title: Remote Multitouch: In-Air Pointing Techniques for Large Display Interactions

contributor:
Vertegaal, Roel
Computing

subject:
HCI
Multitouch
Large Displays

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-08 11:59:53.418

abstract:
In this thesis we report on remote interaction techniques for horizontal and vertical large displays. For vertical large displays, we present MultiPoint, a set of perspective-based remote pointing techniques that allows users to perform bimanual and multi-finger remote manipulation of graphical objects on large displays. We conducted two empirical studies that compared remote pointing techniques performed using fingers and laser pointers, in single and multi-finger pointing interactions. The MultiPoint techniques were found suitable for interacting with vertical large displays. We explore techniques that are well suited for exclusively single-point use cases as well as for multipoint scenarios.
With Pointable, we also explored perspective-based pointing with in-air gestures, but in a tabletop scenario. We conducted 3 experiments; the first showed that pointing at a distance using Pointable has a Fitts’ law throughput comparable to that of a mouse. In the second experiment, we found that Pointable had the same performance as multi-touch input in a resize, rotate and drag task. In a third study, we observed that when given the choice, over 75% of participants preferred to use Pointable over multi-touch for target manipulation. In general, Pointable allowed users to manipulate out-of-reach targets, without loss of performance, while minimizing the need to lean, stand up, or involve collocated collaborators.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The School Food and Beverage Policy: Examining Schools' Readiness to Implement the Policy with Organizational Readiness for Change

contributor:
Kutsyuruba, Benjamin
Education

rights: This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.

subject:
nutrition standards
school food policies
policy implementation
organizational readiness
healthy schools

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-06 16:34:45.881

abstract:
Food and nutrition are an integral part of daily life and can have an effect on social,
cognitive, and physical development as well as the prevention of negative health outcomes. The development of the School Food and Beverage Policy was targeted to both elementary and secondary schools in Ontario as a proactive approach to health and wellbeing by eliminating the sale of foods that do not meet nutrition criteria. School food policies can play an important role in students’ overall health and wellbeing, but little is known about schools’ readiness for implementing these policies. The purpose of this study was to examine schools’ readiness to implement the policy with an organizational readiness lens. This study consisted of a policy analysis and qualitative interviews with 8 administrators who were directly involved in the planning and preparation for the policy and 4 teachers who were recommended by their respective principals as key stakeholders in assisting in the process. Policy analysis uncovered the inconsistencies within the policy, while interview data revealed emergent themes surrounding: pre-implementation planning, policy technicalities, and challenges of confronting implementation. The variability in perspectives of readiness illustrates the complexity of preparing for policy implementation across schools and even within schools. Findings suggest that there is a need for more effective dissemination, in-service training, and education for school stakeholders in order to engage and stimulate interest and compliance of the nutrition standards. Having appealing and nutritious foods that students will enjoy is an area that requires more work. Developing supportive partnerships within and outside the school to reinforce consistent messages to students is also an area that needs attention. The results of this research serve as a framework for potential solutions to school nutrition policies, strategies, and interventions and may also inform key stakeholders and policy makers in adapting and refining policies as a means of supporting the implementation process for successful outcomes.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: The Effect of Waveform Shape on Dynamics and Kinematics of the Flow in Endovascular Stents

contributor:
Piomelli, Ugo
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Atherosclerosis
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Stenosis
Arteries
Fluid Dynamics
Stents
Biology

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-07 17:41:52.501

abstract:
The effect of waveform shape and extension of negative flowrate are studied at two Reynolds numbers (Re = 80, Re = 200) on stented channels by looking at the kinematics and dynamics of the flow. The waveforms are reconstructed by Fourier decomposition of a waveform corresponding to left anterior descending (LAD) of coronary artery. The stents are modeled by an immersed boundary method. Two stent geometries are created which are the idealizations of two clinical ones. The first geometry is an idealization of XIENCE V stent which is called  Lambda stent and the second one is the idealization of Endeavor stent and is called X stent. The former has larger inter-strut spacing and smaller thickness than the latter one. The use of immersed boundary method for creating the stents is validated, and the spatial resolution requirements are determined. The shape of the waveform is changed by systematically  filtering out the higher modes of Fourier decomposition and the negative flowrate extension is reduced by shifting the waveform to the positive flowrate. The presence of the stent causes vortical structures to be created between stent struts. These vortices are migrating to the centre of the channel and disappear. It is observed that the confined geometric feature of X stent and its larger thickness, leads to larger areas of flow recirculation which causes smaller wall-shear-stress parameters with respect to  Lambda stent and more deviation of the flow from a healthy vessel. The importance of the convective terms of the Navier-Stokes equations was studied at the two Reynolds numbers for both stents. It is observed that at high Reynolds number (Re = 200), the convective terms play significant role throughout the waveform cycle while at low Reynolds number (Re = 80),
the effect of convective terms become negligible during negative flowrate. Moreover the convective terms become more significant for flow in a channel with  Lambda stent than X stent due to the specific shape and size of the stents. The kinematics of the flow corresponds to the study of vortex timing. It was found that this timing is mainly affected by the waveform and Reynolds number rather than the stent geometry. The time at which vortex creation occurs is coincident with the time at which wall shear stress changes its sign in an unstented channel. Therefore the analytical solution of unsteady channel flow can be used as a tool for analysing the kinematics of the flow,

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Delayed-onset Polymer Cross-linking using Functional Nitroxyls

contributor:
Parent, J. Scott
Chemical Engineering

subject:
tempo
crosslink
polyethylene
cross-link
cure
delayed action
dicumyl peroxide
radical
nitroxyl
scorch

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-11 10:09:20.848

abstract: New polymer cure chemistry is described, wherein the onset of free radical cross-linking is delayed without compromising cure yields. The addition of an acrylate-functionalized nitroxyl, 4-acryloyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (AOTEMPO), to a peroxide-cure formulation quenches free radical activity during the initial stages of the cross-linking process, trapping alkyl radicals as alkoxyamines that bear acrylate functionality. Polymer cross-linking by macro-radical combination is suppressed until all nitroxyl is consumed, at which point radical oligomerization of polymer-bound acrylate groups generates the desired covalent network. As a result, cross-link density losses incurred during radical trapping are recovered during the oligomerization phase of the process. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated for a range of polymers, peroxide initiators, reaction temperatures and reagent loadings. Furthermore, AOTEMPO formulations are compared directly to other delayed-onset additives that are used in commercial practice.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Sedentary Behaviour and Health among Young People

contributor:
Janssen, Ian
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Youth
Children
Sedentary Behaviour

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-12 08:52:19.91

abstract:
The overall objectives of this thesis were to (1) describe the sedentary behaviour levels of young people; (2) examine the impact of sedentary behaviour on obesity and other physical health outcomes among young people; and (3) examine the influence that individual, social, and environmental factors have on the sedentary behaviour of young people. Six manuscripts addressed these objectives.
Manuscript one assessed the proportion of 0- to 4-year-olds meeting the new Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years in a sample of pre-school children. More than half of the children exceeded the guidelines and the majority of their parents believed that their child did not engage in excessive screen time.
Manuscript two examined the association between types, overall volume, and patterns of sedentary behaviour with cardio-metabolic risk factors in a sample of children and adolescents. Television viewing predicted cardio-metabolic risk factors independent of moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity. No associations were observed for the other sedentary behaviour components.
Manuscript three examined whether the relationship between television viewing and obesity in a sample of youth was mediated by dietary habits. While a positive association was observed between television viewing and body mass index, it was not explained by dietary habits.
Manuscript four examined urban-rural differences in screen time in two samples of youth. Rural American youth were the most likely to be excessive television users and the least likely to be excessive computer users. Conversely, urban Canadian youth were the least likely to be excessive television users and the most likely to be excessive computer users.
Manuscript five examined the association between neighbourhood disorder and screen time in a sample of youth. Participants in neighbourhoods with high social and high physical disorder were the most likely to engage in excessive screen time.
Manuscript six examined associations between factors within the home setting and screen time among a sample of pre-school children. Several factors collectively explained 64.1% of the variance in television viewing including parental cognitive factors, which explained 41.0%.
The findings of this thesis have important implications for future public health interventions and initiatives as well as future research in this area.

abstract: PhD


title: Numerical model of Ni-infiltrated porous anode solid oxide fuel cells

contributor:
Karan, Kunal
Chemical Engineering

subject: Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-13 13:09:49.182

abstract: A numerical model for solid oxide fuel cells with Ni-infiltrated porous anode has been described. The novel contribution of the work is the development of a semi-continuous film model to describe the infiltrated Ni-phase. This model relates experimentally controllable parameters, namely, Ni- loading, porosity and pore size to the effective electronic conductivity of the Ni-phase and the number of active reaction sites or the triple phase boundary (TPB). The semi-continuous film model was incorporated in a two-dimensional (2D) SOFC model. The 2D model considers the coupled gas-phase transport, charge transport and electrochemical kinetics to directly examine the effect of Ni loading and porosity on the electrochemical performance of Ni-infiltrated SOFC anodes. From the semi-continuous film model, an optimal Ni loading that corresponds to a maximum in TPB length was identified. Comparison of effective electronic conductivity and TPB length for a Ni-infiltrated anode with those for a composite Ni-YSZ anode suggests that an infiltrated Ni anode with adequate electrical conductivity and sufficiently high TPB length can be fabricated even at a very low Ni loading. Comparison of various porous anodes with varying Ni loading, it was determined that maximum electrochemical performance does indeed correspond to anode with maximum TPB length. It was also determined that an infiltrated anode will have higher performance capabilities when compared to the conventional composite electrodes. However, degradation of performance may result due to degradation of connectivity in the infiltrated Ni. The methodology to model the latter effect was also proposed.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Focal Mechanisms and Variations in Tectonic Stress Fields in Eastern Canada (Western Quebec and Southern Ontario)

