix in Planning - The New Towns

contributor:
Dear, M.
Geography

subject: community, social mix, planning, new towns

abstract:
 Briefly, the idea of this paper is to discuss the recent British and American new towns in the light of various theories of the nature of (the formation of) community, and to use that discussion to generate research themes and research categories for new towns and new communities. The main part, then, (Chapter 3) is devoted to what might be termed "middle range" theories of the nature of urban community, and draws heavily on the distinction between "neighbourhood" and "City" approaches, and that between "class-structural" and "status-issue" approaches. Chapter 3 provides antithesis to those ideas I term
"geographic" or "psychological", (Chapter 2) which tend to ask how man is determined by the physical or social nature of community rather than vice versa. The interpretation of the new towns (Chapter 4) is very much in terms of the preceding chapter, and here the concept of
class mix, or social mix, is here drawn on at some length. In Chapter 5 the examination of research ideas attempts to probe this interpretation, and further to characterize the divergent empirical approaches suggested by more (Chapter 3) or less (Chapter 2) socially theoretic
approaches.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: An Analysis of the Supply Characteristics of Jamaican Sugar Cane Farmers

contributor:
Wood, H. A.
Geography

subject: supply characteristics, Jamaican sugar cane, farmers, economic, agricultural

abstract:
 This study analyses the significance of a number of selected supply variables, economic and physical, in explaining changes in supply among Jamaican sugar cane farmers over time. The study is considered an empirical application of much of the findings in the theory of
agricultural supply.

 The study is set within the overall theory of agricultural supply
with a detailed discussion of the particular social and economic conditions of the study areas. As such, broad conclusions may be drawn from this study to be applied to other cases with similar characteristics.

 Extensive use is made of a questionnaire to arrive at the
particular characteristics of the farmers and their decisions regarding sugar cane supply. The study is, however, not exhaustive in scope nor are its conclusions incontrovertible.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: The Beta Decay of 105Ru

contributor:
Johns, M. W.
Physics

subject: beta, decay, energy levels, magnetic, gamma rays, detectors

abstract: Twenty-two energy levels of 105Ru populated in the beta decay of 105Ru have been determined. The internal conversion coefficients of the eighteen strongest transitions were measured using a magnetic spectrometer and were used to obtain their multipole assignments. The energies and intensities of seventy gamma rays were measured using germanium detectors and scintillation counters. Gamma-gamma and beta-gamma coincidence measurements carried out with magnetic spectrometers, NaI(Tl) and Ge(Li) detectors were used with these energy measurements to establish a decay scheme. An interpretation of the decay scheme in the light of current nuclear models was attempted.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Three-Level Switched Reluctance Motor Drive and Control

contributor:
Emadi, Ali
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Switched Reluctance Motor
Three-level converter
Adaptive control
Position sensorless control

abstract:
Switched reluctance motor has features like robust structure, low cost, and wide speed extension range over conventional induction and synchronous motors. These features make it a promising choice for many applications from electric vehicle to aerospace industry.

However, due to its silent structure, the characteristics of switched reluctance motor are highly nonlinear. The nonlinearity makes it difficult to control and results in degraded performance such as high torque ripple and acoustic noise compared with conventional induction machine or synchronous machine. New power converters and control methods have to be developed to improve its performance.

In order to reduce the current ripple and torque ripple, a novel three-level converter for switched reluctance motor is proposed. The operation modes and modulation method are presented in detail. Simulation and experimental results show that compared to conventional two-level converter, the proposed three-level converter is able to reduce current ripple, torque ripple and acoustic noise significantly without increasing cost.

A fast and accurate current controller is essential for the torque control of switched reluctance motor. An adaptive current controller for the three-level converter is developed to avoid the performance degradation caused by manufacture inconsistency. This controller has the ability to adjust its parameters according to the specific motor it drives. Fast dynamic and high accuracy could be achieved through parameter adaption.

In order to reduce the cost, and compete with the well-developed sensorless brushless DC and induction motor drive system, a new position sensorless control method for switched reluctance motor is proposed. This method is effective under both low speed operation and high speed operation. It can start with heavy load. It does not have to align the machine before start up as what is needed for many sensorless brushless DC drive systems.

