identifier: Ansari, Ali  (2003) UPADE : a tool for automating HCI pattern-oriented designs.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Human Computer Interaction (HCI) patterns are a contemporary topic in the literature of user interface engineering. An HCI pattern offers proven that is mostly described in terms of a set of collaborating design structures. Composing these design structures to develop a user interface is a tedious task. A tool that supports how to combine HCI patterns to develop user interface designs will ultimately make the analysis and design phases more efficient and more productive. In this thesis, we present a tool, named UPADE to formalize the visual presentation of HCI patterns and their relationships for the purpose of developing pattern-oriented designs. The tool develops a structural composition approach to browse, search, and edit a repository of HCI patterns stored into namely the Pattern view, the Design view, and the Code View. The proposed tool aims to abate disparity between the HCI pattern descriptions and their implementations. It gives a systematic methodology to glue HCI patterns and supports the integration of patterns into the user interface development life cycle.


identifier: Yang, XiuQuan  (2003) Aerodynamic loss modelling in transonic turbines /XiuQuan Yang.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: The aerodynamic design of a turbine stage starts with a mean line aerodynamic calculation that gives the stage main geometric features. A key element in that calculation is the aerodynamic loss system. The AMDCKO (Ainley and Mathieson, Dunham and Came, and Kacker and Okapuu) loss system, after being tested on hundreds of modern axial turbines over a wide design point operating range, was found lacking in its ability to predict reasonably well the aerodynamic turbine efficiency at higher than optimum reaction. Based on a better understanding of the loss mechanisms at high Mach number at blade exit and given a good base of test data, modifications are made to the trailing edge loss, tip-clearance loss and secondary loss models to reflect recent design practices. The modified AMDCKO loss system is validated against the known efficiencies of 46 turbine stages of varied engine applications. It is believed that this new model improves significantly the predictive capability of the mean line design program and provides a better assessment of compressibility effect on the different loss components.


identifier: Nigam, Amit K  (2002) Vibration analysis of composite beams using hierarchical finite element method.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The conventional finite element formulation has limitations in performing the dynamic analysis of composite beams. The discretization necessary for obtaining solutions with acceptable accuracy in the determination of dynamic response parameters leads to discontinuities in stress and strain distributions. The hierarchical finite element formulation provides us with the advantages of using fewer elements and obtaining better accuracy in the calculation of natural frequencies, displacements and stresses. The hierarchical finite element formulation for uniform and variable-thickness composite beams is developed in the present work. Two sub-formulations of hierarchical finite element method viz. polynomial and trigonometric sub-formulations have been developed. The efficiency and accuracy of the developed formulation are established in comparison with closed-form solutions for uniform composite beams. The static response of uniform composite beams is evaluated using the hierarchical finite element method. The dynamic response of variable-thickness composite beams is calculated based on the developed formulation. A detailed parametric study encompassing the influences of boundary conditions, laminate configuration, taper angle and the type of taper on the dynamic response of the beam is performed. The NCT-301 graphite-epoxy composite material is considered in the analysis and in the parametric study.


identifier: Hussein, Mohamed H. Zaki  (2003) Syntactic model reduction for hardware verification.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Microelectronics systems become more and more complex, making the detection of errors extremely difficult. Model checking, as a formal hardware verification technique, can potentially catch subtle hardware design errors. It is used to automatically verify temporal properties on finite state systems. However, model checking tools suffer from the state explosion problem; when the number of states representing the program under verification grows exponentially. state explosion problem. The main idea of model reduction is to suppress the techniques that involve both approaches can greatly reduce the design under techniques in which, variables not influencing the property's variables are removed and the values domains of state variables in the system model are values according to their dependency to the property to be verified. After the above procedures are done, the state space of the reduced program is smaller than that of the original one, while the correctness of the properties are preserved. We have developed a tool called SynAbs which accepts a subset of the Verilog hardware description language and universally quantified computation tree logic (CTL) temporal properties, and generates a reduced Verilog code which can be fed into a CTL model checker. We have successfully applied our tool on the verification of a number of simple Verilog programs.


identifier: Wang, Qiang  (2002) A QoS-sensitive SDMA-TDMA access in broadband fixed wireless networks.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis addresses both real-time and non-real time supports of communication services in a broadband fixed wireless network with Probing Process. In such a network, each cell is divided into multiple sectors, each of them served by a sector antenna colocated with the base station (BS), and user terminals use directional antennas mounted on the rooftops and pointed to their respective BS antennas. With the use of directional antennas to suppress interference, the Probing Process is proposed to improve data packet transmission without information exchange and coordination among base stations. The Probing Process detects available slots unused by other sectors to provide a higher capacity in sectorization cells. To support real time and non-real time traffic and efficiently implement Probing Process in FDD method, the base station (BS) adopts a demand-assignment channel access protocol named Prioritized Access with Centralized Polling Control that shares the bandwidth for different requests of real-time and non-real time users. The simulation results presented in this thesis show the quantitative improvement for voice traffic and data traffic with Probing Process.


identifier: Qu, Guang  (2002) Online strategies for adaptive tuning of PI controllers in HVAC systems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: To improve the setpoint tracking and disturbance attenuation properties of the Discharge Air Temperature (DAT) control loop in HVAC systems, online adaptive PI tuning strategies are developed. The feasibility of adaptive control strategies for DAT systems is first studied by formulating and solving three adaptive control problems. These are: a model following adaptive (MFA) control problem, a control-model based adaptive (CMBA) control problem and an H P adaptive PI (HIAPI) control problem. The DAT system is modelled as a first-order-plus-dead-time (FOPDT) model. Both MFA and HIAPI controls are model-based techniques whereas CMBA is a model-less control strategy.  Motivated by computer simulation results, two control strategies namely: CMBA and HIAPI are chosen as ideal candidates for implementation in a HVAC test facility. Both CMBA and HIAPI control algorithms are written in Powers Processor Control Language for online implementation. Several experimental tests are conducted under variable setpoints, variable disturbances, and multiple loop interactions.  Experimental results show that CMBA control tuning method is simple to implement (does not require system identification) and robust to changes in setpoints and operating conditions. It is found to give stable and smooth response. The HIAPI tuning strategy requires system identification; as such it is sensitive to changes in operating conditions. Results show that HIAPI tuning control also gives good output responses under a wide range of operating conditions


identifier: Marti, Sreekanth  (2003) A bandwidth efficient turbo coding scheme for VDSL systems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis, the last-mile and home-LAN interference problems of VDSL systems are addressed using turbo codes. With regard to the last-mile problem, a bandwidth efficient turbo coding scheme is proposed in which, turbo codes are combined with bandwidth efficient modulation and the soft information is exchanged between the decoder and demodulator in an iterative manner. The scheme is investigated for various values of transmitting power, signal frequencies and numbers of crosstalkers for a targeted BER of 10 -5 . The effects of various code parameters on the performance of VDSL modems are explored. In order to reduce the latency at the receiver end, a pipelined decoding scheme is proposed. Simulation results are presented and compared with that of the 4D Wei-RS scheme. The results show that the choice of turbo codes not only provides a significant coding gain over the standard FEC scheme but also efficiently maximizes the loop length and bit rate at a very low transmitting power in the presence of dominant far-end crosstalk (FEXT). In order to compare the hardware complexity, the proposed and 4D Wei-RS schemes are synthesized using SYNOPSYS with the target technology of Xillinx 4010-3. The Xilinx FPGA statistics of the proposed scheme is compared with that of the 4DWei-RS scheme.  To mitigate the effect of home-LAN interference, an iterative soft interference cancellation and decoding technique is proposed in which, the VDSL and home-LAN signals are jointly detected using a soft interference canceller and a soft-in soft-out demodulator combined with a set of turbo decoders.