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
Earth Science
Geophysics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-15 19:46:15.691

abstract:
Earthquakes in western Quebec and southern Ontario present a major contribution to the natural hazards in south eastern Canada due to their proximity to major population centres. However, the seismic characteristics of the events in these regions have not been well documented. Improved knowledge of earthquake distribution and seismic controlling mechanisms provides a great benefit for earthquake hazard analysis in eastern Canada.
The available information about the tectonic stress indicators, including focal mechanisms, was compiled for Canada prior to 1994. The present research is concentrated mainly on determination of the focal mechanisms and hypocentre locations of the earthquakes after 1993 with M > 3.5 to characterize the present-day regional and local stress fields in southern Ontario and western Quebec. An attempt was also made to differentiate local zones with comparatively homogeneous tectonic stresses orientation and seismic regimes, thus providing information for future re-assessment of the seismic hazard in each region.
Considering seismic parameters such as the trend of the epicentres, focal depths and the state of stress of the events along with their tectonic settings, ten distinct clusters have been proposed for western Quebec and two clusters of events were determined for southern Ontario with comparatively consistent focal mechanisms. The locations and characteristics of seismicity clusters appear to be consistent with the hypothesis that they are near the locations of large historic and prehistoric events, and represent exceptionally persistent aftershocks of past large earthquakes.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Threshold Cointegration with Applications to the Oil and Gasoline Industry

contributor:
Sephton, Peter
Management

subject:
Asymmetry
Price Transmission
Band-TAR
Data Frequency
Oil and Gasoline
Threshold Cointegration

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-17 22:53:24.922

abstract: This thesis develops a new methodological approach to test for threshold cointegration. It determines the threshold locations, the number of thresholds, and tests the null hypothesis of a unit root against the alternative of a stationary threshold process using p-values based on a residual-based block bootstrap for the nonlinear threshold autoregressive specification (TAR). Chapter 2 describes the methodological approach which combines Gonzalo and Pitarakis (2002) and Seo (2008). Chapter 3 employs Monte Carlo analysis to investigate the properties of the new approach. The results indicate that the methodology performs well and is suited for application to real world time series. Chapter 4 applies the new approach in combination with a threshold error correction model (ECM) to determine the spatial relationships among three crude oil prices: WTI, Brent, and Oman, from 2008 through 2011. The results indicate that the crude oil benchmarks are tied together by a long run relationship; however, the recent reversal in price premium between the two main crude oil benchmarks, WTI and Brent, is an anomaly that has resulted in a time period in which the series do not have a tendency to move back toward their long run relationship. Chapter 5 applies the new approach, in combination with threshold ECMs, with regime switches being triggered by the upstream markup margin to determine the vertical relationships between the crude oil, rack, and retail gasoline prices for six cities across North America. The results using both daily and weekly data between 2008 and 2011 suggest that upstream and downstream prices are cointegrated. There is evidence of band-TAR in which the crude, rack, and retail prices are free to diverge until the markup margin is squeezed or stretched beyond a lower or upper threshold. This suggests that abnormally high margins cannot be sustained indefinitely. The threshold ECMs indicate that there is no systematic relationship between the speed of adjustment and the markup margin; however, the residuals exhibit a leverage effect in which volatility and price changes are negatively correlated. Chapter 6 concludes with a summary of Chapters 2 through 5 and makes suggestions for future research.

abstract: PhD


title: The Political Economy of Knowledge Workers in the Chinese Media Industry

contributor:
Mosco, Vincent
Sociology

subject:
knowledge worker
structuration
spatialization
political economy
worker organization
trade union
Chinese media industry
neoliberalism
the global division of labour
commodification

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-18 17:01:26.92

abstract:
In this dissertation, using the tool of a political economy of communication analysis gives us an important way to conceptualize the challenges confronting Chinese media workers, especially editors, due to media reform and social transformation. I will accomplish this by examining three different but inter-related processes: commodification, structuration, and spatialization.
First, I will analyze the ways in which the deepening of the media commodification process has forced Chinese media workers to serve the political interests of the state, and at the same time, to generate profit for their companies and promote political and social reforms. Second, I will explore the structuration process by analyzing how fundamental social, technological, political, and economic changes—especially those in class relations and power dynamics—have produced five critical problems for the Chinese media workers. Third, I will explore the media spatialization process by addressing its three indispensable components: globalization, neoliberalism, and the global division of labour. When China is increasingly integrated into the global political economy, most Chinese media workers have faced great changes in their value systems and their daily work processes. As a result, the privileged existence of workers as the “masters” of the Communist society has been transformed in many ways (Rocca 2003).
In the last chapter, I will suggest plausible solutions to the problems of Chinese media workers, addressing the benefits of labour convergence, the basic functions and major limitations of worker organizations and trade unions, and how they can further help Chinese media workers better deal with the challenges associated with current media reform when labour unrest is on the rise.
To conclude, this dissertation concentrates on the trajectories of the labour process transformation of Chinese media workers; their changing social, economic, and political roles; and their dilemma, challenges, and opportunities associated with current social reform and China’s more integration into the global political economy. Through the political economic analysis of Chinese media workers, I aim to better understand the broader social and economic transformations, particularly the network of power relations and institutional contexts in which Chinese media workers are situated, that have been taking place in China since the late 1970s.

abstract: My study includes case studies of two publishing houses in China, with 19 interviews with editors, union officials, and government officials. Most of the interviews concentrated on the Party control, censorship, and the declining social welfare of Chinese media workers, all of which are considered as very sensitive topics of Contemporary China.

abstract: PhD


title: Lewis-Acidic Triarylboranes: Optoelectronic Applications and Unusual Reactivities

contributor:
Wang, Suning
Chemistry

subject: Inorganic chemistry

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-20 10:24:39.074

abstract:
A new electron-transport material using a triarylboron-functionalized 2,4,6-triphenyltriazine core has been synthesized. This compound exhibits reversible reduction with low-lying HOMO and LUMO energy levels, as well as a high-energy triplet state. Preliminary experiments incorporating this material into phosphorescent OLEDs as an electron transport layer gave devices with high current and external quantum efficiencies at brightness levels appropriate for applications in the display industry.
Furthermore, a nitrogen-containing alkynyltriarylboron compound, 2-(2’-(dimesitylboryl)phenylethynyl)pyridine, has been found to undergo a facile alkyne hydration reaction in the presence of copper(I) iodide and triethylamine. The copper(I)-catalyzed addition of water occurs at room temperature, and produces a brightly luminescent boron-enol compound that is stable under air. Studies of the reaction mechanism were carried out by monitoring product formation under different conditions using 1H NMR. The cooperativity between the Lewis acidic triarylboryl group and Lewis basic pyridyl group is determined to be vital in promoting the hydration process and in stabilizing the enol structure of the product.
Finally, we have discovered that diarylplatinum(II) complexes of 2-(2’-(dimesitylboryl)phenylethynyl)pyridine are capable of undergoing an unusual intramolecular double aryl migration/cyclization reaction, resulting in the formation of a unique bicyclic organometallic scaffold. The structures of these remarkable products have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, as well as by 1D and 2D 1H NMR. The reaction mechanism was established by 1H NMR studies and by DFT calculations. The complementary electronic properties of the electron-deficient triarylborane and the electron-rich platinum centers were found to play a key role in this unprecedented transformation.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Position Control of a Pneumatic System Using Adaptive Intelligent Methods

contributor:
Surgenor, Brian W.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Pneumatic Systems
non-Model Based Controllers
Rodded and Rodless Cylinders
Adaptive Position Control

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-20 11:09:19.694

abstract:
Behrad Dehghan: Position Control of a Pneumatic System using Adaptive Intelligent Methods.
M.A.Sc. Thesis, Queen’s University, June, 2012.
A large body of research is devoted to the development of advanced control techniques to improve the positioning performance of pneumatic systems, which are known to be highly nonlinear systems. Although model based controllers show good results, the requirement for a system model makes these methods difficult to implement. So-called intelligent algorithms, such as neural networks and fuzzy rule based controllers, are attractive since they do not require a model. The performance of these controllers can be enhanced by adding an adaptive mechanism to adjust controller parameters in a continuous on-line fashion.
The objective of this thesis was to explore different adaptive intelligent controllers for position control of a pneumatic system. The application was the x-axis and z-axis of a pneumatic gantry robot. They were tested independently for their ability to track step and sine wave trajectories.
The rodded x-axis cylinder was an example of a short stroke low friction application. The rodless z-axis cylinder was an example of a long stroke high friction application.
Five different controllers were tested: 1) PID, 2) Fuzzy, 3) PID+Adaptive Neural Network Compensator (ANNC), 4) ANNonly and 5) Fuzzy Adaptive PID (FAPID). Results with FAPID and  PID+ANNC showed improvement in tracking performance over PID by 60% for the rodded and 35% for the rodless cylinder. This level of improvement was expected given the adaptive nature of the controller. Unfortunately, both required significant effort to setup and tune.
In order to reduce the tuning effort, a second adaptive mechanism was added to FAPID, to adjust output weights. Results with adaptive PID and modified FAPID (MFAPID) showed further improvement performance over PID by 87% for the rodded and 70% for the rodless cylinder (in addition to being easier to tune). To provide a measure of robustness, experiments were conducted at two supply pressures and three tracking frequencies. The fact that MFAPID was able to improve performance for both cylinders,  is considered further evidence of its robustness. MFAPID is considered novel for two reasons: 1) fuzzy rule set is reduced in size relative previous work and 2) addition of an adaptive mechanism  for output weights is new.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Authenticity and the Corporate Brand Saga

contributor:
Handelman, Jay
Management

subject:
Authenticity
Marketing Strategy
Corporate Branding
Branding
Storytelling
Corporate Brand

