Enhanced methods for surface current estimation from X-band radar data

Estimating ocean surface currents accurately is crucial for a wide range of applications, including marine navigation, environmental monitoring, and coastal management. Traditional methods for measuring surface currents face challenges such as limited spatial coverage and sensitivity to environmental noise, making the development of more accurate and robust techniques a pressing need in oceanography. This thesis focuses on improving the accuracy and robustness of ocean surface current estimation using X-band radar image sequences by introducing two novel algorithms. In the first part of this thesis, a Symmetry of Doppler Shifts (SDS) method is introduced for retrieving surface current information from radar images. The method focuses on extracting the wave angular frequencies and corresponding wavenumbers from the radar image sequences. Then, Doppler shifts are calculated based on wavevectors that exhibit symmetry with respect to the origin in the wavenumber plane. These Doppler shifts are used to estimate both the speed and direction of surface currents. Simulations with synthetic data show that the SDS method achieves a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.13 m/s for current speed and 1.4° for direction. The results indicate that the method performs with accuracy comparable to existing techniques under simulated conditions. The second part of this research builds on the SDS method by integrating it with an enhanced Polar Current Shell (PCS) algorithm. The improvements include the application of Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) for noise filtering, interquartile range filtering to remove outliers, and symmetry-based noise reduction. The modified PCS method also employs a single curve-fitting process, analyzing all wavenumbers in the PCS domain collectively rather than individually. The improved algorithm was validated with both simulated data and real-world radar data from a Decca radar (2008) and a Koden radar (2017). Results show that the modified PCS method reduces the RMSE for speed by 0.06 m/s and direction by 3.8° for the Decca radar, and by 0.02 m/s for speed and 4.6° for direction for the Koden radar, compared to the original PCS method

High-performance modified-weight concrete design using an optimal combined statistical experimental design methodology

This thesis has one primary and two secondary objectives. The primary objective of this research is to design and optimize High-Performance Modified-Weight Concrete (HPMWC) mixtures, investigating the application of the statistical mixture combined design methodology (SMCD). The concrete mixtures have six mixture components: metakaolin, cement, fine aggregates, normal weight coarse aggregates, lightweight coarse aggregate, and water; and one process variable: the maximum size of normal weight coarse aggregate. The 17 responses studied included various performance criteria of HPMWC, including fresh, mechanical, and durability properties. The study included the selection of the statistical design, logistical planning for execution, processing, and the analysis of the experimental runs. To minimize the number of runs and take into account the combined mixture and process variables, the KCV (Kowalski, Cornell, and Vining) model was used. Thirty-four experimental runs were required to model the responses studied. Prediction models were fitted for each response and validated. The results show that performance criteria prediction models accuracy ranges from very poor, such as Poisson’s Ratio and Tested MOR which result in negative predictive R2 values, to excellent, such as the Dry Bulk Density, with the others falling in between poor and excellent. A secondary objective of this thesis was the refinement of testing methodologies for evaluating HPMWC fresh concrete properties. It is recognized that the fresh properties have a critical influence on the final product, and an aim was to make recommendations on in-place workability testing. A detailed examination of existing workability tests, the Slump, K-Slump, and Kelly Ball tests were evaluated based on the fresh properties of the 34 concrete mixtures. The results obtained using the three testing methods were statistically compared and evaluated. The three workability techniques were shown to be statistically and positively correlated; however, Kelly Ball showed inconsistency with K-Slump and Slump tests in 4 workability measurements, reaching its limiting value. Thus, it was determined that among Kelly Ball and K-Slump in place tests, K-Slump has a potential of future improvement and use for in place workability assessment. The third objective of this thesis was to explore the abrasion resistance testing of HPMWC, considering its growing application in demanding environments such as bridges and offshore platforms. Two ASTM standard methods, one by sandblasting and one by rotating cutters, were employed to assess the abrasion resistance. These were supplemented by a novel laser-scanning techniques to measure the test results. A special focus was given to the topography of the abraded concrete surfaces resulted using Sandblasting approach, and to the inherent variability in abrasion mechanisms. An evaluation of ASTM C418-20 testing method was carried out and its modeling clay standard measurement method was statistically compared with the novel laser scanning measurement techniques. While no significant statistical difference at the 5% level between the results was found, the level of detail provided by each method was different and essential for test measurement choices. It was recommended that the laser scanning method should be used when the topographical information in relation to abrasion mechanism is required and when abrasion quantities are low. In summary, this thesis employed an advanced statistical method, specifically the SMCD approach and KCV model, to design and optimize HPMWC. It places emphasis on refining workability and abrasion resistance testing techniques to enhance the concrete's performance in demanding environments