identifier: Ma, Qing  (2003) A computer aided design system for transformation and optimization of multirate DSP systems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Multirate Digital Signal Processing (DSP) theory and technique are essential to digital communications, sonar and radar systems, speech and image processing, as well as many other applications. A computer aided design system that can significantly simplify the design and optimization of multirate signal processing structures has been presented in this thesis.  The thesis starts with the introduction of fundamentals of multirate digital signal processing. It is followed by the introduction of the principle and technique of Multirate Signal Flow Graph (MSFG). A number of MSFG identities and transformations are also given in the thesis.  The computer aided design system that has been presented in this thesis is based on the MSFG representation and transformations. With this system, instead of manual manipulation of MSFGs, the transformations and optimization of MSFGs that represent multirate signal processing systems can be performed in an automatic or interactive manner.  With this system, one can represent a multirate system in the form of a MSFG and then optimizes it by performing a series of MSFG transformations interactively. The system has the capability of calculating the output response at any CELL in the MSFG. This feature can be used to verify the correctness of the derived network.  To perform the MSFG transformation automatically or interactively, following functions have been implemented in the system. (1) MSFG transformation and identities, (2) Simulation of MSFG response, (3) Verification of the transformed MSFG, (4) Complexity information of MSFG.  To demonstrate the usefulness and the effectiveness of the system, some design examples have been given in chapter 5. In these examples, step-by-step MSFG transformations are provided, which would otherwise be very difficult or extremely tedious to derive


identifier: Zhai, Chao  (2003) Application of some hydraulic principles to flow measurement.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: For flow near the end section of a trapezoidal channel, the velocity distribution is non-uniform and the streamlines are curved.  At the end section of the overfall, the streamline pattern in the vertical plane of channel symmetry can be determined using the measured axial velocity data and the water surface profiles. The streamline pattern permits the evaluation of the streamline curvature, which in turn yields the curvature correction required to obtain the true static pressure profile at the end section. In the region above the maximum velocity point near the end depth, energy relationships determined on the basis of the measured velocity and pressure field data confirm the fact that the total energy is essentially constant. The pressure head coefficient at the end section is a dominant parameter that influences the relationship between the channel discharge and the end depth.  Single slit weirs have been recently investigated to show that small discharge rates can be measured accurately by them. This concept has been applied to the flow through multislit weirs. This can extend the capacity of the slit weirs to measure accurately both low and high discharge rates. For this purpose the hydraulic concept of images is used to form a bank of slit weirs whose flow characteristics are essentially similar to the single weir. The multislit weir can accurately measure both very low and very large discharge


identifier: Saad, Bassam  (2003) Dynamic finite element analysis of a flexible pavement system with geosynthetic reinforcement.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Nonlinear three-dimensional (3-D) dynamic finite element (FE) analyses are carried out to examine the structural performance of a pavement foundation system with and without the presence of geosynthetic reinforcement. Preliminary analyses are aimed at constructing a realistic finite element model representing a conventional pavement system in terms of geometry, loading system, boundary conditions and materials mechanical behavior. The dynamic implicit mode is used to handle dynamic equilibrium equations of the pavement system under traffic triangular wave load. Different strategies and provisions are made for considering the domain dimensions, choice of mesh and the constraints. In these preliminary analyses, the asphalt concrete (AC) viscoelastic behavior, the elastoplastic and elastoplastic strain hardening behavior of the base and subgrade, in addition to the linear elastic material of each layer are all covered in details and tested for the suggested finite element mesh. As a result of such analyses, a linear elastic asphalt concrete layer resting on a Drucker-Parger granular base underlined by a Cam Clay subgrade are adopted for conducting the parametric studies for reinforced and unreinforced conventional pavement systems. For the unreinforced systems, the results show that the subgrade strength has a significant effect on the pavement system rutting and little effect on its fatigue For the geosynthetic reinforced pavement system analyses, it is found that the geosynthetic placed at the bottom of AC leads to the highest fatigue resistance.


identifier: Paquette, Donald M  (2002) Detection of endogenous compounds in body fluids.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Two instrumental/assay schemes based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection for sensitive and specific analysis of compounds within biosamples were designed and characterized.  Ultraviolet (UV) excitation for LIF detection of underivatized compounds, termed laser-induced-native fluorescence (LINF), represents a simple, sensitive and selective method for detecting CE separated compounds that fluoresce appreciably when excited by UV radiation. A major drawback of CE-LINF systems, however, has been the expense and the complexity of the laser required for excitation in the deep UV wavelength range of 200-300 nm. To this end, the performance of a relatively inexpensive, low-power, pulsed KrF laser operating at 248 nm in a pseudo-continuous wave mode was evaluated as an excitation source for native fluorescence detection of tryptophan. On-column LINF detection limits in the low nanomolar range are obtained for tryptophan with the KrF source, which is similar to that achieved by LINF detectors that use costly large frame frequency-doubled argon ion lasers. The developed CE-LINF instrument is further applied towards the selective profiling of tryptophan-containing proteins and peptides in human serum and saliva, and catecholamines in human urine illustrating the potential use of this system for diagnosing various disease states.  The progressive development of a robust immunoassay for the detection of specific antibodies from crude serum is also presented. Off-line immunocapture/immunosubtraction (ICIS) by magnetic particles coupled to subsequent CE-LIF analysis is utilized to detect affinity interactions between solid-phase immobilized host antibodies and selected fluorescent antigens: (i) fluorescein; (ii) fluorescent-labeled neuropeptides and (iii) fluorescent-labeled peptides representing antigenic p24 sequences.


identifier: Charles, Elizabeth S  (2003) An ontological approach to conceptual change : the role that complex systems thinking may play in providing the explanatory framework needed for studying contemporary sciences.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This dissertation comprises a two-part longitudinal inquiry of complex systems thinking as a means of facilitating conceptual change. Study 1 employed a "posttest only control group" random assignment experimental design. Changes in ontological frameworks were assessed using an ontological coding taxonomy (OMMT) adopted from two sources (Ferrari & Chi, 1998; and, Jacobson, 2000) and refined for this study. The hypothesis was that first year Cegep science students receiving a complex systems intervention using StarLogoT would employ more emergent causal explanations and fewer clockwork explanations as a general explanatory framework for problem solving. By contrast, students in the control group would not. The 25 students in the experimental group generated significantly more emergent framework explanations on both near and moderate far transfer questions than did the 20 students in the control group. Furthermore, they generated significantly fewer clockwork framework explanations on near transfer questions but not on moderate or far transfer questions than did the control students.  Study 2 was a mixed method qualitative case study of nine students selected from the participants in Study 1 using a purposeful sampling procedure. Students' acquisition of an emergent causal framework was assessed using an ontological measure referred to as the Complex Systems Taxonomy (CST) adopted from Jacobson (2000) and refined for this research. The two central research questions were the following: (1) What aspects of students' ontological and epistemological beliefs facilitated or constrained their acquisition of an emergent causal framework? (2) What experiences with StarLogoT facilitated or constrained this learning process? The findings were as follows: (1) Although students experienced gains in four of the six component features of emergent causal processes, their difficulty with the concepts of "random actions" of agents and "nonlinear effects" of agents constrained their deeper understanding of emergent causal processes. (2) Although StarLogoT facilitated the acquisition of certain aspects of this knowledge, it provided no affordance for learning the concept of "non linearity". Furthermore, aspects of these multi-agents representations generated conflicting ontological explanations for the concept of "randomness". (3) Although the selected StarLogoT simulations demonstrated emergent causal processes, they represented different types of complex systems (i.e., tightly coupled and dissipative loosely coupled). Although most students had difficulty with the representations of dissipative systems, those who had a more advanced understanding of science concepts gained an understanding of emergent causal processes from dissipative representations. (4) Conceptual change required metacognitive scaffolding and ongoing metaconceptual prompts during the instructional phase. However, once students acquired synthetic mental models, maturation over time and experience with complementary domain curricula was sufficient for them to elaborate their understanding of emergent causal processes.


identifier: Morales, Manuel  (2003) Generalized risk processes and Lévy modelling in risk theory.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: A generalization to the classical risk model is presented. This generalization includes a Lévy process as the aggregate claims process. The compound Poisson process and the diffusion process are particular cases of this more general model. With this model we attempt to bridge two approaches often used in the literature to generalize the classical model.  We investigate applications of pure-jump Lévy processes to risk theory, in particular members of the family of generalized hyperbolic processes. We focus our interest in the normal inverse Gaussian process and in the generalized inverse Gaussian process. Both lead to purely discontinuous risk processes with infinite activity, i.e., these processes have an infinite number of small jumps and occasional larger movements.  We also present an approximation to the classical risk model when the claim severities belong to the domain of attraction of an extreme distribution, this allows for all kinds of heavy and medium tailed distributions. The model is based on a Lévy process with an underlying Lévy measure proportional to the generalized Pareto distribution.  Most of our results rely on properties that are not only valid for Lévy processes but for the larger class of semimartingales. As an illustration, we also introduce an even more general risk process with independent increments that would endow us with a periodic reserve process that can find applications in reinsurance or in the valuation of catastrophe insurance options. Although, this periodic risk process does not belong to the Lévy family of processes, it does belong to the larger family of processes with independent increments.  The main contribution of this thesis takes the form of four independent chapters that illustrate the potential of Lévy modeling in risk theory.


identifier: Khalil, Medhat  (2003) Performance investigation of the swash plate axial piston pumps with conical cylinder blocks.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis a mathematical model is developed in order to describe the dynamics of the variable geometric volume swash plate axial piston pumps with the conical cylinder blocks and the integrated control unit.  Using the validated model, an analytical study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of the port plate configuration on pump performance. Simulation of the change in the cylinder pressure and pump flow rate, in a systematic sequential procedure, led to an improved geometry for the suction and delivery silencing grooves on the valve plate. Cavitaion in the cylinder and pump noise were also reduced with the improved geometry. Force and vibration analysis of the pumping mechanism were carried out. This analysis presents some design recommendations regarding the moments acting on the swash plate, dynamic loads acting on the drive shaft bearings and the advantages and the limitations of using the conical arrangement of the pistons.  Pump performance is simulated using a conventional PD controller with double negative feedback loop to control the swash plate swiveling angle, as currently used in practical applications. An introductory study of implementing other control schemes is conducted. A fuzzy controller is proposed to replace the PD controller in a double feedback control loop in order to improve the robustness of the control action. A single feedback control loop is proposed to replace the double control loop in order to suppress the steady state vibration of the swash plate. The control schemes were prototyped using specially developed real-time control techniques on a personal computer. The experimental setup is also used to verify the analytical findings of the pump performance with the newly proposed control schemes.