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-20 14:10:19.316

abstract: This dissertation analyzes what a corporate brand is and what motivates it. Using qualitative methods the corporate brand of IBM is investigated from the viewpoint of many of its stakeholders. It is discovered that IBM’s corporate brand is outside the control of IBM, and is a social construction of IBM and its stakeholders. It is a special type of story – a saga – to which not only the company contributes to the storyline, but also its stakeholders. As such, the corporate brand is a dynamic process driven along by IBM’s attempt to be authentic. That is, as IBM shapes its identity in response to the expectations of its stakeholders, and tries to be true to its identity, it is constantly changing. From this process the corporate brand emerges and is propelled and motivated by the force of authenticity. These findings contribute to the marketing literature by providing a revised view of the corporate brand. Not only does this have theoretical implications, but it also significantly changes how managers deal with and try to manage their corporate brands as they now recognize that they are only one of the contributors to the ongoing saga.

abstract: PhD


title: The Gatekeeping Paradigm and the Constructivist Alternative

contributor:
Sismondo, Sergio
Kymlicka, Will
Philosophy

subject:
democracy
science and technology studies
political theory
philosophy

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-21 16:54:31.171

abstract: Science and technology have become indispensable elements of virtually every public debate. While nations strive to employ the best experts to make timely decisions, discontented citizens increasingly demand better accountability and democratic legitimacy through broad and direct public consultation. Participatory decision-making, on the other hand, is often met by the worry that sound science might drown in a sea of ignorance. As science and technology studies (STS) attempts to navigate these conflicting concerns, it sometimes draws heavily, albeit often uncritically, upon contemporary political philosophy. In this dissertation, I explore links between H. M. Collins and Robert Evans’s account of the appropriate role of public participation in technical policy debates, and Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson’s liberal theory of deliberative democracy. Both views exemplify what I call the “gatekeeping paradigm”, a tendency to employ rigid constraints on admissible inputs as the primary means to direct democratic processes toward outcomes that are independently judged to be desirable. I argue that such an approach not only fails to account for the complexi-ties of public discourse in modern societies, but also reflects an impoverished conception of deliberative democracy as a black box. As an alternative to the gatekeeping paradigm, I develop and defend a social construc-tivist theory of democratic governance based on the ideas of Alan Irwin, Sheila Jasanoff, and Brian Wynne in STS; and John Dryzek in political philosophy. The constructivist view focuses less on externally imposed input-constraints and more on internal processes of self-regulation within shifting and heterogeneous discourses. Although this approach will need to be further developed and augmented with much empirical research before its efficacy can be determined, I suggest that constructivism offers a promising framework for the governance of science and technology as well as for thinking about deliberative democracy generally.

abstract: PhD


title: Think Globally, Act Locally: The Small Scale Effects of Climate Change on Spruce Growth in SW Yukon

subject:
Dendroclimatology
Yukon
Picea glauca
Tree ring isotopes

abstract: In this research we investigate spatial complexity in growth patterns of Picea glauca (white spruce) around Kluane in SW Yukon. Assumptions of regional homogeneity are often made with research and legislation surrounding protected areas, where smaller scale sensitivities are often not considered. To test if such sensitivities were important, we studied differences in tree growth across three sites, and determined which climatic variables most strongly influenced growth at each site. The three sites chosen were Burwash Quill (BQ), a cold subalpine site, Cultus Grasslands (CG), a dry forest-grassland ecotone, and Alsek Valley (AV), a wind- scoured slope. Our analysis was conducted using ring-width dendroclimatology, and backed up by δ13C isotope analysis. Our results show that indeed, small scale sensitivities are important. In ring-width analysis, we found significant differences in tree growth between BQ and the other two sites, although AV and CG display similar growth patterns. We also found that correlations between BQ and the other two sites declined over time, which could indicate a threshold being breeched, or be evidence of the divergence problem at BQ. Isotope results show poor correlations between all three sites, and further confirm spatial heterogeneity. To determine which climate variables were important at each site, we correlated ring-widths and isotope values to climate records in the area. We found that the dominant climatic controls were winter and spring temperature at BQ, and previous year growing season precipitation at both CG and AV. Winter and spring temperatures correlated negatively to BQ ring-widths, which suggests that trees grow more when winters are colder. Previous year growing season precipitation correlated positively to ring-widths at both CG and AV, which suggests moisture stress at these sites. From our results, it is clear that decision makers and researchers should consider smaller scale differences in landscapes when discussing how change, particularly climate change, will impact an area.

abstract: The Royal Canadian Geographic Society, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Dr. Ryan Danby, Dr. Kurt Kyser


title: Evaluating Downtown Design: A comparative assessment of Cornwall and Belleville, Ontario

subject:
Downtown
Urban Design
Downtown Revitalization
Planning

abstract: A comparative evaluation of downtown urban design in Cornwall and Belleville, Ontario.


title: Collaborative care relations: Examining perspectives for application and change within a Canadian hospital

contributor:
Paterson, Margo
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
Critical Ethnography
Collaborative Practice
Customer Service
Exploratory Case Study
Organizational Change
Organizational Learning
Partners-in-Care
Cultural Change
Healthcare Relationships
Mixed Methodology
Patient and Family Centred Care
Relationship Centred Care
Collaborative Care
Shared Leadership
Transcendent Leadership
Interprofessional Practice

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-25 15:06:24.687

abstract: Collaborative care is a philosophy which guides the work of interdisciplinary teams and patients and their families internationally. It has been demonstrated to improve quality of care, safety, and patient and staff satisfaction, yet applying this philosophy still requires much investigation. This thesis describes processes of change directed towards a vision to enhance collaborative care relationships with patients and families within one hospital site of a non-acute academic health science centre in Ontario, Canada. By building focused conversations around existing patient and family centred education and using an initial conceptual framework of customer service, healthcare providers, mid- and senior level leaders shared their perspectives, negotiated meanings and created innovations to enhance collaborative relationships within the organization. Based within the critical paradigm, a critical collaborative ethnography was constructed with the use of sequential and mixed research methodologies. The ethnography evolved over three phases in a step-wise and additive design during the three year period of study. Phase 1 examined the perspectives of healthcare providers in an exploratory case study which contributed to mid-level leaders’ discussions in Phase 2. Cumulative findings from Phases 1 and 2 were brought to discussions with senior leaders in Phase 3. Members of a participative action research team assisted with research design and study processes. Shared meanings and innovative change ideas were developed and captured through the use of semi-structured focus groups and interviews, survey, participant observation and inductive analysis. A conceptual framework of ‘partners-in-care’ emerged and was used to assist participants to make sense of the values and factors important in their work with respect to collaborative relationships. The research processes facilitated the development of many innovations to enhance collaborative practice within the hospital. The organization was described by the research as undergoing directed change to enhance collaborative care as evidenced through participant self-reports, observed initiatives and the ethnographic descriptions.

abstract: PhD


title: J.M. Coetzee and the Limits of Cosmopolitan Feeling

contributor:
Jolly, Rosemary
English

subject:
literature
Coetzee, J.M.
emotion
cosmopolitanism

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, English) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-26 10:17:59.252

abstract: In this dissertation, I argue that accounts of cosmopolitan literature tend to equate cosmopolitanism with sympathetic feeling. I further contend that sympathy is in fact implicitly central to a wider body of contemporary cosmopolitan theory. I distinguish between two strains of cosmopolitan thought that depend upon two distinct models of feeling: “critical cosmopolitanism,” which depends upon a cognitive-evaluative model of sympathy, and “affective cosmopolitanism,” which depends upon a relational model. Both branches of cosmopolitanism envision sympathy as perfectly human or humane; they gloss over the potential for feeling shame in cosmopolitan encounters. The minority of scholarship that does consider shame in relation to cosmopolitan practice also reifies shame as ideally human or humane. Whether through sympathy or shame, cosmopolitan subjects become cosmopolitan through feeling. I offer readings of J.M. Coetzee’s later fiction in order to critique the idealization of feeling as distinctly cosmopolitan. Coetzee’s work, I conclude, suggests another model for cosmopolitanism, one which foregrounds the limits of feeling for realizing mutuality and equality.

abstract: Plans for publication with a scholarly press.

abstract: PhD


title: A Comparison of the RFP Procurement Processes for the Revitalization of Regent Park

subject:
Regent Park
RFP
public-private partnership
Toronto Community Housing

abstract: This report provides a comparison of the 1997, May 2005 and December 2005 RFP procurement processes for the revitalization of Regent Park to determine what factors affected the ability of the December 2005 RFP procurement process to generate a more favourable outcome.


title: Insiders’ Entitlements: Formation of the Household Registration (huji/hukou) System (1949-1959)

contributor:
Hill, Emily M.
History

subject:
huji system
hukou system
household registration system
social inequality
party-state
The People's Republic of China

