14277 research outputs found
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A comprehensive analysis of power consumption and resources utilization in open-source and proprietary media players
No full textThe growing demand for high-quality media consumption has highlighted the importance of energy-efficient software, particularly media players that handle high-resolution video content. As public is concerned around environmental sustainability and energy use, evaluating the power consumption of software applications has become crucial. This thesis investigates the comparative energy efficiency of open-source and proprietary media players, with a focus on CPU, GPU, and memory consumption during high-resolution video playback. By analyzing resource usage across different platforms, this research aims to provide insights into how software architecture, codec support, and hardware acceleration affect the overall energy consumption of these media players. Open-source media players, such as VLC and MPV, are widely adopted due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and support for a wide range of media formats. However, these players often rely heavily on CPU resources, particularly when hardware acceleration is not fully optimized. This can result in higher power consumption during high-demand tasks such as 4K video playback, especially on platforms where driver support for hardware acceleration is limited. Despite this, open-source players can be energy-efficient when optimized codecs like VP9 and AV1 are used, reducing file sizes and overall power consumption. Proprietary media players, including GOM Player and Windows Media Player, generally outperform their open-source counterparts in terms of energy use. These players benefit from close integration with hardware manufacturers, which allows for better utilization of hardware acceleration and more efficient resource management. Proprietary codecs such as H.264 and H.265 are optimized for energy savings by offloading video processing to the GPU, leading to lower CPU usage and reduced power consumption. The structured support and regular updates that come with proprietary software ensure that these players remain well-optimized for performance and energy efficiency over time.
The study utilized real-time power consumption monitoring tools, including HWiNFO and PowerTOP, to assess the performance of both open-source and proprietary media players during high-definition video playback. Metrics such as CPU and GPU power consumption, memory usage, and overall system resource utilization were analyzed in various playback scenarios. The results indicate that proprietary media players typically consume less power due to optimized hardware and software integration, while open-source players can achieve competitive efficiency levels with appropriate codec and hardware configurations. In terms of long-term sustainability, proprietary players tend to offer more immediate energy savings, particularly in environments where media playback is frequent. However, open-source media players, with their flexibility and user-driven customization, present opportunities for power savings over time, especially in cost-sensitive environments. This thesis contributes to the understanding of software energy efficiency, providing valuable insights for developers and users aiming to optimize their media playback experience for reduced energy consumption and environmental impact.Includes bibliographical reference
Investigation of sustainable waste-derived adsorbents for arsenic and copper in water treatment
No full textArsenic contamination in drinking water is a global issue, affecting millions and posing serious health risks such as cancer and neurological disorders. This is particularly critical in communities relying on groundwater. This research explores using mussel shells and agricultural waste, including date seeds and orange peels, as sustainable adsorbents for removing arsenic and copper from water.
Nanoparticles were incorporated into calcined mussel shell powder and biochars derived from these biomass wastes to enhance adsorption capacity. The adsorbents were characterized to evaluate their surface properties, and adsorption mechanisms were studied to understand their effectiveness.
Batch experiments were conducted to examine the effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, initial metal concentrations, and contact time. These experiments identified optimal conditions for maximizing removal efficiency. Statistical methods were used to optimize the adsorption processes. The results showed that modified mussel shells have high arsenic adsorption potential, while TiO₂-modified orange peel biochar performed well as a low-cost option for copper removal. Both biochars also demonstrated strong copper adsorption performance.
Kinetic and isotherm models helped describe the rate and equilibrium behavior of arsenic and copper adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption processes were spontaneous and endothermic. The mechanisms of arsenic removal by mussel shells were further studied, considering ionic strength, surface charge, and functional groups using various analytical techniques.
Beyond batch tests, column studies were performed using mussel shells in point-of-use (POU) filtration systems. These tests assessed exhaustion capacity, the influence of co-existing ions, and reusability. Breakthrough curve analysis showed how initial
arsenic concentration, flow rate, and adsorbent mass affected performance. Modified mussel shells demonstrated superior arsenic removal in POU cartridges compared to commercial activated carbon.