The proposed converter and control methods are all verified by simulation and experimental results.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: SELF-ASSEMBLY OF MAGNESIUM ALUMINATE DUE TO DEWETTING OF OVERLAID GOLD THIN FILM

contributor:
Preston, John S.
Engineering Physics

subject: Self-assembly, Dewetting, Heat treatment, Gold thin film, Magnesium Aluminate spinel, Interface complexion, Epitaxial interface, Copper contamination, Atom probe tomography

abstract:
The self-assembly of magnesium aluminate spinel as a result of dewetting an
overlaid thin film of (chiefly) gold was investigated. Thin films of gold were
deposited on single-crystalline spinel substrates and were heat-treated to dewet gold film
which led to self-assembly of intricate structures consisting of faceted spherical particles
atop of frustums. The current work was conducted in continuation of previous studies
which reported formation of such intricate structures. The most recent studies had
evidently overruled a pure gold self-assembly scenario as was pointed out in preliminary
investigations. It was in fact proven that these structures consist of three distinct
parts: (i) a single or polycrystalline gold faceted sphere, (ii) quasi-phase interfacial
bilayer, and (iii) a crystalline MgAl2O4 necking structure spontaneously risen from
spinel substrate. In the current work, samples were produced through different film
deposition methods of sputter, thermal evaporation, and e-beam evaporation coating
which underwent thermal annealing to induce dewetting of gold film and subsequent
self-assembly of intricate structures. Several characterization methods such as electron
microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy,
and atom probe tomography were utilized to survey the different features of the
intricate structures with focus on chemical analysis of the gold-spinel interface. The
results rejected the previous findings about formation of interface complexion at the
boundary of gold-spinel. It was found out that gold-spinel interface is in fact an
ordinary metal-oxide boundary with sharp atomic distinction and no inter-diffusion
or formation of interfacial complexion. It was further discovered that dewetting pure
gold thin films does not result in formation of spinel self-assembly and existence
of elemental impurities of copper (Cu) in the initial film is vital in development of
such structures. Finally, it was concluded that chemical composition of metallic overlayer
and the heat treatment parameters most fundamentally influence formation and
physical characteristics of those self-assembled structures.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


contributor:
Siddall, J.N.
Mechanical Engineering

abstract: Title: Design Optimization of Vertical Water wheel Generator Lower Brackets, Author: David L. Saxton, Location: Thode

abstract:
In this thesis the functions, method of structural analysis,
and design limits of lower brackets are described. The results
of an investigation of the design formulae, the development of
a method of optimizing the design, and the results of an experimental
check on the accuracy of the design formulae are presented.

The maximum stresses as determined by experiment were in good
agreement with the theoretical predictions, however, the stresses
measured at other locations and the deflection were not. The
optimizing technique used was successful in reducing the value
of the optimization function from an initial starting point and
produced consistent results with different starting points.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


contributor:
Embury, J.D.
Metallurgy and Materials Science

abstract: Title: Deformation and Recovery of Iron Polycrystals, Author: Michael H. Schankula, Location: Thode

abstract:
The effect of grain size on the work hardening behavior of
polycrystalline iron, copper, and 70/30 alpha brass has been studied
using stress relaxation techniques. The stress relaxation technique
has been used to monitor the variation of internal stress during work
hardening as a function of grain size in these materials. It is shown
that, for certain conditions dependent on the temperature and the nature
of slip, the work hardening behavior of a metal polycrystal is grain
size dependent and can be expressed in terms of a modified Hall- Fetch
equation with a slope dependent on the degree of plastic strain. A simple
dimensional argument is developed to show that under conditions of
planar slip, where the slip distance is equivalent to the grain diameter,
the grain size dependent work hardening is related to the accumulation of
geometrically necessary dislocations required for the compatible deformation
of the polycrystal.

Recovery experiments have been used to study the thermal
stability of the work hardened structure formed at different deformation
temperatures in iron polycrystals.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


abstract: Title: Examination of Joints by the Finite Element Method, Author: Arthur M. Seanor, Location: Thode

abstract:
The unloading of a rock by excavation produces a stress pattern that can result in the production of joints.

The application of the finite element method to a rock face will outline the stress pattern resulting from this excavation.