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-27 09:01:49.88

abstract:
The distinctive household registration (hukou or huji) system of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) divides the population into two groups whose political rights and legal status are unequal. This thesis focuses on Shanghai to examine the establishment of the hukou system in the 1950s in the course of the rural and urban reforms led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Although the system has been explained as a result of the CCP’s industrialization strategy, my investigation has led me to conclude that the hukou system was an indirect rather than direct consequence of industrialization. My examination also shows that “rural” and “urban” in the PRC are essentially neither residential nor occupational categories; rather they are closely connected with political privileges.
The first part of this study focuses on the consequences of the CCP’s land reform and collectivization campaigns after 1949. During this period, a large number of people who had moved freely between urban and rural areas, playing active roles in both, were uprooted from the countryside. At the same time, the CCP carried out a series of expulsions from Shanghai and other cities. Hundreds of thousands of urban residents, particularly those lacking secure employment, were removed after being labeled as “undesirable.” Thus CCP policies turned the cities and the countryside into two separate worlds. Next the dissertation outlines how the PRC state evolved after 1949, focusing on those directly maintained on the government’s payroll in Shanghai. This group was small in the beginning but soon began to expand. During the 1950s, after taking over almost all public-service institutions, the state took steps to absorb private enterprises through the policy of “public-private joint operation.” A large cohort of workers was thus added to the state payroll. Following these changes, the cities had become home mainly to employees of the party-state, together with their dependents. The state provided various benefits to its insiders. At the same time, it reduced most of the rural population to a kind of serfdom, while putting in place a set of mechanisms to secure the boundary between insiders and outsiders.

abstract: The main finding has not been published yet.

abstract: PhD


title: Direction of Arrival Estimation in Passive Sonar

contributor:
Noureldin, Aboelmagd
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Underwater Target Localization
Direction of Arrival Estimation
High Resolution Technique
Passive Sonar System

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-27 14:59:33.941

abstract:
Since World War I, the area of acoustic undersea warfare has witnessed several research activities targeting the development of advanced systems to accurately detect and localize underwater moving targets. One of the main categories of these systems is the passive sound navigation and ranging (SONAR) that searches for the location of the ships and submarines by listening to the radiated noise produced by their propellers, machinery, and flow dynamics. The performance of the passive sonar highly depends on the particular array signal processing algorithms used in practice. Presently, one of the main challenges is to accurately estimate the target direction of arrival (DOA) in severe underwater environments. This thesis is proposed to enhance the DOA  estimation in two distinct applications. This first application is to improve the spatial resolution of the uniform linear towed arrays. This is done by applying new spatial extrapolation techniques called 2D- and 3D- fast orthogonal search (FOS) for both uniform linear and rectangular arrays, respectively. The presented methods show better performance than the conventional methods with respect to signal to noise ratio  (SNR), number of snapshots and angular separation. Moreover it reduces the computational complexity required by the spatial  extrapolation methods based on linear prediction approach.
The other application concerns with developing a new DOA estimation that provides better spatial spectrum than the one provided by conventional beamforming (CBF) when a nonuniform linear array of directional frequency analysis and recording (DIFAR) sonobuoys is employed. The  introduced technique or the so called fourth order cumulant beamforming (FOCBF) and shows an outstanding performance compared to CBF especially in low SNR.
Furthermore, a warping FOC-BF (WFOC-BF) method obtained by augmenting a warping beamforming technique with FOC-BF is proposed to reduce the required computational complexity by FOC-BF while preserving the same performance.

abstract: PhD


title: The Challenge of Using Wikis in School: The Experiences of Two Grade Six Teachers

contributor:
Luce-Kapler, Rebecca
Education

subject: Education ICT

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-30 21:29:35.689

abstract:
This study augments an expanding body of research literature examining the complex process of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and introducing ICT-related literacy skills into English Language Arts classrooms. Widespread social changes related to ICT are impacting the literacy practices of people in everyday society. These changes in literacy practices represent challenges to teachers who have never used these literacy skills and have never seen them taught.
Through two case studies, this hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry examines the experiences of two teachers who learn and lead learning using wikis. Data collection was conducted in two Grade 6 classrooms: one in an Ontario public school and one in a private international school in Mexico and consisted of observations, informal and formal interviews with the teachers as well as observations and focus group interviews with their students.
The complex phenomenon of learning ICT and almost simultaneously having to teach it is documented and analyzed. The research involved teaching the teachers how to use a wiki and then co-planning and observing them teach a creative writing unit on the wiki. Data was analyzed and discussed with reference to Lankshear and Knobel’s (2011) Paradigms.
Findings indicated that the two teachers held largely Paradigm 1(linear, individualistic and bounded) conceptions of literacy while the multimodal writing students were producing on the wiki represented Paradigm 2 practices (non-linear, collaborative and unbounded.) Also, the context of school was an insurmountable hurdle in the teachers’ efforts to integrate ICT into their English Language Arts classrooms in both cases. This study sheds light on the specific moments when this contrast between Paradigm 1 and Paradigm 2 perspectives impeded deep student engagement in digital literacy skills related to the wiki.

abstract: PhD


title: Structural Elucidation of Guanosine Self-assemblies Using Spectroscopic and Computational Methods

contributor:
Wu, Gang
Chemistry

subject:
Nucleic acid
Supramolecular
NMR Spectroscopy
Chemistry

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-27 16:53:43.359

abstract: In this thesis, we document a comprehensive study of the cation-directed self-assembly of three guanosine derivatives: i) guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP), ii) guanosine 5'-thiomonophosphate (5'-GSMP), and iii) 2',3',5'-O-triacetylguanosine (TAG). We discovered that, under the neutral pH condition, Na2(5'-GMP) molecules self-assemble into a right-handed helix structure consisting of alternating all-C2'endo and all-C3'endo planar G-quartets stacking on top of each other with a 30° twist. This self-assembled supramolecular structure uses multiple non-covalent forces (e.g., hydrogen-bond, phosphate-hydroxyl, pi-pi (base-base) stacking, ion-carbonyl, and ion-phosphate) to align individual monomers in a way that resembles RNA and DNA sequences in which covalent bonds are used to link monomers. Na+ ions are located in the channel and surface sites of the G-quadruplex. In contrast, under acidic pH conditions, Na2(5'-GMP) molecules self-assemble into a continuous right-handed helix where guanine bases are hydrogen-bonded in a lock-washer fashion with only C3'-endo monomers. Na+ ions are absent in the channel site due to smaller channel radius and lesser repulsions between phosphate groups (-1 vs. -2 charge under neutral pH) contribute to the stronger stacking mechanism. In Na2(5'-GSMP), a longer phosphate bond compared with Na2(5'-GMP) allows stronger P-O-…Na+…-O-P interactions to occur, thus enhancing self-assembly. Solid-state NMR, FT-IR, powder x-ray diffraction, model building, and calculation showed that Na2(5'-GSMP) forms the same self-assembled structure as Na2(5'-GMP) but with significantly greater tendency. This study proves that single-bond modification can enhance stacking in G self-assemblies, and shows direct evidence that Na+ ions reside at the surface (phosphate) sites. Lastly, using lipophilic TAG, we were able to show for the first time that trivalent lanthanide metal ions can facilitate G-quartet formation. A new mode of metal ion binding in G-quartet structures (i.e., a triple-decker G dodecamer containing a single metal ion in the central G-quartet) is reported. We also report the first 1H and 43Ca NMR characterization of Ca-templated G-quartet formation in a [TAG8-Ca]2+ octamer.

abstract: PhD


title: Peroxide Curable Butyl Rubber Derivatives

contributor:
Parent, J. Scott
Whitney, Ralph A.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Butyl Rubber
Peroxide Cure
Macromonomers
Co-Curing Butyl Rubber

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-06 11:20:56.915

abstract:
Isobutylene-rich elastomers bearing functional groups that engage N-arylmaleimides in C-H bond addition and/or alternating copolymerization are described.  While inactive to cross-linking when treated at high temperature with peroxide alone, these co-curing elastomers can be cross-linked substantially when combined with bis-maleimide coagents such as N,N’-m-phenylene dimaleimide (BMI).  Poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene) (IIR) samples containing relatively high amounts of residual isoprene unsaturation are shown to provide relatively low coagent cure reactivity, whereas IIR derivatives bearing pendant polyether or vinyl ether functionality are shown to provide exceptional cross-linking rates and extents when treated with identical BMI formulations.  The design of such co-curing elastomers is discussed, along with the physical properties of the resulting vulcanizates.
Isobutylene rich elastomers bearing oligomerizable (C=C) functional groups, macromonomers, that are activated in the presence of free-radical initiators are described. The criteria for determining the macromonomers that are best suited for preparing thermosets of IIR is discussed. While IIR derivatives bearing pendant acrylic, styrenic and maleimide functionality are shown to provide exceptional cross-linking rates and extents, they are also shown to suffer from instability in the absence of peroxide. IIR carrying pendant methacrylic and itaconate functionality are shown to provide a good balance of cure rates and stability. Nitroxyl based radical trap that provides scorch protection to the macromonomers while regenerating the cure extent is discussed.
Functional macromonomer derivatives of IIR bearing containing multi-functional pendant groups are discussed. IIR derivatives with itaconate and low amounts of BHT pendant groups is shown to act as bound anti-oxidant while IIR containing pendant fluoro groups are shown to have reduced surface energy. Ionic coagents are used to cross-link IIR containing itaconate pendant groups and their physical properties are discussed.

