identifier: Abedi, Mehrnoosh  (2016) Viscoelastic Characterization of Out-of-Autoclave Composite Laminates: Experimental and Finite Element Studies.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In the last two decades, the Out-of-Autoclave (OOA) manufacturing process has been mainly established to replace the conventional autoclave curing technology due to the notable techno-economic features. The principal idea of OOA processing is to facilitate fabrication of composites with the same required material performance as autoclave-cure systems, whereas utilizing more economical and light-weight equipment. The present research work aims at application of an unconventional approach to efficiently and effectively identify the viscoelastic material properties (storage and loss moduli) of composite laminates fabricated using OOA manufacturing process. First, the in-plane viscoelastic parameters of a highly directional OOA prepreg system (a high-modulus carbon/epoxy composite material) are identified experimentally using the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). DMA testing is performed on unidirectional sample coupons with different thicknesses and using two distinct DMA clamp configurations. To assess the accuracy of the measured properties, a finite element (FE) model based on the first-order shear deformation theory is developed and programmed in the MATLAB environment using DMA test data to evaluate the fundamental damping factors and the first three resonance frequencies of unidirectional laminated beam and plate components. Subsequently, a modal experimental test has been conducted to evaluate the modal characteristics of the fabricated unidirectional beams as well as thin to moderately thick plates clamped at one end (CFFF) in response to an impact excitation. It has been demonstrated that a good agreement exists between modal experimental test results and those obtained from the FE model on the basis of measured material properties using the DMA three-point bending clamp configuration. Using the FE model, the effect of fiber orientation on the fundamental damping factor in a unidirectional beam under CFFF boundary condition has subsequently been investigated and then assessed experimentally for selective fiber orientations. Finally, the developed FE model has been utilized to investigate the effect of lamination sequence, number of layers, structural geometry and boundary conditions of square laminated plates on the natural frequency and loss factor associated with the fundamental mode of flexural free vibration. The optimal values have also been identified, considering unidirectional, cross-ply, and angle-ply square laminates under combined clamped and free boundary conditions.


identifier: Javan Roshtkhari, Soroor  (2016) Application of Rhamnolipid and Microbial Activities for Improving the Sedimentation of Oil Sand Tailings.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract:
Densification of oil sand tailings deposited in the tailing ponds and recovering water from them are two major challenges issues in the oil sands surface mining industry. A small increase in the tailing settlement rate (which normally is very slow) can improve the densification of tailings and significantly, reduce water consumption and the volume of tailing ponds. Currently most of the industrial methods for consolidation of oil sand tailings are based on clay particle flocculation methods which use different kinds of agents such as calcium sulfate (gypsum), and polymeric flocculants. In this work, rhamnolipid (JBR 425) was investigated as a flocculating agent and microbial activities by performing the sedimentation experiments to increase the sedimentation of fine tailing particles. It has been found that rhamnolipid increased sedimentation by improving the hydrophobic interaction between the particles. The feasibility of in situ biosurfactant production by indigenous microorganisms, Bacillus subtilis strain and two microbial strains isolated from weathered oil was investigated and it was found that all strains could produce very low amounts of biosurfactant. A mixed culture of two microbial strains isolated from weathered oil increased the sedimentation. Different concentrations of rhamnolipid together with these two microbial strains at 23 ºC ºC could lead to significant increases in sedimentation (by a maximum factor of 3.04), increases in the concentration of larger particles (by a maximum factor of 1.9), particle mean diameter (by a maximum factor of 2.11) and flocculation in the tailings samples amended with them compared to the control. Rhamnolipid (0.5%) together with these two microbial strains at 15 ºC ºC showed significant increases in
sedimentation (by a factor of 5.1), the concentration of larger particles (by a factor of 2.63),
particle mean diameter (by a factor of 2.70) and flocculation in the tailings samples compared to
the control. while the zeta potential is still negative. According to the pH measurements (during
the 50 days) increase in the ionic strength (I) of the pore water and reduction in the thickness of
the DDL of clay particles is not responsible for increasing the sedimentation as dissolution of
MFT carbonate minerals and releasing divalent cations could not occur at pH higher than 7.5.
However there might be a small amount of CH4 production at 15 ºC oC in the deeper layer of
mud. This means that the mechanism of flocculation in these cases could be probably due to
increasing the hydrophobicity of the particles, due to the interaction of biosurfactant and high
molecular weight microbial organic compounds through a bridging mechanism with clay
particles, and to due to forming transient canals from small amounts of CH4 production. Using
rhamnolipid as a flocculating agent could bring the remaining oil and also a small amount of
insoluble heavy metals from the tailing sediment into the water. Dissolved heavy metal ions and
rhamnolipid in water could be removed through micellar- enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF)
process (between 30% for Cd and 100% for V, and 97.5% for rhamnolipid). This work shows the
potential of using rhamnolipid and microbial culture in order to increase the oil sand
sedimentation through flocculation and microbial activity in a more environmental friendly and
densification process.


title: Application of Rhamnolipid and Microbial Activities for Improving the Sedimentation of Oil Sand Tailings


identifier: Xiao, Chang  (2016) Optimal Trading for Mean-Reverting Security in Finite Time with Transaction Fees.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The optimal trading strategy of a mean-reverting security, which follows the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process, is considered for investors facing the ﬁxed transaction fee and the proportional transaction fee, which is proportional to the number of trading shares, and trading in ﬁnite time. The mean-reverting feature is applied in deriving partial diﬀerential equations with optimal trading boundaries from the value function. The optimal trading boundaries include optimal trading prices, optimal positions after trading. Analytical solutions for optimal trading problems are obtained by theoretical analysis of partial diﬀerential equations and the optimal trading strategy is obtained by computational analysis for the optimal boundary conditions. The optimal trading strategy includes several optimal trading prices and optimal positions.


identifier: Leiknes, Einar Jullum  (2016) Américanité in translation: Translating Le Joueur de flûte by Louis Hamelin.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Le Joueur de flûte by Louis Hamelin is a modern, ecologically-driven American adaptation of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Clearly American in style, the novel draws from American literary traditions, such as Nature writing, while remaining distinctly French American. My thesis examines the novel through the notion of américanité, which acknowledges the American reality of French America while also opening up a space for discussion thereupon, a space comparable to that which post-colonial scholars refer to as “in-between space” or “third space.”
My translation of Le Joueur de flûte has attempted to preserve the américanité of the original text despite the fact that American English does not have access to the kind of “in-between space” that American French, by virtue of its américanité, possesses. I will discuss the challenges of such a translation, including the introduction of foreignizing elements and the reproduction of linguistic hybridity. This discussion will be followed by two excerpts of my translation.


identifier: Basile, John  (2016) Support Live Comedy: The Public Discourse of Amateur Stand-Up in Montreal.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Abstract
“Support Live Comedy”
The Public Discourse of Amateur Stand-up in Montreal

John Basile
MA
2016

	This thesis represents an interpretive ethnography of amateur stand-up comedians in Montreal. The main themes explored include the performance of identity, the formation of community and the creation of public discourse. The stand-up comedians in question are predominantly young people living in a liminal state between university and “real life”. In this world without the responsibility of a career or a family, these comics are free to create and present an identity of their choosing through their material. In doing so, they not only create a new persona, but also earn entry into a community of peers, and create an emergent, public social space. In this social world outside of the general public, they enjoy a state of communitas with reduced social restrictions and boundaries between individuals. Attaining a place in this liminal space is seen as an end unto itself, and even comics with “bad” material will return to the stage again and again for the sake of belonging there. The amateur comics of Montreal push the temporal boundaries of their liminal state, refusing re-entry and “aggregation” to the general public. In doing so, they create new parallel publics- operating beyond the expectations of their society, but refusing to actively rebel against them.


identifier: Garci, Malek  (2016) Terr(it)oir(e) de l'imaginaire benoitien.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Literary criticism has made the work of Pierre Benoit, French novelist of the first part of the twentieth century, a whole dividable into two categories: the first comprised of the "exotic" novels and the second regrouping the novels considered "du terroir". Beyond this narrow barrier of geographical differentiation, this thesis aims to show that this bipolarity is but a mirage and that, throughout his writing career, it is the same pattern that Pierre Benoit has scrupulously observed, regardless of the novelistic space. A formal study of "du terroir" novels – those least investigated by critics –, of narrative methods employed in these writings as well as of some types of interactions that they encompass allows the establishment of a 'benoitian method'. Similarly, analysis of the relationship between novelistic space and character highlights a way of proceeding which demonstrates a Modernity opposite and before its time, the novel’s staging approaching that of ancient tragedy while their most iconic heroine oddly reminds us of François Mauriac’s Therese Desqueyroux. Finally, these first results, once subjected to comparison with some of the more "exotic" works of Benoit, confirm other similarities and resemblances that we presaged between them and "du terroir" writings, mainly concerning the characters in presence and the use of novelistic spatiality.


identifier: White, Elizabeth  (2016) “Let the rhythm speak to you. We dance for liberation”: Bodies and Belonging in a Haitian Dance Troupe in Montreal.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis presents original ethnographic research on embodiment, creativity, and relationality in a Haitian folklorique dance troupe in Montreal, Canada. The research explores the ways that the dance troupe Racines carries forward their roots practice, with tenacity and love, in the face of racial discrimination and stigmatization. It looks at the how the joy, exhilaration, and challenge of roots folklorique dancing converses with memory, belonging, identification, and liberation. I discuss the social dimensions of dance practice and performance, the harmonious and dissonant relationships entangled with roots dance. Relations - moments of intersection, gathering, and sharing - generate spaces that are celebratory, creative, and cathartic. These spaces sustain the life of the dance troupe, who for 40 years have continued to connect around dance, rhythms, and roots folklorique Haitian culture, in spite and confrontation of their many challenges.