identifier: Molhim, Mohammad  (2002) Fuzzy logic based localization for mobile robots.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis deals with the localization and map updating problems of mobile robots. We introduce three new fuzzy logic based localization and map updating algorithms for mobile robots that are equipped with a ring of sonar sensors. The first algorithm deals with the global localization problem, the second deals with detailed localization and location updating, and the third deals with map updating.  Sonar sensors are inexpensive but inaccurate. To deal with sonar uncertainty, we introduce models for angular and radial uncertainty of sonar readings based on possibility theory, mainly possibility distributions (fuzzy sets).  The concept of the fuzzy local composite map is introduced. This map utilizes the uncertainty models associated with sonar readings to give a description of the robot's surroundings. This map consists of a set of components, each of which represent the shortest distance between the robot and a detected object, and the orientation of the detected object with respect to the robot.  In the proposed global localization algorithm, the constructed fuzzy local composite map is matched with the given global map to identify the robot's location. In cases where multiple locations are obtained, the robot moves to accumulate range information to be used to reduce the number of candidate locations. This process continues until a unique location is obtained.  In the proposed detailed localization and map updating algorithms, two sets of fuzzy composite map components are identified. The first set includes the components that have matching counterparts in the global map and are used to update the robot's location. The second set includes the components that do not have matching components in the global map and are used to update the robot's global reap by adding new line segments


identifier: King, Laura  (2002) Making the connection : matching pedagogy to TESL student teachers' computer-training needs.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Computer-related technology has become an integral part of modern-day society and education. Student teachers must acquire the training necessary to use computers as an instructional tool in their future Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) classrooms. The objectives of this research were (1) to identify and describe student teachers' computer-training needs (attitude, skills, knowledge, and opportunities for role-modeling) in order to facilitate the use of computer technology in their teaching, and (2) to assess the impact of a "Computers in Language-Learning" course, which utilized a need-based methodology, in meeting the computer-training needs of student teachers.  Recommendations for student-teacher computer-training include offering more frequent and higher-quality modeling among faculty and supervising teachers, adopting a technology-infusion model, continuing to revise and apply the needs-based methodology to the Computers in Language-Learning course, assessing learners' needs, and integrating the Quebec Ministry of Education (MEQ) guidelines. Further research is required in order to address the limitations of the current research (e.g. a lack of statistical testing in Study 1, small sample sizes, no comparison groups) and to validate the findings


identifier: Truesdale, Christine  (2003) Threaded together : an arts-based inquiry into the design processes of a team of graduate students working on a professional development infrastructure for teachers in the Anglophone sector in Québec.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In an attempt to link my art practice with my educational research practice, and in the spirit of reflective practice, I wanted to create a quilt that would act as a vehicle for reflection on our experiences as a design team while developing a flexible learning network for teachers. What I was attempting to do is to use quilting as a metaphor for our process but also use quilting as a research methodology.  The use of quilting as a metaphor afforded me a way to view our design efforts in a way that I had not been able to see or express until that moment. The purpose of using quilting as a metaphor in this inquiry was that I thought it could provide an alternative language for exploring what seemed 'natural' about our way of working. In this sense, what we commonly understand about the instructional design process is supplanted by an alternative vision.  The quilt that I created serves as a multi-vocal visual narrative that represents important events, ideas and themes that were identified by the participants in the inquiry and that emerged from my analysis of the data. The quilt offers a site for these co-constructed narratives to be told. There are no right or wrong answers, there are multiple truths that were gathered and shared. I see the quilt as a reflexive intertextual space for conversation, interpretation, and critique of our design practices.


identifier: Nishihira, Nanako  (2003) By and for a feminist rhetorical theory : constituting cultural identity in Isocrates' "Helen".  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis I address the reevaluation of the ancient Greek pedagogue and logographer Isocrates' "Helen" as an example of feminist rhetoric in contemporary rhetorical studies. Through a focus on a specific object/subject, Helen of Troy, I explore the relationship between pedagogy and feminist rhetoric. I argue that the use of a feminine subject is a rhetorical strategy whereby Isocrates constitutes and displays a new Athenian identity, teaching what Athenian culture stands for. As well, I examine the process of materializing Helen's subjectivity in the Panhellenic discourse. My theoretical analysis is conducted within the development of feminist rhetoric in contemporary rhetorical studies, Jacques Derrida's idea of law and Judith Butler's performativity theory. A discussion of the feminine subject, authority, and performative force is key to my analysis.


identifier: Fioriello, Alexandra  (2003) Age and status : young people's impressions of older and young adults.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The hypothesis of the present research is that older adults relative to young adults will be perceived in a manner analogous to how low status individuals are perceived relative to high status individuals. Study 1 examines young participants' perceptions of older adults and young adults by having them rate traits that have been used to describe the typical old person (Schmidt and Boland, 1986). The findings are consistent with past research which reveals multiple types of older adults and young adults. Study 2 examines young participants' perceptions of low status and high status individuals by having participants rate the same traits used in Study 1. The methodology of Study 2 is derived from a study by Conway, Pizzamiglio, and Mount (1996) which measures people's perceptions of low status and high status individuals. Participants' representations of older adults in Study 1 are relatively complex as compared with their perceptions of status in Study 2. Older adults are not only attributed traits associated with low status (e.g., quiet, arouses pity, neglected) but are also attributed traits associated with high status (e.g., prejudiced and set in ways). Participants did not attribute traits associated with low status to young adults. However, participants did attribute traits reflecting selfishness to young adults and to high status individuals.


identifier: Alvarado López, Leonor  (2003) Evaluating the effectiveness of the North American agreement on environmental cooperation (NAAEC) : towards a holistic approach.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This paper examines the effectiveness of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) and its impact on the environmental conditions in the North American region resulting from increased trade activity driven by NAFTA. An initial review of international regime theories facilitates the assessment of the political effectiveness of the regime in solving the problems that originated its creation. This is followed by a review of contemporary ecosystem-based regime theories, as well as the links between liberalized trade and the environment to complement the analysis. An emphasis is placed on the ideological underpinnings dominating the trade-environment debate, by decomposing the neoliberal discourse behind the pro-trade position. A political economy approach in the understanding of the origins of environmental problems provides support for the argument that the free market ideology behind NAAEC is in direct contradiction with the concept of sustainability, making it impossible for the regime to meet the criteria for ecological effectiveness. It is further argued that the structural and power deficiencies inherited from the negotiation process hinder the effectiveness of the regime. This paper makes a case for increased public participation in the decision-making mechanisms of NAAEC as a necessary condition to counterbalance the excess political power of the trade elites.


identifier: Deschamps, Kim Marie  (2003) Associations between daily asthma hospital admissions and ambient air pollutants in Montreal, 1992 to 1999.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study investigates the associations between daily asthma hospital admissions and concentrations of ambient pollutants in Montreal, Quebec from 1992 to 1999. Health data was collected from the hospital discharge database (Med-Echo) provided by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services. Selected stationary monitoring sites in and around Montreal were used to obtain daily mean air pollutant concentrations of particulate matter having aerodynamic diameters of 10 om or less, coefficient of haze, sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. Weather data was procured from Environment Canada's weather station at Dorval International Airport (45 28'N, 73 45'W). A time series analysis in the format of a general additive model (GAM) was used to model the logarithm of daily asthma admissions as a function of the daily averaged air pollutants. Non-parametric smoothing functions, specifically locally weighted regression smoothers (LOESS), were used to remove confounding factors such as seasonal fluctuations, calendar year, and weather. The data set was analyzed according to the whole year and seasons (cool and warm periods). Asthma admissions were studied by age. Carbon monoxide and coefficient of haze were positively associated with asthma hospital admissions at lags of 0, 1, and 3-day mean.


identifier: Kazakian, Arthur  (2003) In defence of the Third Way.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

title: In defence of the Third Way

abstract: The Third Way aims to work in the interests of people at large. Among other topics, the emphasis will be placed on the inclusive nature of the Third Way and how it can play a decisive role in reviving economies, protecting long cherished social programs, responding to the challenges of globalization and the rigours of technology. Although I don't necessarily agree with all aspects or policy associated with either or both Democratic and Labour views on economic and political questions in general, I'll attempt to assess, comment on, analyze and try to shed some light on a political and economic trend which seems to have caught the imagination of leading politicians worldwide. It will be shown that the Third Way can be the right alternative, both in terms of theory and realism. We will look at how Third Way principles can work for a country, while keeping in mind that what's good for one state may not be so for another. As the Third Way is still in its infancy, this study will explore how the issues of consensus-building, globalization, development, science, technology and social questions, and how we react to them, can contribute to the overall effectiveness of a truly Third Way logic that transcends traditional party lines.