abstract: PhD


title: Attachment Anxiety and Condom Use: the Moderating Influence of Rejection-Salience

contributor:
MacDonald, Tara K.
Psychology

subject:
Attachment Anxiety
Condoms

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-28 18:11:21.488

abstract: The purpose of this research was to examine how attachment anxiety and rejection-salience interacted to influence condom use intentions and beliefs. I manipulated rejection-salience specific to a sexual encounter (Study 1) and rejection-salience in general (Studies 2 and 3). I hypothesized that among women who were high in anxiety, those in the rejection-salient condition would report riskier sexual tendencies related to condom use compared to those in the control condition. I did not expect rejection-salience to influence the sexual tendencies of women who were low in anxiety. In Study 1, I manipulated potential partner rejection and found that attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and rejection-salience interacted to influence intentions to engage in unprotected sex. As expected, among women who were high in anxiety and low in avoidance, those in the rejection condition reported stronger intentions to have unprotected sex than those in the control condition. Unexpectedly, the same was true for women who were low in anxiety and high in avoidance. In Study 2, I manipulated general rejection-salience and asked women to indicate how many weeks into a relationship would be appropriate before switching from having protected to unprotected sex. Consistent with the results of Study 1, among women who were high in anxiety, those in the rejection-salience condition reported less time before switching compared to those in the control condition, demonstrating more risky sexual tendencies. In Study 3, I manipulated general rejection-salience and asked women to report how many weeks into a relationship unprotected intercourse should occur. Inconsistent with my predictions, as well as from the results of Studies 1 and 2, among women who were high in anxiety and low in avoidance, those in the rejection-salience condition reported that unprotected sex belonged later in a relationship timeline compared to those in the control condition. Study 4 explored how the exposure to positive relationship thoughts may act to buffer the influence of rejection-salience on risky sexual tendencies among highly anxious women. Some preliminary support for this hypothesis was found. Future research directions and implications for the literature on condom use and for sexual health promotion are discussed.

abstract: PhD


title: Homo and hetero-dimerization studies of two Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factors in fission yeast

contributor:
Young, Paul G.
Biology

subject: Thi1

subject: Thi5

subject: Transcription factor

subject: Thiamine

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-29 09:18:42.349

abstract: This thesis presents a strategy designed to determine how Thi1 and Thi5 may differentially regulate thiamine production and the vegetative and sexual life cycles in fission yeast.  Fission yeast cells regulate the cell cycle and development in response to available nutrients. Thiamine, vitamin B1, is an essential vitamin and its active form, TDP (thiamine diphosphate), is an important co-factor for many metabolic enzymes.  It also acts as an inhibitor of meiosis and zygote formation in fission yeast.  The thiamine biosynthetic pathway in fission yeast  is repressed by the presence of thiamine.  The transcription factors, Thi1 and Thi5, are independently capable of positively regulating the nmt1 (no message in thiamine) promoter in fission yeast and both factors are required for wildtype nmt1 expression.  Although Thi1 and Thi5 regulate the same promoter in thiamine biosynthesis, it has been previously found that Thi1 and Thi5 antagonistically regulate different aspects of meiosis.  Thi1 and Thi5 are both Zn(II) 2Cys6 transcription factors.  Since zinc finger transcription factors are known to homo- and hetero-dimerize, I hypothesize that the synergistic and antagonistic attributes of Thi1 and Thi5 may be due to this process.  To examine their potential interaction in vegetative and meiotic cells using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) as well as co-immunoprecipitation, tagged versions of these proteins have been constructed.  For FRET analysis Thi1 and Thi5 have been successfully tagged with CFP and YFP and are able to rescue the thiamine auxotrophy of strains lacking thi1 and thi5.  To perform co-immunoprecipitation Thi1 and Thi5 have been tagged with His6. I was able to detect the tagged versions of Thi1 and Thi5 using commercially available antibodies against the fluorescent tags CFP and YFP and the His6 tag.  The use of these constructs to address the interaction between these proteins is currently underway.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Physical Activity Across the Life Course and Risk of Pre- and Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer

contributor:
Aronson, Kristan J.
Janssen, Ian
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Case-Control Study
Menopause
Physical Activity
Women
Breast Cancer

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-29 10:01:45.535

abstract:
Background: Moderate-to-vigourous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is among the few modifiable factors known to reduce breast cancer risk. However, the independent effects of leisure-time, household, and occupational MPVA by age period across the life course remain poorly understood. Whether these effects differ by menopausal status and by tumour subtypes defined by the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is unknown. An understanding of these issues will help advance policy and public health action targeting breast cancer prevention through physical activity.

Methods: A case-control study of 1,011 incident breast cancer cases and 1,014 cancer-free controls aged 40-80 years was conducted from 2006-2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC). Lifetime leisure-time, household, and occupational MVPA were assessed by questionnaire and mean MET-hrs/week of each were calculated for age periods 12-17, 18-34, 35-49, and ≥50 years and the total lifetime. Odds ratios for pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer risk associated with each activity domain across age periods were estimated using unconditional logistic regression, and odds ratios for risks of ER/PR-defined and ER/PR/HER2-defined breast tumours were estimated using unconditional polytomous logistic regression.

Results: Among post-menopausal women, lifetime leisure-time and household MVPA reduced breast cancer risk by approximately 50% at volumes equal to 3 hours per week of running and 21 hours per week of active household work. MVPA reduced risk at all age periods across the life course, particularly during adulthood. Effects of leisure-time MVPA appeared restricted to HER2- tumours. Household MVPA reduced risk for ER/PR+ tumours, regardless of HER2 status. MVPA was not associated with pre-menopausal breast cancer risk, except occupational MVPA performed during ages 18-34 was associated with a doubling in risk.

Conclusions: MVPA is a lifestyle factor women may engage in to reduce post-menopausal breast cancer risk. Results suggest HER2 may be implicated in anti-breast carcinogenic effects of leisure-time MVPA. Increased risk associated with occupational MVPA may be due to occupational exposures related to job intensity. Further research on specific aspects of weekly MVPA energy expenditure dose required to reduce breast cancer risk will aid in refining physical activity recommendations for breast cancer prevention.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Preservice Teachers' Beliefs about the Nature of Mathematics and Effective Use of Information and Communication Technology

contributor:
Roulet, Geoffrey
Education

subject: Preservice Teachers

subject: Interactive Whiteboards

subject: Mathematics Education

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-29 13:00:17.205

abstract:
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to document and examine the beliefs held by preservice elementary teachers prior to entering a teacher education program concerning the nature of mathematics and their perceptions about the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) for mathematics instruction. Through an online questionnaire (N=132) followed by interviews of purposefully selected respondents (n=8), the following questions were addressed: (1) What beliefs do preservice elementary mathematics teachers hold upon entering teacher education programs regarding the nature of mathematics? (2) What beliefs do preservice elementary mathematics teachers hold upon entering teacher education programs about how ICT should be used in the classroom? and (3) How do preservice elementary mathematics teachers’ beliefs about the nature of mathematics relate to their views about the use of ICT in teaching mathematics?
	Video-elicitation was used in the interviews to determine how respondents perceived various uses of interactive whiteboards. Respondents were grouped based on their beliefs about the nature of mathematics and their reactions to the videos that they were shown. It was discovered that interview respondents who held contrasting views about the nature of mathematics also held differing beliefs about teaching and learning as well as the benefits of ICT. Respondents who saw mathematics as a set of fixed naturally occurring rules, an Absolutist view, favoured teacher directed use of ICT to support the transmission of knowledge. On the other hand, those who viewed mathematics as a human construct, a Fallibilist image, were more in favour of ICT use to support student mathematics investigation and talk. The existence of a potential hidden curriculum was also discovered. Although all interview participants were shown the same videos, respondents in the two groups perceived roles of the teacher and students in the videos that were aligned with their beliefs about the nature of mathematics and teaching and learning.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: A Field Scale Evaluation of Wrinkles in Exposed HDPE Geomembranes

contributor:
Rowe, Kerry
Brachman, Richard W. I.
Take, W. Andy
Civil Engineering

subject:
Geomembrane
Landfill Liner

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-29 16:05:18.598

abstract:
Intact geomembranes are barriers to advective aqueous flow and are often a key component in the design of composite bottom liner and cover systems.  During installation, the combination of solar heating, a high coefficient of expansion, and the stiffness of high density polyethylene (HDPE) causes the geomembrane to expand and buckle, forming wrinkles (waves).  Up to 20 – 30% of the area of the geomembrane may be below hydraulically connected wrinkles, which could substantially increase leakage through the composite liner if there is a hole on or near a wrinkle in the connected network.  To quantify wrinkles at the field scale, a technique for low altitude aerial photography and photogrammetric correction was developed.

Wrinkles were quantified for nine field cases involving a variety of installation (area, geomembrane thickness and texture, orientation, subgrade) and weather conditions.  The technique was used to quantify the geometry of individual wrinkles (length, width and area) and, more importantly, the length of the longest hydraulically connected wrinkle at each time.  Hand measurements of height and width were conducted at five of the cases.  Air temperature, solar radiation, and geomembrane surface temperature was recorded as permitted by site conditions and instrumentation.

