ETDs: Master's Theses

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The 0 -1 multiple knapsack problem
(2017-05-31) Shamakhai, Hayat Abdullah
In operation research, the Multiple Knapsack Problem (MKP) is classified as a combinatorial optimization problem. It is a particular case of the Generalized Assignment Problem. The MKP has been applied to many applications in naval as well as financial management. There are several methods to solve the Knapsack Problem (KP) and Multiple Knapsack Problem (MKP); in particular the Bound and Bound Algorithm (B&B). The bound and bound method is a modification of the Branch and Bound Algorithm which is defined as a particular tree-search technique for the integer linear programming. It has been used to obtain an optimal solution. In this research, we provide a new approach called the Adapted Transportation Algorithm (ATA) to solve the KP and MKP. The solution results of these methods are presented in this thesis. The Adapted Transportation Algorithm is applied to solve the Multiple Knapsack Problem where the unit profit of the items is dependent on the knapsack. In addition, we will show the link between the Multiple Knapsack Problem (MKP) and the multiple Assignment Problem (MAP). These results open a new field of research in order to solve KP and MKP by using the algorithms developed in transportation.
222Rn measurements within the water phase of the SNO+ experiment
(2018-12-06) Woosaree, Pooja
The SNO+ experiment is a large multipurpose scintillator detector. In the first phase of the experiment, close monitoring is done to determine radioactivity background levels, in particular the monitoring of 222Rn as its presence can obscure or mimic physics data. This thesis focuses on a cryogenic technique used to collect and concentrate 222Rn in the water used for the SNO+ experiment. The target level for 222Rn using this system is 3.5 × 10−14 g 238U/gH2O equivalent for the initial water phase. The radon assay technique and resulting measurements are discussed. Further analysis was done to determine the content and locations of areas within the detector emitting higher than expected rate of events. This is informally known as the "hotspot" problem.
3D geological modelling of the northern Swayze area of the Abitibi greenstone belt: assisting mineral exploration by mapping controls on gold (Au) deposits
(2021-08-20) Mogashoa, Lawraine Lerato
A 3D geological model of the northern Swayze area is constructed through the integration of lithological, structural, geological cross-sections, and seismic information in a Leapfrog Geo® modelling software to delineate structural geometry and geological distribution of rock units in the area. Using a mineral system approach, important geological features are extracted from the 3D geological model. A log-linear 3D weights of evidence method is used to quantify the spatial association between orogenic gold (Au) mineralization and various geological features that might represent ore-controlling factors. This method reveals that the dominant controls on Au mineralization are the second and third generation of deformation zones (D2 and D3), lithological contacts, and second and third-order faults. The posterior probability model is effective in capturing most of the Au occurrences (81%) within 18% of the study area, and the predictive rate curve indicates that the model performs better than random, as it is effective in predicting 71% of the validation points within 30% of the study area.
The (a, b, r) class of discrete distributions with applications
(2020-09-29) Yartey, Esther
In the insurance field the number of events such as losses to the insured or claims to the insurance company are an important aspect of loss modeling. Understanding the size of claims in terms of numbers and amounts makes it possible to modify and address issues related to creating insurance contracts. In general, certain counting (or discrete) distributions are used to model the number and amount of claims. There are situations where the modelled probability of having no claim is high. Indeed this is a desirable case for the benefit of insurance companies. An approach in modeling the number of claims in this case is by using Panjer’s (a, b, 1) class of discrete distributions. In this thesis, we look at a more general case of this class of distributions where there is an excess of claims at 0 to say r. We modify the existing (a, b, 1) model by assigning values greater than 0 to p0 (the probability of no claims) all the way up to pr (the probability of r claims). We then analyze this new model in terms of goodness of fit to actual claim data and compare with the classical (a, b, 1) and (a, b, 0) class of discrete distributions. This is done by using the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) in estimating the parameters of each distribution discussed. In addition, the Akaike information criterion (AIC) is used to choose between competing distributions. This new model will be called (a, b, r) class of distributions, where r > 1.