As joints form along the zones of highest stresses in the rock mass, one can, by applying the finite element method predict the zone along which joint is most likely to occur and thus the propagation path of that joint.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Science (BSc)


title: Effect of Volcanic Aerosol on Atmosphere Aerosol Properties

contributor:
Davies, J.A.
Geography

abstract: Title: Effect of Volcanic Aerosol on Atmospheric Aerosol Properties, Author: Ronald Schroeder, Location: Thode

abstract: Aerosol particle size and mass were estimated from spectral aerosol optical depths. Optical depths were calculated from sunphotometer measurements before and after the eruption of El Chichón in 1982. Although aerosol parameters varied considerably with synoptic conditions, an increase in aerosol size and mass after the eruption was evident.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


contributor:
Murphy, K.L.
Chemical Engineering

abstract: Title: Residual Soluble Organics from the Activated Sludge Process, Author: Milan J. Sedivy, Location: Thode

abstract:
A completely-mixed batch biochemical reactor was used
to study the degradation of soluble organic carbon using a mixed
microbial culture. Carbon sources, representative of actual
wastes were chosen from among those whose metabolism has been
described in the literature, and included:
a) Phenol - an aromatic hydrocarbon
b) Glutamic acid - an aminoacid
c) Glucose - a monosaccharide, and
d) Starch - a polysaccharide.
Experiments were performed to determine if a mathematical
relationship could be developed between the level of residual organic
carbon and operating parameters of the activated sludge process.
An organic residue which could not be removed from the liquid
medium even after an extended period of contact of the waste with
activated sludge was monitored during the batch tests. Also, measurements of specific substrate degradation, and the total oxygen demand were analysed during the tests.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: The Effects of Aging on Figure-Ground Organization

title: Aging and Figure-Ground

contributor:
Sekuler, Allison B.
Bennett, Patrick J.
Psychology

subject:
aging
figure-ground
perceptual organization
perceptual competition resolution

abstract:
Little is known about how healthy aging impacts figure-ground (FG) perception, which is critical in organizing complex visual input into coherent figures. Inhibitory-suppression is thought to be critical in resolution between competing FG interpretations. Given the age-related changes to inhibitory cortical mechanisms, my thesis investigated the hypothesis that processes underlying FG organization are impaired in aging. We explored the effects of age on the convexity context effect (CCE): the tendency to perceive convex regions as figural [i.e., P(Convex=Figure)] increases with surrounding convex and concave regions.
In Chapter 2, we observed that adding context by increasing region number, increased P(Convex=Figure) in younger and older observers, but this CCE was significantly reduced in older adults. Reducing competition between perceptual interpretations by heterogeneously colouring convex regions, thereby invalidating the alternative {Concave=Figure} stimulus interpretation, greatly increased P(Convex=Figure) in older observers. These results supported the notion that aging impairs FG organization, particularly in relatively high competition contexts.
In Chapter 3, we explored the possibility that reduced presumption of depth in our stimuli might explain the reduced the CCE in older observers by adding texture motion to region fills consistent with depth in the stimulus. The results were inconsistent with the hypothesis, but supported the reduced inhibitory-suppression hypothesis of the age effect.
In Chapter 4, we explored the neural activation associated with the processing mechanisms underlying the resolution of FG competition. The results indicated that the N250 in younger observers but not older observers is sensitive to high vs. low competition contexts. Furthermore, individual differences in this N250-competition effect were correlated with the behavioural effect of competition. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the processing underlying FG organization is impaired in senescence, which may stem from reduced efficacy of the neural architecture supporting this ability.
Various implications of this work are discussed.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Steroid Transfer Among Cohabitating Female Big Brown Bats