The longest measured connected wrinkle was 5330 m on a 0.61 ha slope.  For a 1.5-mm-thick geomembrane, the average wrinkle width over a GCL was 0.20-0.23 m and 0.24 – 0.32 m over a CCL.  The average hand-measured wrinkle height was 0.06 m, and the tallest wrinkle measured was 0.18 m.  The longest connected wrinkle length was <200 m when the sum of the wrinkle lengths was < 580 m (<8% of the area of the geomembrane was wrinkles).  The reported connected wrinkle lengths are significantly longer than previously reported values. When used as input into an existing theoretical leakage solution, these very long wrinkles can explain previous large field measurements of leakage. The results also suggest that simply limiting the time of day when cover soil is placed and/or reducing the area in which wrinkles can form may greatly reduce the length of connected wrinkles after covering.

abstract: PhD


title: Essays on Decision Making with Information and Action Externalities

contributor:
Zabojnik, Jan
Koeppl, Thorsten V.
Economics

subject: Economics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Economics) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-29 16:36:02.776

abstract:
In this thesis, I investigate the behavior of rational individuals making decisions involving externalities and explain why seemingly irrational behavior can be the result of the decisions of rational individuals. In particular, I consider two kinds of externalities: an information externality and an action externality.

In Chapter two, I characterize the equilibria of a dynamic game with an information externality and an action externality where players with private information make decisions in a sequential but exogenous order. I investigate the effects of different job evaluation criteria on the players' behavior in a two-stage model. I find that if the evaluation is based on a relative measure instead of an absolute measure, herding may occur much earlier, resulting in less efficient information aggregation and heavier loss in social welfare.

In Chapter three, I characterize the asymmetric pure strategy equilibria of a dynamic game with a pure information externality where players choose whether to invest as well as when to invest. I find that any asymmetric pure strategy equilibrium is more efficient than the symmetric mixed strategy equilibrium which is the focus of the existing literature. I also find that when players become very patient, the least efficient asymmetric pure strategy equilibrium resembles those equilibria in an exogenous timing model where players make decisions one by one in an exogenous order.

In Chapter four, I analyse the voters' decision to vote in large elections. I reexamine the paradox of voting by incorporating modern psychological and sociological findings and model elections as something similar to spectator sports events. I find that in large elections, the voting rate is significantly different from zero, and thus voting in large elections is justified. Moreover, the voting rate is higher for the candidate who has more supporters. Using the polls before the election as a proxy for the number of supporters a candidate has, I show that the data from the 2004 US Presidential Election support this theory.

abstract: PhD


title: Examination of the population structure of darkbarbel catfish (Pelteobagrus vachelli) in the Upper Yangtze River, China, using novel microsatellite markers

contributor:
Boag, Peter T.
Wang, Yuxiang S.
Biology

subject:
darkbarbel
Pelteobagrus vachelli
catfish
population structure
Yangtze
microsatellites

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-29 18:00:25.509

abstract: The darkbarbel catfish (Peltoebagrus vachelli) is a small bodied benthic fish that inhabits the Yangtze River in China and is commercially valued as food.  The objectives of this project were to develop the first set of microsatellite primers specific to P. vachelli and use them to examine the levels of genetic variability and population structure of three populations collected at three sites (Yibin, Luzhou, and Song Ji) along an unfragmented stretch of the upper Yangtze River.  Microsatellite primers were designed from an enriched library of genomic DNA and a total of eight primer pairs were optimized to produce reliable polymorphic PCR amplicons on a LI-COR 4200 IR2 platform.  A high level of variability was detected amongst the isolated loci with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 14 – 29 and mean observed and expected heterozygosity values of 0.84 and 0.90 respectively across the entire sample set.  Overall levels of genetic diversity were high within the three populations with mean observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.823 – 0.869 and 0.864 – 0.921 respectively.  Little evidence of genetic structure was detected (global FST = 0.0065, p < 0.05) within the sampled region and pairwise tests of differentiation were not significant (all FST p > 0.05).   These results imply historically large populations of P. vachelli in the upper portion of the Yangtze River that, in the absence of artificial barriers, are part of a single panmictic unit.  As plans have been put forth for construction of hydroelectric installations within the sampled region, this study provides a baseline estimate of the levels of genetic variation present in P. vachelli within the remaining undammed stretch of the Upper Yangtze River which will serve as a foundation for future analyses on the effects of river fragmentation within this region.  Additionally the isolation and characterization of the microsatellites will provide useful molecular markers for a variety of other applications in this and closely related species such as parentage analysis, determination of stocks, and maintenance of genetic variation in stocking practices.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Testing Mathematics? or Testing English? The Education Quality Accountability Office (EQAO) Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment for English Language Learners

contributor:
Cheng, Liying
Education

subject:
Mathematics
Assessment and Evaluation
EQAO
English Language Learners

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-06-29 23:49:17.068

abstract:
Research on English Language Learners’ (ELL) test performance in relation to their language use at home and attitudes towards mathematics have rarely been investigated. This study examines the effects of different test formats and constructs, learner characteristics, and attitudes towards mathematics on ELLs’ performance in the Education Quality Accountability Office (EQAO) Grade 9 mathematics test. The participants include a total of 2867 ELLs in Grade 9 who participated in the EQAO Grade 9 mathematics test (1887 from the academic course and 980 from the applied course).
The overall results of the study supported the following conclusions. First, ELLs tend to score better in Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) over Open Response Questions (ORQ), and language use at home has interaction effects on their performances on various test formats and constructs. Secondly, significant interactions occurred between language use at home and ELLs’ performance of test formats and constructs. In addition, ELLs who speak another language (only another language) scored higher in performance in both test formats and constructs than ELLs who spoke only English at home. From the ELLs’ questionnaire responses at both the academic and applied levels, two learner characteristics were derived from the section of the questionnaire measuring attitudes towards mathematics: perceived mathematics competency and mathematics interest. The questionnaire also revealed that ELLs in the academic level viewed mathematics in separate constructs (i.e., numerical and spatial mathematics), whereas ELLs in the applied level viewed mathematics as a whole. By extracting from learner characteristics, perceived mathematics competency was found to be the significant predictor for mathematics test performance of ELLs in the academic and applied levels. Moreover, perceived numerical and spatial mathematics ease are significant predictors for mathematics test performance in the academic level. On the other hand, perceived mathematics ease was found to be a significant predictor for the applied level. Results are discussed in relation to second language development, mathematics teaching and learning, and cultural differences. Limitations of the present study were presented where implications for research, test development, and practice are suggested for future research.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Experimental and Computational Investigation of the Effect of Swirling Flows on an Ejector With Cut Angled Entraining Diffuser

contributor:
Birk, Michael A.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-04 11:59:11.245

abstract:
This research project compared the performance of two subsonic air-air ejectors with multi-ring entraining diffusers. The first ejector system was investigated by Qi Chen in his thesis. It consists of a nozzle, mixing tube, and a Full Entraining Diffuser. The Full Entraining Diffuser was found to cause drag forces in an airplane because it protrudes out of the engine cowling. In order to make a streamline fit in the engine cowling, the Full Entraining Diffuser needs to be cut. The second ejector system was then designed by the author to investigate the effect of cutting the diffuser on a 30o incline on the performance of the ejector. This study involves experimental and numerical investigation on how cutting the diffuser affects the performance of the ejector.
The experiments were conducted at the Hot Gas Wind Tunnel (HGWT) at Grant Timmins Lab. Both ejector systems were tested, but the Ejector with Full Diffuser was only tested under 20o inlet swirl condition to compare with Chen’s experimental data. Four different inlet swirls (0o, 10o, 20o, and 30o) were applied on the Ejector with Cut Angled Diffuser.
Numerical studies using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were also conducted for both ejector systems. Gambit 2.4.6 and Fluent 6.3.26 were used to generate mesh and run the CFD simulations for all cases. The numerical studies were conducted to conclude which flow features CFD can or cannot predict and how important they are in terms of predicting the overall ejector performance (pumping, pressure recovery, velocity and temperature distributions at the diffuser outlet).
The experimental results showed that the inlet swirl had similar effect on the Ejector with Cut Angled Diffuser to the Ejector with Full Diffuser. In general, cutting the diffuser on a 30o incline does not affect the overall performance of the ejector. For the CFD simulations, RNG k-ε with Enhanced Wall Function was found to give reasonable prediction on the bulk flow properties, such as total pumping, pressure recovery in the diffuser, wall temperature, and velocity profiles at the diffuser outlet.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Large-eddy simulation and modelling of dissolved oxygen transport and depletion in water bodies

contributor:
Piomelli, Ugo
Boegman, Leon
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
oxygen depletion
coherent structures
limnology
Large-eddy simulation
oscillating boundary layer
turbulent flows
hyporheic exchange

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-04 11:13:24.936

abstract: In the present doctoral work we have developed and tested a model for dissolved oxygen (DO) transfer from water to underlying flat and cohesive sediment beds populated with DO-absorbing bacteria. The model couples Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) of turbulent transport in the water-column, a biogeochemical model for DO transport and consumption in the sediment, and Darcy’s Law for the pore water-driven solute dispersion and advection. The model’s predictions compare well against experimental data for low friction-Reynolds numbers (Re). The disagreement for higher Re is investigated by progressively increasing the complexity of the model. A sensitivity analysis shows that the sediment-oxygen uptake (or demand, SOD) is approximately proportional to the bacterial content of the sediment layer, and varies with respect to fluid dynamics conditions, in accordance to classic high-Schmidt-number mass-transfer laws. The non- linear transport dynamics responsible for sustaining a statistically steady SOD are investigated by temporal- and-spatial correlations and with the aid of instantaneous visualizations: the near-wall coherent structures modulate the diffusive sublayer, which exhibits complex spatial and temporal filtering behaviours; its slow and quasi-periodic regeneration cycle determines the streaky structure of the DO field at the sediment-water interface (SWI), retained in the deeper layers of the porous medium. Oxygen depletion dynamics are then simulated by preventing surface re-areation with turbulent mixing driven by an oscillating low-speed current — an idealization of hypolimnetic DO depletion in the presence of a non-equilibrium periodic forcing. The oxygen distribution exhibits a self-similar pattern of decay with, during the deceleration phase, oscillations modulated by the periodic ejection of peaks of high turbulent mass flux (pumping oxygen towards the SWI), generated at the edge of the diffusive sublayer at the end of the acceleration phase. These fronts of highly turbulent mixing propagate away from the SWI, at approximately constant speed, in layers of below-average oxygen concentration. Finally, the model has been tested in a real geophysical framework, reproducing published in-situ DO measurements of a transitional flow in the bottom boundary layer of lake Alpnach. A simple model for the SOD is then derived for eventual inclusion in RANSE biogeochemical management-type models for similar applications.