The “Greatest Frontier Days’ Celebration Ever Attempted”: shaping civic and regional identity in the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede, presently marketed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” has been the subject of scholarly attention from various disciplines ranging from veterinary medicine to sociology and history. This study examines several aspects of the event, with the aim of examining the ways in which the Stampede has been presented to the public, and especially the ways in which that presentation has been adapted to fit changing cultural norms and responses to public scrutiny. Furthermore, this study examines how the Stampede has shaped civic and regional identities. This study looks thematically at the representation of Indigenous peoples, masculinity, and non-human animals in the event. It further examines how the Stampede organization has shaped the event’s marketing around history, tradition, and spectacle. This study uses historical records examined through frameworks such as Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, Guy Debord’s theory of the spectacle, and Mary Louise Pratt’s notion of contact zones to explain the event’s continued popularity. The result is a series of thematically organized chapters which illustrate the ways in which the seemingly static aspects of the Stampede are adjusted to suit ever-changing cultural expectations and norms while maintaining an air of historicity that links the event to its origins. The competing goals of rooting the event in the province’s past and keeping it relevant to contemporary audiences necessitate a continuous renegotiation of the attractions, marketing, and aesthetics of the Stampede, along with a simultaneous focus on historical moments from its past

Exploring models and approaches for training sustainable food systems in dietetic practice: a pilot study

Background: A Sustainable Food System (SFS) is an emerging area in dietetic practice that addresses food waste, hunger, malnutrition, and ensures that everyone has access to safe, affordable food while preserving biodiversity. The International Confederation of Dietetic Associations (ICDA) has developed three online learning modules to train nutrition professionals in SFS. However, the effectiveness of these modules has yet to be evaluated. Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the ICDA's online learning modules in enhancing dietitians' confidence and competency in incorporating SFS principles into their practice. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, with 25 participants from Canada and Australia recruited through purposive sampling. Participants engaged in three 90-minute online focus group sessions and completed baseline and three-month follow-up surveys to assess confidence and competency in SFS. The focus groups evaluated the modules' design, content, and impact on knowledge and practice. Focus group data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: After completing the ICDA modules, the three-month follow-up survey revealed increased competence and confidence compared to baseline, indicating a positive impact of the modules on dietetic professionals. The focus group data showed that participants' competence and confidence were influenced by their learning environment and approach, engagement and interaction, application and practicality Discussion: The findings suggest that the knowledge and skills gained through the ICDA modules can enhance dietetic professionals' confidence and competency in applying SFS principles to their practice. This research supports the integration of SFS into dietetic practice, ultimately benefiting population health. These findings will be used by the ICDA to improve the modules for dietetic professionals

Exploring barriers in promoting circular economy practices: insights on consumer durable goods in remote and Indigenous communities In Newfoundland and Labrador

Consumer durable goods (CDGs), including appliances and electronics, are a major driver of global waste and create challenges for remote and rural communities—both Indigenous and non- Indigenous—due to limited waste management infrastructure. While urban areas have well- established recycling and disposal systems, rural and Indigenous communities lack these resources, accumulating waste that could otherwise be repurposed or recycled. This issue is exacerbated by restricted access to repair services, high transportation costs, and the widespread impact of planned obsolescence. This research examines opportunities and limitations to the adoption of circular economy (CE) principles for CDGs in two Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) communities: Harbour Main, a remote non-Indigenous community, and Conne River, a Mi'kmaq First Nations community. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with community members, garbage collectors, and band council members to understand their waste disposal behaviors, repair and reuse practices, and the economic and cultural factors influencing product lifespan decisions. Using grounded theory, themes were developed through the analysis of primary research data using ATLAS.Ti software. The findings revealed three major categories of barriers: logistical, attitudinal, and cultural, resulting in seven key themes. These include the inaccessibility of repair services, the high costs associated with transportation and repairs, the impact of planned obsolescence, the affordability of new goods compared to repairs, and the decline of TEK in managing waste. Participants also highlighted the need for community-driven initiatives and policy support to improve waste management practices in these regions. By analyzing broader consumption trends at the community-level impacts, this research identifies if there is an opportunity to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with CE strategies, adapting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability. The findings emphasize the need for targeted infrastructure investments and inclusive policies supporting remote and Indigenous communities adopting CE practices. Addressing these challenges is essential for promoting equitable participation in sustainability efforts and enhancing environmental and economic resilience in rural and remote regions

The gut-brain connection: probiotic supplementation to alleviate cognitive decline and inflammation in rodent models of pretangle tau and stress

The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a crucial link to peripheral and central nervous systems, with gut health implicated in health and disease, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and stress. The objective of this dissertation is to explore the role of strengthening the gut microbiota in brain health and early-AD pathologies. First, I will investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on cognitive function, brain inflammation, and gut microbiota composition. We employed a locus coeruleus hyperphosphorylated pretangle tau rat model, which closely resembles preclinical AD. Rats with pseudophosphorylated human tau in the LC showed deficits in spatial and olfactory learning, increased microglia and astrocyte activity, blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, and elevated peripheral inflammation. Probiotic supplementation increased gut microbiome diversity, optimized bacterial composition, and ameliorated cognitive deficits. A reduction in inflammation and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) activity in the hippocampus of female rats was observed, suggesting gut health modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy in preclinical AD, and providing a possible mechanism underlying AD sex differences. Second, I examined the effects of probiotics prior to chronic stress or enrichment on cognitive function and brain health. Probiotics prevented stress-induced spatial memory impairments and enhanced learning under enrichment conditions. We propose this is linked to increased gut microbiome diversity and eubiosis, which was observed in our animals. Probiotics prevented increased levels of the microglia marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) found in stressed rats and showed differences in BBB integrity and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in the hippocampus between stress and enrichment groups, with beneficial effects observed in enriched animals. These findings highlight the potential of probiotics to enhance cognitive function and brain health through modulation of the gut microbiota, offering a non-invasive therapeutic approach for AD and stress-related cognitive decline