identifier: Miszaniec, Jean-Marc  (2016) Designing Effective Lessons on Probability: A Pilot Study Focused on the Illusion of Linearity.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
This thesis is a summary of a pilot study adopting the design experiment methodology investigating alternative approaches to the teaching of probability – the classical approach (called “Laplace approach” in our study) and the axiomatic approach (called “Properties approach”) – and alternative pedagogical treatments of these approaches: with or without explicit refutations of common misconceptions by the teacher.  Four short video-lessons were designed, focused on Bernoulli trials: “Laplace-exposition”; “Laplace-refutation”; “Properties-exposition” and “Properties-refutation “. The primary misconception addressed in the study was the erroneous application of proportionality models: the misconception called “illusion of linearity” in the context of probability. The design and layout of the videos’ visuals and audio were informed by the principles of cognitive load theory in multimedia to ensure optimal learning potential. Each lesson was tried with one volunteer participant, a post-college student. Each participant listened to the video-lesson assigned to him or her, solved six related probability questions, responded to a questionnaire and was interviewed one-on-one by the researcher. Data in the form of participants’ written responses, transcripts of the interviews and researcher’s notes were used for a thorough qualitative analysis and to inform future iterations of the study.
Research suggests that the primary obstacles to probability education are misconceptions originating from cognitive biases and limitations. Often misconceptions in probability are attributed to intuitions. Intuitions are easily accessed and experience-based knowledge that can help or hinder individuals while problem solving. One question of this study was whether stating and refuting known misconceptions during a lecture-style lesson on Bernoulli trials (refutation treatment) promotes learning better than a lesson without the mention of misconceptions (exposition treatment).
This study also intended to illuminate the nature of probability misconceptions, as research suggests that attributing them to “intuitions” may be misleading.  “Intuition”, especially, “robust intuition”, usually refers to a connected set of beliefs, but our observations suggest that students’ predictions about probability of events are based on something much less homogeneous and connected. Participants in the study did not have consistent and robust intuitions about Bernoulli trials but rather a weaker form of basic knowledge called phenomenological primitives. Their intuitions would have to be developed, perhaps through a frequentist approach to probability.  Participants had a high distrust in their initial guesses – a symptom of the weakness or lack of “robust intuition” – and this played an important role throughout the problem solving process. The Properties approach seemed to have more success than the Laplace approach because of its computational simplicity and because participants may have naturally implemented the Properties approach when thinking of chance events. The approaches did not seem to alter the use of misconceptions. The refutation treatment did not have the expected outcome on learning. Participants subjected to it performed better than those subjected to the exposition treatment but this could be because they “knew” (were told) – not necessarily “understood” – that changes to the number of trials and the number of desired events affect the probability of the desired event in a non-proportional manner. Future iterations of this study would explore further the above conjectures about the nature of the basis of students’ predictions about probability and the appropriateness of different approaches to probability to build on this basis. Also, other common probability misconceptions would be explored to determine their cognitive origins in order to inform the design of instructional content.


identifier: Asaad, Haitham  (2008) Rut Depth Prediction Modeling Using LCPC Tester Of Hot Mix Asphalt.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Abstract
Rut Depth Prediction Modeling Using LCPC Tester of Hot Mix Asphalt

Rutting is considered as one of the major modes of deterioration to flexible pavements. The goal of this study is to contribute to the understating of this phenomenon, and to establish a simple tool predict the resistance to rutting of asphalt pavements based on the experimentation and modeling. Several asphalt mixes will be considered in this study (EG-10, EGA-10, EGS-10, and EG-20, EC-10, SMA). The majority of these mixes are commonly used in Quebec for road construction. Only the SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) is less common currently but it popularity is in continuous increase as high-performance mix.

The adopted laboratory test for this study is the LCPC French rutting tester.  All mixes will be designed according to the LC Method for bituminous mix design.  Influence of the following mix design parameters will be investigated in this research: Binder content (Pb). Air voids (V %). PG is performance grade of the binder (unmodified and modified binders). Voids filled with asphalt (VFA). NMAS is nominal maximum aggregate size represented by D60/D10 of particles in the mix. Percentage of filler.
In the modeling part of this thesis, a detailed analysis will be conducted on the experimental results to obtain a correlation between rutting performance and the different mix design parameters. The modeling would allow the development of computer software for the prediction of pavement resistance to rutting, for different bituminous mixes.
Y1=A*HH^Nb+LOG(HH+LL)+B/Va+F*LOG(VFA)+D/Pb^Na+E*NMAS+LOG(Cu)^Ng+LOG(Filler)+const


identifier: FOROUGHI MASOULEH, MILAD  (2015) Multi Attributed Selection of Excavation Methods in Tunneling Construction.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Abstract
Tunneling construction operations are considered dynamic and complex processes. The success of tunneling construction projects is affected by essential factors. Various methods have been developed in the past, such as simulation models that facilitate and improve the tunneling construction processes and consequently mitigate potential time and cost overruns. Proper selection of excavation method is among the most important factors in tunneling project success. Current practices in selecting the best possible technique for excavation are based on the highest productivity rate as well as the availability of resources. Many of these techniques neglect the interdependencies and concurrency of influencing factors in selecting the best possible excavation method.
In this research, a new method for selecting the most efficient excavation method for tunnels is developed. The method considers a series of significant factors in tunneling construction - namely length, cross-sectional area, geotechnical characteristics depth of the tunnel, and level of water table - and a variety of excavation methods, such as different types of TBMs, Road-header, and drilling and blasting. The factors used in the developed method were constructed based on knowledge extracted from literature and gained from interviews with experts and an online survey. The survey gathered data on the relative importance of the set of selection factors for different soil and project conditions. The collected information was used as input to a developed MCA model (AHP, TOPSIS) that ranked the methods based on their respective suitability for the project at hand to select the most appropriate equipment. The developed method is applied to  real case studies to demonstrate its use and highlight its essential features. Also a sensitivity analysis was carried out on each of the case studies, to identify and analyze the most sensitive tunneling variables affecting equipment selection. Based on sensitivity analysis geotechnical condition is the most sensitive factors among all effective variables in both case studies. In the Montreal-Laval Metro Extension, the selected method was Road Header, and in the Spadina Subway project EPB Mixed Shield was selected as the most favorable method of excavation. These results confirm the actually selected excavation methods on the two projects, and indicate that the developed method is reliable.


identifier: Aziz, Bishoy  (2016) An experimental approach to measure the temperature of in-flight particles in suspension plasma spraying.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

type: Thesis PeerReviewed

abstract:
Abstract
An experimental approach to measure the temperature of in-flight particles in suspension plasma spraying
Bishoy Aziz
The temperature of in-flight particles in suspension plasma spraying (SPS) is one of the key parameters affecting the coating microstructure. Temperature measurement has been carried out before for in-flight particles in air plasma spray (APS) and other thermal spraying processes. Suspension plasma spray (SPS) is an emerging coating deposition technology that permits the deposition of nanostructured coatings with unique structural characteristics. The particles size in SPS is smaller than the one that is commonly used is APS and other spray processes leading to specific challenges for determining its temperature.
The aim of this work is to assess the feasibility of two-color pyrometer for in-flight particles in suspension plasma spraying. To do so, spectroscopic analysis in the visible to near infrared range was carried out on the jet stream when suspension of 20 wt. % YSZ particles in pure ethanol was sprayed. The analysis takes into account the radiation scattered by the particles (Mie scattering) as well as the radiation directly detected from the plasma in the jet stream, and it was found that the effect of the scattered radiation by the particles on temperature measurement is negligible along the center axis of spraying at the melting point of Zirconia.
Moreover, the main and dominant source of error on temperature measurement is the plasma radiation, the vapors and the free electrons in the background of the continuum. One the other hand, it was found that going for a longer wavelength from 1 μm to 2.5 μm is not a promising wavelength range for temperature measurement. Finally, the measurements carried out in this thesis favors future development for the current configuration of a commercial diagnostic sensor to have a better
iv
precision for the value of temperature measurement, as it was found that the error because of the current configuration can reach 540 ° C degrees.


identifier: Richardson, Ivanna F. S.  (2016) Obligatory Control in Persian.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: Obligatory Control in Persian

abstract:
The object of study of this thesis is control structures in Persian, more specifically the properties of the empty subject of embedded clauses occurring in Persian control structures. The null subject in these Persian contexts may be one of three different empty categories: pro, NP-trace/copy, or PRO. Obligatory Control contexts are defined by the following properties: they are made up of complex clauses contain a matrix clause and an embedded clause, an argument of the matrix clause must be coindexed with the subject of the embedded clause, and the subject of the embedded clause may be covert or overt, but must crucially be coindexed by the matrix subject. Current theories accounting for Obligatory Control contexts fall into two categories: those that seek to reduce the grammatical mechanisms necessary to account for Obligatory Control contexts and those that seek to account for these contexts by agreement without reducing the grammatical mechanisms.