abstract: PhD


title: Optically Active Chiral Mediums Fabricated with Glancing Angle Deposition

subject:
Glancing Angle Deposition
Bi-Isotropic Mediums
Discrete Dipole Approximation
Isotropic Chiral Mediums
Ellipsometry
Mueller Matrix
Optical Activity
Circular Dichroism
Inhomogeneity
Chiral Microparticles
Optical Rotation Dispersion
TThin Films

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-06 09:59:20.751

abstract: Optically active helical microparticles are studied in the forms of thin films, suspensions and powders. From fabricated helical porous thin films, microparticle suspensions are obtained by removing the microparticles (film columns) from their substrates and dispersing them into water. For removing microparticles, four methods are explored and compared: sacrificial NaCl layer, gold (Au) layer, buffered oxide etching, and direct ultrasonic agitation. The primary film material studied in this work is amorphous silicon (Si). Physical morphology of the microparticles is examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods employed to characterize optical activity of the microparticles include: polarimetry, spectrophotometry, and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The produced chiral microparticles exhibit optical activity: optical rotation (OR) and circular dichroism (CD - in the form of differential circular transmission (DCT)). Significant findings include: (a) we observe the largest optical rotatory power ever reported in scientific literature, 11◦/μm at 610 nm wavelength for a Si film; (b) for the helical thin films, there is one dominant DCT band in the measured wavelength range; however for microparticle suspensions and powders, there exist two DCT bands: one broad band at long wavelengths, and one narrow band in the short wavelength range; compared to their thin film forms, microparticle suspensions and powders have inverted sign for the broad DCT band. A discrete dipole approximation (DDA) model is employed to calculate optical response (e.g. extinction, scattering, and absorption cross-sections) of the microparticles, so as to enable us to understand the effects of different structural parameters of the microparticles on their optical response. Calculation confirms that optical activity of chiral microparticles is due to coherent light scatterings with the chiral structures of the particles. The inversion in sign of the broad DCT bands of microparticle suspensions and powders is likely due to the averaging effect from random orientation of the helical microparticles, as is indicated both from experimental results and from calculation.

abstract: PhD


title: Single Stage Grid-Connected Micro-Inverter for Photovoltaic Systems

contributor:
Jain, Praveen K.
Bakhshai, Alireza
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Flyback
Single Stage
ZVS
Renewable energy
Soft-switching
PV Micro-inverter

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-06 16:24:13.385

abstract: This thesis presents a novel Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) approach in a grid connected single-stage flyback inverter without using any additional auxiliary circuits. The soft-switching of the primary switch is achieved by allowing negative current from the grid-side through bidirectional switches placed on the secondary side of the transformer. Basically, the negative current discharges the MOSFET’s output capacitor thereby allowing turn-on of the primary switch under zero voltage. In order to optimize the amount of reactive current required to achieve ZVS a variable frequency control scheme is implemented over the line cycle. In addition, the bi-directional switches on the secondary side of the transformer have ZVS during the turn-on times. Therefore, the switching losses of the bi-directional switches are negligible. A 250W prototype has been implemented in order to validate the proposed scheme. Experimental results confirm the feasibility and superior performance of the converter compared to the conventional flyback inverter.

abstract: Intend to apply for Patent in near future. Intend to carry out further improvements on this research.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Erasmus Darwin’s Deistic Dissent and Didactic Epic Poetry: Promoting Science Education to a Mixed Audience Under the Banner of Tolerance

contributor:
Fanning, Christopher
English

subject:
English Literature
Lucretian didactic epic
Erasmus Darwin
Poetry

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, English) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-09 10:04:51.446

abstract: Erasmus Darwin’s task as a Deistic Dissenter poet who wished to promote science education to a mixed audience was complex. There was mainstream concern over what Deists and Dissenters actually believed about God, their involvement in science, and, especially, how their published works, whatever the subject, might affect public morality and politics. I argue that Darwin’s poetry is primarily in the genre of Lucretian didactic epic but that it also involves elements of other written traditions (literary and non-literary). I focus on English didactic poetry, the theological written traditions of Dissent and Deism, and a particular tradition of erotic satire. The genre of Lucretian didactic epic and the tradition of English didactic poetry are non-identical. In Darwin’s Lucretian didactic epic, resemblances to such poems as Pope’s Essay on Man challenge ideas about what kind of narrative a didactic poem in the English language can deliver.  Techniques from the theological written traditions of Dissent and Deism reflect Darwin’s affiliations, signal that science education fits within a larger debate about intellectual freedom, and promote tolerance for differences of opinion about nature. Mimicry of a particular tradition of erotic satire helps to downplay the address to a mixed audience while satirising some common misconceptions about poetry, botany, and women in the period. Darwin’s poetry challenges ideas about what people from his community of belief meant to communicate or transmit by writing for the general public, what the general public was entitled to learn, and what poetry was able to teach. Perhaps Darwin’s biggest modification of Lucretian didactic epic was that he did not tell his readers exactly what to think, but how.

abstract: This thesis is to be restricted for the maximum time allowed, as electronic publication may pose a hindrance to traditional academic publication, which I wish to pursue.

abstract: PhD


title: MicroRNA-205 Involvement in Cutaneous Melanoma

contributor:
Tron, Victor
Pathology and Molecular Medicine

subject: miR-205 MicroRNA Melanoma

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pathology & Molecular Medicine) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-09 12:32:35.235

abstract: Cutaneous melanoma is an increasingly common aggressive malignancy. The molecular mechanisms responsible for melanoma’s initiation and progression are still unclear, but new evidence suggests microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that have been shown to act as either oncogenes or tumour suppressors. These short, ~22 nucleotide long, single stranded RNA molecules regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, through complementary binding to target messenger RNA (mRNA), and mediate mRNA degradation and translational repression. Our laboratory has previously shown that miRNA expression levels are altered through the different stages of melanoma tumourigenesis and has identified numerous significantly dysregulated miRNAs. miR-205 expression is significantly decreased in both primary and metastatic melanoma. Because of this decrease in miR-205 level with increasing cancer aggressiveness, we originally hypothesized that miR-205 may act as a tumour suppressor in melanoma. Unexpectedly, miR-205 re-expression in metastatic melanoma cells has shown oncogenetic potential. Through functional assays, we determined that miR-205 plays a primary role in promoting cellular migration and invasion, and in repressing adhesion. A gene expression analysis was conducted and the target prediction algorithm TargetScan was utilized to determine potential mRNA targets for miR-205. CADM1, PTPRJ and SHIP2 were three of the targets investigated, because of their known functional role in migration and cellular adhesion. CADM1 and PTPRJ were both verified to be directly targeted by miR-205 in an in vitro melanoma system using a luciferase reporter assay. In summary, we have demonstrated a surprising functional role for miR-205 in melanoma. The re-expression of miR-205 promotes malignant phenotypes and therefore is functioning with oncogenic potential within our metastatic melanoma cell culture system.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Vision-based Fault Detection in Assembly Automation

contributor:
Surgenor, Brian W.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
machine vision
automation
assembly
fault detection

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-13 16:04:57.829

abstract:
Production downtime caused by machine faults presents a major area of concern for the manufacturing industry and can especially impact the productivity of assembly systems.  Traditional fault detection systems use a variety of conventional sensors that measure operating variables such as pressure, force, speed, current and temperature.  Faults are detected when a reading from one of these sensors exceeds a preset threshold or does not match the predicted value provided by a mathematical model of the system.  The primary disadvantage of these methods is that the relationship between sensor reading and fault is often indirect (if one exists at all).  This can lead to time delays between fault occurrence and ‘fault reading’ from a sensor, during which additional machine damage could accumulate.

This thesis describes progress with a project whose goal is to examine the effectiveness and feasibility of using machine vision to detect ‘visually cued’ machine faults in automated assembly equipment.  It is proposed that machine vision technology could complement traditional methods and improve existing detection systems.  Two different vision-based fault detection methods were developed and tests were conducted using a laboratory-scale assembly machine that assembles a simple 3-part component   Typical faults that occurred with this machine were targeted for inspection.

The first method was developed using Automated Visual Inspection (AVI) techniques that have been used extensively for quality inspection of manufactured products.  The LabVIEW 2010 software was used to develop the system.  Test results showed that the Colour Inspection tool performed the best with 0% false negative and false positive fault detection rates.  Despite some success, this approach was found to be limited as it was unable to detect faults that varied in physical appearance or those that had not been identified prior to testing.