Absenteeism in a health care setting
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2013-09-12) Sherrington, Steven
Not provided
The adaptation challenges and strategies of immigrant high performance coaches working within the canadian sport system
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2014-01-27) Cummings, Jessica
The objective of this study was to understand the adaptation challenges and solutions experienced by immigrant coaches relocated to Canada. Ten high performance immigrant coaches were recruited, each completing a demographic questionnaire and partaking in an individual interview, providing insight into their experiences and cultural challenges. Results of the study were presented under two central themes: a) communication (language barriers and coach-athlete negotiations), and b) socialization (Canadian sport backdrop and views of sport in the immigrant coach’s home versus host country). A common adaptation solution was the importance of social support resources, with the immigrant coaches adjusting with less acculturative stress when a reciprocal relationship was developed between themselves and those they worked with. From this preliminary project there is an indication that sport psychology consultants (SPCs) should work with immigrant coaches, and coaches and athletes of the host country to foster this bi-directional learning processes, facilitating the coaches’ transition.
Adapting methodologies from the forestry industry to measure the productivity of underground hard rock mining equipment
(2017-08-30) Hauta, Rebecca Lynn
The purpose of this dissertation is to develop and apply a framework to characterize the ground support installation component of the mining development cycle in underground hard rock mines for the purposes of comparing equipment. A secondary goal is to identify opportunities to improve the productivity of the ground support installation process. It was found that the forestry industry faces similar challenges as the mining industry when measuring equipment output in a variable environment where equipment productivity is affected by a range of external conditions. Despite this challenge, forestry researchers successfully developed and applied a standardized methodology and nomenclature to measure the productivity of equipment for the purposes of equipment and process comparison in variable external conditions. The methodology used in the forestry industry was modified to measure mechanized and semimechanized ground support installation productivity in three Canadian underground hard rock mines. Furthermore, opportunities to improve the ground support installation process were identified. This framework can be modified to measure and compare other types of mining equipment. By using a standardized methodology to measure, compare and improve mining processes, development and production rates can be increased in underground hard rock mines. In summary, a framework was adapted from the forestry industry to measure and compare the productivity of the ground support installation cycle in three Canadian hard rock mines, and opportunities to improve the process were found.
Adaptive reuse in a declining city: altering the Station Mall on the Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront
(2020-04-08) Legge, Devin
This Thesis takes a closer look at my hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, ON. I have found that overall this industrial city has been in a decline or dying over the past decade or longer. The differences when compared to the decline of other industrial cities is that the industry backbone of Sault Ste. Marie is currently thriving. This decline is stressed by an aging community, lack of available work, and continuous emigration of younger generations. This has led to a stagnant economy, degradation of infrastructure, and rise of criminal culture throughout the city. Nowhere else is this more evident than in the downtown core of Sault Ste. Marie Within this thesis, I look towards the efficient use of our existing built environment; focusing on adaptive reuse on multiple scales, from existing architectural structures to sites and reintroducing it to the social urban environment of the community. Taking this opportunity to research how to work with these spaces architecturally, programmatically and urbanistically, I am making the effort to effectively revitalize these declining rough areas or neighbourhoods. This topic stems from a belief in the importance of taking a sustainable approach to an existing building’s embodied energy, while also mitigating urban sprawl. Meanwhile, recognizing that the re-use of existing buildings or spaces allows for the chance of preserving (rediscovering) history, emotion, and atmosphere while introducing new programs to these spaces. The question that is explored within this thesis is whether the revitalization of a historical centerpiece within a city that is in a state of decline can have enough of an impact to stabilize the surrounding community. Throughout the growth of medium sized cities there develops a phenomenon known as ‘doughnut cities’. This happens when a city continues to expand outwards and less focus is placed on the center or downtown leading to the death or decline of said area. In addition to this, there is also precedent for the death or decline of single industry cities. These cities tend to fall into decline when the main industry takes a downturn; resulting in effects to job availability and the local economy. Both of these phenomena look as though to play a part in the situation Sault Ste. Marie finds itself in currently. The proposed project looks at redesigning and reprogramming the Station Mall and Downtown Waterfront site in Sault Ste. Marie. Over the years, projects reprogramming existing historical buildings have had positive impact on their surrounding sites and the community. Although, the city’s downtown and predominantly this site has suffered a gradual abandonment and decline, through this research project I believe a positive change can be made for the city and its community. This thesis explores these topics and questions through extensive research in addition to a methodology focusing on the use of mapping and layering to progress through the project. From historical mapping to current site analysis; working at multiple scales from city, to neighbourhoods, to the building. Taking a layered approach to fully understand the historical and situational basis within the project and transition into the final design proposition.