contributor:
Faure, Paul
deCatanzaro, Denys
Psychology

subject:
Progesterone
Pheromones
E. fuscus
17B-Estradiol

abstract: In addition to their conventional role as hormones, studies have shown that steroids can act as pheromones in mammals. Emphasis has been placed on evaluating the physiological and behavioural effects of male, urinary 17β- estradiol (E2) exposure in pheromone phenomena including the prevention of embryo implantation and induced precocious puberty in females. Steroids have also been observed to transfer between female mice, leading to changes in the duration of their estrous cycle. Progesterone (P4), a crucial female sex steroid, promotes pro-social sexual reproductive behaviour and the growth of the endometrium in preparation for ovum implantation. Few studies have investigated the effects of P4 in a pheromonal context. Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) are ideal models for pheromone research because they are evolutionarily distinct from rodents, live in highly social and sexually-competitive harems, and are regularly exposed to conspecific secretions in the close confines of their roost. Experimental analysis revealed absorption of tritium-labeled progesterone (3H-P4) (10 μCi) 1 h after cutaneous and intranasal application to adult females. Additionally, radioactivity was observed in mature female bats caged for 48 h with an adult female conspecific that had been intraperitoneally-injected with 3H- P4 (50 μCi). Using the same paradigm, 3H-E2 transfer was not observed between females. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays revealed measurable levels of unconjugated P4 and E2 present in the urine of female bats, suggesting urine as one likely vector for P4 transfer. Given corroborative findings in mice, progesterone transfer during cohabitation is likely a mammalian-wide phenomenon that could have evolved to prime conspecifics—and more specifically kin—for sexual reproduction.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: Steroid molecules are conventionally assumed to act solely within the individual that produced them; however, recent experiments have demonstrated that the sex steroid 17β-Estradiol (E2) can be excreted in the urine of adult male mice and taken up into the neural, reproductive, and peripheral tissues of cohabitating females. This exogenous E2 can result in changes to female physiology and behaviour. Our lab has observed E2 to transfer between male and female captive big brown bats during the mating season. The current project aimed to determine whether E2 transfers between captive cohabitating female bats. We also examined whether progesterone (P4), an important female sex steroid involved in the preparation and maintenance of pregnancy, transfers between female bats. We determined that P4 reliably transfers between female bats, but E2 does not. Bioactive E2 and P4 were measured in the urine of non- pregnant female bats and propose urine as one likely vector of P4 transfer between cohabitating individuals.


title: Three Essays on the Consumption Patterns of the Elderly

contributor:
Veall, Michael
Economics

subject:
consumption
marginal utility
health
life cycle hypothesis

abstract:
Overall this thesis explores the age pattern of consumption of the Canadian elderly. Theoretical applications of the Life Cycle Hypothesis suggest that these consumption patterns should be constant in real terms as individuals age. However, most empirical work observes a declining pattern of consumption with age and health status. This thesis attempts to resolve this difference.

The first chapter uses data from the Canadian National Population Health Survey. Using a comprehensive measure of health status, it finds that poor health explains the reduction in consumption (and its marginal utility), with most of the effect occurring among individuals whose income is above the median.

The second chapter uses data from the Canadian Survey of Household Spending to explore the effect on non-healthcare consumption of falling into ill health. It finds that the effect on non-healthcare consumption varies by the level of a household's saving or dissaving. Non-healthcare consumption decreases by roughly 2.25% of after-tax income for those households that dissave 10% of their current year after-tax income or less. As households dissave larger and larger amount, however, the effect first becomes less negative, and then more positive.

The third chapter develops a theoretical approach to calculating a life annuity value that produces optimal levels of annual consumption that reflect changes in utility based on health status and age. Relative to an annuity that produces a constant real stream of income for a healthy 65 year old male, the optimal stream of income starts roughly 2% higher and drops by 2% to 3% by age 80 and by a further 2% or so by age 95. This pattern of consumption is roughly equivalent to ignoring 15 to 20 basis points of annual inflation relative to an annuity that is fully indexed to inflation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Case Studies in Document Driven Design of Scientific Computing Software

contributor:
Smith, Spencer
Nedialkov, Ned
Computing and Software

subject:
document driven design
software engineering
scientific computing
case study

abstract:
The use and development of Scientific Computing Software (SCS) has become commonplace
in many fields. It is used to motivate decisions and support scientific research.
Software Engineering (SE) practices have been shown to improve software quality in other
domains, but these practices are not commonly used in Scientific Computing (SC). Previous
studies have attributed the infrequent use of SE practices to the incompatibility of
traditional SE with SC development. In this research, the SE development process, Document
Driven Design (DDD), and SE tools were applied to SCS using case studies.
Five SCS projects were redeveloped using DDD and SE best practices. Interviews with
the code owners were conducted to assess the impact of the redevelopment. The interviews
revealed that development practices and the use of SE varied between the code owners.
After redevelopment, the code owners agreed that a systematic development process can
be beneficial, and they had a positive or neutral response to the software artifacts produced
during redevelopment. The code owners, however, felt that the documentation produced by
the redevelopment process requires too great a time commitment. To promote the use of SE
in SCS development, SE practices must integrate well with current development practices
of SC developers and not disrupt their regular workflow. Further research in this field
should encourage practices that are easy to adopt by SC developers and should minimize
the effort required to produce documentation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Channel and Server Scheduling for Energy-Fair Mobile Computation Offloading

contributor:
Todd, Terence D.
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
mobile cloud computing
energy
scheduling

abstract:
This thesis investigates energy fairness in an environment where multiple mobile cloud computing users are attempting to utilize both a shared channel and a shared server to offload jobs to remote computation resources, a technique known as mobile computation offloading. This offloading is done in an effort to reduce energy consumption at the mobile device, which has been demonstrated to be highly effective in previous work. However, insufficient resources are available for all mobile devices to offload all generated jobs due to constraints at the shared channel and server. In addition to these constraints, certain mobile devices are at a disadvantage relative to others in their achievable offloading rate. Hence, the shared resources are not necessarily shared fairly, and an effort must be made to do so.

