title: CHARACTERIZING THE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL NUTRIENT RESTRICTION DURING PREGNANCY ON OFFSPRING OVARIAN FOLLICLE NUMBER, RECRUITMENT AND GROWTH FACTORS

contributor:
Sloboda, Deborah
Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences

subject:
maternal nutrition
reproduction
pregnancy
IUGR
ovary
ovarian aging

abstract: The intrauterine environment induces developmental adaptations that impact health and disease risk later in life. Reproductive abnormalities are now included in the long list of health complications seen in offspring exposed to early life adversity including poor prenatal nutrition. Previous work has shown using a rat model, that offspring born to mothers that were nutrient restricted (UN) during pregnancy are growth restricted, enter puberty early, and as adults, display characteristics of early ovarian aging with reduced follicle number. This present study aimed to investigate whether key proteins involved in ovarian follicle recruitment and growth, including the PI3K/Akt pathway, may be impaired as a result of early life nutritional adversity. Maternal UN resulted in irregular estrous cyclicity due to persistent estrus, a significant decrease in young adult ovarian antral follicles, corpora lutea, and a significant increase in atretic follicles. A decrease in growing follicles in UN offspring appears to be due to lowered expression of granulosa-cell secreted growth factor IGF-1 in antral follicles, and increased expression of pro-apoptotic factor Casp3 in secondary follicles of young adult offspring born to UN dams. Changes in follicle signalling pathways were apparent before observing altered ovarian function. In UN prepubertal offspring, expression levels of IGF1-R and FSHR were lowered in secondary and antral follicles respectively. These growth factors may contribute to a decrease in PI3K/Akt activation as immunohistochemical staining revealed a decrease in pAkt immunolocalization in prepubertal antral follicles. Moreover, neonatal ovaries of UN offspring show decreased levels of immunopositive staining for AMHRII, a regulatory receptor of the ovarian reserve. This study demonstrates that maternal UN during pregnancy impacts ovarian function in female offspring as early as P65. Findings from this study provides a model of understanding mechanisms of follicle loss and reproductive dysfunction as a result of nutrient restriction during fetal life.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: An Analytical Investigation to Determine the Effective Length Factor of Stepped Crane Columns

contributor:
Robinson, H.
Civil Engineering

subject: length, factor, stepped, crane, columns, buckling,

abstract: A report follows in which five different conditions of support of stepped crane columns were investigated. In each case the curvature or moment equations representing the column in its just-buckled condition are determined. The general solution of each differential equation is then found and solved in terms of the boundary conditions to obtain a transcendental equation which gives the critical buckling length. This transcendental equation is solved for the lowest possible value to get the critical buckling length. This lowest value is compared to the Euler critical buckling value in order to get the effective length factor.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Librational Modes of Solid N2 and CO

subject: librational, modes, solid, intermolecular, raman, temperature

abstract: An intermolecular potential between two diatomic molecules consisting of quadrupole, dispersion and repulsive terms has been used to determine the librational modes of the molecules in the solid α phase. Fixed centers of mass of the molecules, i.e. no translational motion has been assumed and the calculation is carried out in the small angle approximation for both N2 and CO. The calculated modes of nitrogen are used to study the temperature dependence of the nuclear quadrupole resonance frequency. The results are compared with Raman scattering and N.Q.R. experiments. An alternate approximation is included in the discussion.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: An Investigation in Vitro of a Ribosome Dissociating Factor From Rat Liver

contributor:
Lawford, G.R.
Biochemistry

subject: monomeric, ribosomes, dissociating, factor, rat, liver, mammalian, cells

abstract:
 Monomeric ribosomes and very few subunits are found in mammalian cells and because subunits are required for initiation of protein biosynthesis in both mammalian and bacterial systems, this implies that the dissociation step in the ribosome cycle does not occur spontaneously. Our attention was drawn to the possibility that the monomeric ribosomes in mammalian cells could complex with a dissociation factor. This factor would perhaps be present in the cell in limited supply and would, therefore have to recycle in the course of initiation, from a completed initiation complex to another free ribosome. An assay was set up whereby the existence of a dissociation factor in a subcellular fraction of rat liver could be determined. The perfecting of the assay system for the dissociation factor yielded much information on the ionic concentration necessary for both ribosome and subunit stability. The factor was found to be present in the fraction containing the "native" subunits. This is identical to the situation which exists in E. coli. The factor is capable of dissociating rat liver monomeric ribosomes into 60S and 40S subunits. The factor was found to act on ribosomes freed of both messenger RNA and nascent protein.

 Purification of the crude dissociation factor preparation was achieved by obtaining at 4°C the 35-65% ammonium sulphate fraction. Purification was also achieved by means of an incubation of the preparation at 40°C for 30 minutes followed by a centrifugation to remove precipitated protein.

 The DF was determined to have a molecular weight in excess of 85,000 by column chromatography.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Phenomenological Aspects of the Quantum-Mechanical World-View

subject: quantum, phenomenological, aspects, world, view, logic

abstract: The contents of this paper consist of two independent but correlated topics. In Part I the history of nineteenth and twentieth century philosophy of science is traced in an effort to demonstrate the essential phenomenological aspects of the scientific methodology. Part II, on the other hand, is a technical exposition of some foundational aspects of quantum mechanics based on quantum logic. An effort is made to retain the theme that quantum mechanics is largely a phenomenological theory. As a summary, Part III constitutes an attempt to correlate the first two parts and to present tentatively some consequent reflections on the metaphysical significance of the quantum mechanical formalism.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Digital Instrumentation for Rotating Machines

contributor:
Alden, R.T.H.
Kitai, R.
Electrical Engineering

subject: digital, instrumentation, rotating, machines, design, power

abstract: The thesis is concerned with the design and construction of an instrumentation system for a machine set in a power laboratory. As the system was designed primarily to replace conventional analog metering its operation is very easy to master given minimal instruction. The system is capable of measuring rotor speed, rotor angle and reactive torque. From these values mechanical power and slip are calculated. While acting as a measuring instrument the system can also simultaneously provide speed setting of a dc machine by means of a controlled rectifier. As this system is constructed around a microcomputer it is possible to expand some of the functions as well as interconnect to other digital devices for enhanced performance.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Moving Towards "Pow Wow-Step"

title: Moving Towards "Pow Wow-Step": Constructions of "the Indian" and A Tribe Called Red's Mobilization of Art as Resistance

contributor:
York, Lorraine
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
Indigenous studies
Post-colonial studies
A Tribe Called Red
Music
Ethical Spaces
Indigenous celebrity

abstract: The relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canadians is fraught with political and cultural divides. While Idle No More garnered some momentum to raise awareness of the need for political change, there has yet to be an approach that has popularly engaged and compelled response from Canadians. This thesis project navigates the political potential of artists, who can both accumulate cross-cultural audiences through entertainment and incite change through their vocalizations in performance. Offering a case-study approach to the Indigenous music group, A Tribe Called Red, this project considers their compelling Indigenous space-making work through their performance and celebrity. Drawing from this work, this project offers a navigation between the need for respectful cross-cultural dialogue between Indigenous peoples and Canadians and the actionable change that can occur through popular entertainment and its intimate connections.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Approaches to modelling in decision-analytic health economic evaluations: Factors to differentiate between approaches

contributor: Clinical Epidemiology/Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics

subject:
decision analysis
health economic modelling

abstract:
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES
Decision-analytic modelling can inform healthcare resource allocation and reimbursement decision-making, with modelling approaches adapted from a variety of disciplines. The objective of this thesis was to investigate the evidence surrounding when each approach should be used when conducting health economic evaluations.
METHODS
Project 1: A systematic review identified selection criteria, referred to as factors, through an evaluation of existing decision frameworks that aimed to differentiate between models.
Project 2: Employing the factors identified from Project 1, a systematic review explored the extent to which empirical cross-validation studies agree on the importance of each on its impact to model selection.
Project 3:  A decision tree evaluating the cost-effectiveness of two vaccination strategies in children was reconstructed as system dynamics and agent-based models and compared. Scenario analyses assessed the situations whereby the model’s results would be sensitive to or be better handled by a particular approach.
RESULTS
Project 1: Among the eight frameworks identified; each involved a different set of structural or practical factors. Disagreements emerged between frameworks in the classification of the structural features specific to each modelling approach.
Project 2: Nine exercises have been conducted, mostly focused on the criteria of interactivity (i.e., static vs. dynamic) and population resolution (i.e., aggregate vs. individual). Aggregate- and individual-level models were found to produce similar results with a practical trade-off between validity and feasibility. In the presence of large indirect effects, dynamic and static models often produced disparate results.
Project 3: When calibrated, all three approaches reached consistent findings. Adaptation away from base-case assumptions led to different quantitative results on which vaccination strategy would be most optimal.
CONCLUSION
Despite disagreement among the frameworks on how to recommend modelling approaches, consistent conclusions were observed in empirical cross-validation studies. More empirical evidence is therefore needed to improve one’s understanding of the impact of the remaining factors on model selection.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A Study of Some Aspects of Numerically Controlled Machine Tools

contributor:
deMalherbe, M. C.
Mechanical Design

subject: numerically controlled machine tools, NCMT, APT programme, hydrostatic thrust bearing, static stiffness, dynamic stiffness, dampers, absorbers

abstract:
 This thesis is a study of numerically controlled machine tools (NCMT), and is divided into four sections.

 Section A is a literature survey of current concepts, criteria and techniques in design of MCMT structures and drives. Several of the authors own ideas are also included.

 Section B deals with NCMT manual and computer aided programming techniques. The structure and function of post processors is also covered.