The Persian data is examined to determine whether the empty subject has the properties of pro, NP- trace/copy, or PRO. The properties of Obligatory Control and the three empty categories are introduced and arguments are outlined for positing a structural subject in Obligatory Control contexts. The current theories accounting for Obligatory Control contexts are described and each is evaluated for its ability to account for the Persian Data. The analysis shows that the Persian Obligatory Control data is best accounted for by positing PRO as the empty subject in those contexts, licensed by agreement.


identifier: Belhassen, Alexander  (2016) Product Placement in Videogames: Does In-game Violence Really Have an Effect on Product Evaluations? Masters thesis, Concordia University. Masters thesis, Concordia University.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
In this study, we look at one of the most common components of videogames (aggression brought upon by violent stimulus) and how that affects the impression of an advertised brand (brand placement within the game) and the gamer’s responses to a related brand failure scenario. In this study, findings suggest that there are clear differences in the interpretation of the stimuli with regards to film and videogames.
The subjects watched a video of a modified version of the PC game “Halflife 2” where they were exposed to different brand cues throughout the gameplay experience and were tested in several ways. In a laboratory experiment the degree of violence (high vs. low) and the attribution of brand failure (internal vs. external) were manipulated. The dependent variable was various reactions to the observed scenario.
Results indicated that higher levels of violence led to lower levels of brand recall while it was not affected by the respondent’s enjoyment of the stimuli nor their attitude towards the brand. There was also evidence that female subjects had an easier time remembering the brands than male subjects did. It was found that there were 2 2-way interactions effect between violence level, brand failure attribution and gender with respect to anger; female subjects scored higher than male subjects in anger and desire for revenge across all manipulation combinations. Not only that but male and female subjects differed in terms of their level of anger relative to the source of service failure attribution (women had a stronger negative reaction to internal attribution). Although some explanations involving possible biological and behavioural gender differences can be suggested for the observed differences further studies are needed to pin down the reasons for the differences.


identifier: Moosavi, Seyed Hossein  (2016) Does separating vaccinated and unvaccinated students in schools result in better health outcomes? An agent-based model for mumps.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
A rise in unvaccinated children and subsequent uptick in vaccine-preventable disease has led to a vigorous public debate regarding vaccination status, with some physicians and parents calling for unvaccinated children to be banned from clinics or schools. We simulated a mumps outbreak in a small school system and evaluated how key disease dynamics were impacted by instituting a policy of separating vaccinated and unvaccinated children into different schools. In addition, we evaluated the impact of school separation when used concurrently with physical distancing, self-isolation, school closure, and mandatory isolation.
   We used Agent Based Simulation to model mumps outbreaks among students in a small city. Agents move between the school, home and other places on a daily basis. Mumps parameters are modeled based on current literature on infectious diseases. Multiple control strategies were investigated in terms of infection rate, outbreak length, and total costs.
    Our motivation for this work was to evaluate the disease impact of a school separation strategy. Given the potential ethical and legal complications, the associated health benefits would have to be significant to persuade policy makers to adopt such a policy. Our results do not suggest that a school separation strategy should be adopted in most of the scenarios since this strategy increases the number of infected students, the chance of outbreaks, and the associated cost in the majority of them. In addition, our work demonstrates that educating students on the benefits of adopting physical distancing and self-isolation is effective in controlling the mumps outbreak size and cost in a population with 90% vaccine coverage, and confirms that mandatory isolation in this population is an effective strategy for managing outbreaks.


identifier: Bottini-Havrillay, Barbara  (2016) Transnational Politics of Road Building in 1960's Peten, Guatemala.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
ABSTRACT
Transnational Politics of Road Building in 1960s Petén, Guatemala
Barbara Bottini-Havrillay

In the 1960s, as part of the US government’s Cold War strategy to fight communism in Latin America, the US and the Guatemalan militaries performed joint road development efforts to open Guatemala’s frontier region of Petén for agriculture and economic development. Two decades later, the same militaries that managed these road projects in Petén committed genocide against the indigenous Maya in other parts of Guatemala.  While violence that took place in Petén is not considered genocide, it was part of a period in the civil war in which military violence was classified as genocidal by the UN.  Despite previous findings that new roads in Petén were a catalyst of military violence, road building in Petén has yet to be studied comprehensively from this perspective. Drawing on oral history interviews with former US military advisors, photo albums, memoirs and newspaper articles collected at the Center for Mesoamerican Research in Guatemala, this study discusses how making roads in Petén assisted in creating the ideological preconditions and means of transport for the Guatemalan military. More precisely, this paper examines how road building and its military leadership improved the logistical capabilities of the military in Petén and reinforced eugenic ideologies about the “racial health” of the Guatemalan nation.


identifier: Ragueb, Nadra  (2016) A Circular Supply Chain Model for Alternative Food Networks in Montreal.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Food waste and food insecurity have become a double burden in the Global North. In North America, traditional food supply chains are being challenged by the development of alternative food networks (AFN). On one hand, AFN aim to promote healthy food access through designing socially, economically and environmentally sustainable supply chains that empower local producers and consumers. On the other hand, the circular economy framework aims to redesign linear “take, make, dispose” supply chains into regenerative cyclic supply chains. Yet, little research exists that examines how AFN can close their supply chain loops using a circular economy framework. This multidisciplinary study aims to bridge these two concepts: it explores waste perception and management in alternative food networks (AFN) using a circular economy framework. This study uses a mixed methods approach and is divided into three main research phases. The first phase explores how AFN users perceive waste through a series of live exhibitions and surveys. The second phase identifies waste management practices of AFN actors through structured open-ended surveys. Our findings suggest that waste perception is socially malleable and that AFN actors voluntarily engage in various informal circular economy activities. The third research phase, a case study, generated concrete recommendations for the Citizen Market of Little Burgundy to achieve a closed loop, circular, and collaborative supply chain.


identifier: Hunt, Elizabeth  (2016) Hosting humanizing practices in times of complexity: Lessons to be learned from Paulo Freire.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This work is intended as an analysis of possible links between educator and philosopher Paulo Freire’s thinking on dialogue, and the Art of Hosting (an international community of dialogue-based practitioners) as an approach to ‘hosting conversations that matter’.  This study was conducted by thoroughly reviewing Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, as well as conducting a literature review of a selection of his other works, and the analysis and commentary of other authors on Freire’s thinking. In order to gain a strong understanding and perspective on the Art of Hosting (AoH), the author turned to the few academic articles that have been written on AoH, as well as reviewing multiple handbooks produced to accompany AoH events around the world, examining the various online sites related to AoH, and the related blogosphere. Finally, the author conducted six semi-structured interviews with self-identified Art of Hosting practitioners using questions influenced and inspired by Freire’s views on dialogue. The result of this research brought the author to delve into a personal exploration on how her professional practice as a facilitator offers her an opportunity to directly, and indirectly, address the societal issues about which she is concerned, and how she is influenced and inspired by both a philosophical grounding in the work of Paulo Freire, and by the shared assumptions she encounters in the Art of Hosting community.


identifier: Esshassah, Fouad  (2016) The Effects of Computer-Enhanced Reading Aloud on the Production of /p/ and /ɛ/ in Arabic-English Interlanguage.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study explores the effects of second language learners’ Reading Aloud (RA) of texts on their pronunciation. RA has not received much attention in empirical research despite being commonly used in classrooms. The handful of available studies found that RA led to the improvement of L2 learners' pronunciation at the segmental and the suprasegmental levels. The present study contributed to fill this gap in the literature by investigating, using a mixed-methods approach, the effects of RA on the acquisition of the phonemes /p/ and /ɛ/ in the speech of Arab speakers learning English as an L2. Twenty-six adult Arab ESL learners participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to a control group and an experimental group. The latter were asked to practice reading written texts out loud to their smartphone devices through automatic speech recognition (ASR) application, which enabled them to monitor their own production and receive instantaneous visual feedback (i.e., in the form of written text). By the end of the experiment, the participants in the treatment group were asked to conduct a one-to-one interview with the researcher on their attitudes towards the usefulness of RA. The pre-test results showed that the participants in both groups had no major difficulties in producing /ɛ/; henceforth, the investigation focused solely on /p/. The treatment group's oral production of /p/ during reading aloud and spontaneous speech tasks significantly improved from the pre-test to the posttest and the delayed post-test.


identifier: Perrin, Eliot  (2016) “It’s your city, only you can save it!”: Save Montreal’s Grassroots Opposition to Urban Redevelopment.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the urban conservation group Save Montreal actively opposed the city’s high-modernist redevelopment.  To date, their efforts have been studied within the context of heritage preservation and its contribution to evolving notions of local identity.  While Save Montreal was undoubtedly concerned with the retention of structures considered historically significant its members did not characterize themselves as heritage preservationists.  Rather, I argue that Save Montreal’s membership constructed their organization and campaigned so as to challenge the means and process by which development occurred in the city centre.  My use of oral history as a primary method of analysis reveals the socio-economic and political motivations of the group while also serving to democratize urban history.  Oral history also represents a valuable means by which to understand and contextualize urban conservation movements.  While local in operation and outlook, Save Montreal’s 1973-1985 activist period paralleled postwar grassroots conservation movements in other North American cities.


identifier: Gedeon-Harvan, Mary  (2016) Being and Becoming Children of Light: A Comparison of Thomas 50 and John 12:35-36 and Their Respective Gospels.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Abstract

Being and Becoming Children of Light
A Comparison of Thomas 50 and John 12:35-36 and their Respective Gospels

Mary Gedeon-Harvan

Scholars have postulated numerous theories about the Gospel according to Thomas and the Gospel according to John from a diachronic perspective on issues of provenance, dating and authorship. They have argued for the existence of community conflicts centered on bodily resurrection, soteriology and divine light indwelling human beings. Using Logion 50 and John 12:35-36 as a springboard, this thesis examines these gospels synchronically comparing how their respective genres and textual nuances unveil the distinct audiences of these ancient writings. It also explores how the texts themselves point to the different ways that the Thomasine and Johannine authors and their audiences related to Jesus and the (living) Father, their views on salvation and the heavenly kingdom, and their self-image as (potential) children of God/Light. The audiences’ distinct viewpoints in turn required the texts to present the character of Jesus as executing differently his revelatory mission to each of them. Different views regarding the concepts of oneness and that of light and darkness are also examined. In Thomas oneness denotes singularity whereas in John it denotes unity. Light and darkness also symbolize different views in these gospels. In Thomas they represent gnosis versus ignorance while in John they take on a moral sense.