identifier: Boudreault-Fournier, Alexandrine  (2003) Manufacturing culture in Cuba, an ethnography.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Since the beginning of the Revolution, Cuba implemented strong cultural policies. Effective and multi-leveled organizations were installed in order to manage, fund, promote, democratize and support the revolutionary popular culture. With the work of instructors and promoters attached to casas de cultura and other types of municipal departments, the state has been able to integrate its cultural policies at the level of the community. This thesis provides an analysis and an understanding of cultural policies applied to a few traditional popular groups located in Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba and Bejuco. Since the fall of the Soviet Union at the beginning of the 1990s, the Cuban State was forced to adapt its socialist ideology and open the island to tourism and foreign investments. Once again, culture is put on display and politicized in order to counteract these threats to the socialist system. But members of popular groups are not passive when faced with the state's interventions in their traditional affairs. This thesis shows that traditions are invented, manufactured and put on stage to serve the state's desire to strengthen its hegemony.  The ethnographic film "State the Rhythm" is a complement to this thesis. It illustrates with concrete cases, many of the issues developed in this document.


identifier: Lantagne, Isabelle  (2003) Idéologie du langage : une étude de cas : discours et facteurs influençant l'apprentissage du catalan chez les membres d'une famille castillane de Barcelone.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This research is an ethnographic exploration of linguistic behaviors of Castilian speakers in Catalonia, in Northern Spain. It examines, after five months of fieldwork in Barcelona, the factors that influence the learning process and the use of Catalan language. This was done through a case study with a Castilian immigrant family living in Santa Coloma de Gramenet With the collected data, the discourse of the informants toward language and their linguistic behaviors is analyzed. The emphasis is placed on the ideology of language and its relationship with identity. It addresses some current social and linguistic issues, and put them in the actual political and historical context.


identifier: Bryant, Cindy-Ann  (2003) Where are they going? : a look at Canadian rural in-migration between 1991 and 1996.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Rural areas in Canada are changing. With the continued out-migration of youth and the aging of the population, migration into rural areas has become an important issue for sustaining the population size. This research examines Census Subdivisions (CSDs) with high and low levels of rural in-migration between 1991 and 1996. The unit of analysis for this study are CSDs and the issues are explored at the community level. The findings reveal that migration is a complex topic and that there are various 'push and pull' and 'life-cycle' issues that play a role in the decision-making process. The data show that rural CSDs in British Columbia experienced the highest levels of in-migration, while the Atlantic region, specifically Newfoundland, experienced the lowest levels of inmigration. Through the use of factor and discriminant analysis techniques, the characteristics of the CSDs with both high and low levels of in-migration are uncovered. Typologies for the CSDs were constructed out of the results from the factor analysis.


identifier: Damiano, Marietta  (2003) Learning gender roles : advertising and children.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis investigates how children's gender identities can be constructed and developed by television programs and advertisements. Gender is being defined and taught through the marketing of toys and by the gender stereotypes presented through them. This thesis researches the impact of television on children.  Some of my findings are consistent with the literature on television and children which I reviewed: that commercial television, in general, has a negative impact on children; that girls are more willing to play with boys' toys than boys are to play with girls' toys; and that both programs and commercials tend to target specifically either boys or girls, and both are presented as bi-polar stereotypes.  In general I found that the commercial television world socializes children not into the broader gender identities option of postmodernity but into traditional binary sex roles: pink and blue, Barbie and Spiderman, beauty and strength, inside domestic or outside work, Venus and Mars; and children and parents seem content


identifier: Mandache, Mircea  (2003) Religion in modern contemporary western societies : rupture and continuity.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study addresses the complex relationship between religion and society. The continuous existence of religion in contemporary Western societies represents the main issue of debate. Classical and contemporary sociological theories of religion are employed in order to explore the nature of religion, on one hand, and the place and form of religion within society, on the other. In doing so, major concepts such as secularization, modernity, and church are explored. It will be argued that religion is present in contemporary modern societies, even if it appears different from the forms it had in the past. This theoretical framework is used to address religion in two particular contexts, Quebec and Ireland. This thesis ultimately supports the necessity for theoretical approaches to religion that encompass the entire social environment.


identifier: Paulauskas, Louise  (2002) Assessing student satisfaction and need levels : a study of Concordia University's undergraduate student population.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The literature on higher education reveals that non-traditional students (i.e., over 25 years of age) have different course expectations than traditional students, and that learning is approached differently between males and females. As the non-traditional student population increases, academic institutions are increasingly being made aware of the need to accommodate the distinct needs of older learners, especially in relation to course content.  This study reinforces the findings that the older, and generally more experienced student (i.e., more hours working) places more emphasis on reconciling course work with job or future job requirements. Moreover, younger students, many of whom are employed and assume part-time course loads, are beginning to display similar characteristics of older students. Gender differences in higher education are also examined


identifier: Freiman, Viktor  (2003) Identification and fostering of mathematically gifted children at the elementary school.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In the modern dynamic mathematics classroom environment teachers often meet with a variety of abilities. Finding a balance between helping students with difficulties in mathematics and keeping gifted children on the right track of development is not an easy task. Our study aims to develop an operational model for the identification and fostering of mathematically gifted students at the elementary school. It reflects seven years of experience in the teaching of challenging mathematics curriculum to Kindergarten through Grade 6 children having various levels of abilities.  In our analysis of lessons we are going to discuss two questions: (1) How to interpret children's mathematical work in terms of mathematical giftedness? (2) What kind of didactical situations are favourable in order to foster mathematical abilities?  In order to develop efficient teaching strategy for the gifted students, we developed a theoretical framework based on the "challenging situations" approach. On the basis of classroom observations and examples of students' solutions of challenging mathematical tasks, we discovered several characteristics of mathematical giftedness, such as mathematical precocity, thinking in concepts and relationships, high motivation and perseverance, systematic and reflective mind.


identifier: Aguilera Salas, Maria Pia  (2002) Distribution pattern of Hesperodiaptomus shoshone and Leptodiaptomus coloradensis and its effects on their mating and reproductive potential.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The main objective of this study was to describe the spatial distribution of Hesperodiaptomus shoshone (Forbes SA, 1893) and Leptodiaptomus coloradensis (Marsh, 1911). I then attempted to determine whether mating and reproductive potential (proportion of females carrying spermatophores, the proportion of females carrying clutches and the proportion of males attaching spermatophores) were affected by spatial distribution. The final goal was to determine whether there was a size difference between individuals inside and outside aggregations and a corresponding clutch size difference. Samples were taken from four ponds located at Mexican Cut, Colorado. Results indicated that H. shoshone had a patchy distribution while L. coloradensis showed a random pattern in its dispersion. Further analyses were only performed on H. shoshone . Mating potential was higher for both males and females within aggregations. However females within aggregations did not carry clutches more often than females outside aggregations. Females within aggregations were significantly larger, but no difference was observed among males and clutch size was significantly larger for females within aggregations. The distribution of H. shoshone may in part be attributed to physical processes and local pressures such as predation and food allocation. From an adaptive standpoint, their distribution patterns seem to increase the frequency of mating encounters, thereby enhancing the mating potential of individuals found within these patches.


identifier: Al-Khairy, Dina  (2003) Study of an OMT-like genomic DNA sequence in Chrysosplenium americanum.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Chrysosplenium americanum has a number of flavonoid O -methyltransferases (OMT's) that methylate substrates in a substrate and position specific fashion. These OMT's have been characterized biochemically, but only one such enzyme has been cloned to date, namely a 3 ' 5 ' flavonoid OMT. A genomic DNA clone containing OMT like sequences which was previously isolated was characterized in this work in order to investigate the possibility that these sequences might be derived from genes that had novel substrate and position specificity. These clones also gave insight into gene duplication and rearrangement in the gene family of flavonoid OMTs. Analysis indicated that the OMT-like sequences in the genomic clone are likely pseudogenes. They are likely the product of gene duplication, multiple segmental rearrangements and frame shift mutations. A PCR based strategy was used to isolate partial length cDNA clones that were nearly identical to the genomic sequences. This indicated that highly related genes are expressed, however there is no indication that the cDNA encode active enzymes. The screening of the C. americanum cDNA library using the partial cDNA clone isolated by PCR as a radioactive probe led to the recovery of 16 cDNA clones that were nearly identical to previously characterized 3 ' 5 ' flavonoid OMT. These cDNAs contained polymorphims for dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats in their 5 ' UTR region.