 Section C is a practical combination of computer design optimization and numerical control manufacture. In an example the geometrical dimensions of a hydrostatic thrust bearing are optimized and used as an input to a generalized APT programme, written to produce a numerical control tape for manufacture of this bearing type.

 Section D is the discussion and conclusion.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Matroids on Complete Boolean Algebras

contributor:
Sabidussi, G. O.
Mathematics

rights: An error occurred getting the license - uri.

subject: non-finitary matroids, Boolean algebras, Whitney duality, topological, Boolean, algebra, axioms, B-Matroids

abstract: The approach to a theory of non-finitary matroids, as outlined by the author in [20], is here extended to the case in which the relevant closure operators are defined on arbitrary complete Boolean algebras, rather than on the power sets of sets. As a preliminary to this study, the theory of derivatives of operators on complete Boolean algebras is developed and the notion, having interest in its own right, of an analytic closure operator is introduced . The class of B-matroidal closure operators is singled out for especial attention and it is proved that this class is closed under Whitney duality. Also investigated is the class of those closure operators which are both matroidal and topological.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: MANAGING SPAWNING AND NURSERY HABITAT OF THE GEORGIAN BAY MUSKELLUNGE (ESOX MASQUINONGY)

contributor:
Chow-Fraser, Patricia
Biology

subject:
Muskellunge
Georgian Bay
Nursery Habitat
Habitat Suitability

abstract:
The self-sustaining status of Georgian Bay’s trophy muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) fishery is owed in part to the widespread distribution of high quality coastal wetlands used as nursery habitat.  The specific wetland features that promote the recruitment of young-of-the-year (YOY) muskellunge in Georgian Bay have not been clearly defined, and without such information, it is unclear to what extent an unprecedented period of sustained low water-levels (c. 1999), and/or shoreline modifications, will continue to degrade the suitability of nursery habitats used by muskellunge throughout Georgian Bay.  In this thesis, I use data from two years of intensive sampling in two embayments of northern Georgian Bay to statistically differentiate between wetlands that were found with and without YOY muskellunge.  By doing so, I have provided the first quantifiable definition of suitable nursery habitat for muskellunge in Georgian Bay.  Muskellunge nurseries have a structurally complex community of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV; e.g. Potamogeton richardsonii) within the water column (≤ 1-m depth) and a fish community that had abundant suitable prey (e.g. Cypinid species) and a scarcity of early-life predators (e.g. Perca flavescens).  Some key aspects of the SAV community were governed by wetland's bathymetry, and this relationship makes it possible to model the effect of changing water-level scenarios on habitat suitability.
I translated these results into a management tool for fish management agencies by creating an Index of Nursery Habitat Suitability (INHS) that can be applied to other embayments in Georgian Bay to identify high quality early-life habitats for muskellunge.  I developed two INHS models and applied them to an independent dataset from other regions of Georgian Bay, and found them to differentiate between sites that were known to be used by YOY muskellunge and those where YOY were absent.  These were also able to track deterioration in habitat quality associated with the recent decade of low water levels. Both INHS models rely on variables based on robust ecological relationships known to favour YOY survivorship that can be readily collected by fish management agencies, and one INHS model does not require detailed information of the aquatic plant community.  Both models were also designed to minimize the frequency of false negatives (suitable nursery sites misidentified as unsuitable) and false positives (unsuitable nursery sites misidentified as suitable). These INHS models should become an important tool that will complement harvest regulations to promote this economically and ecologically valuable, self-sustaining muskellunge population in Georgian Bay.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: The following Ph.D. describes how a period of sustained low water levels and shoreline modifications in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, have impacted the coastal wetland habitat used by muskellunge during their early life.  To counteract these adverse effects, the thesis provides a definition of the wetland features that promote the survival of young-of-the-year muskellunge in Georgian Bay.  Included is a proposed management tool in the form of an Index of Nursery Habitat Suitability (INHS) for muskellunge that can be used to identify high-quality, early-life habitat of muskellunge.  Furthermore, the INHS can be used to predict how the quality of this habitat responds to different water-level scenarios and to shoreline modification in Georgian Bay, and to guide rehabilitative efforts of degraded wetland habitat.


title: Variational Calculations of Lambda Binding Energies In Hypernuclei

title: Lambda Binding Energies in Hypernuclei

contributor:
Volkov, A. B.
Physics

subject: Binding energies, Hypernuclei, Lambda,  Ʌ-N, N-N force,  Ʌ binding energies, alpha model, rigid model

abstract:
 Variational calculations for hypernuclei and their corresponding nuclear cores have been performed with phenornenological effective Ʌ -N and N-N interactions. Effects of deformation and Majorana exchange on the Ʌ binding energies have been studied. The influence of density dependence in both the Ʌ-N and N-N force has been investigated . The three-body ɅNN interaction has also been considered qualitatively. All these effects help to reduce the Ʌ binding energies in hypernuclei.

 In addition to the variational calculations, the rigid alpha model has been used to determine the  Ʌ binding energy in (5 Ʌ - He). A comparison of the methods is given.
 Finally, excited states of some hypernuclei have been calculated using the variational ground state equilibrium size.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Efficacy of web-based tailored health communication for behavioural modification in sun safety: A comparative study of tailored and response independent information delivery

contributor:
Valaitis, Ruta
eHealth

subject:
eHealth
sun safety

abstract:
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the single most important risk factor for skin cancers. The incidence and severity of skin cancers are on the rise in most parts of the world including Canada. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer with a poor prognosis.

It is possible to calculate the approximate time required to develop sunburn based on the skin type of an individual and the UV index of the region of residence. A tool was constructed for this purpose using various web technologies such as PHP and JavaScript. The tool was named SUNBUC as an acronym for Sun Burn Calculator. There were two phases of the study: 1. Usability testing and 2. A controlled trial, which was designed to test the impact of the tool on the sun protection behaviour of the respondents over a period of 3 months. The null hypothesis was that tailored information and response independent information has a similar impact on sun safety behaviour as measured by the frequency of usage of sun protection methods such as sunscreen. Ethics board approval was obtained for the study.

The usability of the online survey and SUNBUC was tested on five respondents using the think-aloud method and evaluated using the System Usability Scale. The evaluation showed average usability and system modifications were made according to the findings of the think-aloud study.

The controlled trial design consisted of the control group with 48 respondents and intervention group with 53 respondents. Post intervention survey responses were obtained from 46(96\%) and 48(91\%) respondents belonging to the control and intervention groups respectively. Having implemented SUNBUC, findings showed no significant difference between the respondents who used the tool and the control group in short-term sun protection behaviour. However, many respondents felt that SUNBUC gave them a sense of control over their behaviour, a proximal determinant of the behaviour itself as per the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Three Essays in Corporate Investment and Financing

contributor:
SARKAR, SUDIPTO
Finance

subject:
real options
capital structure
investment timing
time-to-build
growth uncertainty
performance-sensitive-debt

abstract:
This thesis explores the effects of three important factors on a firm's investment and financing decisions, using contingent claim structural model.  The first essay investigates how implementation lag impacts investment timing for a levered firm. The main finding is that implementation lag can potentially have a substantial effect on a company’s investment trigger. A crucial determinant of the lag-investment relationship is the fraction of investment cost that has to be incurred upfront. If this fraction is small, investment trigger is a decreasing function of implementation lag and the effect can be economically significant. If this fraction is large, investment trigger can be either increasing or decreasing in lag, but the magnitude of the effect is not large.
The second essay investigates how future uncertain growth opportunity impacts a firm's investment timing decision and optimal leverage ratio. The firm has an option to expand profits after the first investment. However, the exercise of the growth option depends not only on the underlying profit flow but also on the uncertain arrival of the growth opportunity. The model illustrates that such uncertainty can significantly impact the initial investment timing for unlevered firm in a non-monotonic way. For levered firm, the future growth uncertainty, along with debt overhang problem, can shape the firm’s financing decision at initial investment.
The third essay shows how risk-compensating performance-sensitive debt can be used to mitigate the “overinvestment” agency problem. We show that properly designed performance-sensitive debt can add significant value relative to fixed-coupon debt, and identify the risk-compensation level that maximizes shareholder wealth. The optimal risk-compensation level is found to be smaller than that required to eliminate overinvestment; thus, it is optimal for shareholders to incur some agency cost of overinvestment.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Biosynthesis of the Lycopodium Alkaloids

contributor:
Spencer, Ian D.
Chemistry

abstract:
 The biosynthesis of two Lycopodium alkaloids of remarkably different structures, lycopodine and cernuine, was studied by tracer methods. The modes of incorporation of lysine, cadaverine , (Delta^1)-piperideine and pelletierine into the two alkaloids were compared.