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identifier: Saborimanesh, Nayereh  (2016) ¬Dispersion and Bacterial Degradation of Weathered Diesel, Biodiesel and Light Crude Oil in Seawater by Sophorolipid Biosurfactant.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Dispersion and Bacterial Degradation of Weathered Diesel, Biodiesel and Light Crude Oil in Seawater by Sophorolipid Biosurfactant
Nayereh Saborimanesh, Ph.D.
Concordia University, 2016
The significant surface activity, low toxicity, biodegradability and stability over broad ranges of salinity, temperature, and pH make the sophorolipid biosurfactant an alternative to the toxic chemically-based dispersants for oil cleanup from marine environments. The potential application of sophorolipid biosurfactant for dispersion and bacterial degradation of weathered biodiesel (BD), diesel (D) and light crude (L) oil in artificial seawater was studied. The mixtures of artificial seawater (salinities of 0-30 ppt, pH of 6-8, temperatures of 8ºC, 22ºC and 35ºC), -weathered diesel, biodiesel, and light crude oil and various concentrations and quantities of sophorolipid were prepared, shaken (150 rpm, 20 min) and analyzed according to the swirling flask dispersant effectiveness flask method. The biodegradation experiment was conducted by incubation (100 rpm, room temperature, 28 days) of mixtures of seawater (30 ppt), weathered diesel, biodiesel and light crude oil and sophorolipid. The oil dispersion increased 1.5-fold as the sophorolipid concentration doubled. For example, nearly 16 ± 0.5%, 12 ± 0.5% and 27 ± 0.5% of the diesel, light crude oil and biodiesel were dispersed, respectively, with 80 mg/L of sophorolipid. The dispersion of diesel, biodiesel, and light crude oil increased 1.3 (BD), 1.4 (L) and 1.5-fold (D) as the quantities of the sophorolipid in the seawater doubled. The mechanisms involved in the oil dispersion at higher concentration and quantity of sophorolipid were the incorporation of oil droplets in the micelles and the formation of small oil droplets. No oil dispersion was formed at the minimum level of agitation (0% at 0 rpm), regardless of the sophorolipid concentrations, and the dispersion occurred only when the mixing increased to maximum (150 rpm). The stability of dispersed oil was influenced by the level of mixing so that the oil dispersion reduced to ˂8% due to resurfacing process. The dispersion of oil doubled as the salinity increased from 0 to 10 ppt, and gradually increased at the higher salinities (10 to 30 ppt). The effectiveness of sophorolipid at the higher salinities was due to the better surface activity of sophorolipid at solutions with a higher content of NaCl salt, the effect of “salting out”, and the lower solubilization of sophorolipid. The biodiesel, diesel, and light crude oil dispersion increased with increasing temperature from 8ºC to 22ºC and 35°C, with the exception of biodiesel that had a reduced dispersion at 35ºC. The low effectiveness of sophorolipid at temperatures of 8 and 35ºC (in the case of biodiesel) can be attributed to the significant changes in the viscosity and density of biodiesel, diesel, and light crude oil. The presence of active oil-degrading bacteria in the weathered biodiesel, diesel, and light crude oil was confirmed by a significant natural biodegradation (42%), microbial growth and characterization of bacteria by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing technique. The dominant bacteria (e.g., dominant phyla) were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. The bacteria seem to uptake the hydrocarbons through the changes in the cell surface hydrophobicities based on the available hydrocarbons in the system. The high level of oil biodegradation in the presence of sophorolipid (46%) was due to the increase in the solubilization and dispersion of diesel, biodiesel and light crude oil by sophorolipid biosurfactant. The present study showed that the dispersion of oil by the sophorolipid biosurfactant was influenced by the quantity and concentration of sophorolipid, mixing, temperature and salinity. However, the seawater pH had an insignificant effect on the oil dispersion by sophorolipid. This research suggests the positive effect of sophorolipid biosurfactant on tested oil dispersion under the studied conditions. However, the oil biodegradation was not significantly stimulated with the sophorolipid.


identifier: Yu, Bin  (2016) Fault-Tolerant Control with Applications to Aircraft Using Linear Quadratic Design Framework.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Safety is one of the major concerns in the aviation community for both manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The safety issue of manned aircraft, such as commercial aircraft, has drawn great attentions especially after a series of disasters in recent decades. Safety and reliability issues of UAVs have also attracted significant attention due to their highly autonomous feature towards their future civilian applications.  Focusing on the improvement of safety and reliability of aircraft, a fault-tolerant control (FTC) system is demanded to utilize the configured redundancy in an effective and efficient manner to increase the survivability of aircraft in the presence of faults/failures.

This thesis aims to develop an effective FTC system to improve the security, reliability, and survivability of the faulty aircraft: manned aircraft and UAVs. In particular, the emphases are focused on improving the on-line fault-tolerant capability and the transient performance between faults occurrence and control re-configuration.

In the existing fault-tolerant literature, several control approaches are developed to possess fault-tolerant capability in recent decades, such as sliding mode control (SMC), model reference adaptive control (MRAC), and model predictive control (MPC), just as examples. Different strategies have their specific benefits and drawbacks in addressing different aspects of fault-tolerant problems.  However, there are still open problems in the fault-tolerant performance improvement,  the transient behavior management, consideration of the interaction between FTC and fault detection and diagnosis (FDD), etc.
 For instance, MPC is recognized as a suitable inherent structure in synthesizing a FTC system due to its capability of addressing faults via solving constraints, reforming cost function, and updating model on-line. However, this on-line FTC capability introduces further challenges in terms of fault problem formulation, on-line computation, transient behavior before reconfiguration is triggered, etc. Designing an efficient FDD is also a challenge topic with respect to time response speed, accuracy, and reliability due to its interaction with a fault-tolerant controller.

In the control design framework based on linear quadratic (LQ) cost function formulation, faults can be accommodated in both  passive and active way. A passive FTC system is synthesized with a prescribed degree of stability LQ design technique. The state of the post-fault system is obtained through state-augmented extended Kalman filter (SAEKF), which is a combined technique with state and parameter estimation. In terms of reconfiguration capability, MPC is considered as a favorable active FTC strategy.  In addition to MPC framework, the improvement of on-line computational efficiency motivates MPC to be used to perform fault-tolerant flight control. Furthermore, a Laguerre-function based MPC (LF-MPC) is presented to enhance the on-line fault-tolerant capability. The modification is based on a series of Laguerre functions to model the control trajectory with fewer parameters. In consequence, the computation load is reduced, which improves the real-time fault-tolerant capability in the framework of MPC. The FTC capability is further improved for accommodating the performance degradation during the transient period before the control reconfiguration. This approach is inspired by exponentially increasing weighting matrix used in linear quadratic regulator (LQR).

Two platforms are used to perform the evaluation of the designed FTC system. A quadrotor UAV, named the Qball-X4, is utilized to test FTC designed with exponentially increasing weighing matrix LQ technique and FDD designed with SAEKF. The evaluation is conducted under the task of trajectory tracking in the presence of loss of control effectiveness (LOE) faults of actuators. The modified MPC is utilized to synthesize  an  active FTC system to accommodate the elevator stuck fault of a Boeing 747-100/200 benchmark model. The exponentially increasing weighing matrix LQ technique is further implemented in LF-MPC framework to improve the fault-tolerant capability before the control reconfiguration. A time delayed FDD is integrated into the evaluation process to present the effectiveness of the proposed FTC strategies. The designed FTC system is evaluated under the emergency landing task in the event of failure of elevators.


title:
Fault-Tolerant Control with Applications to Aircraft
Using Linear Quadratic Design Framework


identifier: Dimogiorgi, Aikaterini  (2016) Enhanced Dynamic Frequency Hopping Performance in Cognitive Radio IEEE 802.22 Standard.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
IEEE 802.22 is a Cognitive Radio based standard designed for Wireless Regional Area Networks (WRAN) for the purpose of providing wireless broadband access to rural and remote areas. The standard relies on the utilization of the unoccupied spectrum that became available after the TV signal was converted from analog to digital. In this thesis, we present an enhanced scheme for the operation of the Dynamic Frequency Hopping (DFH) technique in the IEEE 802.22 standard for WRANs. The performance of the DFH is analyzed thoroughly for various types of channels and for a Multiple-input Multiple-output (MIMO) systems.
The core of this research is based on the coexistence of the incumbent users and the WRANs in the TV white spaces (TVWS). The proposed technique, aims at protecting the licensed users from interfering with the cognitive broadband access in the TV spectrum. In order to achieve that, spectrum sensing is performed in the intended working channel in DFH while spectrum monitoring with the energy-ratio (ER) algorithm is applied during the WRAN data transmission in the currently working channel. Hence, in the DFH-ER algorithm the reappearance of an incumbent user in a band occupied by the WRANs would be detected immediately, providing interference free performance for the licensed user as well as reliable data transmission for the unlicensed one. Simulation results of the proposed DFH-ER technique compared to the conventional DFH scenario exemplify the enhancement of the WRAN data transmission while protecting the incumbent users.


