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“Looking onto the frantumaglia”: Mother-Daughter Relationships in Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend and The Days of Abandonment
No full textResilience for the Bakiga: Architecture as a Means for Cultural Preservation
No full textIn Western Uganda, Kikiga culture is disappearing due to its dependence on storytelling and folk songs to transfer knowledge. Preserving tradition is essential because it creates a sense of belonging and continuity in a rapidly changing world. This thesis explores how the Bakiga’s vernacular architecture can be sustained through spaces of agriculture and commerce. The thesis borrows ideas from critical regionalism and investigates our understanding of the intangible dimensions of our settlements to develop an appropriate architecture for the Bakiga. Through an analysis of macro and micro systems that influence the morphology of the Bakiga’s traditional farming and residential spaces, the thesis proposes a hybrid typology that combines farm and market
Optimized Performance and Stability Enhancement of DFIG Wind Farms Using Advanced FACTS-Based Filter Compensators
No full textThe increased penetration of renewable energy resources into electric power systems requires closer attention to grid power quality issues. In particular, the integration of renewables like windmills has substantially affected power quality standards. The harmonics generated by pulse width modulation (PWM) control and nonlinear masses can negatively impact grid balance and power delivery reliability. To mitigate harmonics, flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) filters at the grid side have been introduced in motor drives, electric automobile chargers, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), LEDs, and inverters applied as interfaces for storage structures units in doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) windmills. By deploying FACTS filters, the negative impacts of harmonics can be efficiently addressed, ensuring improved performance of DFIG windmills and enhancing grid balance. The present study underscores the importance of FACTS filters in lowering harmonics and improving power quality in DFIG wind turbine systems working under various loading conditions.
This work introduces a novel FACTS device that has been tested in a MATLAB-Simulink software environment. The proposed FACTS tool utilizes insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) switches managed by distinctive control techniques, such as proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers. The proposed FACTS-based switched filter compensator (SFC) scheme is validated for efficient energy utilization and robust performance under various operating conditions, including normal loading, open-circuit, and short-circuit faults. The SFC, comprising series and shunt capacitors with sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM)-switched IGBTs, is controlled by a fast-acting, modified, error-driven dual regulation dynamic control scheme [1]. Simulation results demonstrate the tool's effectiveness in voltage stabilization, power factor improvement, and power quality enhancement. Compared to conventional harmonic filters, FACTS devices like STATCOM and static synchronous series compensators (SSSCs) show improved performance in total harmonic distortion (THD) reduction for renewable energy systems [2]. The SFC scheme can be extended to integrate various distributed generation systems, ensuring efficient power delivery and reliable grid integration in modern power systems
Using Variable Chlorophyll-a Fluorescence to Assess the Impact of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement on the Photochemical Efficiency of Phytoplankton
No full textOcean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) is a potential carbon dioxide removal strategy to mitigate climate change by enhancing oceanic carbon uptake. This thesis contributes to the biological risk assessment of OAE by examining its effects on phytoplankton photophysiology through laboratory and field experiments. In vitro studies (Chapter 3) revealed species-specific responses to elevated pH (~8.7), with varying resilience among phytoplankton. Mesocosm experiments (Chapter 4) showed changes in beam attenuation, particle size distribution, and pH following magnesium hydroxide additions, but no clear biological responses. Similarly, field trials with brucite altered optical properties but did not impair photosynthetic function. However, scattering artifacts in bio-optical sensors affected chlorophyll-a fluorescence readings, emphasizing the need for careful methodological consideration. Instrument design influenced sensitivity to scattering, affecting data reliability. Overall, findings support existing evidence that OAE, when applied at appropriate scales, is unlikely to pose significant risks to marine phytoplankton but highlight challenges in measurement accuracy
Decomposition dynamics of five soil amendments and the development of total carbon and total nitrogen predictive models using MIR spectroscopy
No full textLand application of organic amendments (OAs) preserves nutrient-rich materials and enhances soil health, but OAs vary widely in feedstock, maturity, and processing. This variability complicates understanding their decomposition dynamics despite decades of research. In this study, five OAs were evaluated for their soil decomposition over 397 and 21 days: straw (Str), cattle bedding and manure (Str-DCB), agricultural in-vessel compost (Str-IVC), municipal windrow compost (Mun-WRC), and municipal biosolids (Mun-ATB). Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy with PLSR modeling was used to predict total C and N, assessing both OA effects on model accuracy. Results indicate OA C degradation depended most on material maturity, with composts being more stable. While MIR spectroscopy effectively predicted incubation total C and N, it performed poorly with volatile OAs and dissimilar soils with similar treatments. Given correlation amongst samples, care was needed to prioritize validation set independence, highlighting the need to minimize bias in future spectroscopy-based soil surveys