The results obtained clearly show that the modes of biosynthesis of lycopodine and of cernuine are analogous and that these alkaloids
are true dimers of a C8N unit. However, since only one pelletierine unit is incorporated into the alkaloids , pelletierine is not the monomeric C8N unit which serves as the precursor of the alkaloids.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: An Analysis of the Changing Land Use Morphology of Waterdown 1795-1960

contributor:
Gentilcore, R. L.
Geography

subject: settlement, land use patterns, land use, Waterdown, Southern Ontario, Ontario, land transactions, regression analysis, predictions, morphology, field notes, mapping, Waterdown by-laws

abstract: Note: Missing "Diagram A: Block Diagram of Site" on page "28a"

abstract: A reconstruction and description of the settlement and land use patterns of the village of Waterdown in Southern Ontario, at four periods of time: 1841, 1880, 1920 and 1960. The primary source of data used were Registry Office Documents concerning land transactions. The resulting maps are analyzed using a regression analysis to isolate some factors which have been considerations in any decision to locate within the settlement and through them to predict where future locations are most likely to occur.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: The Rape of Hylas in Theocritus Idyll 13 and Propertius 1.20

contributor:
Murgatroyd, Paul
Classics

subject:
Love Elegy
Hellensitic Poetry
Theocritus
Propertius
Literary Criticism
Augustan Literature
Heracles
Hylas

abstract: The Hylas myth, in which the eponymous boy beloved of Heracles is raped by water nymphs while drawing water from a spring, seems to have been a wildly popular subject among the literary circles of Augustan Rome. Indeed the rape of Hylas had been so ubiquitous that Virgil himself could claim that no one was unfamiliar with it (Georgics 3.6: cui non dictus Hylas puer?). Yet despite this declaration, few renditions of the Hylas myth survive. Propertius 1.20, an Augustan era Latin poem in elegiac couplets, is one extant version of the rape of Hylas. While the similarities between this poem and Theocritus Idyll 13, a short Hellenistic hexameter poem composed well before Propertius, have long been observed by modern scholars, there has been no sustained effort to connect these two accounts of the Hylas myth conclusively. Instead, what little scholarly work that has been done on these poems either appraises them in isolation, or seeks a non-Theocritean template behind Propertius 1.20. With this thesis, I aim to prove definitively that Theocritus Idyll 13 is the major model for Propertius 1.20. In my first chapter, I provide a brief overview of the rape of Hylas throughout all of Greek and Latin literature. In my second chapter, I examine Theocritus Idyll 13 with particular attention to its wit, humour, and narrative. In my third chapter, I offer a thorough literary-critical appreciation of Propertius 1.20, establishing links to Idyll 13 wherever possible. Finally, in my conclusion, I consider the possible influence of other poets and mythographers upon Propertius, before appraising 1.20 both independently and within the context of the Propertian Monobiblos.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)

abstract:
The rape of Hylas is a minor event occurring during the famed expedition of the Argo. A handsome boy named Hylas, who is the beloved of the mighty hero Heracles, fetches water during a brief landing on their voyage to Phasis. As Hylas draws water from a spring, water nymphs abduct him. Heracles, now bereaved, rampages madly in futile search while the other Argonauts sail on without him. Such are the general details of the Hylas myth.
This thesis examines two versions of the Hylas myth, the first by Theocritus, a third century BC Hellenistic poet, and the second by Propertius, a first century BC Roman poet. My objective is to prove definitively that these two accounts are connected, with Propertius having modelled his treatment on the rendition provided by Theocritus. This will be achieved through a thorough literary-critical appreciation, with particular focus on wit, humour, and narrative.


title: Continuous Time Approach of Stock-Flow Consistent Macroeconomic Models

contributor:
Grasselli, Matheus
Mathematics and Statistics

subject:
Stock-flow Consistent
Macroeconomic Model

abstract:
The aim of this thesis is to provide tools in order to simplify and extend the analysis of stock-flow consistent macroeconomic models. For models in continuous time, we will focus on stability and steady state solutions, considering constant exogenous parameters.

For models in discrete time, we will derive systems with considerable reduction in complexity and size from rather big linear systems of equations set up by previous authors into much simpler systems of difference equations. These can then also be analyzed from a continuous perspective, if their limits are taken.

We will also see how an alternative continuous layout of the models proposed by us, further reduces the number of dimensions with respect to their counterparts in discrete time, in some cases.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Investigation of System Requirements and Design of an Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machine for an Electric Taxiing System for a Commercial Midsize Aircraft

title: Electric Taxiing

contributor:
Emadi, Ali
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Electric Taxiing System
AFPM Machine
System Requirements Analysis
Motor Design
Aircraft
On-Ground Movement

abstract: Driven by the gradually increasing electrification of the transportation industry, in particular the aviation sector, the future’s electrified aircraft requires not only an improvement of the flight operation, but also an enhancement of the movement on ground. One very promising concept to improve the taxiing operation is the integration of an electric propulsion system into the aircraft’s undercarriage, also called “Electric Taxiing”. This yields a decrease of the overall fuel consumption, reduction of emissions, and improvement of aircraft maneuverability to help reducing operating times on ground. In this thesis, the performance requirements for an electric taxiing system are investigated by using self-recorded real-life aircraft taxiing drive cycle data. Based upon the system requirements, the powertrain for the electric propulsion system is sized for a commercial midsize aircraft to achieve a similar driving performance to conventional taxiing maneuvers. The sized powertrain, including the determined electric motor characteristics, is evaluated using a developed simulation model which allows testing the proposed electric taxiing system given the attained drive cycles. For the electric machine which is implemented into the wheel of the aircraft’s main landing gear, an axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) motor with segmented stator windings is selected due to its very compact structure while providing high torque capabilities. The AFPM motor is designed and evaluated by using analytical models and three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA) to fulfill the specified motor characteristics required for the electric propulsion unit. Finally, suggestions for potential improvements and future work are discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Understanding the benefits and challenges of role-emerging placements of student occupational therapists in AIDS service organizations

contributor:
Solomon, Patty
Rehabilitation Science

subject: Role-emerging placements in AIDS service organizations

abstract: The introduction of anti-retroviral treatment has shifted the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection from acute palliative care to chronic supportive care. This shift has highlighted the need for rehabilitation care for people living with HIV (PLWH) or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the potential role of occupational therapy (OT). Role-emerging placements are now a popular way to promote the potential role of OT in different emerging areas. Recognizing the importance of OT for PLWH has led to the possibility of promoting and integrating OT services in AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) through role-emerging placements. Placements of five student occupational therapists (SOTs) took place in ASOs for an eight week of the period. This qualitative study investigated the benefits and challenges of role-emerging placements from the perspectives of students, ASO staff, an OT preceptor, and PLWH. Results highlighted the following benefits and challenges, Benefits: 1) reinforcing professional skills of SOTs, 2) developing competencies of SOTs to foster rehabilitation services for PLWH, 3) shining a light on OT‟s roles, 4) empowering ASO services, and 5) surprising role of OT, and Challenges: 1) challenge of starting from grounding work, and 2) challenge of building relationships. This study demonstrated the value that role emerging placements have in introducing the role of OT in a new area and practice, and in increasing competencies of the learners. Recommendations for future placements in ASOs are provided

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science Rehabilitation Science (MSc)


title: Analysis of Signal Propagation in Fiber Optic Links and Compensation Techniques for Propagation Impairments

contributor:
Kumar, Shiva
Electrical and Computer Engineering

abstract:
This thesis deals with modeling of signal propagation in  fiber links. The signal propagation
in optical  fiber is described by the nonlinear Schr odinger equation (NLSE)
and this thesis discusses various schemes to solve NLSE. In addition, compensation
of propagation impairments due to dispersion and nonlinearity in  fiber optic systems
are also dealt with. In order to reduce the bit error rate (BER) and enhance the
reach, digital and optical equalization schemes are investigated.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Hybrid Model for Optimization Of Crude Distillation Units

contributor:
Mahalec, Vladimir
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Linear hybrid model
Crude distillation units
Refinery planning and scheduling
Swing cut method
Fractions property prediction
RTO

abstract:
Planning, scheduling and real time optimization (RTO) are currently implemented
by using different types of models, which causes discrepancies between their results. This
work presents a single model of a crude distillation unit (preflash, atmospheric, and
vacuum towers) suitable for all of these applications, thereby eliminating discrepancies
between models used in these decision processes. Hybrid model consists of volumetric and
energy balances and partial least squares model for predicting product properties. Product
TBP curves are predicted from feed TBP curve, operating conditions (flows, pumparound
heat duties, furnace coil outlet temperatures). Simulated plant data and model testing have
been based on a rigorous distillation model, with 0.5% RMSE over a wide range of
conditions. Unlike previous works, we do not assume that (i) midpoint of a product TBP
curve lies on the crude distillation curve, and (ii) midpoint between the back-end and
front-end of the adjacent products lies on the crude distillation curves, since these
assumptions do not hold in practice. Associated properties (e.g. gravity, sulfur) are
computed for each product based on its distillation curve. Model structure makes it
particularly amenable for development from plant data. High model accuracy and its
linearity make it suitable for optimization of production plans or schedules.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Evaluating the influence of audiovisual unity in cross-modal temporal binding of musical stimuli

contributor:
Schutz, Michael
Psychology

subject: temporal perception, audiovisual integration, unity assumption

abstract: An observer’s inference that multimodal signals come from a common underlying source can facilitate cross-modal binding in the temporal domain. This ‘unity assumption’ can cause asynchronous audiovisual speech streams to seem simultaneous (Vatakis & Spence, 2007), but follow-up work has been unable to replicate this effect for non-speech, musical events (Vatakis & Spence, 2008). Given that amplitude envelope (the changes in energy of a sound over time) has been shown to affect audiovisual integration, the current study investigates whether previous null findings with musical stimuli can be explained by the similarity in amplitude envelope between audiovisual conditions. To test whether amplitude envelope affects temporal cross-modal binding, Experiment 1 contrasted events with clearly differentiated envelopes: cello and marimba audiovisual stimuli. Participants performed an un-speeded temporal order judgments task; they viewed audio-visually matched (e.g. marimba auditory with marimba video) and mismatched (e.g. cello auditory with marimba video) versions of stimuli at various stimulus onset asynchronies and indicated which modality was presented first. As predicted, participants were less sensitive to temporal order (greater JNDs) in matched conditions, suggesting that the unity assumption facilitates synchrony perception outside of non-speech stimuli. Results from Experiments 2 and 3 revealed that when spectral information was removed, amplitude envelope alone could not facilitate the influence of audiovisual unity on temporal binding.  We propose that both amplitude and spectral cues affect the percept of audiovisual ‘unity’, likely working in concert to help an observer determine the causal source of an auditory event.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: 17β-Estradiol and testosterone levels in axillary perspiration of men: Environmental factors, inter- and intra-individual variation