identifier: Simone, Karina  (2016) Price Discovery in the Cross Listed Stock Market: Revisiting the Case of Canadian Stocks Listed in the United States.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This paper revisits studies conducted by Rosenthal and Young (1990) and Froot and Dabora (1999) that found prices of twin stocks to be mispriced and that this mispricing could be explained by the markets in which the shares are listed. Our study investigates whether these findings can be generalized to Canadian firms who cross-list in the US. Using a sample of 184 firms who cross-listed during the period 1975 – 2013, we also observe share mispricing that can be explained by the markets in which the shares are listed in, however it is not trading activity alone that determines the significance of this relationship. Furthermore, we observe a discrepancy in the co-movement of Canadian-listed shares and their US-listed counterparts with currency fluctuations, making this the most significant factor in explaining the mispricing observed in our sample of cross-listed firms.


identifier: Azad, Mohammadreza  (2016) Manufacturing of Sandwich Panels Using Recycled Thermoplastic Composites in a Continuous Extrusion Line.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Thermoplastic sandwich panels are attractive for automotive applications since they can be readily formed into the light weight complex structures with good impact resistance and high flexural rigidity. In this experimental study, the extent of enhancement in properties achieved through the use of thermoplastic composite skins combined with a recycled thermoplastic core is demonstrated. The thermal behavior of polypropylene (PP)-based recycled materials and the possibility of turning them into the sandwich panels via a plastic extrusion processing were investigated. A sheet extrudate of recycled thermoplastic composite was sandwiched between two thermoplastic skins on both sides to make the sandwich panels. The core material composed of recycled polypropylene (RPP) and shreds of recycled PP/Fiberglass (e.g. twintex scraps) with the weight ratio of 1:1. A commercial thermoplastic skin, TWINTEX, which is a roving made of commingled E-Glass and polypropylene filaments woven into highly conformable fabrics, is used as the face sheets to bond with the core material.
A good understanding of  principles for manufacturing sandwich panels and performing some experimental optimization leads to making high-strength and strongly-bonded sandwich panels. Results of the mechanical tests (3-point bending and peel-off test) show that recycled sandwich panels offer better mechanical performance compared with their honeycomb counterparts in terms of flexural strength and skin-to-core bonding and they are more resistant to delamination. The big issue is that they are high-weight materials compared with honeycomb sandwich panels. So we applied some foaming processes using chemical foaming agents to reduce the density of the core. A significant reduction in sandwich panel’s weight and better mechanical performance could be achieved.


identifier: Shobeiri, Ali  (2015) GRASP Metaheuristic for Multiple Allocation p-Hub Location Problem.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Hub Location Problems (HLPs), belonging to the field of location theory, have been area of much research over the past two decades. This is due, in large measure, to the applications of hub and spoke networks in practice. Among the most classical versions of HLPs are p-hub location problems (p-HLPs), p-hub location problems are one of the most well studied variants of hub location literature. The primary goal of these models is to allocate p hub facilities in a hub and spoke network so as to concentrate flows (demands) to benefit from economies of scale in cost of transportation. The application of p-hub networks extends beyond the field of telecommunication and includes air freight systems, postal delivery systems and airline industries and several transportation related systems. p-HLPs constitute a challenging class of HLPs and are known to be NP-hard. Several solution approaches have been developed from exact solutions using integer programming techniques to the development of metaheuristics. Even though metaheuristic algorithms cannot guarantee optimality, given complexity of large scale HLPs, they are being used for solving these problems. In this thesis, we focus on the multiple allocation uncapacitated p-hub location problem. Four solution algorithms will be proposed to this problem for solving the Australian Postal (AP) data instances. We start with a very simple algorithm and continue with more complicated one in order to present an efficient high quality feasible solution and to assess the impact of the quality of initial feasible solution on local improvement phase.  Computational results from the different algorithms were compared to exact solutions to track the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.


identifier: Abuhatoum, Shireen  (2016) Power during Sibling and Friend Conflict in Early and Middle Childhood.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Children’s relationships with their siblings and friends serve as important contexts for interaction and development, particularly with respect to their conflictual exchanges (Piaget, 1965; Sullivan, 1953; Volling, 2003). In particular, the various forms of power children use in conflict are suggested to play a significant role in their socialization process (Hartup, 1989; Hinde, 1979; Dunn, 2002) Further, it has been argued that a science of relationships should be studied through the interplay of both relationship and actor-partner effects (Hinde, Finkenauer, & Auhagen, 2001). To this end, the present two studies examined children’s individual and dyadic use of power in sibling and friend conflict across the early and middle childhood period. Specifically, the first manuscript comprising a cross-sectional examination focused on siblings’ and friends’ dyadic use of power resources and effectiveness in conflict during early childhood, whereas the second manuscript performed a longitudinal investigation of focal children’s use of power resources and effectiveness in conflict with their siblings and friends across the early and middle childhood period. Data based upon naturalistic observations of semi-structured play sessions were previously collected (DeHart, 1999). Behavioural coding of the transcripts was used to quantify conflict sequence identification and power behaviours (i.e., resources and effectiveness). Results are discussed in light of previous theoretical and empirical research concerning the developmental significance of children’s agency (i.e., power) in conflict with an accompanying focus on future research recommendations. Overall, the results showed patterns of interaction that highlight the construct of power as
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an ability that may or may not always be exercised and even when exercised may be more or less effective depending on level of analysis, relationship partner, developmental stage, and conflict process or outcome.


identifier: Habibi, Mohsen  (2016) Tool Wear Improvement and Machining Parameter Optimization in Non-generated Face-hobbing of Bevel Gears.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Face-hobbing is the dominant and the most productive machining process for manufacturing bevel and hypoid gears. Bevel gears are one of the most important power transmission components, in automobile to aerospace industries, where the power is transmitted between two non-parallel axes. In current industries, the face-hobbing process confronts two major challenges, the tool wear and trial and error experiments to select machining parameters. In the present work, these two problems are targeted.
The tool wear in face-hobbing happens at the tool corners of the cutting blades due to the multi-flank chip formation and large gradient of working rake and relief angles along the cutting edge at the corners. In addition, the cutting fluid absence contributes in the tool wear phenomena. In the present work, a cutting tool design method is proposed in order to improve the tool wear characteristics especially at the tool corners. The rake and relief surfaces of the conventional cutting blades are re-designed in such a way that normal rake and relief angles during the face-hobbing process are kept constant and consequently the gradients of these two angles are minimized, theoretically to zero. Using mathematical tool wear characterization relationship and also FEM simulation, the improvements in tool wear are approved.
In addition, in the present thesis, semi-analytical methods are proposed to optimize the face-hobbing process in order to select appropriate machining settings. The optimization problem is constructed in such a way that the machining time is minimized subject to the tool rake wear or cutting force related constraints. In order to predict the tool rake wear (crater wear depth), methods are proposed to calculate un-deformed chip geometry, cutting forces, normal stresses, interface cutting temperature and chip sliding velocity.
The un-deformed chip geometry is obtained using two proposed methods numerically and semi-analytically. In the numerical method, the workpiece in-process model is obtained and then the un-deformed chip geometry is approximated using the in-process model. In the semi-analytical method, an un-deformed chip boundary theory is constructed in such a way that the boundary curves of the un-deformed chip are formulated by closed form equations.
The obtained un-deformed chip geometry is discretized along the cutting edge of the blades. Each infinitesimal element is considered as a small oblique cut. The differential cutting forces are predicted for each individual element using oblique cutting transformation theory. The total cutting forces are derived by integrating the differential cutting forces along the cutting edge.
The proposed methods are applied on case studies of non-generated face-hobbing of gears to show the capability of the methods to find the un-deformed chip geometry, predict cutting forces and finally find the optimum machining parameters in non-generated face-hobbing.


identifier: Kapsis, Konstantinos  (2016) Modelling, Design and Experimental Study of Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Windows for Commercial Building Applications.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: As the building sector is moving to net-zero energy building performance targets and beyond, the use of building integrated solar systems becomes essential. Semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) window technologies are expected to play a key role in on-site electricity generation of new and retrofitted high-performance commercial and institutional buildings. In most commercial and high-rise residential buildings where reducing the costs of cooling energy is important, STPV windows can be used as integrated strategy to reduce solar heat gains and generate solar electricity while still providing adequate daylight and view to the outdoors. The research presented on this thesis is based on the conviction that window technologies should be considered as an integral part of a broad strategy of energy-conserving, energy-efficient building design. The main objective of this work is to provide a systematic study of STPV windows through experimental work and simulations that will allow these technologies to become ubiquitous on buildings in the near future. The end goal is to transform buildings from energy consumers to energy producers without compromising on occupancy comfort. Hence, all performance characteristics (e.g., electrical, thermal and daylighting) should be studied and quantified individually and in combination in order to capture the impact such technologies have on the building energy performance and occupancy comfort. In this work, design concepts of windows integrating STPV technologies are developed, modelled and studied in typical perimeter zones. The thermal and electrical performance of four crystalline Si-based prototype STPV windows was studied experimentally. Specially designed prototypes were mounted in a calibrated hot-box calorimeter apparatus developed for this study. The apparatus is placed inside a two-storey high environmental chamber with a solar simulator (SSEC) and exposed to emulated sunlight produced by a continuous solar simulator. The SSEC facility allows tests to be performed under fully controlled and repeatable conditions (temperature and irradiance). Operating cell temperatures of up to 80.5°C were observed under 1000 W/sq.m irradiation, still air and ambient air temperature of 21°C. An experimental procedure for the determination of Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) for STPV windows is also developed. It was found that the electricity generation from the STPV windows can result in up to 23% reduction of SHGC in comparison to a heat absorbing (e.g., tinted or fritted glass) window with the same optical and thermal properties. In addition, the performance data generated was used to verify thermal-electrical performance models for the prediction of cell operating temperatures and solar energy yield. Low-order thermal models for various STPV window assemblies were developed. Using typical meteorological weather data as inputs, the thermal models could predict the operating cell temperatures of an assembly (e.g., double glazed low-e argon window with integrated photovoltaics) within +/- 5°C, resulting in less than +/- 3% error in the annual solar energy yield. A general simulation methodology was developed integrating thermal, electrical and daylighting performance modelling. The methodology was applied to evaluate the potential benefits of various STPV façade designs in cooling-dominated commercial building applications under continental climate. The simulations revealed that the selection of the ideal STPV optical properties is sensitive on the daylight and lighting controls applied in the building, and photovoltaic cell technology utilized (crystalline Si-based spaced cells, a-Si “see-through” and fully transparent organic thin film technologies were examined). In regards to design of a building façade, it was shown that the three-section design concept integrating Si-based spaced PV cells on the upper section of the façade (daylight section) and “see-through” thin PV film on the middle section (view section) has the potential to maximize daylight utilization and view to the outdoors while minimizing the possibility for glare to occur and producing an optimal amount of solar electricity.