This study offers a sustainable and cost-effective approach to arsenic removal, particularly for remote communities with limited access to centralized water treatment, by repurposing mussel shells and agricultural waste as effective adsorbents.Includes bibliographical reference
The effect of submaximal unilateral arm cycling exercise on corticospinal excitability to the non-exercised limb
No full textPrevious investigations have shown that unilateral exercise can modulate corticospinal excitability (CSE), but the extent to which these changes in responses to unilateral arm cycling transfer to the non-exercised limb remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of submaximal unilateral arm cycling using the dominant arm on CSE and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) in the non-dominant, non-exercised limb. Specifically, we examined how CSE and SICI of the non-exercised arm changed during and following arm cycling in the dominant arm, and how long those changes last after exercise. In addition, we explored whether the changes in CSE and SICI due to a second bout of cycling, following a 20-minute rest period, would be affected by the first round of exercise. This would suggest a preconditioning effect. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), single- and paired-pulse motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the flexor and extensor carpi radialis muscles of the non-dominant arm. Results showed significant increases in CSE during exercise compared to rest, with a non-significant decrement in SICI across time points. These findings support a time-dependent, interlimb facilitation of CSE without corresponding reductions in intracortical inhibition and suggest that unilateral arm cycling may induce transient excitability changes in the non-exercised limb
Higher order radiative corrections In lepton-proton scattering using covariant approach
No full textIn order to search for physics beyond the Standard Model at the precision frontier,
it is sometimes essential to account for higher-order radiative corrections. We
perform complete and detailed calculations of electroweak radiative corrections to
parity-violating lepton scattering with a proton target (ep, p) up to Next-to-Next-to-
Leading Order (NNLO) level using a covariant approach. Our NNLO level corrections
include quadratic and reducible two-loop level scattering amplitudes. In the
covariant approach, we apply a unitary cut to the Feynman diagrams and separate
them into leptonic and hadronic currents. After squaring the matrix elements, we
contract the leptonic-hadronic currents and obtain the differential scattering cross sections
up to NNLO level. We make our results ultraviolet finite using an on-shell renormalization
scheme and infrared finite by adding one and two soft photon emission
bremsstrahlung processes.
Our numerical results are presented at energies relevant for a variety of existing
and proposed experimental programs such as Qweak, P2, MOLLER (background studies),
MUSE, and EIC working at the precision frontier. Analysis of these results shows
that such corrections at the NNLO level are quite significant to consider at the theoretical level with the increasing precision of future experimental programs at low-energy
scales
Kant's end-in-itself: the case of the cognitively incapacitated human
No full textImmanuel Kant’s (1785/1998) Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals introduced a paradigm shift in the field of moral philosophy; it shifted the focus from moral realism—the conception that moral principles or laws are mind-independent entities—to a concept of morality that involves human beings actively originating moral principles or laws. This emphasizes the pivotal role human beings play in Kantian moral theory. Kant’s notion of humanity permeates throughout the varying formulations of his supreme principle of morality—the Categorical Imperative. This study analyzes Kant’s concept of humanity and its relation to the notion of the end-in-itself vis-à-vis the dignity of a marginalized group of human beings termed the ‘cognitively incapacitated’—humans who lack capacity to make moral or rational decisions. In this thesis, I examine the various interpretations that philosophers, namely Christine Korsgaard (1996), Allen Wood (1998) and Richard Dean (2006), give to the Kantian notion of humanity and further explore their implications for the dignity of the cognitively incapacitated human. I defend the claim that though the cognitively incapacitated human may not measure up to the standard as an end-in-itself, they ought to be accorded dignity and respect that supersedes that accorded to nonhuman sentient beings. The basis of this claim is that “the will”, in Kant’s view, is the primary principle for ascribing dignity and respect to sentient beings. The cognitively incapacitated human does not possess the full complement of the will, that is, they are unable to make moral choices, yet they possess an aspect of the will, namely, the capacity to make choices through the motivation from sensuous inclinations. Hence, they have to be accorded with a certain degree of dignity and respect.Includes bibliographical references (pages 64-65
Undrained behaviour of two sands in direct simple shear loading conditions
No full textShear strength and stress3strain behaviour of soil can be investigated using different types of
laboratory tests. Among them, triaxial compression and direct shear tests are commonly
performed for practical engineering. However, in many field problems, the stress state during
shearing is similar to the simple shear conditions. The response of soil during shearing depends
on several factors, including the size and shape of the particles, relative density, consolidation
pressure and drainage conditions. For sand, drained response governs many geotechnical
problems as it is highly permeable; however, the undrained behaviour is equally important for
other cases where rapid loading occurs (e.g., static liquefaction and earthquake loading). Also,
undrained tests give some soil parameters that could be related to drained behaviour.
