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Serious Play: Model Making Exercises in Material, Process and Digital Twin Toward a Hybrid Model Methodology
No full textThis thesis investigates physical architectural models and how they are integral to digital design processes and vice versa. It explores how this ensuing knowledge of materiality and process is critical to contemporary architectural design. This active engagement with model making propels me to develop a hybrid model approach that utilizes the strengths of material knowledge in physical objects and the data precision produced through digital models to reimagine and reincorporate physical making into the process of architectural design. The hybrid model utilizes the growing accessibility of digital fabrication tools in concert with more traditional forms of making. I explore questions of knowing through making as a practical skill-building methodology while incorporating the philosophical realm of material imagination. I propose that by recontextualizing architectural models, they can become a catalyst to sustainable design through DfMA and a parts-based approach to models and assembly
Examination of Mechanisms Underlying the Functional Reprogramming of Macrophages by P. aeruginosa Biofilm Supernatants and their Implications for Chronic Wounds
Get PDFChronic wounds are marked by persistent inflammation, often driven by bacterial biofilms. This study investigates how Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, specifically wound strain PAO1, modulate macrophage inflammation and metabolism. PAO1 biofilm supernatants triggered acute TNF and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production, which declined by 18h but rose again at 48h, suggesting temporary regulations are then overwhelmed by inflammatory resurgence. Late-phase responses featured increased IL-1β and reduced IL-10. Inhibiting LPS with CLI-095 suppressed cytokine and mtROS production, implicating it as a key driver. Prolonged biofilm exposure induced an LPS tolerance-like state, with reduced TNF upon restimulation but persistent mtROS. Confocal imaging revealed mitochondrial fragmentation at 18h, indicating impaired mitochondrial homeostasis. These findings suggest mitochondria initially buffer inflammation, but structural collapse leads to chronic activation. Clinical samples from patients with biofilm-infected pressure injuries showed elevated IL-6, linking biofilms to systemic inflammation. This study highlights the biofilm–mitochondria–macrophage axis as a therapeutic target in chronic wounds
Designing Assistive Technologies for Blind or Low Vision Music Learners
Get PDFLearning to play music can be transformative, shaping one's identity, fostering creative expression and finding community. However, the experience of learning music can be distinctly different for people who are blind or have low vision (BLV). Conventional teaching methods often lack inclusivity, and many music educators are unprepared to address the specific needs of BLV students. Access to new music can be limited, non-verbal communication with sighted peers may be misinterpreted, and the overall learning process can feel slow and cumbersome. Additionally, most available technologies primarily focus on software solutions for music notation, such as magnification or braille conversion. This doctoral thesis explores how technology can improve accessibility for BLV music learners through four completed studies. I first interviewed 40 BLV musicians and educators to understand the challenges of BLV music learners, their personal adaptations, and their perspectives on future technologies. Next, through five co-design workshops, I investigated how wearable haptics can convey musical information and provide real-time instruction. Building on these insights, I facilitated three ideation workshops and five co-design sessions to explore the application of haptics with sound and music to simplify music reading and memorization. Finally, over a ten-week-long period, I explored the real-world application of vibration signals with twelve music teachers and students to make non-verbal communication more accessible during music lessons. This thesis makes a significant contribution to accessibility research for BLV music learners. I identified specific learning challenges and personal adaptations for BLV music learning; I found that augmenting touch through haptic wearables can aid music learning and specific vibration patterns and intensities are well suited to communicate particular types of musical information. Furthermore, I classified the complex challenges of music reading and memorization into intrinsic and extraneous complexities based on cognitive load theory and introduced specific design ideas by pairing modalities with distinct needs. Finally, I analyzed how students and teachers derived meaning from vibration signals and described the impact of wearable haptics on the overall music-learning experience
Problematic social media use and inhibitory control among post-secondary students
No full textIntroduction: Problematic social media use (PSMU) parallels traditional characteristics of substance use disorders, including salience, functional impairment, and tolerance. An excessive focus on social reward and engaging in negative behaviors on social media may decrease certain executive functions. However, the role of how inhibitory control processes manifest in PSMU are not well understood. The current study aims to explore both the presence of inhibitory control impairments and harmful online behaviors, such as negative social comparison, in problematic social media use. Methods: A population of emerging adults (undergraduate university students; N = 503) completed several online questionnaires assessing problematic social media use, trait impulsivity, and negative social comparison on social media. An online Go-Nogo and Iowa Gambling Task were administered to further evaluate inhibitory control. Results: Higher problematic social media use was significantly positively correlated with trait impulsivity, but not Go-Nogo or Iowa Gambling task performance. Negative social comparison on social media was a stronger predictor of PSMU, compared to inhibitory control measures. However, social comparison did not significantly interact with inhibitory control measures when predicting PSMU. When exploring subtypes of impulsivity, the strongest correlation with PSMU was observed with cognitive instability and attentional impulsivity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that aspects of impaired inhibitory control—namely, cognitive instability and attentional impulsivity—are present in problematic social media use. Understanding the interplay between features of addiction and the unique context of online socialization, such as negative social comparison, is central to defining problematic social media use as a potential behavioral addiction
Simulation of Dynamic Systems In Moving Environments with Application to Transportation
