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Human resources for health graduate tracking studies: policy implications
No full textTraining for Health Equity Network (THEnet) in fulfilment of a contract with the Pan-American Health Organizatio
Temperature modeling and control of the sulfuric acid plant in an industrial smelter
Get PDFRoasting, smelting and converting are pyrometallurgical techniques used to eliminate gangue
rock from sulfide ores and produce a saleable metal product. Due to the large amount of sulfur
present in sulfide ores, the off-gas produced from pyrometallurgical processing is laden with
sulfur dioxide (SO2). Production of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), from off-gas laden with SO2 is one
of the methods used at smelters to reduce the amount of SO2 being released into the
atmosphere. The acid plant consists mainly of a catalytic converter, absorption towers and a
network of heat exchangers. SO2 is converted to sulfur trioxide (SO3) which is absorbed to
produce a sulfuric acid product. Efficient oxidation of SO2 occurs within a tight temperature
range so heat exchangers equipped with bypass valves are used to regulate the temperature
throughout the acid plant. In this dissertation, a steady-state model is developed from fundamental steady-state mass and
energy balances. The steady-state model provides a relation between the process variables and
the temperature of the outlet streams of the heat exchangers. Unknown variables are estimated
using industrial operating data. The steady-state model is used to investigate the effect of
process variables on the controlled variables. The disturbance variables that have the largest
effect on the process are the feed gas flow rate and the SO2 concentration. The results provide
useful information since with recent process modifications that are part of the Clean AER
project, variations in the feed gas flow rate and SO2 concentration will increase. The effects of
the manipulated variables were also investigated which provides a foundation of understanding for process control. The results of the investigation of the effect of process variables on the
controlled variables were quantified by calculating the steady-state gains.
The dynamics of the process were investigated through analyzing the industrial operating data.
The output variables do not vary simultaneously with changes in the input variables. The
correlation coefficients were determined for the variables. The correlation coefficient between
variables provides an estimate of how much influence the input variables have on the output
variables. Delayed correlation analysis was performed to explore the process dynamics.
Dynamic models were identified using industrial operating data with and without prior
information supplied using the System Identification toolbox in Matlab. Providing the steadystate gains and an estimate of the process time constants to the System Identification toolbox
greatly improved the identified model. The dynamic model was validated by comparing the
model-estimated output and the output from industrial operating data. Temperature control within the acid plant is a multiple-input-multiple-output control problem.
Bristol’s Relative Gain Array and Singular Value Analysis are used to determine the most
effective pairing of variables. A feedforward-feedback control scheme for temperature
regulation is explored. Simulations for major disturbances, such as flow rate and SO2
concentration of the feed gas, are carried out using two alternative controller pairings. The
results of the simulations are reviewed and the advantages of each controller pairing are
discussed
Parametrized simulation of charge drift and collection in the nEXO TPC
Get PDFFor the purpose of creating a computationally fast and light-weight simulation of charge
drift, diffusion, and collection in the nEXO TPC, a numerical Python package was developed
which implements two different models. The models implemented are: diffusion via fragmentation of a charge cloud into point charges, and diffusion via integration of the idealized
Gaussian distribution across the anode’s charge-collection pads. Both methods are described
in detail, and the latter is compared to a more detailed simulatio
Regenerating Sudbury's socio-urban landscape through adaptive reuse
No full textA common issue faced by de-industrializing cities worldwide
is the abundance of obsolete industrial buildings. These are
often part of derelict zones that aggravate the urban challenges
of unsafe neighbourhoods, socioeconomic segregation,
and environmental degradation. By reviving these defunct
buildings through carefully attuned strategies of adaptive
reuse, there is an opportunity to address the needs of diverse
users within the local community by sustainably regenerating
the built environment in physical, ecological, cultural, and
socioeconomic terms. Through the adaptive reuse of the
derelict Northern Brewery complex in downtown Sudbury
(Ontario, Canada) into a brewpub and mixed income housing
development, this thesis project offers a critical response to the
city’s high rates of homelessness and lack of affordable housing
as well as its insufficient amount of public green space, while
reconnecting citizens to the site’s history and serving as a
catalyst for further redevelopment projects
Quelle université pour les francophones minoritaires? Le rôle des congrégations religieuses dans la fondation des universités Laurentienne et de Moncton
No full textDurant les années 1960, un débat national sur le bilinguisme institutionnel se tient à travers
le Canada. Parallèlement, les collèges classiques des communautés religieuses, qui assuraient
l’éducation supérieure des francophones, sont confrontés à la laïcisation des services publics dans
le contexte de la Révolution tranquille et de l’affirmation de l’État providence. Alors que le secteur
universitaire est en pleine croissance pour répondre à la nouvelle demande de la génération du
baby-boom, qu’advient-il des institutions cléricales qui assuraient l’éducation supérieure des
francophones en milieu minoritaire?