identifier: Amirarfaei, Faegheh  (2016) Fault-tolerant Synchronization of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
The main objective of this thesis is to develop a fault-tolerant and reconfigurable synchronization scheme based on model-based control protocols for stern and sail hydroplanes that are employed as actuators in the attitude control subsystem (ACS) of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). In this thesis two control approaches are considered for synchronization, namely i) state feedback synchronization, and ii) output feedback synchronization. Both problems are tackled by proposing a passive control approach as well as an active reconfiguration (re-designing the control gains).
For the ”state feedback” synchronization scheme, to achieve consensus the relative/absolute measurements of the AUV’s states (position and attitude) are available. The states of a longitudinal model of an AUV are mainly heave, pitch, and their associated rates. For the state feedback problem we employ a static protocol, and it is shown that the multi-agent system will synchronize in the stochastic mean square sense in the presence of measurement noise. However, the resulting performance index defined as the accumulated sum of variations of control inputs and synchronization errors is high. To deal with this problem, Kalman filtering is used for states estimation that are used in synchronization protocol. Moreover, the e�ffects of parameter uncertainty of the agent’s dynamics are also investigated through simulation results. By employing the static protocol it is
demonstrated that when a loss of e�ffectiveness (LOE) or float fault occurs the synchronization can still be achieved under some conditions. Finally, one of the main problems that is tackled in the
state feedback scenario is our proposed proportional-integral (PI) control methodology to deal with the lock in place (LIP) fault. It is shown that if the LIP fault occurs, by employing a PI protocol
the synchronization could still be achieved. Finally, our proposed dynamic synchronization protocol methodology is applied given that the fault (LOE/float) severity is known. Since after a fault
occurrence the agents become heterogeneous, employing the dynamic scheme makes the task of reconfiguration (redesigning the gains) more e�ffective.
For the ”output feedback” synchronization approach, to achieve consensus relative/absolute measurements of the AUV’s states except the pitch rate are available. For the output feedback
problem a dynamic protocol through a Luenberger observer is first employed for state estimation and the synchronization achievement is demonstrated. Then, a system under state and measurement noise is considered, and it is shown that by employing a Kalman filter for the state estimation; the multi-agent system will synchronize in the stochastic mean square sense. Furthermore, by employing the static protocol, it is shown that when a LOE/float fault occurs the synchronization is still achieved under certain conditions. Finally, one of the main problems that is tackled in the output feedback scenario is our proposed dynamic controller methodology. The results of this scheme are compared with another approach that exploits both dynamic controller and dynamic observer. The former approach has less computational e�ort and results in more a robust control with respect to the actuator fault. The reason is that the later method employs an observer that uses the control input matrix information. When fault occurs, this information will not be correct any more. However, if there is a need to redesign the synchronization gains under faulty scenario, the later methodology is preferred. The reason is that the former approach becomes complicated when there is a fault even though its severity is known.
In this thesis, fault-tolerant synchronization of autonomous underwater vehicles is considered. In the first chapter a brief introduction on the motivation, problem definition, objectives and the methodologies that are used in the dissertation are discussed. A literature review on research dedicated to synchronization, fault diagnosis, and fault-tolerant control is provided. In Chapter 2, a through literature review on unmanned underwater vehicles is covered. It also comprises a comprehensive background information and definitions including algebraic graph theory, matrix
theory, and fault modeling. In the problem statement, the two main problems in this thesis, namely state feedback synchronization and output feedback synchronization are discussed. Chapters 3 and 4 will cover these two problems, their solutions, and the corresponding simulation results that are provided. Finally, Chapter 5 includes a discussion of conclusions and future work.


identifier: Buchanan, James  (2016) La representación del moro en Las Cantigas de Santa María de Alfonso X, El Sabio: un precursor a la “maurofilia” de Historia del Abencerraje y la hermosa Jarifa.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: La representación del sujeto moro se representa frecuentemente en la literatura de la edad media de manera que lo problematiza y condena rotundamente como elemento negativo en el creciente dominio cristiano, mientras que en un canon literario denominado “maurófilo” de la temprana modernidad, después de la toma del último recinto arábigo de la Península, la imagen del moro adquiere elementos de nostalgia e idealización aparentes. La benignidad engañadora que caracteriza la maurofilia, sin embargo, oculta una ideología subyacente que se acerca en muchos aspectos a las posturas y actitudes de las letras medievales en cuanto a la creación y preservación de estereotipos y de desigualdades de poder.


identifier: Gupta, Shraman  (2016) Analysis and Design of Substrate Integrated Waveguide-based Antennas for Millimeter Wave Applications.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Recently, there has been increasing interest and rapid growth in millimeter wave (MMW) antennas and devices for use in diverse applications, services and technologies such as short-range communication, future mm-wave mobile communication for the fifth generation (5G) cellular networks, and sensor and imaging systems. Due to the corresponding smaller wavelength, mm-wave frequencies offer the advantage of physically smaller antennas and circuits as well as the availability of much wider bandwidth compared to microwave frequencies. It is important to design millimeter wave antennas with high gain characteristics due to their high sensitivity towards atmospheric absorption losses. Moreover, millimeter wave antennas can have wide bandwidth and are suitable for applications in large frequency range.

In this thesis, planar antennas are designed using substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology to have low losses, high quality factor, and low fabrication cost. Firstly, an antipodal fermi linear tapered slot antenna (AFLSTA) with sine corrugations at the side edges at 32.5 GHz is presented, which has a wide impedance bandwidth greater than 30 %, in order to support the high data rate channels. This antenna has a high gain of 12.6 dB and low side lobe levels (better than - 17 dB) in both E and H planes. This antenna is studied and analyzed in array and beamforming configurations to meet requirements of millimeter wave applications.

In order to obtain high gain and narrow beamwidth pattern, a 1 × 8 AFLTSA array using SIW power divider network is presented. The design characteristics of the power divider network are presented in this thesis, which help in calculating the performance characteristics of this array structure. This array has an acceptable bandwidth of 14.7 % (30-35 GHz) with high gain of 20.4 dB and 8.35° 3 dB beamwidth. The side lobe levels are also improved using this SIW power divider network and are lower than -25 dB in E-plane and -15 dB in H-plane respectively. This antenna has a radiation efficiency greater than 93% over the whole bandwidth.

The second research theme is beamforming of AFLTSA antenna. This beamforming is performed using multi-beam antenna concept in which the beam is rotated with a help of compact beamforming network and excitation from different input ports. The design methodology for 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 subarray beamforming networks is presented along with their current distributions illustrating the beamforming process. These subarrays possess wide impedance bandwidth between 29-36 GHz. Moreover, these subarrays are able to achieve gain between 12-15 dB with narrow beamwidth reaching till 11°. All the results along with the numerical data is presented in this thesis. This antenna is suitable candidate for millimeter wave wireless communications and imaging systems.


identifier: Ferrar, Saskia  (2016) Maternal Responses to Preschoolers' Success and Struggle during a Teaching Task: Links to Family-Level Factors and Academic and Cognitive Outcomes.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
The present study examined mothers’ responses to their preschool-aged children’s successful and unsuccessful actions during a semi-structured puzzle task. Associations between mothers’ responses and the familial context were examined. In addition, children’s cognitive and academic abilities were assessed at two subsequent time points, in relation to the parenting behaviors they were exposed to at the preschool age. Participants were drawn from the Concordia Longitudinal Risk Project, a longitudinal and intergenerational study of families from disadvantaged neighborhoods in Montréal, Québec. At Time 1, participants were 156 mothers and their preschool-aged children (1-6 years). At Times 2 and 3, 124 and 98 of these mother-child dyads participated when the children were aged six to 11 years, and nine to 13 years, respectively. Maternal responses to their children’s successful actions were divided into three categories: process-focused praise, person-focused praise, and neutral acknowledgments. Responses to children’s unsuccessful actions were divided into four categories: encouragement or helping, discouragement, neutral indications of mistake, or taking over.