Against the Grain: Architectures of Resistance and Resurgence
No full textAs extractive industries accelerate degradation of the planetary biosphere, the role of activists becomes increasingly critical. In this context, design can serve as a tool to amplify their movements, positioning architecture as both resistance – exposing environmental injustices and disrupting harmful industrial processes – and resurgence regenerating ecosystems and strengthening stewardship. This research addresses the global crisis through a localized focus on the corporation that dominates resource extraction in New Brunswick’s forestry sector, intervening in contested logging lands surrounding Fundy National Park and at the industry's headquarters in Saint John. Grounded in theories of human-nature relationships and design activism, the project proposes a system of low-tech designs, inspired by activist strategies, such as canopies, planting gear, towers, kites, mapping and film projection, challenging corporate control over land and media. Ultimately, this thesis outlines a framework for how architecture can empower resistance, expose injustice, and contribute to ecological regeneration amidst corporate-driven environmental degradation
Sonic Interference: Echoes of a Displaced Montreal
No full textMontreal’s identity as a cultural hub is threatened by gentrification and the closure of independent music venues, as rising rents and noise complaints displace artists. This project explores how sound can preserve the city’s collective memory and support marginalized music communities through the adaptive reuse of post-industrial architecture. Focusing on the Lachine Canal, a site of historical significance and cultural tension, it examines sound as both a spatial and public resource. The CN Tour Wellington and its surroundings are reimagined as a sound lab—a network for listening, performance, and sonic experimentation. Inspired by musique concrète, the design splices, layers, and filters found sounds into spatial compositions, embracing interference as a generative force. Through sound mapping, spectrogram analysis, and auditory notation, the project critiques the policing of sound in urban environments, proposing an alternative approach—where noise is reclaimed, composed, and amplified rather than suppressed
Investigating the effects of forestry road crossings on stream habitat health and benthic macroinvertebrate communities in Napu’saqnuk (the St. Mary’s River watershed) in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia)
No full textEarth and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honours ThesisNapu’saqnuk (the St. Mary’s River) is a culturally, economically, and recreationally significant watershed in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia). Napu’saqnuk provides habitat got the endangered Southern Upland Designatable Unit of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and other species protected under the Endangered Species Act and Species at Risk Act. Historical and current forestry activities (harvesting and roads) are expected to be degrading stream habitat health and contributing to the decline of the Atlantic salmon population in Napu’saqnuk. Under the Fisheries Act, fish and fish habitat are protected, emphasizing the importance of understanding how forestry affects stream health. Benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) are biological indicators of freshwater ecosystem health. BMI community structures are compared between disturbed and undisturbed habitats to assess whether disturbance has reduced habitat quality. BMI Orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) are sensitive to disturbance and tend to decline in degraded habitats. To assess stream health, BMIs and stream habitats were sampled upstream and downstream of road crossings in 12 streams. BMIs were subsampled and identified at the family level. Community structure was analyzed using community metrics, diversity indices, and multiple linear regression (MLR). T-tests were used to compare stream habitats and community structures between upstream and downstream of crossings, and between streams with culverts and bridges. Findings showed road crossings steepened stream gradient downstream, possibly due to improper road crossing design. However, this did not negatively impact stream health. Community structures and other habitat characteristics were similar between upstream and downstream of crossings. Streams with culverts and bridges reflected two distinct stream types, likely due to their location in the watershed- culverted streams were closer to headwaters and bridge streams were near the West River (main river in West Branch). Differences in habitat and community structures reflect natural habitat variation across a watershed, not differences in stream health. Most streams met habitat requirements for juvenile Atlantic salmon, suggesting the presence of healthy habitat in the West Branch. Ongoing monitoring and a greater focus on harvesting impacts are recommended. Findings can inform forestry management and Atlantic salmon habitat conservation in Mi’kma’ki.