contributor:
deCatanzaro, Denys
Psychology

abstract: In rodents, there is accumulating evidence that sex steroids, particularly estradiol (E2), have pheromonal properties. Male mice actively direct their urine, which contains these hormones in abundance, at proximal females. Radiolabelled E2 injected into male mice has subsequently been found in females that cohabited with these males for a few days, especially in these females’ reproductive systems and brains. Little is known about the potential pheromonal properties of E2 and other sex steroids such as testosterone (T) in humans, however. Previous work from this laboratory found remarkable inter-individual variation in levels of E2 and T in axillary perspiration of men, and levels of E2 and T in the axilla correlated very poorly with levels of the same hormones in other substrates. The axilla has unique histological properties which may allow it to synthesize these hormones de novo. This project aimed to investigate inter- and intra-individual variation in levels of E2 and T in the axillary perspiration of men, and to assess the relationships of various environmental factors to these hormones. Eighty-one males were recruited from the David Braley Athletic Centre at McMaster University and asked to donate four perspiration samples approximately 1-2 weeks apart. Participants were randomly assigned to have the first two sessions conducted by a female researcher and the last two conducted by a male researcher, or vice versa. Participants also filled out, during the first session, a questionnaire assessing various environmental factors which we suspected might be related to axillary sex steroid levels. These factors included dietary phytoestrogen consumption, stress level, relationship status, and recent sexual contact. E2 and T were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, levels of both axillary E2 and T were fairly stable within an individual but ranged widely among individuals. E2 and T correlated very strongly with one another (i.e. from the same individual from the same session). A composite score indicating recent romantic/sexual contact with females correlated significantly with an individual’s average axillary E2, but this score did not correlate significantly with average T. However, when the samples conducted by the female researcher and male researcher were considered separately, the composite score correlated significantly with E2 in measures taken by the female researcher, but not in those taken by the male researcher. There was a similar trend, albeit non-significant, between this composite and T in samples taken by the female researcher. A multiple regression analysis was performed using age, a phytoestrogen composite score, a stress composite score, an exercise score, a homosexuality composite score, a composite score of relations with females, and a birth control pill exposure composite score as predictors of axillary E2. This did not show significant prediction when all measures of E2 were considered, but it was significant considering only the measures conducted by the female researcher. Overall, the intra-individual stability noted in levels of axillary E2 and T in men suggests stable inter-individual differences, possibly subserved by genetic factors. However, many other factors, including environmental conditions consistent throughout the duration of this project, may also affect axillary sex steroids. It is possible that contact with proximal females promotes an increase in levels of axillary E2 and T in men. Since these hormones are readily absorbed transdermally, the potential for E2 and T to be transferred via perspiration is worth further investigation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: ‘Troublesome’ Voices: Representations of Black Womanhood in Street Literature and Hip-Hop Music

contributor:
O'Connor, Mary
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
hip-hop
feminism
hip-hop feminism
street literature
African American Literature
sexuality
public sphere
Black cultural studies

abstract: This dissertation draws upon literary and cultural studies, hip-hop studies, and hip-hop feminism to explore Black women’s critical engagement with the boundaries of Black womanhood in the cultural productions of street literature and hip-hop music. The term “troublesome” motivates my analysis as I argue that the works of writers Teri Woods and Sister Souljah and of rapper Lil’ Kim create narratives that alternately highlight, reproduce, and challenge racist, classist, and sexist discourse on Black womanhood. Such narratives reveal hip-hop to be a site for critical reflection on Black womanhood and offer context-specific examples of the intersectionality of hip-hop generation women’s experiences. This project also incorporates ethnographic methods to document and validate the experiential knowledge of street literature readers. In the growing body of scholarship on street literature (sometimes called hip-hop fiction), there is limited work on the intertextuality of hip-hop music and street literature, and the dialogic nature of their listening and reading publics. This project offers an analysis of the discursive contributions of street literature texts, hip-hop music, and consumers and participants of hip-hop culture by reading the texts and sites of the culture as constitutive of a Black public sphere. By using the framework of hip-hop feminism to analyze street literature and hip-hop music, this dissertation argues that these women’s works demonstrate the possibilities in and through both popular mediums to trouble understandings of what Black feminism for the hip-hop generation is or can become.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Effectively Communicating Critical Status Information in First-Person Shooter Games

contributor:
Carette, Jacques
Computing and Software

abstract:
First-person shooter video games are wildly popular, with developers recently trying to make their games more "immersive" by communicating feedback within the game rather than on the heads-up display (HUD). This makes this genre of games an interesting platform for research into the effectiveness of different methods of communicating critical game information.

This thesis presents four user studies. Each experiment compares multiple methods of communicating one piece of critical game information of remaining ammunition, health, current weapon, and navigational aid. These studies looked at in game and HUD display methods for all pieces of information. Participant performance and preference was compared.  Overall, this thesis advises developers of best choices for communicating each piece of critical game information depending on the needs of their game.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Separation of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes By Electronic Type Using Conjugated Polymers

contributor:
Adronov, Alex
Chemistry

subject:
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Conjugated Polymer
Supramolecular Structures
Structure-Property Relationships

abstract:
Since their discovery over two decades ago, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have become one of the most investigated nanomaterials in materials science. Their exotic optical, electrical, thermal and mechanical properties afford them amazing potential in a variety of different fields. Current SWNT synthetic processes produce heterogeneous mixtures of both semiconducting and metallic SWNTs. The mixed electronic nature of these materials, combined with their limited solubility, has significantly hampered the realization of many applications and necessitates the development of post-synthetic purification techniques. Conjugated polymers offer a significant advantage over other proposed strategies in that not only do they provide a cheaper and scalable route towards the isolation of SWNTs, but they also allow for the preparation of materials with novel properties. Polyfluorenes have been extensively investigated in the literature due to their preference towards dispersing semiconducting SWNTs; however, these dispersions are often quite dilute, and the polyfluorene structure is incompatible with certain device applications for SWNTs. Poly(2,7-carbazole)s offer a viable alternative to polyfluorenes for the purification of bulk SWNT material. At the time of this thesis, there have been relatively few reports investigating the interactions of poly(2,7-carbazole)s with SWNTs, and the majority of examples in the literature have suffered from poor stability and complex dispersal procedures due to the inherent insolubility of the 2,7-carbazole structure.
The work presented in this thesis involved the preparation and characterization of a novel poly(2,7-carbazole) structure that displayed excellent solubility in a variety of organic solvents, allowing for the preparation of extremely stable and relatively concentrated dispersions of SWNTs. Thorough characterization of the supramolecular complexes through absorbance, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopies determined that this polymer preferentially disperses semiconducting SWNTs.
A second objective of this work was to investigate how modification of various parameters (including polymer structure, molecular weight and the type of SWNTs) can influence the quality of the resultant composite dispersions. One important study performed was to investigate how the electronic nature of the polymer backbone can affect the separation of SWNTs by electronic type. We demonstrate for the first time that by incorporating an electron-poor functionality into a polyfluorene it is possible to change from dispersing only semiconducting SWNTs to solubilizing both electronic types. This investigation highlights the potential importance of incorporating electron-poor functionalities in the development of polymeric systems that can selectively discriminate metallic SWNTs, which remains a challenging endeavor at the time of this thesis publication.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A Study of the Effects of Surface Active Materials on Oxygen Transfer

contributor:
Murphy, K.L.
Chemical Engineering

subject: surface, materials, oxygen, absorption, properties

abstract:
 The effect of surface active on the rate of gas absorption into water was investigated. Pure oxygen was absorbed into quiescent de-gasified distilled water through-adsorbed monomolecular films of alkylbenzene Sulphonate (ABS) or sodium lauryl sulphate (NaLS).

 The rate of absorption was characterized by effective diffusivity as measured in detergent solutions up to 20 mg/1 and temperatures between 10 and
30°C.