Get PDFTransportation of goods is an multi-trillion dollar industry which relies on the proper securing of goods. Evaluation of securing methods and techniques are historically based on Newton's second law. The Simulation of Dynamic Systems in Moving Environments with Application to Transportation code (SDS-MEAT) was developed. This tool makes use of open source and free-to-use software packages and resources. This code utilizes a symbolic multibody dynamic package for generating equations of motion and a novel approach to track contact points as a part of the simulation's state. Results are evaluated by determining maximum values, minimum values, rainflow cycle counts, and frequency content of user-selected parameters. A series of experiments were preformed with a benchmark vehicle, the Bombardier Iltis, to show the utility of the developed code in the context of comparing the effects of securing the chassis versus the wheels of a vehicle during transportation by rail, road, and ship
Optimal Placement and Resource Provisioning for Virtual Network Functions: Traditional and Deep Reinforcement Learning Techniques
Get PDFNetwork Function Virtualization (NFV) marks a fundamental shift in network architecture, enabling the decoupling of network functions from proprietary hardware onto standard computational platforms, thereby enhancing network flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This thesis explores the complex dynamics of Virtual Network Function (VNF) placement, which is paramount to realizing the full potential of NFV. The challenge of optimal VNF placement lies in balancing resource utilization, performance, and cost, which has profound implications on network efficiency and service quality. This dissertation addresses five key research problems within the domain of NFV, each pertaining to different aspects of VNF deployment and management. Firstly, it investigates strategies for optimizing VNF placement to coordinate the interplay between network resources and performance demands. This includes developing and evaluating offline and online algorithms tailored for real-world network scenarios. Secondly, the thesis tackles the issue of feasibility restoration in network optimization, proposing algorithms that can automatically detect and correct infeasibilities in VNF placement, ensuring continual service availability and compliance with network policies. Thirdly, further expanding on the theme of network optimization, this work delves into the planning of service function chains, integrating both predictive and reactive strategies to manage network resources efficiently across service providers and infrastructure providers. Applying Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) combined with Reward-Constrained Policy Optimization (RCPO) forms the core of the fourth study area, focusing on the dynamic optimization of online VNF placement to adapt effectively to changing network conditions and operational constraints. Lastly, the thesis introduces a novel approach to addressing resource fragmentation through a DRL-based fragmentation-aware VNF placement strategy. This method seeks to optimize the utilization of fragmented resources, enhancing overall network performance and efficiency. Collectively, the overall research is supported through theoretical analysis, algorithmic design, and extensive simulations, leading to several publications that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in network function virtualization. The findings offer practical algorithms and frameworks for enhancing VNF placement strategies and pave the way for future innovations in network management and optimization within the rapidly evolving landscape of NFV
Mi’kmaw and Settler Understandings of the Peace and Friendship Treaties: Imagining a Decolonial Future for Treaty Relationships
Get PDFSettler Canadian and Mi’kmaw understandings of the Peace and Friendship Treaties have diverged since they were first signed. The historical context of the negotiation and treaty-making period demonstrates that Mi’kmaw and British motivations to establish a treaty relationship were each based within their respective worldviews. These perspectives continued to diverge in the twentieth century as the Mi'kmaq challenged criminalization and asserted their sovereignty within colonial courts. Settler entitlement, a lack of treaty knowledge, and a government unwilling to engage in their nation-to-nation treaty relationship contributed to the eruption of conflict in 2020 as Mi'kmaw fish harvesters exercised their treaty rights. Guided by Mi’kmaw communities and worldviews, we can reframe settler belonging in Indigenous territories, educate ourselves on Mi’kmaw treaty knowledge, begin to live by the spirit and intent of treaties, and decolonize our relationships. Two-Eyed Seeing highlights a path forward in our treaty relationship through the shared labour of decolonization
Exploring Challenges, Limitations, and Opportunities in Integrating Biomimicry Principles into Design Education to Advance Sustainability Objectives
No full textDesign education seldom prepares students for complex challenges they are likely to encounter, particularly sustainability. Biomimicry, among bio-inspiration approaches, has emerged as a promising design thinking to enhance sustainability and innovation. However, students often mimic nature superficially, overlooking biological principles and systems. This research explores the challenges of integrating biomimicry into Canadian undergraduate design education from educators’ perspectives, highlighting its barriers and potential opportunities for fostering sustainable innovation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the findings through surveys and interviews revealed varying integration depths across institutions, influenced by faculty expertise, curriculum limitations, and institutional priorities. Key barriers include misunderstanding biomimicry, time constraints, limited resources, unfamiliarity with biology-to-design tools, and resistance to change. Opportunities for more effective implementation involve interdisciplinary collaboration, holistic frameworks, and integrated technologies with natural observation. Fully embedding biomimicry in design curriculums requires institutions to support this pedagogical shift, build partnerships, and adopt strategic plans aligned with global sustainability goals
Assessment of Dynamic Vulnerability to Pluvial Floods using SWMM and System Dynamics under the SETS Framework
Get PDFLiterature on flood vulnerability assessments state a need for methods that analyze the dynamic nature of vulnerability and incorporate multidimensional flood impacts in urban areas. System Dynamics Modeling is applied to address this in combination with the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) and QGIS for spatial reference of flood exposed areas under pluvial flooding conditions. The SETS framework is used to categorize the flood impact and vulnerabilities of the Social, Ecological and Technological aspects of the urban study area. The assessment was carried out for Ottawa City and the results showed that System Dynamics, SWMM and QGIS can be combined for an assessment of dynamic flood vulnerability. However, the model has limitations in its ability to quantify interactions between variables. This study was able to demonstrate the mapping of flood vulnerabilities in Ottawa, assess temporal variability using the model and create a framework for studying vulnerability under multiple scenarios