Results revealed that mothers’ responses were associated with the quality of their home environment, child characteristics, as well as maternal characteristics, including their histories of childhood aggression and social withdrawal. Furthermore, a lower frequency of mothers’ taking over, as well as higher frequencies of encouragement or helping and neutral indications of mistakes, were associated with greater child cognitive and academic outcomes at subsequent time points. These results have implications for the development of parenting interventions that could promote adaptive responding to children’s success and struggle in academic and associated learning contexts.


identifier: Alizadeh, Dina  (2016) Effect of Clay Addition on Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness and Flexural Fatigue Behavior of Glass/Epoxy Composites.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In a few decades, a lot of research have been done to show the effect of nanoparticles in fiber polymer matrix composites. An investigation has been carried out to study the effect of clay addition on Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness and flexural fatigue behavior of glass/epoxy composites. Nanoclay was dispersed in epoxy resin by a high speed homogenizer. Then, hand lay-up and autoclave curing were used to fabricate S-glass/epoxy/nanoclay laminates. Three point end notch flexural specimens were used to determine the interlaminar fracture toughness and flexural fatigue behavior. This study shows that the addition of 2wt% nanoclay into resin improves the Mode II strain energy release rate (GIIc) by 24% and 23% for non-precracked (NPC) and precracked (PC) tests respectively. Fatigue was done in displacement control mode. The results indicated that the crack initiated earlier for regular samples than the modified ones. First, the rate of crack propagation was fast then, it became slow until achieved to the stable condition. At 2wt% nanoclay, 59% and 5% reduction were obtained in the crack growth rate at two regions where the rate of crack propagation changes. SEM indicated the fracture surface of samples after the crack stopped growing. These images were illustrated that fatigue resistance of specimens with nanoclay were enhanced.


identifier: Saboori, Iman  (2016) COOPERATIVE AND CONSENSUS-BASED CONTROL FOR A TEAM OF MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Cooperative control has attracted a noticeable interest in control systems
community due to its numerous applications in areas such as formation flying
of unmanned aerial vehicles, cooperative attitude control of spacecraft, rendezvous
of mobile robots, unmanned underwater vehicles, traffic control, data
network congestion control and routing. Generally, in any cooperative control
of multi-agent systems one can find a set of locally sensed information, a
communication network with limited bandwidth, a decision making algorithm,
and a distributed computational capability. The ultimate goal of cooperative
systems is to achieve consensus or synchronization throughout the team members
while meeting all communication and computational constraints. The
consensus problem involves convergence of outputs or states of all agents to
a common value and it is more challenging when the agents are subjected to
disturbances, measurement noise, model uncertainties or they are faulty.
This dissertation deals with the above mentioned challenges and has developed
methods to design distributed cooperative control and fault recovery
strategies in multi-agent systems. Towards this end, we first proposed a
transformation for Linear Time Invariant (LTI) multi-agent systems that facilitates
a systematic control design procedure and make it possible to use
powerful Lyapunov stability analysis tool to guarantee its consensus achievement.
Moreover, Lyapunov stability analysis techniques for switched systems
are investigated and a novel method is introduced which is well suited for designing
consensus algorithms for switching topology multi-agent systems. This
method also makes it possible to deal with disturbances with limited root mean
square (RMS) intensities. In order to decrease controller design complexity, a
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method is presented which uses algebraic connectivity of the communication
network to decouple augmented dynamics of the team into lower dimensional
parts, which allows one to design the consensus algorithm based on the solution
to an algebraic Riccati equation with the same order as that of agent.
Although our proposed decoupling method is a powerful approach to reduce
the complexity of the controller design, it is possible to apply classical pole
placement methods to the transformed dynamics of the team to develop and
obtain controller gains.
The effects of actuator faults in consensus achievement of multi-agent systems
is investigated. We proposed a framework to quantitatively study actuator
loss-of-effectiveness effects in multi-agent systems. A fault index is defined
based on information on fault severities of agents and communication network
topology, and sufficient conditions for consensus achievement of the team are
derived. It is shown that the stability of the cooperative controller is linked to
the fault index. An optimization problem is formulated to minimize the team
fault index that leads to improvements in the performance of the team. A numerical
optimization algorithm is used to obtain the solutions to the optimal
problem and based on the solutions a fault recovery strategy is proposed for
both actuator saturation and loss-of-effectiveness fault types.
Finally, to make our proposed methodology more suitable for real life scenarios,
the consensus achievement of a multi-agent team in presence of measurement
noise and model uncertainties is investigated. Towards this end, first
a team of LTI agents with measurement noise is considered and an observer
based consensus algorithm is proposed and shown that the team can achieve
H∞ output consensus in presence of both bounded RMS disturbance input and
measurement noise. In the next step a multi-agent team with both linear and
Lipschitz nonlinearity uncertainties is studied and a cooperative control algorithm
is developed. An observer based approach is also developed to tackle
consensus achievement problem in presence of both measurement noise and
model uncertainties.


identifier: Boukhtouta, Amine  (2016) On the Generation of Cyber Threat Intelligence: Malware and Network Traffic Analyses.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
In recent years, malware authors drastically changed their course on the subject of threat design and implementation. Malware authors, namely, hackers or cyber-terrorists perpetrate new forms of cyber-crimes involving more innovative hacking techniques. Being motivated by financial or political reasons, attackers target computer systems ranging from personal computers to organizations’ networks to collect and steal sensitive data
as well as blackmail, scam people, or scupper IT infrastructures. Accordingly, IT security experts face new challenges, as they need to counter cyber-threats proactively. The challenge takes a continuous allure of a fight, where cyber-criminals are obsessed by the idea of outsmarting security defenses. As such, security experts have to elaborate an effective strategy to counter cyber-criminals. The generation of cyber-threat intelligence is of a paramount importance as stated in the following quote: “the field is owned by who owns the intelligence”. In this thesis, we address the problem of generating timely and relevant cyber-threat intelligence for the purpose of detection, prevention and mitigation
of cyber-attacks. To do so, we initiate a research effort, which falls into: First, we analyze prominent cyber-crime toolkits to grasp the inner-secrets and workings of advanced threats. We dissect prominent malware like Zeus and Mariposa botnets to uncover
their underlying techniques used to build a networked army of infected machines. Second, we investigate cyber-crime infrastructures, where we elaborate on the generation of a cyber-threat intelligence for situational awareness. We adapt a graph-theoretic approach to study infrastructures used by malware to perpetrate malicious activities. We build a scoring mechanism based on a page ranking algorithm to measure the badness of
infrastructures’ elements, i.e., domains, IPs, domain owners, etc. In addition, we use the min-hashing technique to evaluate the level of sharing among cyber-threat infrastructures during a period of one year. Third, we use machine learning techniques to fingerprint malicious IP traffic. By fingerprinting, we mean detecting malicious network flows and their attribution to malware families. This research effort relies on a ground truth collected
from the dynamic analysis of malware samples. Finally, we investigate the generation of cyber-threat intelligence from passive DNS streams. To this end, we design and implement
a system that generates anomalies from passive DNS traffic. Due to the tremendous nature of DNS data, we build a system on top of a cluster computing framework, namely, Apache Spark [70]. The integrated analytic system has the ability to detect anomalies
observed in DNS records, which are potentially generated by widespread cyber-threats.


identifier: Barbe, Gabriel  (2016) Smart Beta Portfolios with Markov Regime-Switching Models.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: While many researchers have studied the performance of style investing strategies such as value, growth or small caps, studies dealing with the performance of smart beta portfolios are limited. This study tests the performance of a dynamic asset allocation strategy based on various smart beta portfolios that rely on a Markov regime-switching model based on macroeconomic regimes. Results and backtests show that using Markov regimes increases the performance of a dynamic smart beta portfolio based on Markov regimes compared to a static benchmark in-sample, and that such performance begins to erode when utilized out-of-sample considering one friction (trade costs). Also, this study finds that the choice of the economic variable used to estimate the Markov regime switching model is important for the performance of smart beta portfolios using Markov regimes based on macroeconomic indicators.


identifier: Ai, Xin  (2016) Stability Assessment of Homogeneous Slopes Loaded with Mobile Tracked Cranes – An Artificial Neural Network Approach.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The assessment of stability of homogeneous slopes found as part of embankments, approach ramps, in bridge construction or flood protection levees could be a complex task. Either during construction or at a point in the operating life of the earth structure it can be subjected to loads from the equipment operating on it. Mobile tracked cranes used in heavy lifting or dredging operations can apply loads due to their substantial self-weight combined with the load carried by them. It is important to be able to determine the minimum factor of safety for such slopes. However due to the combination of soil parameters, slope geometry and the variable nature of loading imposed, a substantial number (measured perhaps in hundreds of combinations) slope stability analyses would be required to find the minimum factor of safety. One approach to reduce the number of analyses needed is to develop an Artificial Neural Network, train it using a representative dataset of stability analyses, and rely on its predicting capabilities to determine the minimum factor of safety for the slope for any combination of model parameters. Artificial Neural Networks can simulate the central nervous system of a human brain, by training them using the input data and target data one can build a neural network and use them for the factor of safety prediction. Since this thesis considers the case of homogeneous constructed slopes, thus the slope stability analysis was performed using Bishop Simplified Method, and the load distribution due to mobile tracked cranes was represented by an equivalent triangular distribution acting on the slope surface. The slope stability analysis was performed using Slide (from rocscience Inc.) to obtain the training dataset and MATLAB was used to develop and train the artificial neural network. A detailed investigation to assess and improve the network accuracy was carried out, and it was established that by increasing the neuron numbers and hidden layers, the ultimate average error in predicting the factor of safety for an independent test data set was 0.677%. This error, considering the inherent uncertainty of soil properties, instils confidence in using the Artificial Neural Network for predicting the factor of safety of homogeneous slopes loaded by mobile cranes.