identifier: Zito, Rosa Eliza  (2003) The molecular characterization of the glucoamylase and pyruvate kinase genes of Aspergillus niger.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The glucoamylase gene of Aspergillus niger, glaA , is expressed at high levels in the presence of starch or maltose and repressed at the level of transcription by glucose. The promoter region of glaA was subjected to deletion and site-specific mutation analysis. Using autonomously replicating vectors with the A. niger lacA as the reporter gene, regulatory elements that control glaA expression in A. niger were mapped. Expression analysis showed that two elements that closely match the AnCF-binding consensus sequence were important for glaA expression. Site-directed mutagenesis of four elements that matched the CreA binding consensus showed that only two of these sites were important for regulation and that both sites were essential for glaA expression in maltose and glucose. Interestingly, one of the essential CreA sites overlapped the upstream portion of the single AmyR consensus element while the other site was immediately downstream from this site. The results of this study, therefore, suggested that both AnCF and AmyR were required for transcription of glaA and that regulation involved competition for overlapping binding sites between the transcriptional repressor CreA, and starch responsive transcription activator AmyR.  The highly expressed pyruvate kinase gene of Aspergillus niger, pkiA , encodes an enzyme in glycolysis. This study found that pyruvate kinase expression was approximately 8-fold higher under glycolytic growth conditions, as compared to gluconeogenic growth conditions. Deletion analysis of the pkiA promoter region found three regions important for expression. One of the regions contains a 17 base pair sequence that is conserved in A. niger and A. nidulans . Another region contains a sequence closely matching the AnCF-binding consensus


identifier: Dochia, Maria  (2003) Optimization of an electrochemical photovoltaic cell based on CdSe/Gel electrolyte junction.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In our laboratory, we developed an electrochemical photovoltaic cell (EPC) that directly converts solar energy into electricity. The cell contains a polycrystalline n-CdSe semiconducting electrode, a gel electrolyte and a transparent counter electrode (indium-tin-oxide).  In order to improve the performance of this cell, CdSe thin layers were gown by a low cost process, the liquid-metal vapor reaction. This technique has the important advantage of producing layers with a highly textured surface, leading to enhance light-harvesting capabilities. The present work involves the preparation of polycrystalline CdSe by liquid-metal vapor reaction, in which the Se vapors react with the surface of a heated Cd substrate under constant argon flow. The electrodes are characterized using: X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive analysis of x-ray, scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. It is observed that CdSe thin films present good porosity. All the electrodes prepared in this work are of an n-type semiconductor. The gel electrolyte is composed of the redox couple CsT/T 2 (CsT is 5-mercapto-1-methyltetrazole cesium salt, T 2 is di-5-91-methyltetrazole disulfide) dissolved in a mixture of DMSO/DMF and incorporated in polyvinylidene fluoride. The use of gel electrolyte was chosen because of its large electrochemical stability domain and its ability to eliminate the photocorrosion of low band gap n-type semiconductors usually observed when using aqueous electrolytes.


identifier: Martin, Jean P  (2003) TiO2-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis of saturated aliphatic C1 to C5 carboxylic acids : kinetics, degradation pathway, and process efficiency.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this study, we first look at the relation between pH and extent of dark adsorption for aqueous suspensions of linear C1 to C5 saturated aliphatic carboxylic acids, their branched analogues, and their 2-hydroxy and 2-keto derivatives, over TiO 2 Degusa P25. We demonstrate that the observed trends between the extent of dark adsorption and pH can be rationalized by an electrostatic model.  As a second step, we attempt without success to demonstrate that the primary degradation products of valeric acid are the alpha-hydroxy and the alpha-keto derivatives. However, we confirm the identification of 15 degradation products. The nature of the degradation products allows us to determine that the first step in the degradation of valeric acid involves hydroxylation of the carbon backbone. Evidences for the formation of keto derivatives from hydroxylated degradation products is also presented.  Third, we investigate the possible changes in the nature of the surface of the photocatalyst upon light irradiation by determining the adsorption constant for a few selected acids from (1) adsorption isotherms and (2) Kinetically. A statistically significant difference between the constants obtained by the two methods is obtained.  Finally, the overall quantum yield of formic acid is determined from plots of the reciprocal of photonic efficiencies vs. the reciprocal of catalyst load. The photon flow from the light source needed for the determination of Photonic efficiencies (defined as the ratio of the initial reaction rate to the photon flow from the light source) is determined with the chemical actinometer Aberchrome 540. Using the concept of relative photonic efficiencies and the limiting photonic efficiency of formic acid, we propose quantum yields for acetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid, valeric acid, and 2-methylbutanoic acid.


identifier: Aboulamer, Anas  (2003) Relationship between country returns and country risk ratings revisited.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis, the relationship between Country Credit Rating or CCR and international markets returns is examined. Tests also are conducted of the use of CCR as a global explanatory variable, and the ability of CCR to predict returns in 50 countries using two different ratings sources (Institutional Investors Country Credit Rating and International Country Risk Guide). The prediction ability of CCR is further tested using a conditional asset allocation framework. Event-study techniques are used to measure the impact of CCR changes on country returns. CCR is identified as being a local risk variable that has a higher prediction power in emerging compared to developed countries. The impact of CCR changes on stock returns varies markedly before and after 1997 for both ratings measures. The use of the Sovereign risk ratings from S&P confirms the predictability pattern in emerging countries, and the identified differences between the impact on stock returns of CCR changes before and after 1997.


identifier: Mazigi, Alexandre  (2002) Macroeconomic news announcements and the CDN/USD intraday exchange rate.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The paper empirically examines the effects of macroeconomic news announcements on the CDN/USD exchange rate. Our process started by dividing our sample observations into four groups: (1) Major US announcement days, (2) minor US announcement days, (3) Canadian news announcement, and (4) Non-announcement days. We compared the volatility for each of these groups based on five-minute intervals during the trading day. Using two different models, we examine which announcements have the greatest impact on the exchange rate.  We find that the U.S. announcements that had the most impact were housing starts, leading indicator and to a lesser degree federal funds rate and merchandise trade deficit. The Canadian news announcements that were found to be most significant was the official bank rate followed by Canadian unemployment and Canadian Building permits


identifier: Newton, David  (2003) Higher partial moment uncertainty in portfolio allocation and asset pricing.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study considers the influence of relaxing the widely held assumption that investors operate according to monotonically declining marginal utility as proposed by Bernoulli in 1738. The analysis is conducted by examining the assumption change has on the performance of optimal portfolio theory, the accuracy of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), and the magnitude of the equity risk premium puzzle. The data used includes the Ibbotson monthly frequency series used by Mehra and Prescott (1984) as well as the CRSP real return series for the SP500 companies that survived on the index through the 1990's. Although the study is preliminary, it suggests that investors do indeed behave in a manner unlike Bernoulli's solution. The suggested value function of Kahneman and Tversky (1979) appears to minimize the magnitude of the premium puzzle, produces a portfolio process that offers significantly positive ex ante return for risk borne and also allows for the theoretical existence of a two-beta CAPM that better predicts asset returns. Conclusions indicate that there are both empirical and theoretical failings with the Bernoulli solution and that further refinement and study of investor utility functions may result in derived models that are superior both in estimating positive investor behavior and in prescribing normative investor behavior.


identifier: Yotis, Harry  (2003) Sources of cross sectional and time series variation in stock returns in Canada.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this study, I will use attribute-sorted portfolios for some of the most popular fundamental and technical factors mentioned in past literature. The study will be the first to address whether or not the joint hypothesis of the Fama and French multi-factor model and the Efficient Market Hypothesis hold for Canadian firms. In addition, I will explore whether or not recent variance of the Fama and French approach have validity in Canada. The results show that although the multi-factor model is significant in explaining returns it does not fully explain the cross section of Canadian returns. Furthermore, when using the multi-factor approach on portfolios sorted by capital investment expenditures the model does poorly. The case for efficient markets is not supported by the Canadian data.


identifier: Qasaimeh, Ahmad Raji  (2003) Application of the artificial intelligence to the design of constructed wetlands for heavy metal removal.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Current design of constructed wetland lacks essential parameters necessary to evaluate the removal of metals contained in water enters the system. Herein, for the first time, the artificial intelligence approach (Fuzzy Logic) is used to assess stochastic implication in the wetland systems. Bioavailable mercury was evaluated, using fuzzy logic approach, for different pH, initial concentration of inorganic mercury, and chloride concentration implied in the constructed wetlands. Fuzzy knowledge base was built based on results obtained from previous data: investigations that were performed in a greenhouse for floating plants, and previous computations for mercury speciation. Fuzzy Decision Support System (FDSS) used the knowledge bases to find out parameters that permit to generate the highest amount of bioavailable mercury for uptake by the floating plant. The fuzzy logic approach provided the required information on the capability of constructed wetland sediments to sorb mercury within the hazy conditions in the system. FDSS used the wetland knowledge bases to provide the final decision. Fuzzy knowledge bases were built manually on one stage and were generated genetically using Genetic Algorithm (GA) on the other stage, where the results in both stages show comprehensive and corresponding results of the soil performance in the system. The obtained information by the fuzzy logic approach supports into providing series of solutions for plant uptake and soil adsorption of mercury that represents the heavy metal removal from wastewater of the overall system, by which mathematical analyses and modeling were further established to set up constructed wetland design. The criterion of design assumes the removal process in wetlands is similar to a process that combines the treatment process in the attached growth reactor and the adsorption process in the granular activated carbon columns.