A method for improving offloading fairness in terms of total energy is derived, in which the state of the queue of jobs waiting for offloading is evaluated in an online fashion, at each job arrival, in order to inform an offloading decision for that newest arrival; no prior state or future predictions are used to determine the optimal decision. This algorithm is evaluated by comparing it on several criteria to standard scheduling methods, as well as to an optimal offline (i.e., non-causal) schedule derived from the solution of a min-max energy integer linear program. Various results derived by simulation demonstrate the improvements in energy fairness achieved.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: IN-CYLINDER CONDITION ESTIMATION AND CONTROL APPLICATIONS ON DIESEL ENGINE COMBUSTION

contributor:
Yan, Fengjun
Mechanical Engineering

subject: Diesel engine, in-cylinder conditions, estimation and control

abstract:
Advanced combustion modes offer promising solutions for both emission reduction and efficiency improvement. The lower local equivalence ratio and lower peak temperature characterized by the advanced combustion mode significantly reduce the generation of the engine-out emissions (especially the soot and NOx). Although the advanced combustion mode enjoys extra-low emissions, some technical challenges prevent it from being widely applied in real practice. Combustion phasing control as auto-ignition and narrow load range are two main challenges to be addressed. The estimation and control techniques for Diesel engine targeting these two challenges are presented in four papers in this thesis.
	 Accessing to the in-cylinder conditions is essential for a more detailed combustion estimation and further combustion control. Paper 1 and Paper 2 (Chapter II and Chapter III) introduce methods of estimating two critical in-cylinder conditions, the in-cylinder temperature and oxygen concentration. The system dynamic models are derived and the Extended Kalman filter (EKF) and smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) are utilized for the in-cylinder temperature and in-cylinder oxygen concentration estimation, respectively.
	The method of coordinated control for the intake conditions and the combustion process aiming at a fast and accurate combustion process response is proposed in paper 3 (Chapter IV). Disturbance rejection control in conjunction with sliding mode method is proposed to control the air- and fuel-path loop simultaneously.
	As an indicator to show the combustion quality and to avoid significant incomplete combustion, the unburned fuel is estimated in paper 4 (Chapter V) based on the oxygen concentration. Three filters are designed to estimate the trapped unburned fuel and their robustness against modeling errors are analyzed and compared theoretically.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract:
To ultimately reduce the engine-out emissions and increase the thermal efficiency, advanced combustion modes provide promising solutions. However, several obstacles, including the narrow load range and difficulty of the combustion phasing control, prevent the advanced combustion from being widely applied in practice. To address these obstacles, detail estimation of in-cylinder gas conditions and robust control for air- and fuel-path are critical. This thesis focuses on the states estimation and control for Diesel engines aiming to address the obstacles laid by the advanced combustion modes.
	Four journal papers with different objectives compose this thesis. Paper 1 and Paper 2 (Chapter II and III, respectively) propose methods of estimation of the in-cylinder temperature and oxygen concentration. Paper 3 (Chapter IV) introduces the method of coordinated control of the intake conditions and the combustion process. The unburned fuel is estimated in paper 4 (Chapter V).
	The techniques introduced in the 4 papers are either validated through calibrated GT-Power simulations or experiments in a Diesel engine.