Ce projet de recherche porte sur l’éducation supérieure des francophones minoritaires dans
ce contexte, et plus spécifiquement sur la création de l’Université Laurentienne, à Sudbury, et de
l’Université de Moncton entre les années 1950 et 1965. L’éducation supérieure des francophones
de ces régions avait jusque lors été assurée par les congrégations religieuses des Jésuites et des
Sainte-Croix, respectivement, et ces congrégations ont joué des rôles actifs dans la création des
nouvelles universités. Nous argumentons que la conjoncture ainsi que la culture interne de ces
congrégations ont contribué au choix des statuts linguistiques de chacune de ces
universités canadiennes. Notre recherche ajoute à la connaissance historique de l’éducation
universitaire des régions de Moncton et de Sudbury
Comparing nurse performance between an infusion pump medical device on differing mediums
No full textMedical devices are pervasive in all healthcare environments and the means in which
healthcare professionals interact with medical device user interfaces is of interest to the
researcher. In this research study, an intravenous infusion pump model used most frequently in
the researcher’s local environment was observed against a sample of the local nursing population.
This research study aimed to determine the suitability of established user interface evaluations
and analytical modelling laws to predict nurse performance when interacting with the selected
medical device user interface. This research study also aimed to observe and compare any
changes in performance times and reported cognitive loads for the same user interface of a
selected medical device on two different mediums; the actual medical device and a simulated
user interface mock-up on a handheld tablet device. This research study concluded that the
differences in performance task times and reported cognitive load between both mediums was
minor and not statistically significant. When evaluating the estimated performance task times
generated through usability evaluations and analytical modelling laws, this research study
concluded that although the estimated times were similar to the performance time averages of the
whole sample, these estimates are not reliable to predict individual expected task times.
Additionally, this research study highlighted how additional factors such as performing safety
checks, and the user’s individual duration to complete these safety checks influences the time required to complete a task
A comparative evaluation of Canadian physical activity play-based programs for children with different abilities and its transferability to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
No full textChildren with different abilities have been shown to have limited participation in play and
physical activities, thereby placing them at higher risk for developmental health problems.
