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Argument summarization: enhancing summary generation and evaluation metrics
Get PDFIn the current era of mass digital information, the need for effective argument summarization has become paramount. This thesis explores the domain of argument
summarization, focusing on the development of techniques and evaluation metrics to
improve the quality of summarization models. The study first investigates the task of
key point analysis, and the challenges associated with previous approaches to it, emphasizing the significance of coverage of the summary. To address these challenges,
we propose a novel clustering-based framework that leverages the inherent semantics of arguments to identify and group similar arguments. The proposed approach
is evaluated on the benchmark dataset and compared with previous state-of-the-art
methods, demonstrating its effectiveness. In addition to the proposed framework,
this thesis also presents an analysis of the previous evaluation metric for argument
summarization. Commonly used metric, ROUGE is evaluated, revealing its limitation in capturing the nuanced aspects of argument quality. To this end, we introduce
new evaluation metrics and methods that consider the coverage and redundancy of
the generated summaries, providing more accurate and informative assessments of
summarization models. We further show that our evaluation metric has a better correlation with actual summary quality, whereas previous metrics fail to capture this
correlation
Comparative analysis of remote sensing and ground-based surveys in determining merchantable volume of a boreal forest stand
Get PDFAccurate volume estimations are pivotal for effective forest resource management,
influencing stakeholders throughout the forestry industry. Traditionally, estimations relied on
stem diameter measurements and geometric assumptions. However, advancements in remote
sensing have revolutionized volume calculations, offering new possibilities for precision and
efficiency. This thesis delves into volume estimations within the Romeo Mallette Forest of
Northeastern Ontario’s Boreal Forest, employing a multifaceted approach that includes ground
surveys, Ontario Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) data, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
(RPAS)-based remote sensing. The objectives encompass evaluating the accuracy of FRI data,
assessing ground surveys' precision, investigating RPAS. Additionally, the study aims to leverage
FPInnovations' Single Tree Metrics and Stand assessment (STEMS), a pre-harvest inventory tool
that utilizes consumer-grade RGB imagery from an RPAS, and to scrutinize the variance between
estimated volumes and actual mill volumes. The study meticulously evaluates the efficacy of the
STEMS algorithm against ground surveys and FRI merchantable volume estimates, utilizing the
final Bill of Lading (BOL) as the control measurement. Remarkably, the initial RPAS flight path,
harnessing STEMS technology, emerged as the most precise in estimating merchantable volume,
yielding 129 m3
/ha compared to the final BOL measurement of 122 m3
/ha. In contrast, ground
surveys anticipated 134 m3
/ha, while the FRI data was the only underestimation at 106 m3
/ha.
This singular study underscores the potential of STEMS in accurately estimating merchantable
volumes in forestry, signaling a significant advancement in volume estimation methodologies
The design of a multi-loop, low-power low dropout voltage regulator with zero-pole tracking technique
Get PDFThis thesis describes the theoretical background, design, simulation, implementation
and measurements of an analog low-dropout voltage regulator intended for wide load applications requiring low power consumption. Due to the modern requirements for systems
on chip to be operable over long periods and over wide conditions, circuits have become
more efficient to meet such demands. Typically as a regulator design is optimized for low
power consumption, the performance is worsened. This tradeoff produces the need for a lowdropout regulator which is capable of wide, stable operation while consuming little current.
This work contributes to the state of the art of low power low-dropout regulators, further contributing to the literature by testing and measuring the fabricated design. Finally deepening
this research with a comparison of the past decades of research in low-dropout technologies.
The proposed work in this thesis is comprised of a low-dropout regulator which utilizes a multi-loop compensation network to increase this stability while consuming very little
current. The design introduces Ahuja compensation, which removes the feed-forward path
which is common in Miller compensation. Furthermore, a zero-tracking network is proposed,
which extends stability by inserting a zero capable of tracking the frequency of the dominant
output pole. This multi-loop technique provides a phase margin of 60◦ at the lowest, demonstrating stable operation through the full current range of 0 mA to 50 mA. A schematic
and layout is produced with the design being implemented in the TSMC 180 nm standard
CMOS process. The measured quiescent current is 486.67 nA with the ability to reduce this
further by disabling the circuit operation, allowing for a static current draw of 2.06nA. At its
peak, the circuit performs with a current efficiency of 99.96%. With a stepped load transient
performance of 418 µs with an overshoot of 52.5 mV between full and no load. With the
positive step response being 36.5 µs with a change in output of 81.25mV. [...