Aerial image segmentation
(2016-07-25) Althwaini, Abdulkareem Ali
Image segmentation plays a vital role in applications such as remote sensing. For this example, remote sensing, aerial image segmentation is a special case of image segmentation. There are some unique features of aerial images, like noise in natural landscapes, which need to be addressed in order to obtain an optimal solution. Bushes and rocks are examples of landscape features with diverse and variable pixel values that need to be distinguished by the segmentation process. Smoothing filters present a common solution to address the problem of noise in images, as does aerial image segmentation. There are several image segmentation techniques used for aerial image segmentation. Some of these techniques are more sensitive to noise problems, and are necessary to discriminate between different smoothing filters. In this thesis, a number of different aspects of aerial image segmentation and their solutions are explained. In addition to this, a novel smoothing filter is introduced and compared with other methods using different segmentation techniques. Finally, all of the previous points are applied to a real world problem.
After the dust settles: a qualitative study of underground workers exposed to an aluminum dust prophylaxis
(2020-05-26) Aubin, Danielle M.
From 1943 to 1980, some underground gold and uranium workers in Ontario were required to inhale aluminum powder, up to approximately 30 minutes daily, for silicosis prevention. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceived impact of exposed workers to the aluminum powder. Sixteen respondents from Northeastern Ontario participated in interviews which were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Themes that were constructed on a personal impact level included: 1) compulsory exposure, 2) hesitancy to complain, 3) feelings of betrayal, and 4) concern about health impact and dying. Themes on an organizational impact level included: 1) confidence and trust in company, 2) lack of knowledge, and 3) need for compensation and formal apology. Workers’ perceived that their long-term health was impacted by exposure on a personal and organizational level. The latest information from this study on McIntyre powder will enhance the knowledge within the occupational health and safety system.
Alcoholics anonymous: from spiritual void to spiritual awakening
(2017-06-19) Vermeulen, Carla J.
Examining the program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) reveals that it grew out of a Christian fundamentalist group known as the Oxford Group. This history connects AA to the writings of St Paul and St Augustine. Their writings look into the lives of every human being, into the struggle of the divided will, into obsession, and made them particularly well suited to the study of addiction. There was no castigation, simply an acceptance and understanding as to the scope and needs of those who struggle with the chains of boundless appetite. The program of AA presents the twelve steps as the process one is required to undergo in order to return to health. The gift of a spiritual awakening is the promise in having worked these steps. This distinguishes AA from other recovery programs. This thesis traces spiritual awakening through the program of AA utilizing literature from the early Christian church to demonstrate how those works were integral in the original program of AA.
America's war on drugs (and drug addicts) : a Foucauldian history
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2014-10-15) Heft, Ian Andrew
This thesis applies some teachings and methods of Michel Foucault (1926-1984) to critically analyze the history and current practices related to the United States’ “War on Drugs.” By tracing the history of the Drug War and placing drugs and drug addicts in a less hyperbolized context than traditionally presented in the media and in drug war propaganda, it is possible to critique what can be seen as a war on drug addicts and to gain insight as to its hidden motives, relevant patterns, social implications and ultimately its effect on American culture and society and notably its deleterious effects among America’s people of colour and urban communities. With respect to Foucault’s concept of a race war and the notion that “politics is the continuation of war by other means,” the War on Drugs can be contextualized in terms of a discourse of perpetual war that rages even in times of putative peace.
An analysis of claim frequency and claim severity for third party motor insurance using Monte Carlo simulation techniques
(2019-08-22) Dumais, Cedric
The purpose of this thesis is to introduce the reader to Multiple Regression and Monte Carlo simulation techniques in order to find the expected compensation cost the insurance company needs to pay due to claims made. With a fundamental understanding of probability theory, we can advance to Markov chain theory and Monte Carlo Markov Chains (MCMC). In the insurance field, in particular non-life insurance, expected compensation is very important to calculate the average cost of each claim. Applying Markov models, simulations will be run in order to predict claim frequency and claim severity. A variety of models will be implemented to compute claim frequency. These claim frequency results, along with the claim severity results, will then be used to compute an expected compensation for third party auto insurance claims. Multiple models are tested and compared.
The analysis of eye-movements in the judgment of enjoyment and non-enjoyment smiles in people with schizophrenia
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2014-10-10) Ryan, R.J.