In the present study, the behaviour of two poorly graded sands, namely silica sand and Ottawa
sand, is investigated by conducting a series of constant height (equivalent undrained) direct
simple shear tests. The particle shape (angularity) of these sands is different. Monotonic
undrained tests are conducted on dry sand specimens of varying densities and consolidation
pressures. Steady state, quasi steady state, and ultimate steady state develop in the specimens
due to strain-softening and strain-hardening, depending upon the density and consolidation
pressure. Both sands initially show contractive behaviour during shearing, even for very dense
conditions, due to the rotation of principal stresses. Particle shape plays a major role in dilation,
normal stress change (equivalent pore pressure) and overall stress3strain behaviour. The
friction angle mobilized at the phase transformation for these sands in direct simple shear
(DSS) tests is not independent of soil density and consolidation pressure. However, the
mobilized friction angle at 10% shear strain is independent of density but decreases with an
increase in consolidation pressure. This mobilized friction angle from constant height
(undrained) tests is similar to the friction angle mobilized at large shear strains (~20%) in
constant stress (drained) DSS tests.Includes bibliographical references (pages 96-97
Unpacking the 'S' in ESG: sectoral dynamics of social performance and weighting on ESG outcomes in the S&P 500
No full textThis thesis critically investigates how the weighting and performance of social initiatives influence overall ESG improvements among S&P 500 companies, examining significant sectoral variations. With the increasing prominence of the social dimension in ESG frameworks, understanding how effectively social metrics are integrated into broader ESG strategies is vital. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset covering 2015-2022, this study employs descriptive analysis, trend analysis, correlation testing, ANOVA, and linear mixed-effects regression model to quantify the relationship between social scores, their assigned weightings, and overall ESG outcomes. Findings reveal a positive relationship between social performance and overall ESG scores, particularly pronounced in sectors such as health care and consumer discretionary. Conversely, sectors like real estate exhibit weaker correlations, indicating varied strategic emphases on social initiatives. Critically, the research identifies that while higher weighting of social criteria alone negatively impacts ESG scores, combining high social performance with significant weighting substantially amplifies ESG outcomes. These insights highlight crucial implications for investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders, advocating for differentiated, sector-specific ESG frameworks to effectively capture and promote genuine social performance
Supporting school engagement for Afghan refugee parents in Newfoundland and Labrador
No full textAs global displacement increases, the integration of refugee families into education systems has become a growing concern. This thesis examines how Afghan refugee parents engage with Canadian schools in Newfoundland and Labrador, a province experiencing significant demographic change. It asks: how do refugee parents perceive school involvement, and what forms of social capital help or hinder their participation? Guided by James Coleman’s theory of social capital, this qualitative study draws on multiple interviews with seven Afghan parents. Findings reveal that while parents initially relied on home-based support shaped by past norms, many gradually adapted to the Canadian school system. Trustbuilding, culturally responsive communication, and community-based resources emerged as key enablers of involvement. Persistent challenges, including language barriers and inconsistent translation, continued to limit full engagement. The study shows that parental involvement is a dynamic process rooted in obligation, resilience, and adaptation. It underscores the value of relational practices and inclusive strategies in bridging cultural and systemic gaps. Beyond academic contribution, this research offers practical insights for educators and policymakers seeking to foster refugee inclusion. As schools work to reflect their communities' diversity, this thesis provides a foundation for creating more equitable and supportive school–family partnerships in under-researched, sub (urban) regions of Canada
Generative AI-empowered semantic communication for wireless image transmission
No full textSemantic communication (SemCom) has recently emerged as a promising technology
for sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks by prioritizing the understanding of
information at the receiver rather than just ensuring the fidelity of the transmitted
data. This approach significantly reduces data redundancy, enhances the efficiency
of resource allocation, adapts to varying communication contexts, and ultimately
enables more intelligent forms of communication. However, current communication
systems, primarily designed based on traditional information theory, face significant
challenges in meeting the evolving demands of emerging intelligent applications due
to their focus on accurate bit transmission rather than the meaning of information.