Exploring potential of freshwater microalgae in Northern Ontario for bioremediation and bioenergy production
Get PDFNative freshwater microalgae play a crucial role in biofuel production due to their unique
characteristics and environmental suitability. This study investigated the diversity of
microalgae species in various freshwater ecosystems across Northwestern Ontario, Canada and
evaluated the nutrient removal, bioremediation and subsequent biomolecule production.
Microalgae are known for their biochemical diversity, synthesizing an extensive range of
compounds including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, pigments, and bioactive
molecules In Chapter One, we provided a comprehensive review on the microalgae cultivation
and harvesting techniques along with pretreatment methods for the extraction of biomolecules.
In Chapter Two, we isolated 75 potential microalgal isolates and characterized these stains to
identify those with high potential for lipid and biomolecule production capacity through a
combination of microscopy, molecular techniques, and biochemical analysis and identified the
optimal light condition for the biomass and lipid production. Among these isolated strains, a
five microalgae strains with higher lipid production and growth were identified using molecular
and morphological approaches. Among four different photoperiods, 16L:8D light/dark cycle
produced significantly higher biomass and lipids for Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella vulgaris,
and Chlamydomonas sp. [...
Assessing the efficacy of magnetic susceptibility as an archaeological characterization tool within a Canadian subarctic context
Get PDFThis thesis addresses experimental investigation of magnetic susceptibility and the
utility of the Terraplus KT-10 magnetic susceptibility meter to characterize subarctic
archaeological deposits. The Hogarth Tree Farm, outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, was chosen
as an experimental locale due to its relatively undisturbed and remote context. A grid was
established, and preliminary test excavation done to assess the sediments and context. Using
experimental firing events designed to reproduce the firing activities of precontact subarctic
Indigenous people, natural sediments were heated, and the temperatures and fire duration
were recorded. This sought to reveal how firing affected the sediment’s magnetic susceptibility
and whether its detection might have utility in documenting and interpreting what are often
‘invisible’ archaeological features.
This thesis addressed four research questions: 1) Did the experimental firing events
enhance the magnetic susceptibility; 2) What was the minimum temperature needed to change
the magnetic susceptibility signature of the natural soil/sediment; 3) What level of
interpretation could be made from the magnetic susceptibility data; and 4) How effectively did
the Terraplus KT-10 detect this change? Through my experiments, I found that the firing
experiments performed were able to enhance the magnetic susceptibility of the sediments.
This study has research implications for archaeological investigations throughout much
of the Canadian subarctic. Due to the generally acidic nature of boreal forest sediments, organic
archaeological evidence is frequently destroyed over time, including bones, shells, charcoal and
ash
Children’s ideas about their world: a study exploring the hundred languages of children and how educators support them
Get PDFChildren are capable, competent, and intelligent members of the early years community (Edwards, 2011; Fyfe, 2011, Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014 & 2016, Wexler, 2004). The purpose of this research study is to explore the ideas children are developing about their world and how their educators support them in their discoveries. This qualitative mini-ethnographic case study investigates how children represent their understandings by considering the Reggio Emilia pedagogical strategy of the hundred languages of children and its connection to how children generate, test, and/or confirm their ideas about the world around them. The participants included 30 children and 7 educators from a Reggio Emilia inspired early learning setting. Data sources included educator interviews, video-based observations of the learning environments, and through-the-window observations. All data was collected at a distance due to COVID 19 protocols limiting in-person research. A qualitative analysis of the data revealed that the children were actively exploring a vast number of ideas about their world and used repeated actions in the form of play schemas to support their investigations to make further connections. Educators supported the children by preparing the classroom environment with purposeful materials, providing educator assisted/provoked experiences, engaging in positive interactions, supporting their safety and welfare, and participating in ongoing professional development. Considering the main findings of this research, the author offers three key conclusions as take-aways. These conclusions include the themes of power between the educator and the children in the learning environment, relationships between the children and their educators, their peers, and the learning environment, and risk taking among the children
Temporal and spatial variability of the zooplankton community in Lake Couchiching, Orillia, Ontario: influence of water quality parameters
Get PDFLake Couchiching, located in Ontario, is a vital freshwater ecosystem providing numerous
ecological, recreational, and economic benefits. As human activities and property development
increase in the region, it is important to understand their impact on water quality and
zooplankton communities. This study explores spatial and temporal variation in water quality
parameters and their influence on the structure of zooplankton communities (ZCS) in Lake
Couchiching over an annual cycle.