Research has consistently shown that people with schizophrenia have impairments in emotional facial recognition. This deficit has been associated with irregular visual scanning patterns of the face. Since people have the ability to control the expression of emotion that they display, the communication process becomes more complex. In fact, in addition to processing the emotion expressed, decoders must pay attention to the subtle details about the sincerity of the expression. The goal of the current study was to conduct a systematic examination of the ability and perceptual-attentional mechanisms used in distinguishing enjoyment and non-enjoyment smiles in individuals with schizophrenia. More specifically, the activation of the orbicularis oculi muscle and symmetry was examined. Sixteen individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and sixteen control (no diagnosis of schizophrenia) were asked to judge the sincerity of smiles while their eye movements were recorded. Individuals with schizophrenia were less accurate than controls in judging the no-cheek smile as a non-enjoyment smile. This difficulty could be explained by their bias towards the mouth. Furthermore, like their healthy counterparts, individuals with schizophrenia showed difficulty with the judgement of asymmetric smiles. However, while perceptual processing can be ruled out as an explanation for the difficulty suggesting interpretation problems in control individuals, the former explanation cannot be discredited for individuals with schizophrenia.
An analysis of physical activity levels of children following the balanced school day schedule
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2015-05-28) Jaunzarins, Bridget
Background: Physical activity is a key determinant of children’s health. However, increasingly children are not attaining adequate amounts of physical activity. Children spend a considerable amount of time at school and school-based physical activity can significantly contribute to total daily physical activity achieved by children. Specifically, recess time can significantly contribute to a child’s daily opportunity to attain the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. In this thesis, I assessed the impact of block scheduling on physical activity levels during recess for children in grades 3 and 6. More specifically, I examined the impact of time of day (am vs. pm) and season (fall vs. winter) on levels of recess-based physical activity among children using the “Balanced School Day” schedule. Methods: Data were collected at a school using the Balanced School Day schedule over five consecutive days during fall and winter in a school from a community in northern Ontario. Children wore the Yamax SW-200 pedometer and a segmented data collection approach to assess step counts during ‘class-time’ and ‘recess-time’ was used. Results: Seventy-eight students participated in this study. Average daily steps were higher in the fall compared to the winter. There were no meaningful differences in the number of steps taken when considering time of day. Boys accumulated significantly more steps than girls for total recess steps regardless of season. Grade 3 students experienced the greatest decrease in steps seasonally. Conclusions: As a result of this study, we have reaffirmed that children are not maximizing opportunities for physical activity during the school day. In general, lower step counts are noted among girls and grade 6 students. We can also conclude that the recess schedule (i.e. morning vs. iv afternoon) does not affect physical activity during recess in children using the BSD; however, there is a seasonal influence. All children were less active in the winter recess when compared to the fall and this was particularly accentuated among the younger participants.
Analysis of plasma immune response to clostridium difficle proteins in hospitalized patients at Health Sciences North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
(2017-03-03) Dubé, Kristy-Anne
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of nosocomial diarrhea worldwide. Prevention and treatment of CDI requires an intimate understanding of the immune response to the bacterium. Thus, this study investigated the plasma immune response of 79 patients at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada to identify immunodominant C. difficile proteins. Plasma samples were obtained from patients diagnosed with C. difficile infection, patients positive for C. difficile without symptoms, and patients who were negative for C. difficile, with and without symptoms. The plasma samples were tested for the presence of antibody reacting to C. difficile protein extracts using Western Blot analysis, Wes immunoblotting, and subsequent characterization by 2-D immunoblot analysis and mass spectrometry. Candidate immunodominant C. difficile proteins were found to be enolase, acetyl-coA acetyltransferase, and the 50s ribosomal protein, L7/L12. However, the presence and/or levels of antibodies that recognized these proteins in patient plasma were not statistically different between patient cohorts. Further analysis of the potential immunogenicity of these proteins could be useful to CDI treatment and prevention
An analysis of quenching and extraction techniques for performing metabolomics in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.
(2016-10-07) Doran, Marney Lynn
I present here a protocol for accurate liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry based determination of the metabolome of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. At. ferrooxidans metabolic processes contribute to the environmentally destructive process of acid mine drainage (AMD), and metabolomic profiling can offer insight into how At. ferrooxidans contributes to these processes. Metabolism must be stopped (quenched) instantaneously while limiting the amount of cell damage. I tested a wide variety of quenching solutions and found that ammonium formate was the most effective quenching solution. An accurate metabolomics analysis also requires extraction of as large a number of metabolites as possible, with as little chemical bias (in extraction or degradation) as possible. I tested a wide variety of extraction solutions and found that isopropanol:methanol:water was the best extraction solution. Standardizing a protocol to quench and extract metabolites in At. ferrooxidans will contribute to understanding how At. ferrooxidans contributes to the AMD phenomenon.
Analysis of RBM5 and RBM10 expression throughout H9C2 skeletal and cardiac muscle cell differentiation.