The recent advancements in generative AI present a unique opportunity to further
enhance semantic communication capabilities by learning complex data distributions,
generating meaningful representations, and enabling more intelligent and context-aware
information exchange.
This thesis explores the application of generative AI in SemCom with a focus on
image data. The first study begins by examining the performance analysis of digital
communication, characterizing signal behavior, and evaluating system performance
in terms of bit error rate over an AWGN channel with different modulation schemes.
This indicates inherent limitations of traditional wireless communication systems.
Subsequently, a novel semantic communication system based on Stable Diffusion, a large pretrained AI model, is introduced. This framework demonstrates superior
performance, characterized by an elevated bandwidth compression ratio (BCR) and
robust noise tolerance achieved by diffusion mechanism integrating with additional
context-aware prompts.
Finally, the last work presents a neural image compression-enabled semantic
communication system by employing an accurate and adaptable entropy model. The
system can achieve efficiently compressed bitstreams, which are compatible with the
digital communication infrastructure in practice.
Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed methods can obtain more efficient
utilization of bandwidth and computational resources, along with robust noise tolerance
in varying channel conditions and adaptivity with current digital communication
systems. These contributions are expected to pave the way for the development
of more efficient, robust, and intelligent wireless communication systems that can
effectively support the changing requirements of our increasingly connected world
Making the shift from unknowing to knowing and living with one's risk for coronary artery disease after having had gestational diabetes mellitus: a grounded theory study
No full textBackground: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a growing cardiovascular issue for
women under the age of 55, resulting in poor health outcomes, including mortality. The
literature has identified that women possess both traditional and pregnancy-related nontraditional
risk factors for CAD. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one such risk
factor that is on the rise, causing a fourfold increased risk for CAD. Although the
connection between the risk of CAD following GDM exists, it remains unclear if, and
from whom, when, and how women acquire their knowledge of this risk. It is also
uncertain how they come to understand and manage this risk. Furthermore, specific
follow-ups for the development of CAD after GDM are not being conducted. We need a
clearer understanding of how these women come to know, understand, assign meaning to,
manage, and live with this risk before education, screening, and interventions can be
developed.
Purpose: The purpose of this grounded theory (GT) study was to gain a fuller
understanding of the psychosocial process experienced by women who had GDM as they
assign meaning to the risk for CAD and make coinciding decisions about their future
health and well-being.
Methods: This research study was guided by a GT approach. Semi-structured interviews
were conducted on women who had GDM and lived in Newfoundland and Labrador
(NL). The constant comparative method was used to facilitate data collection and
analysis.
Results: There were 26 women from NL with a history of GDM who participated in the
study. The substantive theory that emerged from the data was Making the Shift from
Unknowing to Knowing and Living with One's Risk for CAD After Having had GDM.
This substantive theory emerged from three theoretical constructs: 1) Sustaining a Sense
of Unknowing About the Risk for CAD Following a Diagnosis of GDM, 2) Knowing
One's Risk for CAD Following a Diagnosis of GDM, and 3) Living With One's Risk for
CAD Following a Diagnosis of GDM. The findings of the first theoretical construct
indicate that women were not informed about their risk for CAD after GDM, during their
GDM diagnosis, or after their pregnancy. The findings of the second theoretical construct
reveal that the participants did not know they were at risk for CAD after receiving a
diagnosis of GDM. The third theoretical construct identifies the barriers and motivators
associated with implementing lifestyle and behavioural changes in individuals living with
the risk of CAD following a GDM diagnosis. It highlights the need for clinical practice
guidelines and follow-up for this cohort.
Conclusions: Women living in NL require better education about CAD risk from
healthcare professionals (HCPs), who in turn need training to communicate this
information effectively. Therefore, improved risk communication by HCPs is crucial.
Specific clinical guidelines and screenings should be created for this group to mitigate
CAD risk. Additionally, a dedicated women's health center should adopt a sex-and-gender
focus with an interdisciplinary team for those with GDM and other risk factors for
CAD. Nurses can serve as navigators and educators in this team, ensuring that women's
healthcare experiences are recognized