The second method was developed using a video event detection method (spatiotemporal volumes) that has previously been used for traffic and pedestrian monitoring.  This system was developed with MATLAB software and demonstrated strong false negative and false positive fault detection rates.  It also showed the ability to detect faults that had not previously been identified as well as those that varied in appearance.  Recommendations were made for future work to further explore these methods.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Cenozoic Evolution of the Nullarbor Plain Paleokarst, Southern Australia

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
Paleoclimate
Carbonate Diagenesis

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-16 12:09:35.842

abstract: The Nullarbor Plain in southern Australia is an uplifted succession of Cenozoic marine carbonates whose surface has been exposed for ~14 m.y. This succession of limestones, particularly in the surfical middle Miocene Nullarbor Limestone, hosts a complex and prolonged record of meteoric diagenesis. Alteration took place through 3 broad phases of diagenesis encompassing 8 stages that are interpreted to have taken place over a dramatic regional climate change.  Phase 1 diagenesis occurred under a humid middle Miocene climate and involved mineralogical equilibration with meteoric fluids, calcite cementation, widespread microkarst, and regional lacustrine and palustrine sedimentation producing copious amounts of ooids.  These ooids are interpreted to have formed via microbial secretions and sediment aggradation over multiple seasons of changing rainfall and soil hydration states.  Cortical laminations are proposed to represent microbial mucus envelopes during wet seasons alternating with dehydration during dry seasons and precipitation of fibrous clay minerals and CaCO3 that preserve the pre-existing microbial fabrics.  Phase 2 alterations took place under a more temperate climate from the late Miocene to Pliocene with a later pronounced humid interlude.  This phase encompassed ~8 m.y. and was dominated by karst process where deep cave dissolution occurred at depressed water tables related to globally low sea levels and later shallow caves developed during a Pliocene sea level highstand.  Phase 3 has occurred since the late Pliocene and is indicative of the onset of modern semi-arid climatic conditions.  This final phase involved the creation of subsoil hollows filled with blackened limestone lithoclasts, deep and shallow dolines, and indurated pedogenic calcrete that now forms much of the surface of the Nullarbor Plain.  Blackened limestone clasts have been shown to form at the B-C boundary in soil profiles where roots have their cellular structures calcified and during this process incorporate trapped organics that ultimately produce the distinctive black colouration. The importance of this comprehensive diagenetic record is its direct applicability to the understanding of ancient subaerial exposure surfaces.

abstract: PhD


title: Compact 3D Representations

contributor:
Stewart, James
Computing

subject:
3D data
hierarchical subdivision
mesh compression
computer science

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-17 15:28:39.406

abstract:
The need to compactly represent 3D data is motivated by the ever-increasing size
of these data. Furthermore, for large data sets it is useful to randomly access and
process a small part of the data. In this thesis we propose two methods of compactly
representing 3D data while allowing random access.
The first is the multiresolution sphere-packing tree (MSP-tree). The MSP-tree is a
multiresolution 3D hierarchy on regular grids based on sphere-packing arrangements.
The grids of the MSP-tree compactly represent underlying point-sampled data by
using more efficient grids than existing methods while maintaining high granularity
and a hierarchical structure that allows random access.
The second is distance-ranked random-accessible mesh compression (DR-RAMC).
DR-RAMC is a lossless simplicial mesh compressor that allows random access and
decompression of the mesh data based on a spatial region-of-interest. DR-RAMC encodes
connectivity based on relative proximity of vertices to each other and organizes
both this proximity data and vertex coordinates using a k-d tree. DR-RAMC is insensitive
to a variety of topological mesh problems (e.g. holes, handles, non-orientability)
and can compress simplicial meshes of any dimension embedded in spaces of any dimension.
Testing of DR-RAMC shows competitive compression rates for triangle
meshes and first-ever random accessible compression rates for tetrahedral meshes.

abstract: PhD


title: A structural basis for different antifreeze protein roles

contributor:
Davies, Peter L.
Biochemistry

subject:
X-Ray Crystallography
Ice
Grass
Fish
Antifreeze Proteins
Ice Recrystallization
Ice Binding Protein

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-18 15:24:42.082

abstract:
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are produced by a variety of organisms to either protect them from freezing or help them tolerate being frozen. Recent structural work has shown that AFPs bind to ice using ordered surface waters on a particular surface of the protein called the ice-binding site (IBS). These 'anchored clathrate' waters fuse to particular planes of an ice crystal and hence irreversibly bind the AFP to its ligand. An AFP isolated from the perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne (LpAFP) was previously modelled as a right-handed beta helix with two proposed IBSs. Steric mutagenesis, where small side chains were replaced with larger ones, determined that only one of the putative IBSs was responsible for binding ice. The mutagenesis work also partly validated the fold of the computer-generated model of this AFP. In order to determine the structure of the protein, LpAFP was crystallized and solved to 1.4 Å resolution. The protein folds as an untwisted left-handed beta-helix, of opposite handedness to the model. The IBS identified by mutagenesis is remarkably flat, but less regular than the IBS of most other AFPs. Furthermore, several of the residues constituting the IBS are in multiple conformations. This irregularity may explain why LpAFP causes less thermal hysteresis than many other AFPs. Its imperfect IBS is also argued to be responsible for LpAFP's heightened ice-recrystallization inhibition activity. The structure of LpAFP is the first for a plant AFP and for a protein responsible for providing freeze tolerance rather than freeze resistance.
	To help understand what constitutes an IBS, a non-ice-binding homologue of type III AFP, sialic acid synthase (SAS), was engineered for ice binding. Point mutations were made to the germinal IBS of SAS to mimic key features seen in type III AFP. The crystal structures of some of the mutant proteins showed that the potential IBS became less charged and flatter as the mutations progressed, and ice affinity was gained. This proof-of-principle study highlights some of the difficulties in AFP engineering.

abstract: PhD


title: Numerical Investigations of the Indoor Thermal Environment in Atria and of the Buoyancy- Driven Ventilation in a Simple Atrium Building

contributor:
Oosthuizen, Patrick H.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Numerical Investigations
Atria
Atrium Building
CFD Simulations

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-22 12:57:00.947

abstract:
In recent years Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been extensively used in the study of the indoor environment and the thermal comfort conditions for the design of modern buildings, however, there remains the need to thoroughly evaluate the accuracy of the results given by CFD methods. In the present work, numerical investigations of the indoor thermal environment in the atria of two existing buildings and in a simple three-storey atrium building design have been undertaken using CFD techniques.
	The initial work involved the evaluation of various turbulence models and a radiation model used in CFD simulations for the prediction of the thermal environment in atria of different geometrical configurations in two buildings for which experimental data is available. The airflow patterns and temperature distributions were determined, under both forced and hybrid ventilation conditions and thermal comfort conditions were evaluated. The numerical predictions were compared with the available experimental measurements and, in general, good agreement was obtained between the numerical and experimental results.
	After the evaluation of the adequacy of available turbulence models and the validation of the accuracy of the CFD model used, a simple full-scale three-storey atrium building was modeled to explore the potential of using buoyancy-driven natural ventilation. The validated CFD model was used to determine the ventilation flow rates, airflow patterns, and temperature distributions in the building. The dynamic effect of the thermal mass of the external walls on the performance of the building was also investigated using transient CFD simulations.
	Atria with various geometrical configurations were studied in order to investigate the effect of atrium design changes on the air flow and temperature distributions in the simple atrium building considered. A parametric study was carried out to assess the sensitivity of the ventilation performance to the change in various geometric and solar parameters. On the basis of this parametric study, a few changes were carried out in the design of the building to examine their effect on ventilation performance. Finally, the use of night ventilation in the atrium building was explored and it was found that night ventilation can be increased by using hot water circulation in the chimney walls.

abstract: PhD


title: A Validation Study of Computer-Based Diagnostic Algorithms for Chronic Disease Surveillance

contributor:
Green, Michael
Hunter, Duncan
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Health Informatics
Chronic Diseases
Surveillance
Practice-Based Research Network

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-23 17:58:11.302

abstract:
Background: Chronic conditions comprise a significant amount of healthcare utilization. For example, people with chronic diseases account for 51% of family physician encounters. Therefore, diagnostic algorithms based on comprehensive clinical records could be a rich resource for clinicians, researchers and policy-makers. However, limitations such as misclassification warrant the need for examining the accuracy of these algorithms.

Purpose: To investigate and enhance the accuracy of the diagnostic algorithms for five chronic diseases in the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network.

Methods: DESIGN: A validation study using primary chart abstraction. SETTING: A stratified random sample of 350 patient charts from Kingston practice-based research network. OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity and specificity for the diagnostic algorithms. ANALYSIS: A multiple logistic regression model along with the receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to identify the algorithm that maximized accuracy measures.

Results: The sensitivities for diagnostic algorithms were 100% (diabetes), 83% (hypertension), 45% (Osteoarthritis), 41% (COPD), and 39% (Depression).  The lowest specificity was 97% for depression. A data-driven logistic model and receiver-operating characteristic curve improved sensitivity for identifying hypertension patients from 83% to 88% and for osteoarthritis patients from 45% to 81% with areas under the curve of 92.8% and 89.8% for hypertension and osteoarthritis, respectively.
Conclusion: The diagnostic algorithms for diabetes and hypertension demonstrate adequate accuracy, thus allowing their use for research and policy-making purposes. A multivariate logistic model for predicting osteoarthritis diagnosis enhanced sensitivity while maintaining high specificity. This approach can be used towards further refining the diagnostic algorithms for other chronic conditions.

abstract: M.Sc.