title: Mechanistic Modeling of Jet Impingement Boiling

contributor:
Hamed, Mohamed
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
The current work presents a steady-state experimental study of nucleate and transition
boiling under a planar water jet impinging on a flat horizontal copper surface. The
maximum attained surface temperature is 560  C and the maximum wall heat flux is
5 MW/m2. The boiling curves under the impinging jet have been obtained for 0.6 and
0.7m/s jet velocity and 15  C of subcooling. The boiling curves are similar to flow
boiling curves in the nucleate boiling regime. However, the curves are characterized
by a region of constant heat flux (shoulder) in the transition boiling regime.
The current work studies nucleate and transition impinging jet boiling. Determining
the bubble size is essential for the heat flux estimation in the nucleate boiling regime.
There are limited number of studies targeting bubble dynamics under impinging
jets. The current study presents a new force balance for bubbles growing in the
stagnation region for the nucleate boiling regime. The jet dynamics cause two more
force components compared to the case of flow boiling: (1) an asymmetric bubble
growth force for a moving fluid and (2) a pressure force caused by the jet stagnation.
As the force balance depends on bubble growth rate, Zuber’s model for non-uniform
temperature field has been found to best represent the current experimental data with
different b values. b =  /7 has been found to best fit the data at the stagnation region
and b = 5 /6 for the parallel flow region.
In transition boiling, the existence of the shoulder phenomenon has been attributed
to vapor pockets break-up and formation on the heated surface. Vapor break-up
and formation has been observed using high speed imaging. A new wall heat flux
partitioning model has been developed based on the current physical understanding.
The model has two components of heat transfer. Each component has been assumed to
have a weighted contribution to the total heat flux based on the degree of superheat.
The components are based on two mechanisms observed during vapor break-up.
The first mechanism is due to the interaction between the jet dynamics and the vapor
pockets in the stagnation region. The second mechanism which is more frequent
at higher temperatures is due to Rayleigh-Taylor instability. The instability of the
liquid-vapor interface grows and liquid wets the surface in the form of liquid columns.
The modeled wall heat flux follows the experimental boiling curve reasonably. The
model has a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 33%.
The wall heat flux has been found to be dependent on the vapor break-up frequency.
A micro-size fiber optic has been used to measure the vapor oscillation frequency on
the boiling surface. The probe has been produced by a new etching technique to assure
minimal interference with the vapor formation or break-up. Based on the collected
data, the break-up frequency has been modeled.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Channeling Measurements of Damage in Ion Bombarded Iron

contributor:
Thompson, D. A.
Engineering Physics

subject: channeling, measurements, ion bombarded iron, energy, diffusion, annealing, temperature

abstract:
 This project is concerned with medium energy heavy ion (60 KEV 75As, 40Ar, 120 KEV 150As2) implantation into single crystal iron at room temperature and 35°K. Resulting crystal properties are measured using the technique of high energy light ion (1.0 MEV 4He) channeling and backscattering. The phenomenon of oxygen recoil implantation by the
bombarding ion is found to be an important effect to avoid if radiation damage is to be measured. In cases where oxygen recoil implantation has been eliminated, radiation damage was evident from an increase in the minimum channeling yield. The existence of damage beyond the expected damage range at room temperature is attributed to diffusion of defects.
Some annealing of damage is observed in samples which have been damaged at 35°K and warmed to room temperature. At doses of about 10^16 atoms/cm^2, 80(±10)% of the implanted As is found to be at lattice sites.

 The merits and limitations of this technique as a simulation of 14 MEV neutron radiation damage are also discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Optimum Iteration Schemes for the Improved Quasistatic Method

contributor:
Dastur, A.
Engineering Physics

subject: optimum iteration, schemes, quasistatic, reactors

abstract:
<p> General theory of nuclear reactor kinetics is discussed, with emphasis on CANDU* reactors. The numerical solution of the group diffusion equations using the IQS+ method
is presented. Several important numerical parameters are studied with reference to a one-dimensional slab reactor undergoing a LOC° accident. These parameters are: number of
mesh points in the region of solution, frequency of shape calculations, and convergence criteria.
* Canada - Deuterium - Uranium
+ Improved Quasi-Static
o Loss of Coolant

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


contributor:
Olsen, F.P.
Chemistry

abstract: Title: Reactions of Sulfur and Sulfur Containing Species with Amines, Author: Yukihiko Sasaki, Location: Thode

abstract:
The reactions of S4N4 with various amines, particularly benzylamines, have been investigated. Benzylamines give arylimine polysulfides, Schiff's bases and ammonia as products. The stoichiometric equation has been established. The reaction is quite sensitive to structural changes and appears limited to ring substituded benzylamines.