identifier: Rackover, Suzanne Beth  (2003) The Holocaust art of Gershon Iskowitz, Isaac Applebaum and Yehouda Chaki : a critical approach in relation to the philosophical writings of Emmanuel Levinas, Hannah Arendt and Julia Kristeva.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This study is a philosophical exploration of the Holocaust representations of three Canadian Jewish artists. The focus is on selected works by Gershon Iskowitz (1921-1988), Isaac Applebaum (b. 1946) and Yehouda Chaki (b. 1938). The objective is to explore these works in relation to the writings of Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1995), Hannah Arendt (1906-1975) and Julia Kristeva (b. 1941) respectively. Some of the issues to be addressed are: how Iskowitz's representations correspond to Levinas' ethics; how Applebaum's installation Man Makes Himself (1985) exemplifies Arendt's ideas on totalitarianism and the "banality of evil"; and how Chaki's images in the exhibition Mi Makir: The Search for the Missing (1999) are representations of the abject as defined by Kristeva.


identifier: Beavis, Lynn  (2003) Performance art, censorship and psychoanalysis : theorizing the outrageous acts of Karen Finley.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The psychoanalytic theory of Julia Kristeva, particularly her ideas concerning abjection and the subject in crisis, is used as a lens through which the work of American performance artist Karen Finley is analyzed. Finley's work is placed in the context of the governmental and social debates that took place concerning the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) in the United States in the late 1980s. Contemporary art was characterized in terms of obscenity and fraud by the "New Right", who portrayed themselves as the voice of the American public. On the other hand, the art world maintained the artist's right to challenge cultural standards and the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Finley became the cause célebre of the NEA crisis. This study reveals the psychoanalytical impulses behind both Finley's art work and the fulminations of the "Neo-Conservatives".


identifier: Strika, Jovan  (2003) QUIM editor : a tool for quality in use measurement.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis is described the Quality in Use Integrated Map (QUIM) editor that aims to allow developers and managers to visually interact with the QUIM framework and in particular, the QUIM Map. QUIM (Quality in Use Integrated Map) framework is proposed by the human-centered software engineering group as an integrative framework for understanding and applying usability models consistently. At its current state of development, the map contains 10 quality in use factors, 27 criteria and more than 100 metrics. It also describes the relationship that exists between these factors, criteria and metrics.  The QUIM editor is an application written in Visual Basic, which interacts with a Microsoft Access database. Beside browsing and searching, QUIM editor also helps developers to customize the QUIM Map by extracting factors, criteria, and metric that are relevant to a specific project or application such as building a customized usability model for measuring trustfulness and satisfaction in Web applications. This customized model can then be used as "usability testing guidelines". QUIM editor is useful for anyone who wants to learn how usability can be measured, how it can specify or predict quality, as well as how usability should be integrated in the development lifecycle.


identifier: Shao, Bin  (2002) A heuristic for broadcasting in arbitrary networks.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Finding the optimal broadcasting schedule in an arbitrary network is an NP-hard problem. Many papers have been published on the topic of finding an efficient and effective heuristic for broadcasting. In this thesis, a heuristic algorithm for broadcasting in arbitrary networks is presented. This heuristic is first tested in several commonly used graphs; such as Butterfly, CCC d , deBruijn and Shuffle Exchange . In these graphs, this heuristic generates almost the same broadcast schedules as the best existing heuristic for broadcasting. However, the time complexity of this heuristic is much lower. The heuristic is also tested in three of the best-known network design models, and the heuristic outperforms the best existing heuristic in these models. The time complexity of this heuristic is O ( R · m ), where R represents the rounds of broadcasting, and m stands for the total number of communication links in the network.


identifier: Nikolaev, Alexandre  (2003) Overload handling in soft real-time systems : a case study using ROOM/ObjecTime.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In real-time systems, deadlines are imposed on the response time. Not meeting a deadline in a hard real-time system is equivalent to its failure, while in soft real-time systems occasional minor delays in responding to events are acceptable. Only when the delays are frequent or considerable, performance degradation up to system malfunction can be observed. The developers for real-time systems must therefore pay special attention to the performance of the system. The scheduling of tasks in the system becomes critically important as it directly affects the system performance.  While, traditionally, real-time system developers have used low-level software programming paradigms, the rising complexity of real-time software is creating a demand for CASE tools that allow for development using a combination of visual modeling and design, augmented with code-segments. One such tool is the ObjecTime Developer based on ROOM (Real-Time Object Oriented Modeling) development methodology.  In this thesis we study usability and effectiveness of this tool for building a soft real time system with special attention on the performance and behaviour of the system under overload conditions. As a working example we develop a radar simulator system, which observes air targets whose speeds, number and distances are constantly changing; thus, creating a constantly varying load of the entire system, with dynamically appearing objects. The major contribution of this thesis is developing custom overload handling policies to improve performance and illustrating how they may be implemented within the framework of the tool. The native scheduling policy of ObjecTime, the classical priority-based policy and our own policy based on the period-of-execution are studied


identifier: Meng, Yan  (2003) Data modeling for sequence quality control and assembly of a cDNA library.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Much scientific data can be characterized by properties like complexity, large volume, low update frequency, and indefinite retention, which brings up some different issues than those found in conventional business environments. There are a number of influences that should guide the development of data models in bioinformatics. These range from experience of the scientific database community across a range of disciplines, the current best practice in bioinformatics system, available data models and schemas, the impact of emerging standards, and the trend towards ontologies. Influenced by them, I have developed a conceptual object data model for the sequencing quality control and assembly pipeline for the genomics project creating a cDNA library for Aspergillus niger and implemented it using the relational database MySQL. This experience is summarized in a set of Guidelines for data modeling in bioinformatics.


identifier: Gario, Ahmed  (2003) Feedback mechanism validation and path query messages in label distribution protocol.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In constraint based routing a topology database is maintained on all participating nodes to be used in calculating a path through the network. This database contains a list of the links in the network and the set of constraints the links can meet. Since these constraints change rapidly, the topology database will not be consistent with respect to the real network. A feedback mechanism was proposed by Ashwood-Smith, et al, to help correct the errors in the database. It behaves like a depth first search, and is meant to be useable only when the database sees the availability of resource more than there really are. In this mechanism, the source node can learn from the successes or failures of its path selections by receiving feedback from the path it is attempting. The received information is used in the subsequent path calculations.  We validated the feedback algorithm to see how it behaves in all database situations, and found out that the feedback algorithm was helpful in all cases not only when it was optimistic. We also propose adding query messages to make the feedback algorithm behave more like breadth first search. The path query messages algorithm reduces the retry attempts in setting up a path, and also utilizes the network by gathering much more information about the resources.


identifier: Martinez Aguilar, Elizabeth  (2003) Electronic distribution of searchable technical documentation libraries.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this era of continuous evolution the publishing technology field has been constantly changing. The digital revolution of ten years ago brought such modifications that technological companies producing technical documentation had multiple difficulties learning new processes and integrating them into their publishing workflows. All that involved, and still involves today regular investments of time and money. Conversely, the beginning of the twenty first century brought an economic crisis that is affecting most of the telecommunications industry, forcing big reductions of expenses.  From the readers' perspective, the size of the technical documentation libraries keeps growing due to the increasing complexity of the subjects they discuss. While in the past paper documentation was the most in demand, nowadays the electronic format is the most popular since it can be manipulated in multiple ways. Readers need to locate and electronically extract the specific pages, paragraphs, graphics, or terms they are looking for. In addition, they need to navigate through thousands of pages without getting lost.  This thesis presents, through the use of the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the object-oriented design of a system that fulfills the demands of both the publishing companies and the users of their technical publications.


identifier: Wang, Dongsheng  (2003) Advanced development of a dynamic test bed for flight management systems.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The Flight Management System (FMS) is playing an increasingly important role during the flight task of today's flights. This importance prompts a need to test the dynamic behaviors of the FMS in order to continue its development. The Dynamic Test Bed (DTB), simulating a real time flight in a laboratory environment, is an effective and economical way to test FMS functions.  The primary structure and the basic functions of the DTB are built in a former thesis [31]. The further development of FMS also requires that DTB is further developed. In this thesis, some new important functions of DTB are developed, and are embedded into the DTB to enable the development of the FMS. First, the FMS VNAV mode that can be engaged for capturing the GPS approach glide slope is developed for the AFCS on the DTB. The DTB can be used to test the vertical guidance of the FMS through the VNAV mode. Second, an IRS navigation subsystem is developed for flight simulation; the DTB has the ability to test the IRS navigation of the FMS. Third, the DTB GUI is redesigned in such a way to increase its ergonomic functionality of the DTB. Finally, an ARINC 429 Channel Switching Software tool and its GUI are developed. This tool improves the flexibility of the DTB. All these new functions are also integrated into the DTB and tested at Concordia University, as well as at the FMS Test and Development Lab of CMC Electronics where the DTB is currently being used.