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2013-07-31) Loiselle, Julie Jennifer
RNA Binding Motif (RBM) domain proteins RBM5 and RBM10 have been shown to influence apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and splicing in transformed cells. In this study, RBM5 and RBM10 were examined in non-transformed cells in order to gain a wider range of knowledge regarding their function. Expression of Rbm5 and Rbm10, as well as select splice variants, was examined at the mRNA and protein level throughout H9c2 skeletal and cardiac myoblast differentiation. Results suggest that Rbm5 and Rbm10 may (a) be involved in regulating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis during skeletal myoblast differentiation and (b) undergo post-transcriptional or translational regulation throughout myoblast differentiation. All in all, the expression profiles obtained in the course of this study will help to suggest a role for Rbm5 and Rbm10 in differentiation, as well as possible differentiation-specific target genes with which they may interact.
Analysis of the American mink (Neovison vison) harvest decline and genetic introgression
(2017-09-11) Shofstall, Krista
The American mink (Neovison vison) is endemic to North America where they have been domesticated over the course of 150 years by the fur industry. These domestic mink have been escaping from farms around the world and in North America while the harvests of wild mink across Canada are in decline. In this thesis, I used a combination of environmental data, spatial data, and genetics to better understand the declines. A multiple linear regression and a tree regression indicated that muskrat harvest growth rate, road density, and annual precipitation had the most effect on the mink harvest. To study the genetic introgression of domestic and wild mink, a 300 basepair fragment of the mitochondrial control region was used to determine regional differences between the wild and domestic populations of Nova Scotia and Ontario. Color differences and the direction of introgression were also studied. Significant differences between Nova Scotia wild, Ontario wild, and domestic mink were found. A pairwise ɸst test was used to determine directional introgression and resulted in an introgression of the hybrids towards the wild population. Together these results provide a better understanding of the decline in mink harvest although further research is needed to assess the direct impact of domestic escapees on the environment and on the wild population in North America. Prevention of domestic escapees is needed to stop hybridization which is important for the preservation of the species and to prevent further risk of outbreeding depression.
Analysis of tramadol and its metabolites in rat skeletal tissues following acute and repeated dose patterns using high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
(2020-10-15) Buckingham, Christian L.
The use of skeletal elements for the viable analysis of drugs of abuse has seen increased prevalence in the past 10 years. Advancements in the analytical methods used, including solid phase extraction and mass spectrometry, have allowed for increased sensitivity and selectivity. Previous studies have focused on the influence of dose-death interval, microclimate, differential patterns of exposure, and the influence of body position. In this work, the opioid analgesic tramadol was investigated for its pharmacological behaviour when administered as part of three dosage patterns to male Sprague Dawley rats. The three exposure patterns consisted of an acute low (n = 4, 1 doses, 30 mg/kg) group, a repeated high survived group (n = 5, 3 doses, 30 mg/kg) and a repeated high overdosed group (n = 11, 3 doses, 30 mg/kg). Drug free rats (n = 4) served as negative controls. Following euthanasia by CO2 asphyxiation, animals were decomposed to skeleton outdoors over the summer of 2019 in Sudbury, Ontario. Bones were sorted by animal and skeletal element (skull, vertebrae, ribs, pelvis, femur, tibia/fibula), then washed and ground to powder before undergoing dynamic methanolic extraction. Semi-quantitative analysis of tramadol and four of its metabolites – O-desmethyltramadol, N-desmethyltramadol, N,Odidesmethyltramadol and tramadol N-oxide – was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) in positive ion mode. Analyte levels were expressed as a mass-normalized response ratio (RR/m) in order to account for the exact mass of bone used. Method validation for the analysis of tramadol and its metabolites was investigated in accordance with the Scientific Working Group of Toxicologists (SWGTOX) standards of practice, with all criteria except for dilution integrity successfully met at a limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 1 ng/mL. The effect of exposure pattern on analyte level and analyte level ratio was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for significant differences (P < 0.05). A total of 315 pairwise comparisons were performed to assess significant differences, with the ratio of tramadol to N-desmethyltramadol determined to be the metric most commonly able to identify these differences in 91% of tests. Additionally, the effect of skeletal element on analyte level and analyte level ratio was also assessed, with a total of 675 pairwise comparisons. Skeletal element was determined to be a significant factor in all cases. This data suggests that both skeletal element and dose pattern are important measures to evaluate with respect to the analysis of drugs of abuse in bone tissues. Furthermore, different metrics, including analyte level and analyte level ratios, may be useful for discriminating between these different dosing patterns.

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