 Gas transfer mechanistic models plus physical and chemical properties of surface films were reviewed in order to understand the fundamental processes of interfacial interference which would account for anomolies in results reported in the literature.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Total and Partial Cross Sections for the Interactions of Electromagnetic Radiation with Matter

contributor:
Kennett, T. J.
Physics

subject: cross sections, electromagnetic, radiation, matter, energies

abstract: A measurement of the cross section for the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter has been undertaken. Total cross sections for 29 photon energies from 121 keV to 10.8 MeV in 9 target elements from carbon to uranium have been realized and pair production cross sections, for energies above 2 MeV, deduced from the results. A direct measurement of the partial pair cross section for photons with energies from 1120 to 2754 keV in 6 target elements from titanium to lead has also been included.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: ESSAYS IN CORPORATE FINANCE AND BEHAVIORAL FINANCE

contributor:
Deaves, Richard
Business

subject:
Cash Holdings
Forecaster Overconfidence

abstract:
This thesis examines important topics in corporate cash holdings and forecaster overconfidence.
First, I provide an in-depth study of the interaction between intra-industry contagion risk and cash holdings. I develop a novel measure of a firm’s exposure to contagion risk that builds on the firm’s stock return comovement with other industry participants and separates contagion and competition effects caused by the expected financial distress of its industry peers. I show that high contagion-risk firms hold more cash because they face higher costs of external finance due to the potential decrease in their collateral values and the increased likelihood of their future financial distress caused by the net contagion effect.
Second, in a co-authored paper with Drs. Jiaping Qiu and Chi Wan, we conduct a cross-country analysis to examine how financial development affects the reliance of corporate liquidity management on tangible capital. We find that financial development and better institutions lower the cash-tangibility sensitivity. This supports the view that financial development reduces the collateral role of tangible assets, thereby relaxing financial constraints of firms with low asset tangibility. This provides further firm-level evidence and sheds new light on the link between financial development and economic growth, as financial development promotes more efficient allocations of economic resources and hence facilitates investments and economic growth.
Third, in a co-authored paper with Drs. Richard Deaves and Michael Schröder, we document using the ZEW panel of German stock market forecasters that weak forecasters tend to be overconfident in the sense that they provide extreme forecasts and their confidence intervals are less likely to contain eventual realizations. Moderate filters based on forecast accuracy over short rolling windows are somewhat successful in improving predictability. While poor performance can be due to various factors, a filter based on a prior tendency to provide extreme forecasts also improves predictability.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: An Absolute Viscometer for Low Temperatures and Medium High Pressures: Viscosity of Nitrogen Gas Down to Very Low Temperatures

contributor:
Latto, Brian
Mechanical Engineering

subject: viscometer, temperatures, pressures, high, low, nitrogen

abstract:
 A new two-capillary absolute viscometer for the measurements of the viscosity of gases down to cryogenic temperatures and for moderate pressures up to 200 atm has been developed and described in this thesis.

 An experimental determination of the absolute viscosity of nitrogen at atmospheric pressure and in the temperature range 97.41-297.88°K is also reported. The maximum error of the smoothed data is believed to range from ±1% at highest temperatures to ±1.6% at the least favourable lowest temperatures.

 Data obtained in this work and those of previous workers have been correlated using integral equations postulated by Chapman-Enskog collision theory of dilute gases.

 Furthermore, viscosity measurements have been carried out for nitrogen at 42 and 84 atm and are presented in the thesis to confirm the applicability of the viscometer for high pressure work.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: High Sensitivity Studies Using a Tandem Mass Spectrometer

contributor:
McMullen, C. C.
Physics

subject: sensitivity, tandem, mass, spectrometer, electron

abstract:
 A description of the McMaster tandem mass spectrometer is given and the usefulness of this instrument in high sensitivity applications is discussed.

 The pulse characteristics of the 17 stage Allen type electron multiplier which is used on the two stage mass spectrometer were determined and possible means of achieving an improved response in counting applications are discussed.

 An ion source of the crucible variety was constructed which made possible the detection of 10^-9 grams of a tin isotope. This
source was used to detect sub microgram quantities of an enriched tin sample and was also used for the qualitative analysis of a sample which contained tin extracted from a reactor irradiated fuel rod.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Some Aspects of Ammonia Fixation by Peat

contributor:
Radforth, N. W.
Biology

subject: peat samples, hummocks, hollows, bog, surface topography, ash alkalinity, Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonication, ammonia-air mixure, heterogenous

abstract: Examination of peat samples collected from hummocks and hollows within a confined bog reveals that peat collected from different locations, designated by surface topography, vary in ash content, ash alkalinity, initial Kjeldahl nitrogen content, and fixed and total nitrogen after ammoniation with an ammonia-air mixture. The values of these properties have shown hummocks and hollows to be true entities having characteristic ranges of certain properties. The results have shown that, although peat is heterogenous with respect to certain properties, use can still be made of determined values if ranges of these values are recognized and utilized. Misinterpretations and meaninglessness of results are possible if this is not done.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Cartography of Mind: Cognitive Approaches to Fictional Consciousness and Fictional Worlds in Bioy's "The Invention of Morel"

contributor:
Donaldson, Jeffery
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
Cognitive Literary Theory
Science Fiction
Adolfo Casares Bioy
Fictional Mind
Fictional World
Consciousness

abstract: This thesis explores representations of fictional consciousness (the fictional mind) in the novel The Invention of Morel by Adolfo Casares Bioy through the lens of cognitive approaches to literature.  I first argue that the ways in which we interact with fictional minds is not unlike the way that we interact with real minds.  Utilizing a cognitive hermeneutic means laying bare some of the cognitive frames and processes which are embedded into fictional worlds.  I then argue that consciousness itself is narratively structured.  Conscious experience is gappy and lies atop an enormous, largely unconscious realm of cognitive processing.  This thesis seeks to uncover some of these processes as represented in the fictional mind, arguing that representations of fictional consciousness are composed of internal narratives (like mental events, wishes, desires, etc.) mirroring the narrative structure of real consciousness.  Finally, I argue that representations of consciousness are embodied and can be read in tandem with the fictional world in which they are situated.  The feedback loop between the fictional mind and its fictional environment, both physical and sociocultural, is the starting point for a powerful, interdisciplinary reading methodology.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of English


title: Neural and Clinical Correlates of Cognitive Processes in Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

title: Cognitive Processes in Depression

contributor:
McKinnon, Margaret
Neuroscience

subject:
depression
cognition
trauma
functional neuroimaging
dissociation
attachment

abstract: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are chronic, debilitating illnesses. Impairments in cognitive processes such as social cognition, episodic simulation, and neuropsychological performance have been documented separately in both disorders. Despite our increasing knowledge of these impairments, the potential underlying transdiagnostic mechanisms remain relatively unexplored. This thesis examines correlates of these processes in persons with a primary diagnosis of MDD with a history of trauma exposure, and in persons with PTSD. The first study examined the association between the social cognitive domain of empathy and parental bonding in women with PTSD associated with childhood abuse. Participants with PTSD reported altered levels of cognitive and affective empathy, compared to controls. Paternal care during childhood was the only predictor of cognitive empathy (i.e., perspective taking). The second study investigated the specificity of episodic simulation of future positive, negative, and neutral events in relation to parental bonding and neuropsychological functioning among participants with MDD. Optimal parental bonding and higher scores on measures of neuropsychological functioning were associated with increased specificity of episodic simulation.  In the third study, we examined the relation between dissociative symptoms and neuropsychological functioning in participants with MDD. Patients with MDD report significantly higher levels of dissociation as compared to controls, and more severe dissociation was related to poorer neuropsychological performance among this patient group. Lastly, using independent component analysis of resting-state fMRI data, the fourth study examined the association between intrinsic connectivity networks and neuropsychological performance among participants with MDD. Connectivity within the default mode, salience, and central executive networks was associated with neuropsychological and clinical (i.e., depression, dissociation, PTSD) variables. Overall, this thesis demonstrates that variables such as parental attachment, dissociation, and intrinsic connectivity networks may underlie some of the alterations in cognitive processes seen in MDD and trauma-related disorders.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) negatively affect quality of life and day-to-day functioning. These populations show difficulties in domains related to cognitive processing, such as empathy, imagining future events, and neuropsychological functioning (e.g., memory and attention). This thesis focuses on examining variables that may be related to these difficulties. In particular, we study developmental variables, such as parental bonding, clinical symptoms, such as dissociation, and neuroimaging data. Our findings suggest that these variables are all related to impairments in different areas of cognitive processing. By understanding what may be contributing to these cognitive difficulties, we may be able to design treatment strategies that target the underlying causes of these difficulties.


title: MOLECULAR GAS PROPERTIES IN LOCAL LUMINOUS INFRARED GALAXIES

contributor:
Wilson, Christine D.
Physics and Astronomy

subject: Submillimeter Astronomy, Molecular Gas, Interacting Galaxies, Luminous Infrared Galaxies, Radiative Transfer

abstract:
In this thesis, I analyze the physical conditions such as temperature, volume density and column density of the molecular gas in four Luminous Infrared Galaxies (LIRGs): Arp 55, NGC 1614, VV 114 and NGC 2623. LIRGs are systems where two gas-rich galaxies are in the process of merging. The goal of my thesis is to look for trends in the molecular gas properties during the merger process. I use several observations of transitions of carbon monoxide (12CO) and its isotopologue 13CO from the Submillimeter Array, Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The high-resolution observations allow me to analyze the molecular gas at several positions inside a single galaxy. The observations are fitted to models obtained from a radiative transfer code using a Bayesian likelihood method. I find that advanced mergers such as NGC 2623 and VV 114 have warmer (≥40 K), less dense (≤ 10^3 cm^−3) molecular gas than early/intermediate stage mergers such as Arp 55 and NGC 1614. I suggest that there are mechanisms such as stellar winds, supernovae and AGN activity that dissipate the molecular gas and thus lower the density and warm the gas as the merger progresses. The molecular gas pressure of the advanced mergers is found to be lower by nearly an order of magnitude when compared to the early/intermediate stage mergers. I also find that the [12CO]/[13CO] abundance ratio in NGC 1614, VV 114 and NGC 2623 is unusually high (> 100) when compared to the interstellar medium value near the center of the Milky Way (∼ 30). Interestingly, Arp 55 does not conform to this trend with a [12CO]/[13CO] value of ∼ 30, similar to the Milky Way center. I suggest that nucleosynthesis may play a big role in enhancing the abundance ratio and/or the molecular gas from the outer radii of Arp 55 has not reached the central inner regions to drive the abundance ratio up. Nevertheless, Arp 55 is in an interesting merger stage. Finally, I measured the CO luminosity to molecular gas mass conversion factor, alpha_{CO}, across the sample in search of the transition stage from a Galactic-like alpha_{CO} to the 4-5 times lower value found in LIRGs.
iii
The four sources all have measured alpha_{CO} values that are consistent with the LIRG value of 0.8 M_{sol} (K km s^−1 pc^2)^−1. I suggest that we look at an even earlier merger stage such as Arp 240 to find the point of transition. With the golden age of submillimeter astronomy upon us, this is just the beginning of furthering our knowledge of the merger process and what happens to the molecular gas, the fuel for all star formation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: An Introduction to Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic

contributor:
de Malherbe, M. C.
Mechanical Design

subject: carbon, fibre, plastic, elastic, shear modulus, structures

abstract:
 The development and properties of carbon fibre are reviewed together with the properties and applications of carbon fibre reinforced plastic. Techniques for fabricating this material and certain design problems are discussed and future developments considered.