identifier: Gan, Quan  (2003) Feasibility investigation of energy regenerative hybrid vehicle suspension system.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: A conventional vehicle suspension system contains passive elements, namely a viscous damper and a spring. The damper converts vibration energy into heat energy-due to the viscous friction of fluid in the device, and is finally dissipated to the external environment. Other than damper configuration, the amount of energy dissipated largely depends on the road roughness, the vehicle velocity and the vehicle mass. Under common operating conditions, this energy may be considered insignificant. On the other hand, over rough urban roads, the energy may be higher and thus presents a potential to tap the energy. For this, a hybrid linear motor/generator may be adapted to replace existing damper in the vehicle suspension system. With an appropriate controller, the device may be alternated between damping and generating device to provide damping as well as extracting energy. The energy even small may help in improving the efficiency of vehicle, especially electric and hybrid vehicle systems. With such device, it is also possible to vary the damping in a nonlinear and adaptive manner to accommodate the conflicting requirement between high speed operation and control of resonance.  This investigation examines the feasibility of a hybrid suspension damper namely, linear motor/generator in providing adequate damping for isolation of vibration while generate energy from relative motion between sprung and unsprung masses. The study utilizes a simplified quarter vehicle model with linear spring and the proposed damping/generating device to illustrate its performance. The performances are evaluated in terms of acceleration transmissibility, rattle space, power spectral density (PSD) of acceleration response, and Dynamic Load Coefficient (DLC) to quantity the resulting pavement loads.


identifier: Chen, Jian  (2003) Design improvement and development of avionic systems for flight simulators.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Complicated navigation, costly inflight training, hazardous situations, accidents, and the inclination towards better quality of training have set the trend of novice pilot instructions to take place in flight simulators. One of the main components of such a flight simulator is the avionic system. In the Concordia Light Aircraft Simulator System, the avionic systems embody the radio stack and the associated navigational instruments. The contribution of this thesis is to document the enhancements of the Concordia flight simulator to function as a powerful academic tool, especially focusing on the design improvement and development of the radio stack system. The objective of this thesis is to upgrade the existing radio stack system. Essential for further developments, reverse engineering for the existing system is presented to understand its hardware configuration and operations. Instead of the common RS232 or parallel port, the multifunction data acquisition hardware made by National Instruments is used for the communication between the radio stack and the flight model computer. The VC++ and LabVIEW radio stack modules replace the existing assembly program to control and drive the upgraded radio stack system. A more sophisticated and versatile navigation model coded in VC++ is programmed for users to experience the radio navigation systems typically found on a general aviation aircraft.


identifier: An, Libao  (2003) Optimization of machining parameters in multi-pass turning and milling operations.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The primary objective in machining operations is to produce products with low cost and high quality. Machining parameter optimization plays an important role in achieving this goal. Machining parameter optimization in multi-pass machining operations usually involves the optimal selection of cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and the number of passes. In this thesis, the parameter optimization problem for multi-pass machining operations is studied. Mathematical programming models for both multi-pass turning and face-milling operations with single-tool applications are developed based on the minimum production cost criterion. Maximum and minimum cutting speeds, feed rates and depths of cut, as well as tool life, surface roughness, cutting force and cutting power consumption are considered as constraints. Optimal values of machining parameters are found by two methods. One involves using integer programming and the other using nonlinear programming. When solving the optimization problem by the method using integer programming, two steps are adopted. The first step is to minimize the costs for individual finishing and roughing passes for various possible depths of cut. In the second step, an optimal combination of depths of cut for the finishing and roughing passes, the optimal number of passes and corresponding cutting speeds and feed rates, based on minimum total unit cost, are determined using an integer programming model. Examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the optimization models and the solution methods developed. The effect of tool replacement time on the optimization results is evaluated. Certain conclusions related to the problem are made.


identifier: Yang, Yuling  (2003) Design of high performance multiple-input pass-transistor-logic XOR circuits.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: XOR gates are basic building blocks in the design of almost all kinds of digital circuits for signal processing, generation and control. The performance of the XOR gates can be a factor determining the performance of the complete circuits. In particular, XOR gates with a large number of inputs, which are often used for parallel processing, may make a major contribution to the delay of the circuits. Some reduction of the delay can be achieved but usually at the expense of the power dissipation.  In this thesis, a comprehensive study of the XOR gate design is presented. Based on the study, an approach of designing multiple-input pass-transistor-logic XOR gates is proposed. This approach consists of two aspects. On one hand, the imperfect high-voltage levels, resulting from the imperfect voltage transmission by single-MOS switches, at some selected intermediated circuit nodes are used to reduce the signal swing so that the power dissipation can be minimized. On the other hand, the voltages at some circuit nodes are compensated to maximize the current capacity in order to reduce the delay. Thus, the XOR gates can be designed to have a significant higher performance, in terms of speed, than other pass-transistor-logic XOR gates and the power dissipation of the circuits can also be lowered. An example of application of this design approach is also presented in this thesis


identifier: Salehi, Mohammad Reza  (2002) A source driven adaptation technique for streaming of MPEG video over IP networks.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Streamed MPEG video over IP networks, like any other information sent over "best effort" networks, is susceptible to loss and unpredictable delays. However, in MPEG video, loss and unacceptable delays are propagated to other frames due to Intra/Inter frame encoding nature of compression. Different adaptation techniques are used to enhance Quality of Service and provide "controlled" degradation on the streamed video.  In this research we consider a source driven adaptation technique through a detailed simulation. Then we propose two schemes for encapsulation of MPEG video inside RTP/UDP/IP packets consistent with the standard and examine how this affects the network level QoS of the video before and after adaptation. A comparison between the two proposed encapsulation methods will also be done from bandwidth efficiency point of view. Effect of different network parameters on QoS for the both suggested encapsulations will be investigated too.


identifier: Raschkowan, Leslie Robert  (2003) Near and far field comparison using wire-grid and patch models.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: This thesis examines the accuracy of near field computations obtained using wire grid and surface patch method of moments models. Wire grid results were obtained using NEC , a point matching implementation, and MBC , a Galerkin implementation. The surface patch results were obtained using Junction . In the near field, a flat plate and a sphere illuminated with an incident plane wave are investigated. For the far field examinations, wire grid models examine the radar cross section of two flat plates as well as the radiation pattern of a monopole mounted on a sphere. In addition, a high frequency band sweep of a helicopter model is performed.  Good near field results are obtained using wire grid models so long as the field points are not too close to the wires. Patch models allow field points much closer to the surface since the current is distributed over the surface. Excellent far field results are obtained for both the plate and the sphere. The frequency sweep generally showed good results though anomalies were evident at certain frequencies.  Wire grid results were obtained using NEC and MBC though the results indicate that the type of Moment Method formulation for wire grids was not a major factor. Surface patch results obtained with Junction were used to validate the wire grid near field plate results. Validation for the sphere is by an exact solution


identifier: Mizouni, Rabeb  (2003) A hybrid tool for linking HOL theorem proving with MDG model checking.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Nowadays, the formal verification of hardware is gaining a lot of importance in the design flow of micro-electronics systems. There exists several formal hardware verification approaches each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Hence, the idea of linking different approaches to benefit from their advantages has emerged as a potential ultimate solution. In this thesis, we describe a hybrid tool for formal hardware verification that links the HOL (Higher-Order Logic) theorem prover and the MDG (Multiway Decision function symbols available in MDG, allowing the verification of high level specifications. For this purpose, we embedded in HOL the grammar of the hardware description language, MDG-HDL, used to represent models to be verified. Furthermore, we provided an embedding of the first-order temporal logic [Special characters omitted.] used to express properties for the MDG model checker. Furthermore, we have developed an interface which reads a HOL goal, generates the required MDG files, calls the MDG model checker, and generates the HOL theorem on successful verification. Our tool also handles design hierarchies by reducing the model to its subsystem according to the property to be verified. Verification with the hybrid tool is faster and more tractable than using either tool separately. This has been illustrated via a number of simple hardware benchmark examples as well as a more elaborated design case study.


identifier: Lammoshi, Tawfeeq  (2003) Modeling and design of parallel regeneration techniques for high-speed SOC RLC interconnects.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: On-Chip inductance has become of significance in the design of high-speed interconnects. Repeaters are now widely used to enhance the performance of long On-Chip interconnects in CMOS SOC/VLSI. These repeaters are inserted in the interconnect according to a criterion. One example of criterion is to insert the repeaters so as to keep the signal driving capability uniform along the interconnect. While the size of the repeaters is kept constant, the length of the interconnect segments is increased when we move towards the interconnect end. This technique is called VSRT (Variable-Segment Regeneration Technique). Moreover, in order to calculate optimal design parameters, while saving a large numbers of electrical simulations, two models of the repeater are compared in this thesis: a transistor-based model and, a parallel-resistance RC-based model for which an analytical model was developed. The technology used in our experimentation is a 0.5 om (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) TSMC technology, and the simulation was performed using HSPICE. The simulation results showed that our parallel-resistance RC-based VSRT gives accurate results. A software package was extracted from the analytical model to advice the designer on how to optimally set design parameters.