Previous research has suggested that participation in play and physical activity program may
benefit these children, the outcome of such programs potentially impacting their physical, social,
and cognitive well-being. Given these links, it is important to understand how these play-based
programs work and which of their specific features are responsible for positive outcomes. A
comparative case study was applied to conduct the three phases of this inquiry: (1) the
completion of comparative case studies of three similar play-based programs in Canada; (2) the
identification and selection of useful and applicable patterns and features across all three playbased programs; and (3) the adaption and customization of a Canadian framework of play-based
programs into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s culture and context. To complete the first two
phases, interview data and unobtrusive data were collected from 40 Canadian program team
members. The data were deductively and inductively analyzed via thematic analysis. The data
were analyzed deductively and inductively via thematic analysis. The results included an indepth picture of three examples of Canadian play-based programs and their evidence-based
successful factors. Important themes included: (a) the quality of the program (adequate program
theory, implementation, material delivery, team, and facilities), (b) meeting needs, and (c)
lessons learned from experts and practitioners. The third phase was completed by engaging 61
Saudi intended users in an open-ended questionnaire and SWOT analysis with the aim of
increasing the likelihood of successful implementation. The result included a customized KSA
play-based program based on the Canadian framework
Wood architecture research and fabrication centres
No full textThis thesis explores architectural wood assemblies and
fabrication methods, towards the design of a wood architecture research
and fabrication centre, at Laurentian University. During the 19th century
timber was the dominant building material used throughout Northern
Ontario. The industrial revolution of the 20th century, introduced concrete
and steel into the construction industry as fire-resistant alternatives
to timber buildings. Due to increased environmental concerns and
the advancement of engineering capabilities, wood has re-emerge
in the 21st century as a low-carbon alternative to concrete and steel
construction. This revolution towards a sustainable building industry is
demanding an increased understanding of wood, and its potential within
the built environment. This thesis examines academic and industry
research facilities experimenting with wood buildings assemblies and
robotic manufacturing processes. Design and fabrication research is
conducted to develop a new architectural assembly that is applied in
a building proposal for a Wood Architecture Research and Fabrication
Centre at Laurentian University, in Sudbury, Ontario
An architectural response to multi-generational housing inspired by Haudenosaunee culture
No full textIndigenous culture is rich and vibrant all across Mother Earth; more commonly known as
North America, and sadly is rarely reflected in the built environment of their communities.
This thesis seeks to answer the question: How can the culture of the Haudenosaunee
be reflected within their built environment to align with the needs of the community?
Through the exploration of community engagement and case studies it was proven designs
in Indigenous communities should be inspired by the culture’s history and traditions while
reflecting the community within the 21st century. Concepts, meanings, and teachings
from Indigenous culture have the ability to influence a 21st century building. Through the
exploration of wampum belts, Haudenosaunee longhouse, and longhouse village, a proposed
multi-generational housing project demonstrates how the Haudenosaunee culture can in
fact be reflected within the built environment to align with the needs of the communit
Epigenetic rooted architecture: a typology for obstetrical programming
Get PDFWestern medicine has involved studies of environmental, social, and
dietary stress that leads to the diagnosis of hereditary disorders. Even
with pharmaceutical treatments, these disorders have risen. This
short-term response does not benefit the long-term health of future
generations. By refocusing with theories of “survival of the fittest,”
adaptation starts when an individual perceives and responds to their
built environment. Personal senses (vision, smell, touch, taste, etc.)
gather information on a specific space and are subsequently expressed
through an emotional response. This internal process, called the
limbic system, is done through hormones that respond to sensory/
emotional information and give function to cells through the body.
Disorders arise when there is too much or too little of a hormone
that damages how the body reads the DNA within a cell, known as
an epigenetic modification. The misreading and re-interpretation of
epigenetic patterns are most crucial during exponential cell growth
during in utero. Therefore, the architectural reading of an expecting
mother may hinder or benefit the unborn child’s future health. How
can we use the built environment to promote human’s fitness within the
timeframe of in utero?
Architecture can display multiplicities of emotional responses.
Theories in biophilic design and cognitive architecture have listed
multiple architectural elements and their spectrum of emotions.
This information can be used at its full capacity when starting at
the micro responses of cells due to macro atmospheric qualities.
When imposing a new typology for pregnant women, their health
and programmatic requirements connect to architectural elements,
emotions, and senses that start to inform a design toolkit. This
will assist in the design and development of a short-term
residence for pregnant and post-partum women who require a
secure and stimulating architecture. This new typology will
investigate the use of data as a means to generate a building
that is self-aware of these interactions; creating a relationship
between architecture and mother that is not one-sided but
continuously responding to her changing needs