 Some simple predictions of the elastic moduli of fibre reinforced composites are compared with experimental data and a modification for the prediction of the longitudinal shear modulus suggested. Typical values for the elastic moduli of carbon fibre reinforced plastic are presented.

 A method for predicting the behaviour of laminated composite structures, which is more realistic than conventional netting analysis, is described and a computer programme for determining the strength and stiffness of such structures included.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: DEFINITIONS OF HEALTH LITERACY AND NUMERACY AND THEIR RELEVANCE FOR PATIENT-PHYSICIAN COMMUNICATION AND TREATMENT DECISION MAKING IN THE MEDICAL ENCOUNTER

contributor: Clinical Epidemiology/Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics

subject:
health literacy
numeracy
treatment decision making

abstract:
Efforts by policymakers to involve patients in treatment decision making are increasing worldwide. Some of these efforts must accommodate patients with different levels of health literacy, but do not specify if numeracy is part of health literacy. This research asked, How are health literacy and numeracy defined in the academic literature and what empirical relationship(s) do they have with the three stages of the treatment decision making process?
I conducted a systematic review and two scoping reviews. In the systematic review, I identify definitions of health literacy used in the academic literature and interpretations possible for the most commonly used definitions. In the first scoping review, I map the empirical relationships between health literacy and the three stages of treatment decision making (information exchange, deliberation, and deciding on the treatment to implement). In the second scoping review, I map the empirical relationships between numeracy and the three stages of treatment decision making, and examine if, and how, numeracy has been mentioned in relation to health literacy.
The systematic review identified 250 different definitions of health literacy and found the most commonly used definitions open to differing interpretations. The scoping reviews revealed a lack of: (1) agreement over the definition, measurement, and handling of health literacy and numeracy in studies, and (2) overlap in the relationship(s) examined. Health literacy and numeracy were largely treated as separate concepts. Knowledge gaps and measurement-related problems were identified.
The findings from the systematic review pose significant challenges for the measurement of health literacy and for the implementation of health literacy-related policy initiatives. The meaning(s) of health literacy must be explicated by both researchers and policymakers.
The findings from the scoping reviews indicate that the relationship(s) between health literacy, numeracy, and treatment decision making is unclear. Researchers must address the knowledge gaps and measurement-related problems identified.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract:
Health literacy – the ability to obtain, understand, evaluate, and communicate information - is gaining increasing attention from both researchers and policymakers. This attention is important to efforts seeking to involve patients in their treatment decisions. Some of these efforts require attention to patients’ health literacy, but do not make clear if numeracy (or math skills) is part of health literacy.
This research examines how health literacy and numeracy are defined. The relationship(s) that health literacy and numeracy have with the three stages of the treatment decision making process are also examined. The findings show that health literacy and numeracy have been: (1) defined and measured differently in studies, and (2) largely treated as separate concepts by researchers. The relationships between health literacy, numeracy, and the three stages of treatment decision making are also unclear because of knowledge gaps and measurement-related problems.


title: The Development of a Measurement Methodology to Complete a Full Energy Balance for Commercial Buildings

contributor:
Cotton, Jim
Mechanical Engineering

subject: energy buildings

abstract:
There is a growing focus on the need for buildings to be energy efficient due to rising energy prices and the recognition of global warming. Over the past twenty years the sector that saw the least improvement from energy efficiency measures in Canada was commercial and institutional buildings. Though there are many contributing factors, they tend to stem from a lack of available information on building energy usage. In order to rectify this situation more information would be needed to better tune building energy efficiency measures to commercial buildings.
Most current research on building energy usage focuses on building consumption, building energy models, or direct measurements from residential buildings. There is little research on measuring a building energy balance of commercial buildings even though the commercial sector accounts for 20% of the overall building energy consumption in Canada. At present, all industry standards focus on the consumed energy in a building, generally natural gas and electricity consumption. Buildings consume energy to meet the demands for occupant comfort within the building and there are many different energy flows and parameters that affect the occupants’ comfort within a building. Solar gain, conduction and infiltration are some of the energy flows that can negatively affect a building’s temperature for occupants, reducing their comfort. In order to reduce the consumed natural gas and electricity, more information on the impact of these energy flows and parameters within a building is required.
A five step process was developed to guide the design of an in-situ system that is capable of measuring a complete energy balance of any commercial or institutional building. The focus in this research project is to create an accurate, cost effective sensor array that is a permanent fixture within a building. By utilising these semi-permanent sensors, the interactions between the different energy flows can be better understood. It will also generate more concrete evidence on energy flows to potentially improve building automation systems.
In addition to the process, a case study of the Hatch Centre on McMaster University’s campus was completed, giving concrete examples that help to illustrate the procedure.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: On Cyclic Steiner Quadruple Systems

contributor:
Rosa, A.
Mathematics

subject: cyclic, Steiner, quadruple, systems

abstract: This thesis is a contribution to the theory of Steiner quadruple systems. S-cyclic Steiner quadruple systems are defined and then as a main result it is shown that there exists exactly one S-cyclic Steiner quadruple system of order 20.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Petrology and Sedimentology of the Morrissey Formation (Kootenay Group), southeast British Columbia - Southwest Alberta

contributor:
Middleton, G. V.
Geology

subject: Morrissey Formation, coals, fluvial systems, Mist Mountain Formation, Petrographic studies, sedimentary sources, Upper Paleozoic carbonates, quartz, syntaxial overgrowths, pressure, British Columbia, Sparwood Rdige, Burnt Ridge, Adanac Mine sight, Alberta, Sparwood Ridge, marine sediments

abstract:
 The Morrissey Formation of the Kootenay Group was mapped and sampled in three outcrops in southwestern Alberta and southeastern British Columbia; Burnt Ridge and Sparwood Ridge in British Columbia and Adanac Mine sight in Alberta.

 The lowest unit mapped was within the upper Fernie Formation (Passage beds) and consists of interbeds of sandstone and siltstone that were deposited as shallow water marine sediments.

 The Morrissey Formation conformably overlies the Fernie Formation and contains two members; the Weary Ridge Member and the Moose Mountain Member. The Weary Ridge Member consists of fine to medium grain, parallel and trough crossbedded sandstone, that was deposited as a delta-front-sand facies produced by coalescing of delta-sands from three to four delta complexes. The overlying Moose Mountain Member consists of high angle trough crossbedded, coarse grain, "salt and pepper" sandstone representing a distributary mouth bar environment. The Moose Mountain Member is unconventional in that the upper portion contains two units not seen in other sections. A marine trace fossil unit and a beach unit are both found within the upper portion of the member. These two units represent a transgression caused by channel switching and a regression and reworking of sediments into a beach respectively.

 Above the Morrissey Formation are the continental coals and fluvial systems of the Mist Mountain Formation.

 Petrographic studies on twenty five thin sections show two sedimentary sources for the Formation. The first source being chert rich Upper Paleozoic carbonates and the second source is Lower Paleozoic clastics that have previously been derived from a metamorphic complex of the Canadian Shield. The sandstones are cemented by quartz syntaxial overgrowths implying that there was a moderate degree of pressure solution, indicating a fairly high overburden pressure during diagenesis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Science (BSc)


title: On the Non-Existence of Certain Cyclic Block Designs

subject: existence, cyclic, block, designs

abstract:
 This thesis is concerned with the existence of cyclic block designs with parameters (b, v, r, k, λ) where λ = 1 , r = 2k and 3 ≤ k ≤ 6.

 It gives the proofs of the non-existence of cyclic block designs with k = 6, λ = 1 and r = 9, 10 and 12.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: The Effect of Fines Content on Strength of Granular Materials

contributor:
Stolle, Dieter
Guo, Peijun
Civil Engineering

subject:
Fines Content
Plasticity

abstract:
This study focused on the effect of fines (minus 75 microns) content and type (plasticity) on the strength of granular base materials.  Four different sources of crushed rock Granular A materials were selected by the MTO for testing.  Routine laboratory tests were carried out on the four Granular A materials including sieve analysis, standard Proctor compaction, Atterberg limits, California bearing ratio, resilient modulus and permeability tests.  Fines from an additional source, to be plastic, were selected and used as substitute fines for the Granular A natural fines but were found to have a similar index of plasticity (PI).
	The influence of fines content on CBR varied for each Granular A source as some increased with increasing fines content and others decreased as the fines content increased.  With the similarities in the PI of the two fines no clear trend in CBR values between samples with natural and substitute fines was observed.
	The resilient modulus (MR) values were by and large similar when the natural fines were replaced with substitute fines.  The MR decreased as the fines content increased when the water content was below 5 percent but at 7 percent water content some of the tests failed (could not be tested) at higher confining pressures.  Energy dissipation was calculated from the resilient modulus tests and it was observed that the energy dissipation decreased as the confining pressure increased, with lower dissipated energies corresponding to higher MR values.  Given that definitive trends could not be identified with respect to the influence of fines and plasticity, the influence of the percent paste (sum of moisture and fines content at the time of compaction) was examined.  As the paste increased the resilient modulus decreased and the damping ratio increased.
	Results from permeability tests showed that for specimens with no fines present the permeability was much higher than those with fines.  There was no significant change observed in permeability for specimens in which natural fines were replaced by substitute fines or as the hydraulic gradient was varied.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: The Molecular Weight of PBS 1 DNA