identifier: Gawanmeh, Amjad  (2003) Interfacing abstract state machines with multiway decision graphs.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Digital systems are becoming very large and complex making the process of finding bugs and design validation in early stages of the design cycle a must. As a contribution towards catching this goal, the propose in this thesis an approach to interface Abstract State Machines (ASNI) with Multiway Decision Graphs (MDG) to enable tool support for the formal verification of ASM descriptions. ASM is a specification method for software and hardware providing a powerful means of modeling various kinds of systems. MDGs are used for modeling hardware systems. Both ASM and MDG are based on a subset of many-sorted first order logic, making it appealing to link these two concepts. The proposed interface uses two steps: first, the ASM model is transformed into a flat, simple transition system as an intermediate model. Second, this intermediate model is transformed into the syntax of the input language of the MDG tool, MDG-HDL. We consider both structural and behavioral models of hardware. We have applied this transformation schema on some examples and case studies where our tool generates the corresponding MDG-HDL models automatically.


identifier: De Marco, Alessandro  (2003) Composing and personalizing next-generation telecommunication services while managing feature interactions.  Masters thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: An emerging trend in software application design is to provide mechanisms to let end-users customize the look-and-feel of their usage experience and even extend behaviour in order to satisfy personalized requirements. Telecommunication service providers, now offered open access to core networks with enhanced multimedia capabilities, are today in demand of solutions to capitalize on the next-generation infrastructure and the market trend in relation to Internet Telephony service creation. Current proposals to meet the demand have the disadvantage of being inflexible or not feasible for the near-term.  In this thesis, we describe our approach for a flexible framework to enable service composition and personalization. Moreover, we demonstrate how our approach may be applied today. Our framework lets end-users, or third-parties acting on their behalf, create added-value by composing existing services in new ways. As a consequence of empowering the end-user with an unprecedented level of control over their services, we must ensure that personalized service configurations can and will behave as expected, and not in detriment to the overall system. Therefore, we have also developed a mechanism to guarantee the absence of conflicting service behaviour, to a certain degree. In providing the guarantee we have dealt with a fundamental problem in Service Engineering, namely, Feature Interaction.  Our solution is based on our enhancement of SERL, a language and framework for managing the triggering and execution of services. We have defined language extensions to let experts impose service composition constraints. Moreover, we have designed algorithms for validating user-defined service configurations against constraints. Finally, we have designed and implemented a proof of concept prototype in a Parlay/OSA context which virtually composes services at runtime according to the configurations. In two Case Studies, we demonstrate the approach and the added-value created.


identifier: Monastiriakos, Stavroula  (2002) Characterizing the N terminus of the Escherichia coli DNA repair protein Vsr endonuclease.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: Spontaneous deamination of 5-methylcytosine in Escherichia coli and in human cells causes T/G mismatches. In E. coli , these mismatches are corrected by very short patch (VSP) repair, which requires the product of the vsr gene. Vsr nicks 5 ' of the mismatched T in a sequence dependent manner (C (T/G) WGG where W = A or T). DNA polymerase I removes the T, along with several bases on its 3 ' side, and resynthesizes the DNA, restoring the correct C.G base pair. Overexpression of vsr is mutagenic, causing a genome-wide increase in frameshifts and base substitutions. This mutational spectrum is consistent with saturation of mismatch repair.  The published structure of Vsr bound to DNA shows that the N terminus penetrates the minor groove of the DNA, possibly acting as a clamp to aid binding, while three aromatic residues intercalate the DNA from the major groove side. We have analysed five Vsr mutants that alter these above-mentioned areas that bind to the DNA: two N terminus deletion mutants, x14 and x19, along with three alanine amino acid substitutions for Phe67, Trp68 and Trp86. The alanine amino acid substitutions for F67, W68 and W86 are not active either in vivo or in vitro . The loss of activity may be due to conformational changes that alter the metal binding capabilities required for DNA binding.  Both N terminus mutants show decreased activity in vitro and in vivo , and decreased DNA binding in bandshift and fluorescence assays. In contrast to the wildtype Vsr, MutL does not stimulate the endonuclease activity of these mutants, indicating that an N terminus function is necessary for endonucleolytic stimulation. While the x14 mutant is half as mutagenic as Vsr when overproduced in vivo , the x19 mutant is considerably less mutagenic than the wild-type protein. The two N terminus mutants are no longer growth phase dependent indicating a requirement for the N terminus for growth phase regulation. Furthermore, overexpression of MutL in vivo was found to stabilize Vsr levels in log phase cells.


identifier: Cecil, Malcolm K  (2002) Categories of experience, logics of inquiry and the work of analytic concepts in the discourses of critical communication studies.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: As critical communication and cultural studies have taken a more sociological turn, it is increasingly recognized that the theoretical assumptions of critical perspectives create tensions within projects of empirically informed social analysis. This dissertation explores the epistemological commitments and liabilities of a set of analytic concepts that address the domain of "lived experience" and interprets how and why they displace the very phenomena that they claim to study.  Drawing on Foucauldean discourse analysis, I develop a critical perspective that is grounded in the analysis of "discursive operators," the analytic concepts that work to legitimate claims to knowledge within different traditions of research. My research maps out the work of these operators across a range of positions and projects, and diagnoses the relations of power that structure these particular discursive regimes.  I focus on four key discursive formations in critical communication and cultural studies and their objects of study: emotion and symbolic interactionism; the structure of feeling and literary humanism; subcultural and media ethnography; agency, identity and discursive conceptions of power. In the course of my analysis, I find a consistent regularity, a logic of deferral and displacement, in which the complexity and limit-less character of actual contexts of research are displaced in favor of powerful discursive operators such as intersubjectivity, the popular, resistance, and various conceptualizations of domination. Their influence contributes to the reproduction of theoretical orthodoxies and the marginalization of theoretical and practical innovation in these disciplinary fields.  After isolating the problem, I describe a number of strategies that attempt to contend with the determinations of powerful discursive operators, especially a form of conjuncturalist analysis developed in cultural studies.


identifier: Glenn, Melissa  (2003) The contribution of the perirhinal cortex to anterograde and retrograde memory for objects and places in rats.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: The present thesis examined the effects of bilateral perirhinal cortex (PRh) lesions on rats' anterograde and retrograde memory for places and objects. Allocentric place memory was assessed using a standard water maze task and a test of novelty preference, which relies on the ability of rats to detect that an object has moved to a new location. Object-recognition memory was also assessed using a test of novelty preference, which, in this case, relies on the ability of rats to detect that an object is novel. The effects of aspiration and electrolytic PRh lesions were compared on most tests. Findings from the object-recognition tests suggest that the PRh is necessary to support anterograde, but not retrograde, object recognition. By contrast, findings from the place memory tests suggest that the functions of the PRh are important for retrograde, but not anterograde, place memory. Furthermore, on most tests, electrolytic PRh lesions were more effective than aspiration PRh lesions in revealing performance deficits. Evidence that electrolytic, but not aspiration, PRh lesions led to widespread neuronal activation in cortex is also presented and suggests that this lesion method may have adverse consequences for normal brain function that go beyond the functional effects of damage to the PRh. Current views of medial-temporal-lobe function are discussed and it is concluded that few models adequately capture the complex contribution of the PRh to learning and memory that is indicated by the present data.


identifier: Moroz, Isabella Anna  (2003) Factors affecting the extent of dopamine cell loss and behavioral sparing after partial unilateral lesions of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway : the role of basic fibroblast growth factor.  PhD thesis, Concordia University.

abstract: In this thesis, the hypothesis that endogenous expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), a neurotrophic and neuroprotective factor produced by astrocytes and shown to mediate behavioral sensitization to amphetamine, plays a role in behavioral recovery after 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons was studied.  Initial findings revealed that, despite the increases in FGF-2 expression after lesions, there was a progressive loss of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-IR) cells in the dopamine cell body regions and no behavioral recovery. Manipulations of gonadal hormones in the neonatal and adult life, known to enhance behavioral sensitization to amphetamine, reduced both the lesion-induced increases in astrocytic FGF-2 expression and losses in TH-IR cells in the dopamine cell body regions, but had no effect on behavioral recovery. Paradoxically, forced limb-use, shown previously and here to stimulate sparing after 6-OHDA lesions, did not further enhance lesion-induced increases in FGF-2, and did not protect against loss of TH-IR cells, but, in itself, increased FGF-2 expression. Finally, pre-lesion treatment with a sensitizing regimen of amphetamine, known to increase FGF-2 expression in the vicinity of dopamine neurons, led to remarkable sparing of function after subsequent lesions, but did not protect against loss of striatal tissue dopamine.  It is proposed that the increases in endogenous expression of astrocytic FGF-2 seen here after extensive 6-OHDA lesions reflect a magnitude-dependent response of dopamine neurons to degeneration. These increases in FGF-2 may be effective in promoting recovery when combined with behavioral demands, such as forced use, or when induced before the injury