Details of the reactions of primary amines with sulfur, one of the "neglected fields of research", have been investigated. Intermediates have been isolated and characterized and a reaction scheme has been proposed for the sulfur-benzylamine system. In this scheme benzylamine polysulfides and benzylidenimine polysulfides occur as cyclic intermediates. The final products are N-benzylidene benzylamine, ammonia and benzylammonia polysulfides.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Theory of Self-Assembled Bilayers Near a Cylindrical Hydrophobic Insertion

contributor:
Shi, An-Chang
Physics and Astronomy

subject:
Lipid membrane
Self-consistent field theory
Elasticity theory
Proteins

abstract: We develop a coarse-grained model of lipids and proteins in which the lipids are modelled as diblock copolymers and the proteins as rigid cylinders. The generic protein model allows the possibility of amphipathic proteins with intrinsic curvature. Self-consistent field theory (SCFT) is used to determine the morphology of the lipid bilayer in the vicinity of the proteins. In particular, we focus on the case of a long transmembrane protein inserted perpendicular to the bilayer. For this system we use SCFT to determine the mechanical properties of the membrane and the thickness profile as a function of distance from the protein inclusion. The mechanical constants are also used in an elastic theory to predict the thickness profile. Good agreement between the full SCFT and elastic theory is obtained. We also use SCFT to determine systematic trends of the boundary conditions for the thickness profile at the protein interface. Such results could be used as boundary conditions for the description of bilayers using elastic theory. We show that this system undergoes a second order wetting transition as the interaction strength between the protein and membrane is varied.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: The Dynamical Evolution of Accreted Star Clusters in the Milky Way

contributor:
Sills, Alison
Physics and Astronomy

subject:
globular clusters
dynamics

abstract: We perform N-body simulations of star clusters in time-dependant galactic potentials. Since the Milky Way was built up through mergers with dwarf galaxies, its globular cluster population is made up of clusters formed both during the initial collapse of the Galaxy and in dwarf galaxies that were later accreted. Throughout a dwarf Milky Way merger, dwarf galaxy clusters are subject to a changing galactic potential. We investigate how this changing galactic potential affects the evolution of a cluster's half-mass radius. In particular, we simulate clusters on circular orbits around a dwarf galaxy that either falls into the Milky Way or evaporates as it orbits the Milky Way. We find that the dynamical evolution of a star cluster is determined by whichever galaxy has the strongest tidal field at the position of the cluster. Thus, clusters entering the Milky Way undergo changes in size as the Milky Way tidal field becomes stronger and that of the dwarf diminishes. We find that ultimately accreted clusters become the same size as a cluster born in the Milky Way on the same orbit. The change in size for accreted clusters occurs on a short time-scale, comparable to 1-2 cluster half-mass relaxation times. Assuming their initial sizes are similar, clusters born in the Galaxy and those that are accreted cannot be separated based on their current size alone.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Effects of Blockiness and Polydispersity on the Phase Behaviour of non-Markovian Random Block Copolymers

subject:
Polymer Physics
Random Copolymers

abstract: A model of non-Markovian random block copolymers is developed and used to study the effects of blockiness and compositional polydispersity on the phase behaviour of random block copolymers. The model approximates a random copolymer as a series of segments with equal lengths, while each segment is composed of sequences of different monomers drawn randomly from a distribution. The phase behaviour of the model random copolymers is first examined using the random phase approximation (RPA) to study the effects of blockiness and polydispersity on the order-disorder transition. It is observed that the critical point is inversely proportional to the blockiness. Compositional polydispersity is found to facilitate phase separation, and could induce macrophase separation. Next, the model is implemented into self-consistent field theory (SCFT) in order to elucidate the full phase behaviour of  symmetric (A/B)-A random copolymers. Finally, the model is applied to the particular case of poly(styrenesulfonate-b-methylbutylene) (PSS-PMB) to study the effects of blockiness on the phase behaviour. In particular, the stability and structure of the `swollen gyroid' morphology predicted by previous Monte Carlo simulations is examined.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Performance of Foamed Asphalt Stabilized Base Materials Incorporating Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement

contributor:
Guo, Peijun
Civil Engineering

subject:
Foamed asphalt stabilized base
Reclaimed asphalt pavement

abstract: Foamed asphalt stabilized material as a high quality granular base incorporating high percentages of fine fractionated reclaimed asphalt material is investigated. A foamed asphalt mix is designed using a fabricated asphalt foaming device. The final specimens are tested for indirect tensile strength, indirect tensile resilient modulus, triaxial resilient modulus, triaxial repeated load permanent deformation, and unconfined compression. Results are compared to those with the same aggregate blends without stabilization for triaxial resilient modulus and repeated load permanent deformation. Stabilized materials are tested in soaked and unsoaked states to establish moisture susceptibility. Foam stabilization is found to significantly improve triaxial resilient modulus in all materials as well as permanent deformation resistance in materials with high RAP content. Soaking only marginally reduces triaxial resilient modulus and the effects are lesser in materials incorporating high RAP content.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Urban Development in the Niagara Fruit Belt

contributor:
Anderson, W. P.
Geography

subject: urban development, Niagara, fruit belt, land, agricultural industry

abstract:
 Urban development in the Niagara fruit belt has long been a problem for the area. The gradual beginnings of small non-rural land uses created demand for the infrastructure that literally paved the way for large scale urbanization of this agricultural land. Development has
continued to the point that the fruit belt's viability as an agricultural resource, is threatened. This paper outlines a history of events the fruit belt, it's importance to Canada's agricultural industry, the threats to the area and the conflicting views in order to determine whether or not the fruit belt can be preserved for agriculture. In this, it was discovered that the greatest threats to the area originate from economic conditions favouring urban development. This thesis provides a basis on which future planning and development for the fruit belt can be assessed. It also indicates the extent of damage and conditions in order to determine the possibility of saving the area.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Candidate in Philosophy


title: Frontalis EMG Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation Training in Cerebral Palsy: Two Case Studies

contributor:
Milner, M.
Engineering Physics

subject: Frontalis EMG, biofeedback, cerebral palsy, relaxation

abstract:
 The effectiveness of auditory frontalis EMG feedback as a means of teaching general relaxation to spastic and athetoid cerebral palsy individuals was investigated in a pilot study. It was hypothesized that an increase in voluntary ability to reduce levels of muscle activity would translate into improved functional skills and act as an effective coping response in dealing with stress and anxiety.

 Two subjects - one athetoid (female; 16 years old) and the other spastic (male; 19 years old were studied in depth, each through the use of an A-B-A single-subject design, where the B phase consisted of ten 15-minute sessions of auditory feedback of the frontalis muscle. Generalization of relaxation was assessed by monitoring forearm flexor and extensor muscle activity, peripheral skin temperature, and respiration rate. A Tektronix 4051 desktop computer was utilized to facilitate data management. In addition to the physiological measures, functional evaluations were conducted prior to and after training and a questionnaire was answered by the subject's relatives. Although there was no clear tendency for either subject to reduce absolute levels of EMG, one subject demonstrated a striking reduction in variability of muscle activity across sessions. Functional assessments for these subjects indicated mild to moderate improvements.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Cations and Oxy-Cations of Iodine

contributor:
Gillespie, R. J.
Chemistry

subject: cations, Iodine, compounds, polymeric species, concentrations

abstract:
 The behaviour of iodic acid, of mixtures of iodic acid and iodine, and of various other iodine compounds as solutes in sulphuric and fluorosulphuric acids has been studied, using mainly cryoscopic and conductimetric techniques. Evidence has been obtained for the existence of polymeric species containing iodine (V), of the oxy-cation IO+, of the iodine cation, I+, in small concentrations in equilibrium with its disproportionation products, and of the cations I3+, I5+ and I2Cl+. The reaction of iodosyl sulphate with disulphuric acid has been studied. Conductimetric studies have been made of solutions of water, potassium nitrate and potassium perchlorate in fluorosulphuric acid. The results of some spectrophotometric
and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments are also reported.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Chisholm, S.H.
Electrical Engineering

abstract: Title: The Effect of Temperature on Bipolar Junction Transistor Noise, Author: Narendra K. Shah, Location: Thode

abstract: The effect on temperature on the noise characteristics at mid-frequencies of a low-noise silicon bipolar junction transistor is investigated theoretically and experimentally. Over a range of temperatures, an optimum device temperature is sought, and base resistance data is obtained from the noise measurements.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


contributor:
Robinson, H.
Civil Engineering

abstract: Title: Composite Action in the Reinforced Concrete Beam, Author: A. Shakoor Uppal, Location: Thode

abstract: This thesis involves the treatment of the reinforced concrete beam as a composite beam with incomplete interaction. Influence of the loss of interaction and other parameters on the flexural cracking, and the moment capacity of the remaining uncracked portion of the reinforced concrete beam is studied analytically.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)