contributor:
Takahashi, I.
Biology

subject: molecular, weight, DNA, particles, fragment, genetic

abstract: That bacteriophage PBS 1 contains DNA of a considerable size is suggested by the size of its head, and also by the fairly high frequencies with which it performs joint transduction of genetic markers. Density differences between the active, plaque-forming particles and the transducing particles of PBS 1 facilitated a separation of the two which served as a preliminary to investigating the DNA content of each. The molecular weight of DNA obtained from active particles is estimated to be 1.9 x 10^8. Tentative evidence is offered for the presence of a large fragment of host DNA within the head of transducing PBS 1.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: A Value Planning Framework for Predicting and Recapturing the Value of Rapid Transit Infrastructure

contributor:
Kanaroglou, Pavlos
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject:
Rapid Transit
Transit-Oriented Development
Land Value Capture
Land Value Uplift
Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
Value Planning

abstract:
Land value capture (LVC) has been used to capitalize on the symbiotic relationship between rapid transit and its potential land value uplift (LVU) benefits for more than a century. For the public sector in particular, the rationale to engage in LVC to recapture the ‘unearned increment’ is strong. While interest in LVC has wavered over this time, planners and policymakers in Ontario and around the world are increasingly looking to value capture as a potential solution for raising more revenue to fund the construction and operation of rapid transit projects.
     However, significant theoretical, conceptual, and practical gaps remain in our knowledge of LVU and LVC that prevent the wider adoption of value capture as a strategy. First, a fundamental flaw in applications of LVC is that the value increment caused by rapid transit must to some degree be known a priori to set benchmark levels and ensure LVC tools capture the actual changes in land values caused by the project. Yet despite a rich history of research into the LVU benefits of rapid transit in cities around the world, a method for arriving at more empirical predictions of future LVU beyond simple approximation remains elusive.
     This leads to a second issue. Previous research into the LVU effects of rapid transit has produced a body of work that exhibits significant heterogeneity in results. Such diversity in research outcomes is due to a singular focus on expectations of LVU from rapid transit accessibility, which has led previous research to ignore the potential for additional land value impacts from sorting into different bundles of transit-oriented development (TOD) based on individual preferences. As such, the results of previous studies consider the value placed on a bundle of transit and TOD characteristics. This context-dependency makes them unsuitable for extensions to estimate the potential for LVC in future transit corridors.
     To overcome these issues, the present dissertation develops a value planning framework for rapid transit. This is accomplished through five objectives. First, Chapter 2 establishes a theoretical framework for understanding the LVU effects of rapid transit accessibility and TOD. Second, Chapter 3 develops a typology of station area TOD to reduce the complexity of station area heterogeneity and control for such contextual factors in further research. Third, Chapter 4 applies the TOD typology to unbundle the LVU effects of existing rapid transit in the City of Toronto. Fourth, Chapter 5 develops the value planning framework to better conceptualize the drivers of LVU benefits and capturable revenues, the policy interventions to maximize them, and the beginnings of a model to utilize unbundled estimates of LVU in other study areas to derive context-sensitive predictions of LVU in future transit station areas. Finally, Chapter 6 conducts a theoretical application of the value planning framework to the case of a light rail transit line in Hamilton, Ontario, to demonstrate a rationale for engaging in value planning to promote value capture.
     In accomplishing these objectives, the present dissertation makes a number of contributions to research and practice. However, it also raises a number of questions for future research. Nevertheless, this work presents a significant first step towards realizing research on rapid transit’s LVU effects that is more theoretically comprehensive and practical for better informing LVC planning and policy around the world.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Likelihood Inference for Type I Bivariate Polya-Aeppli Distribution

contributor:
Balakrishnan, Narayanaswamy
Mathematics and Statistics

subject: Likelihood Inference Type I Bivariate Polya-Aeppli Distribution

abstract:
The Poisson distribution is commonly used in analyzing count data, and many insurance companies are interested in studying the related risk models and ruin probability theory. Over the past century, many different bivariate models have been developed in the literature. The bivariate Poisson distribution was first introduced by Campbell (1934) for modelling bivariate accident data. However, in some situations, a given dataset may possess over-dispersion compared to Poisson distribution which moti- vated researchers to develop alternative models to handle such situations. In this regard, Minkova and Balakrishnan (2014a) developed the Type I bivariate Polya- Aeppli distribution by using compounding with Geometric random variables and the trivariate reduction method. Inference for this Type I bivariate Polya-Aeppli distribution is the topic of this thesis.
The parameters in a model are used to describe and summarize a given sample within a specific distribution. So, their estimation becomes important and the goal of estimation theory is to seek a method to find estimators for the parameters of interest that have some good properties. There exist many methods of finding estimators such as Method of Moments, Bayesian estimators, Least Squares, and Maximum Likelihood Estimators (MLEs). Each method of estimation has its own strength and weakness (Casella and Berger (2008)). Minkova and Balakrishnan (2014a) discussed the moment estimation of the parameters of the Type I bivariate Polya-Aeppli dis- tribution. In this thesis, we develop the likelihood inference for this model.
A simulation study is carried out with various parameter settings. The obtained results show that the MLEs require more computational time compared to Moment estimation. However, Method of Moments (MoM) did not result in good estimates for all the simulation settings. In terms of mean squared error and bias, we observed that MLEs performed, in most of the settings, better than MoM.
Finally, we apply the Type I bivariate Polya-Aeppli model to a real dataset containing the frequencies of railway accidents in two subsequent six year periods. We also carry out some hypothesis tests using the Wald test statistic. From these results, we conclude that the two variables belong to the same univariate Polya-Aeppli distribution but are correlated.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Ion Implantation Damage in GaAs at Low Temperatures

contributor:
Thompson, D. A.
Engineering Physics

subject: damage, low, temperature, implantation, diatomic, molecular

abstract:
 This thesis reports on the investigation of damage production in GaAs at low temperature using the channeling-backscattering technique.

 The study has been divided into two parts; first, the investigation of damage produced by 2 MeV helium ions in unimplanted and previously implanted samples with varied doses of 40 keV nitrogen and bismuth. The helium beam damage has been found to depend on the initial state of damage of the samples. In the second part the damage production due to 40 keV N+, As+, Sb+ and Bi+ ion implantation has been investigated. A comparison with damage production due to the corresponding 80 keV diatomic implants has also been carried out. No enhancement in the damage production was noticed due to the molecular implants.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Some Effects of The Atomicity of a Metal On Its Dielectric Response and Its Superconducting State

contributor:
Twose, W. D.
Carbotte, J. -P
Physics

subject: atomicity, electronic pairing, Bardeen, Cooper, Schrieffer, lattice polarisation, repulsion, propagator, Dyson, Fermi liquid

abstract:
 Although the electronic pairing hypothesis of Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer is verified by experiment, the lattice polarisation mechanism for over-screening the repulsion between mates in a pair need not be the sole mechanism.

 Alternatives to the lattice polarisation mechanism are discussed and a new approach to electronic polarisation is developed. Propagator formalism is reworked using a charge density propagator to avoid the Dyson equation for the screened potential. The fermi liquid approach to electrons in a metal is avoided, too, because it misses the correlations which give a solid its atomicity. An atomic picture is contrived instead and used to predict what observable features of a superconductor are influenced by atomic correlations.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Triples - A Universal Algebraic Approach

contributor:
Banaschewski, B.
Mathematics

subject: triples, algebraic, universal

abstract:
Abstract Not Provided.
Thesis
Master of Science (MSc)


title: An analysis of style-types in musical improvisation using clustering methods

contributor:
Brown, Steven
Psychology

subject: Music classification, improvisation, style analysis, creativity, multiple correspondence analysis, cluster analysis

abstract: Research on creativity examines both the processes and products of creativity. An important avenue for analyzing creativity is by means of spontaneous improvisation, although there are major challenges to characterizing the output of improvisation due to the variable nature of the products. In the case of musical improvisation, structural approaches have used methodologies like musical transcription to look for recurring or variable musical features across a corpus of improvisations, while creativity-centered approaches have had experts make ratings of the novelty of the improvisations. One important concept missing from many analyses of improvisation is the idea that the products of a corpus can be organized into a series of “style types”, where each type differs from others in certain key structural features. Clustering methods provide a reliable quantitative means of examining the organization of style types within a diverse corpus of improvisations. In order to look at the potential of such methods, we examined a corpus of 72 vocal melodic improvisations produced by novice improvisers. We first classified the melodies acoustically using a multidimensional musical-classification scheme called CantoCore, which coded the melodies for 19 distinct features of musical structure. We next employed the simultaneous use of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and k-means cluster analysis with the data, and obtained three relatively discrete clusters of improvisations. Stylistic analysis of these clusters revealed that they differed in key features related to phrase structure and rhythm. Cluster analyses provide a promising means of describing and analyzing the products of creativity, including variable structures like spontaneous improvisations.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Determination of Nuclidic Ratios in Geological Samples with Neutron Capture Gamma Rays