Extensive field studies were conducted, and water samples were collected from multiple
locations within the lake across various seasons throughout the year. The water quality
parameters measured included chlorophyll-a, conductivity, pH, total phosphorus, and nitrate
levels. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified the primary factors driving variability in
the zooplankton community, and cluster analysis grouped similar sampling sites based on water
quality characteristics.
Both natural factors and human activities drove these characteristics. Conductivity was
significantly affected by water quality changes, except in areas directly impacted by effluent
discharge from the Orillia Wastewater Filtration Plant. Seasonal variations were observed, with
conductivity, total phosphorus, and nitrate levels changing significantly between summer and
winter. [...
The social construction of dementia in main online news sources during COVID-19
Get PDFThis study aims to examine the social construction of dementia during COVID-19 in online
news sources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social construction is not a concept that exists in
objective reality but a concept that exists as a result of human interaction (Bainbridge, 2023).
Mainly, the social construction of dementia can be divided into three sections-the medicalization
of dementia, the psychological approach to dementia, and the stigma of dementia (Bosco et al.,
2019). Learning about how dementia was talked about and socially constructed in the media
during COVID-19 can illuminate the ideas and stereotypes people have about dementia in general.
In this study, I use the cultural conception, “hyodo” from South Korea and apply it to how
dementia was discussed in primary online news sources during the COVID-19 pandemic. This
analysis will provide insights into perspectives of online news sources regarding older people and
the development of policies for people living with dementia in long-term care facilities during
pandemic. While people with dementia live in community and long-term care settings, this study
will focus specifically on long-term care settings, as most news articles during COVID-19 focused
on long-term care settings. Additionally, the study aims to explore the role of the media in shaping
public perceptions and attitudes toward dementia particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. [...
Probabilistic reliability analysis of slopes with truncated random variables from censored samples
No full textProbabilistic reliability analysis and design have been a research topic of intense interest in geotechnical engineering in recent decades due to the inherent uncertainty in soil property data obtained from field or laboratory testing. Determination of the underlying probability distributions of soil properties and corresponding parameters from observed data is a critical initial step because subsequent risk and reliability analyses depend upon these evaluations. Conventionally, the choice of a probability distribution is dictated by subjective familiarity with a classical distribution, such as Normal or Lognormal. Furthermore, only censored/truncated samples can sometimes be obtained due to technical and environmental limitations.
This research presents an objective and unbiased method to estimate truncated probability distributions of soil parameters using the MaxEnt method constrained by moments of censored/truncated samples and the Akaike information criterion (AIC). This method is described as "objective" because it relies solely on data and constraints rather than subjective choices, and "unbiased" because it avoids assumptions that could skew the distribution, thereby providing a more accurate and representative model of the soil parameters' probability distribution. The probability distribution is based on the concept of MaxEnt and is free from the assumptions of classical distributions. A first-order reliability method (FORM) is presented based on truncated MaxEnt distributions. The new method is applied to the probabilistic reliability analysis and design of Nipigon River slopes including parameters such as unit weight, friction angle, and cohesion of various soil types, to perform the probabilistic reliability analysis. The accuracy of these parameter estimations, drawn from field measurements and reported studies, is crucial for the reliability assessments conducted in this research
The evolution of the Amazonian Kichwa Chacra in the Canton of Loreto, Ecuador
Get PDFThe improved Kichwa chakra is the most appropriate production system that adapts to
the environmental conditions and subsistence needs of Amazonian Kichwa families. The
chakra, chacra, chagra1 or chajara has been the subject of numerous research studies
due to its importance for indigenous families. The analyses have been carried out
evaluating agricultural aspects, characterizing the production chains of diverse crops,
analyzing the knowledge of men and women in the chacras, comparisons of the ways of
establishing the chacras according to the Amazonian ethnic groups and various topics
according to the researcher's interest. However, there is no record of a study that
analyzes the historical-social, economic and environmental aspects, as well as a
comparison between native agroforestry systems. The objective of this research was to
establish the suitability of the improved farm through the comparative analysis of the
identified farm typologies, carried out with a historical-evolutionary analysis where 3 types
of farms were recognized: traditional, improved and commercial. The methodologies used
were analytical, synthetic, descriptive and meta-analysis. In conclusion, the improved
farm is presented as a more viable alternative for the Kichwa families of the Loreto canton
in Ecuador, because it maintains the vertical stratification system similar to that of the
primary forest, conserves biodiversity, focuses on food security, preserves native seeds
and protects the ancestral knowledge of the Amazonian Kichwa culture