identifier: Moore, Allison Cicero  (2016) Heirloom Jewelry: An Actant of History and Identity.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Heirloom jewelry pieces perform important functions in family networks. Jewelry’s durability allows the potential to frequently outlive its original owner, gain sentimental value over successive generations, and influence relationships. Through the frame of Actor-Network-Theory and using a case study methodology, this study analyzed three participants’ heirloom rings functions in conjunction with their oral accounts of family history. Rings were chosen as a specific format of heirloom jewelry in order to limit the scope of the research, and because of their generalized usage. Interviews concentrated on the history of their heirloom ring’s origins, the participant’s view on ownership of a family heirloom, and other relevant family history.
This research sought to unite material context and historical context in order to examine the importance of objects in social interactions. Specifically, the research investigated the roles heirloom jewelry enacts in family narratives and interactions. The research found that heirloom jewelry, even as an inanimate object, can exert social influence through the mediation and moderation of family relationships. Furthermore, the research showed that heirloom enacts identity and culture, and is a valuable medium to facilitate both art and social history education.


identifier: Wilson, Hayley  (2001) The practice and meaning of bonsai, ikebana, and tea in Montreal and abroad : a case study of the processes of cultural globalization.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study combines the theoretical frameworks and concepts of a number of theorists, to create an analytical perspective that is applied to a case study of the practice and meaning of Japanese traditional arts abroad, or more precisely the development of specialized bonsai, ikebana, and tea ceremony courses in North America. The framework proposed is based on theories of cultural globalization, and the idea of culture as an organization of diversity. It illustrates the variety and diversity of ways, in which transnational culture flows, and the processes that determine how these are received, incorporated, and interpreted in new locales at a plurality of levels. Three general questions are addressed: (1) What processes affect the introduction of bonsai, ikebana, and tea ceremonies into new cultural systems, in this case, Montreal and North America? (2) Why has bonsai become popularized, thereby being distributed over a larger amount of the population, whereas the other two remain marginal? (3) How do the various processes involved in the transnational movement and distribution of culture affect the practice and interpretation of Japanese traditional arts abroad?


identifier: Edimo, Anne  (2016) In the Backstage of the 2014 Ebola Crisis News Coverage: A Focus on the Lived Experience of Involved African Journalists.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis examines the lived experiences of African journalists involved in the recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak. It contends that African journalists did not cover the crisis efficiently because of several barriers. The EVD epidemic is believed to have begun in December 2013 and has affected West African countries such as Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, causing an estimated 11,279 deaths since March 2015. The outbreak, however, was not just a health crisis. It was a crisis of information that highlighted the ineffectiveness of top down messaging to reach communities directly affected by the outbreak. The academic literature related to the journalistic coverage of epidemics largely focuses on the overall representation of outbreaks, media coverage of failures and successes, and journalists’ perceptions of their roles (Logan, 2004; Vasterman & Ruigrok, 2013; Oh, et al., 2012; Shih, et al., 2008; Lowicki-Zucca, et al., 2005; Odlum & Summoo, 2015; Rübsamen, et  al., 2015; Carter, 2014). It pays little attention to the lived experiences and narratives of journalists despite their key role in disseminating accurate information to the public; mediating between the public, decision makers and health experts; acting as a watchdog for institutions involved in public health response; and creating boundaries of public discourse about health (Lubens, 2015, p. 59; Briggs & Hallin, 2010, p. 157). Using in-depth semi-structured interviews (as per Kvale, 1996) with 20 African journalists, this thesis examined key professional, technological and social elements that impacted journalism on EVD. The interviews were analyzed thematically using a modified grounded theory approach to facilitate the assessment of similarities and/or differences between interviews and literature themes. The African journalists who covered the 2014 Ebola outbreak faced many technological, economic, social, cultural, financial and emotional challenges, which impacted the quality of their coverage. These results show the need for more training and capacity building programs to foster health reporting and add to a limited body of literature on the lived experiences of journalists covering epidemics.


identifier: AlTawy, Riham  (2016) Cryptanalysis of Some AES-based Cryptographic Primitives.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Current information security systems rely heavily on symmetric key cryptographic primitives
as one of their basic building blocks. In order to boost the efficiency of the security systems, designers
of the underlying primitives often tend to avoid the use of provably secure designs. In fact, they adopt
ad hoc designs with claimed security assumptions in the hope that they resist known cryptanalytic
attacks. Accordingly, the security evaluation of such primitives continually remains an open field. In
this thesis, we analyze the security of two cryptographic hash functions and one block cipher. We
primarily focus on the recent AES-based designs used in the new Russian Federation cryptographic
hashing and encryption suite GOST because the majority of our work was carried out during the open
research competition run by the Russian standardization body TC26 for the analysis of their new
cryptographic hash function Streebog. Although, there exist security proofs for the resistance of AES-
based primitives against standard differential and linear attacks, other cryptanalytic techniques such as
integral, rebound, and meet-in-the-middle attacks have proven to be effective. The results presented in
this thesis can be summarized as follows:
Initially, we analyze various security aspects of the Russian cryptographic hash function GOST
R 34.11-2012, also known as Streebog or Stribog. In particular, our work investigates five security
aspects of Streebog. Firstly, we present a collision analysis of the compression function and its in-
ternal cipher in the form of a series of modified rebound attacks. Secondly, we propose an integral
distinguisher for the 7- and 8-round compression function. Thirdly, we investigate the one wayness of Streebog with respect to two approaches of the meet-in-the-middle attack, where we present a
preimage analysis of the compression function and combine the results with a multicollision attack
to generate a preimage of the hash function output. Fourthly, we investigate Streebog in the context
of malicious hashing and by utilizing a carefully tailored differential path, we present a backdoored
version of the hash function where collisions can be generated with practical complexity. Lastly, we
propose a fault analysis attack which retrieves the inputs of the compression function and utilize it to
recover the secret key when Streebog is used in the keyed simple prefix and secret-IV MACs, HMAC,
or NMAC. All the presented results are on reduced round variants of the function except for our analysis
of the malicious version of Streebog and our fault analysis attack where both attacks cover the full
round hash function.
Next, we examine the preimage resistance of the AES-based Maelstrom-0 hash function which is
designed to be a lightweight alternative to the ISO standardized hash function Whirlpool. One of the
distinguishing features of the Maelstrom-0 design is the proposal of a new chaining construction called
3CM which is based on the 3C/3C+ family. In our analysis, we employ a 4-stage approach that uses
a modified technique to defeat the 3CM chaining construction and generates preimages of the 6-round
reduced Maelstrom-0 hash function.
Finally, we provide a key recovery attack on the new Russian encryption standard GOST R 34.12-
2015, also known as Kuznyechik. Although Kuznyechik adopts an AES-based design, it exhibits a
faster diffusion rate as it employs an optimal diffusion transformation. In our analysis, we propose
a meet-in-the-middle attack using the idea of efficient differential enumeration where we construct
a three round distinguisher and consequently are able to recover 16-bytes of the master key of the
reduced 5-round cipher. We also present partial sequence matching, by which we generate, store, and
match parts of the compared parameters while maintaining negligible probability of matching error,
thus the overall online time complexity of the attack is reduced.


identifier: Barua, Kallol  (2016) Seismic Performance of Perforated Steel Plate Shear Walls Designed According to Canadian Seismic Provisions.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract:
Perforated Steel Plate Shear Wall (P-SPSW) is a relatively new lateral load resisting system used for resisting wind and earthquake loads. Current North American standards have recently adopted this new lateral load resisting system and proposed guidelines for the design of P-SPSWs. Research on P-SPSW is in the initial stage and to the best of this researcher’s knowledge, no seismic performance of code designed P-SPSWs has been studied yet. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the seismic performance of code designed P-SPSWs. Three multi-storey (4-, 8-, and 12-storey) P-SPSWs were designed according to the seismic provisions in NBCC 2010 and CSA/CAN S16-09. Nonlinear time history (NTH) analysis was conducted using detailed finite element (FE) modeling techniques. The finite element (FE) model developed was validated with two experiments results for quasi- static monotonic and cyclic analysis. Excellent correlation was found between detailed FE analysis and tests result. For seismic analysis a series of ten ground motion data were chosen which were compatible with Vancouver response spectrum. All the perforated shear walls exhibited excellent seismic behavior including high stiffness, stable ductility, and good energy dissipation during nonlinear time history (NTH) analysis. It was observed from the seismic analysis that proposed code equation provided a good estimation of the shear strength of the perforated plate when the plate was fully yielded. Thus, it can be concluded that recommended equation of CSA/CAN S16-09 is conservative to select the infill plate thickness of perforated steel plate shear wall.
The N2 method has been used as an easy means of seismic demand evaluation compared to nonlinear time history analysis. The applicability of the N2 method for seismic demand assessment of P-SPSWs is investigated in this research. Results from N2 method was compared with the more accurate NTH analysis results. It was observed that the N2 method predicted seismic response parameters such as roof displacement reasonably accurately for 4-and 8-storey P-SPSW. For 12-storey P-SPSW N2 method slightly overestimated the roof displacement. The applicability of the modified strip model (MSM) was also evaluated in this research for unstiffened P-SPSW.  After validating two experiments, the model was used for the three selected P-SPSWs.  Monotonic pushover analysis results were compared with detailed FE analysis results. It was observed that the modified strip model efficiently captures the inelastic behavior of multi-storey unstiffened P-SPSWs with adequate accuracy. The ultimate strength was predicted well, and the initial stiffness was slightly underestimated.