Keywords: Stream health; benthic macroinvertebrates; Atlantic salmon habitat; St. Mary’s River watershed; road crossings; culvert
Defining the phenology of early breeding behaviours of Leach’s storm petrels in the northwest Atlantic (Hydrobates leucorhous)
No full textEarth and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honours ThesisLaying date is one of the most important reproductive fitness metrics in birds, as timing it well optimizes food availability and ensures the best chance at reproductive success. This is especially pertinent for Leach’s Storm Petrel, a declining seabird species in Atlantic Canada, , as they have low reproductive capacity. At present, our understanding of the timing of early reproductive behaviours for Leach’s Storm Petrels in the northwest Atlantic is minimal, limited to rough estimates of hatch date based on chick measurements.
This study’s goal was to determine the timing of early breeding phenology for Storm Petrels from a dataset of geolocation sensor data (GLS) for six long-term study colonies: Kent, Bon Portage, Country, Middle Lawn, Gull, and Baccalieu islands. GLS data describes location and activity of tagged individuals through recording environmental light levels; as Storm Petrels are burrow nesting seabirds, GLS light data can determine when they occupy their burrow during the day. I aimed to characterize the timing of first burrow re-occupancy, differences in pre-laying activity between the sexes, and the lay-dates or start of incubation behaviour across the study colonies.
Linear and generalized linear mixed models were run to determine if sex, colony, or year had a significant effect on breeding phenology. We found that colony significantly impacted the timing of first burrow re-occupancy and lay-date/start of incubation, with Kent Island, New Brunswick, having the earliest first burrow arrival and lay-date, and Middle Lawn, Newfoundland, having the latest of both phenologies. Year significantly impacted the timing of first burrow re-occupancy, as 2015 had the earliest arrival date. These findings indicate that when Storm Petrels return to their breeding colony, they may be influenced by global ocean climatic conditions (annual differences), but that lay-date/start of incubation is mainly influenced by localized conditions at the colony. Sex significantly impacted pre-laying burrow activity, with males visiting the burrow considerably more often and for longer periods than females, but females had a longer pre-laying exodus. Our findings may aid future research on Leach’s Storm-Petrel reproductive success by informing conservation management regarding the timing of key breeding activities.
Keywords: Pre-laying exodus, timing of breeding, Procellariforms, reproductive strategies, geolocator, light senso
Sexuality, Intimacy, and Speech-Language Pathology: A survey of clinicians’ knowledge, comfort, attitudes, and practices
No full textCommunication (speech, language, cognitive) and swallowing disabilities have been shown to have an impact on sexuality and intimacy in a variety of populations. Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC) users reported impacts on their sexuality and intimacy as well. Previous research suggests speech-language pathology may have a role in addressing sexuality when it is impacted by communication and swallowing disorders. This thesis aims to investigate the current state of practice of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Canada regarding addressing sexuality and intimacy, barriers to doing so, and their knowledge, comfort, and attitudes. A survey with a mix of 26 closed-ended and 4 open-ended questions was distributed to 1,149 SLPs; 56 met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey.
The results show SLPs in Canada are addressing sexuality and intimacy to some extent, although most do not have a specific strategy to do so. Barriers to treating sexuality and intimacy appear to primarily be the lack of knowledge and training. In general, SLPs are unsatisfied with their knowledge regarding sexuality and intimacy, particularly around its relationship to disability and the ethics of treating sexuality and intimacy. Other significant barriers include uncertainty with their scope and practice guidelines, as well as discomfort with treating sexuality and intimacy.
These findings are largely consistent with findings of research in other healthcare fields. Solutions may be found in examples from other professions. Future research should further investigate and promote the roles of SLPs in addressing sexuality and intimacy, and continue examining personal and environmental factors, as well as adaptations for youth