contributor:
Prestwich, W. V.
Physics

subject: nuclidic, geological, neutron, gamma rays, Allende meteorite

abstract: This thesis is divided into two parts, the first part being devoted to the application of Neutron Capture Gamma Ray Analysis in determining S/Si and Fe/Si ratios in Allende meteorite and lunar samples and the second part, to evidence for a possible iron isotopic anomaly in the Allende meteorite obtained by the same method. The samples were irradiated in an in-core irradiation system in the McMaster swimming-pool nuclear reactor and the collimated beam of gamma rays was detected by a pair-spectrometer consisting of a Ge(Li) detector and NaI annulus. In the first part, besides the mainstream of the work, the basic principles of Neutron Capture Gamma Ray Analysis and Neutron Activation Analysis and the supremacy of the former over the latter for this particular problem has been discussed. In the second part, along with the implications and evidence of isotopic variations of other elements in the Allende meteorite, a brief description of the classification, structure and mineralogy of the Allende meteorite is given. The success and advantage of the method along with its limitations and further directions along these lines are also discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: The Effect of Amino Acids on the Polymorphic Crystallization of Calcium Carbonate

contributor:
Kramer, J. R.
Geology

subject: amino, acids, polymorphic, crystallization, calcium, carbonate

abstract: The presence of 0.10 moles/l. of glycine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid or leucine in a saturated bicarbonate solution will promote the formation of aragonitic calcium carbonate at 25.2°C. Magnesium ion, with or without an amino acid, also promotes the formation of aragonite. With increased amino acid concentration glutamic acid and alanine tend to promote the formation of more calcitic calcium carbonate, glycine and valine tend to promote the formation of more aragonitic calcium carbonate. Lysine and alanine show an increased tendency to form calcite at higher ionic strengths (.20) whereas glutamic acid shows the reverse. Some correlation with solubility and equilibrium constants for magnesium-amino acid complexes is indicated.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Candidate in Philosophy


title: Metallogeny of a Volcanogenic Gold Deposit, Cape St. John Group, Tilt Cove, Newfoundland

contributor:
Crocket, James H.
Geology

subject: "B" Horizon, Tilt Cove, mafic volcanics, Silurian Cape St. John Group, mineralization, geochemistry, volcanics, Pyrite, magnetite, hematite, covellite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite

abstract:
 The "B" horizon at Tilt Cove occurs in subaqueous mafic volcanics near the base of the Silurian Cape St. John Group. It is 3 metres below a well-banded oxide iron formation ("A" horizon).

Mineralization in the "B" horizon is analogous to that of the East Mine in that it is volcanogenic and has resulted in extensive chloritization of the footwall rocks, and in the deposition of banded sulphides or the replacement of the existing mafic volcanics by sulphides. There are differences in the geochemistry mineral textures and mineral types. The East Mine host volcanics are alkali depleted basaltic komatiites to
magnesium theleiites. The horizon host volcanics are spillitized magnesium tholeiites. Samples of ore from the East Mine show well-developed colloform and framboidal textures. Pyrite, magnetite, hematite and chalcopyrite are the dominant minerals with minor sphalerite and accessory
covellite. Samples from the horizon show relict colloform textures and framboids with less internal structure due to overgrowths. Atoll textures indicating extensive replacement are common. Pyrite is the dominant sulphide followed by sphalerite, chalcopyrite, accessory covellite and gold. The chalcopyrite occurs both as replacement of pyrite and exsolution in sphalerite. The most significant difference between samples from the East Mine and "B" horizon is the greater abundance of gold in the "B" horizon and its correlation with sphalerite.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Science (BSc)


title: Variations in the Ratios of the Four Stable Sulphur Isotopes in Meteorites and their Relation to Chemical and Nuclear Effects

contributor:
Thode, H. G.
Physics

subject: stable, sulphur, isotopes, meteorites, chemical, nuclear

abstract: The isotopic ratios S33/S32, S34/S32 and S36/S32 of different forms of sulphur in a number of meteorites have been studied. The results obtained indicate that processes of chemical fractionation have occurred in some meteorites but that the isotopic composition of the total sulphur in a single meteorite is remarkably constant from meteorite to meteorite. The relationships between the S33, S34 and S36 isotope abundances indicate that variations in these abundances due to inhomogeneities in the processes of nucleo-synthesis are not detectable. Isotopic analysis of sulphur from the iron phase of the Clark County, Pinon and Tlacotepic meteorites has shown the presence of cosmic ray induced spallation S36 and S33. These spallation results are in reasonable agreement with predictions based on production rates of other nuclei.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Thermolysis of 2-Diphenylmethylenehydrazono-5, 5-Dimethyl-Δ^3-1,3,4-Oxadiazoline

contributor:
Warkentin, J.
Chemistry

subject: methanol, formation, salt, isomer, ether

abstract: The thermolysis of 2-diphenylmethylenehydrazono-5,5-dimethyl-Δ^3-1,3,4-oxadiazoline in vacuum and in chlorobenzene was studied. In both cases a stable 1-(diphenylmethylene)-4, 4-dimethyl-3-oxo-1,2-diazetidinium inner salt was obtained as the major product. The corresponding imino-oxirane, an isomer of the diazetidinium inner salt, is believed to be a precursor of the above product. Thermolysis of the same oxadiazoline in methanol gave benzophenone methyl carbazate and methyl isopropyl ether, probably involving the initial formation of an isocyanate as an intermediate.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Laboratory Reduction Tests on Prereduced Pellets Under Blast Furnace Conditions with a Counter-Flow Reactor

contributor:
Ward, R. G.
Metallurgy

subject: pellets, blast, furnace, counter-flow, reactor

abstract: An experimental investigation has been conducted into the reduction of iron oxides under blast furnace conditions. The necessary equipment has been designed, constructed and tested, and a program of study on two types of prereduced ore materials has been completed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Active and Passive Coastal Pavement Degradation

contributor:
Ford, Derek
Geography

subject: degradational, costal dolomite pavements, shores, passive, active, intermediate, vegetation cover, grike, fracturing, pitting, shattering, flaking, soil, rubble depths, surface morphology, exposure age, vegetation cover,

abstract: <p> Inland degradational trends of coastal dolomite pavements (on the Amabel formation near Tobermory Ontario Map 1) were examined in three wave energy settings: passive, intermediate, and active shores. </p>  <p>Six pavement property trends were examined to determine the effect of low fetch lengths (7-10 km - Ford 83) and long shallow wave approach (Map 1) on the break-up of passive coastal pavements (south-west Bear's Rump Island): vegetation cover , grike dimensions, fracturing, pitting, shattering and flaking, and soil and rubble depths. </p> <p> Detailed analysis of small scale surface solution features, "karren", was undertaken at five 1 m sample grids on the intermediate average fetch 70-90 km -Grosset 85) Cyprus Lake provincial park pavements. </p> <p>

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


title: On the Feasibility of Adaptive Control Without Identification

contributor:
Sinha, N. K.
Electrical Engineering

subject: feasibility, adaptive, identification, index

abstract:
 One of the two basic philosophies underlying adaptive control is that the transfer function of the plant must be first determined and then the values of an adjustable controller varied for optimizing a given index of performance. The process of identifying the plant characteristics
is popularly known as Identification Problem and constitutes a major problem in the realization of an adaptive system of this type.

 The other philosophy is that a complete knowledge of the plant is not necessary for the optimum adjustments of the parameter of control. The system is caused to measure its own performance against a figure of merit and drives its performance towards optimum. This approach is becoming popular because of the many difficulties associated with the identification problem and a number of "hill climbing" techniques have been proposed based on this philosophy.

 In this thesis, three such techniques (steepest descent, conjugate gradients and parallel tangents) have been analysed with a view to determine the most efficient and quickest way to determine the parameters
of a controller for optimum performance.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Alterations to GABAergic Inhibition In Primary Motor Cortex

contributor:
Nelson, Aimee
Kinesiology

abstract: Motor evoked potential (MEP) and short- and long-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI and LICI) are measures for corticospinal output and intracortical inhibition within the primary motor cortex (M1), respectively. These measures are known to be associated with motor output and control and have been implicated within neurophysiological disorders. It is likely that the dysfunction of such motor cortical circuits are associated with the motor deficiencies presented within clinical populations such as spinal cord injury (SCI), amyloid lateral sclerosis, and focal hand dystonia. In Experiment 1, the MEP, SICI, and LICI circuits were characterized in participants with incomplete SCI and compared to uninjured controls to identify differences. MEPs and SICI were reduced while LICI was increased in participants with SCI. In Experiment 2, single and paired continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) were delivered over M1 or primary somatosensory cortex (SI) in order to induce plasticity within either cortical areas and produce changes to MEP and SICI. All interventions were able to facilitate MEP, but none of the interventions were sufficient in altering SICI. The findings in this thesis highlight the alterations in motor cortical circuits associated with motor output and control within the SCI population and the potential interventions that can be implemented in reverting those circuit changes.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science in Kinesiology


title: SLEEP QUALITY IN PSYCHIATRIC INPATIENTS: MODERATING EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT

contributor:
McKinnon, Margaret
Bieling, Peter
Neuroscience

abstract: Inpatients with severe forms of mental illness including: depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, as well as schizophrenia and related disorders, experience severely disturbed sleep during their stay in hospital. Few interventions exist to treat poor sleep quality and those that do are not very effective in addressing this issue. We examined both objective and subjective sleep quality before and after a move from a ward-style mental health facility to a state-of-the-art integrated psychiatric hospital. Here, we address a major confound in the sleep literature concerning sleep quality in psychiatric inpatients by demonstrating that changes in the environment improve objective sleep quality. In line with previous research, measures of subjective sleep quality do not show this effect. Our results indicate that the redevelopment of psychiatric facilities is warranted and that evidence-based design features such as single-patient bedrooms should be chosen to maximize sleep quality of psychiatric inpatients.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)