Investigation of a potential interaction between PKD3 and MP-GAP utilizing fluorescent microscopy and FRET

Failures in cytokinesis, the final stage of mitosis, can lead to binucleation, which may act as an initiation point for cancer development. Protein kinase D3 (PKD3) is an enzyme that belongs to a family of protein kinases that have key roles in promoting many cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, and adhesion. It has been demonstrated that PKD3 depletion can cause a significant increase in binucleation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). In addition, the M�Phase GTPase-Activating Protein (MP-GAP) is shown to play an important role during the abscission of two daughter cells by inactivating the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA). The Leitges group previously showed that MP-GAP is translocated to the cleavage furrow at the late cytokinesis, where it colocalizes with RhoA and PKD3. Considering the effect of PKD3 deficiency on cells and the role of MP-GAP in cytokinesis, we aimed to verify the hypothesis that these two proteins might interact to regulate the final abscission. In this regard, this project was based on fluorescent microscopy imaging to track the dynamics of fluorescent protein-fused PKD3 and MP-GAP to characterize a potential interaction. In conclusion, while some data were collected on the endogenous PKD localization in cells, more experiments are required to establish a definitive strategy to identify a potential interaction

Structural characterization and tectonic evolution of 1.3 Ga REE-bearing Fox Harbour Volcanic Belt, southeast Labrador - Canada

The Southeastern Labrador region, Canada, preserves a complex geological history shaped by multiple deformation and metamorphic events. This study investigates the structural evolution, metamorphism, and deformation of the 1.3 Ga Fox Harbour Volcanic Belt (FHVB), a bimodal volcano-sedimentary sequence of peralkaline rhyolites enriched in rare earth elements (REE), mafic rocks, and sedimentary rocks deposited on 1.7-1.5 Ga basement rocks in an extensional setting along the Laurentian margin. Hosted in a highly strained amphibolite-facies corridor within the Lake Melville terrane (LMT), the FHVB domain is bordered by the Long Harbour (LHsz) and Fox Harbour (FHsz) shear zones to the south and north, respectively. Field observations, structural and petrographic analyses, along with U-Pb petrochronology on zircon, monazite, and titanite, reveal a multi-stage tectonic evolution. Deformation that accompanied the main phase of Grenvillian metamorphism (D1; ~1.06–1.04 Ga) locally involved amphibolite-facies metamorphism and anatexis, tight buckle folding, and tectonic burial of the LMT during Grenvillian convergence. The Pinware and Mealy Mountains terranes remained structurally higher in the tectonic pile and were shielded from significant metamorphism. Continued deformation (D2; ~1.04–1.02 Ga) was characterized by cooling, folding, and localized strain during a period of orogenic collapse, characterized by extensional adjustments of the orogenic crust. Late-stage transpressive deformation (D3; ~1.0 Ga) involved greenschist-facies oblique-slip and strike-slip shearing, overprinting earlier amphibolite-facies fabrics and facilitating the FHVB exhumation. These findings refine the tectonometamorphic history of the FHVB, providing new insights into the kinematic evolution of the Southeastern Grenville Province

Predicting survival among colorectal cancer patients using automated body composition

Colorectal cancer is among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, yet its current staging system is limited by variability and paradoxical survival outcomes. Body composition analysis from routine computed tomography (CT) scans offers predictive markers of patient survival, such as sarcopenia and adiposity. However, manual segmentation of CT images is labor-intensive and prone to inter-observer variability. In this study, we validated the accuracy and reliability of automated CT-based segmentation using the Data Analysis Facilitation Suite (DAFS) Express, achieving high concordance with manual segmentation, with mean DICE scores above 96% for all tissue areas and only 0.10% poor cases across a cohort of 5,973 cancer patients. The DAFS Express method also showed strong concordance with manual analysis in mortality association, as indicated by similar hazard ratios, confidence intervals, and p-values. Furthermore, we developed a deep learning model that combines clinical and body composition biomarkers to predict survival outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. Our integrated model achieved a time-dependent concordance index (Concordancetd- index) score of 0.7298 (p < 0:001), significantly outperforming models based solely on clinical biomarkers. Models relying exclusively on body composition features had the lowest Concordancetd-index scores, suggesting that body composition alone may not be a reliable predictor of survival

Advanced model predictive control and power conversion strategies for flux-switching permanent magnet synchronous machines

Modern electric drive systems, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, aerospace, and industrial automation, demand efficient power conversion and robust motor control. Flux Switching Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (FSPMSMs) are gaining attention due to their high torque density, enhanced thermal performance, and durable structural design. However, their nonlinear behavior, parameter fluctuations, and susceptibility to external disturbances present significant control challenges. Conventional approaches like Field Oriented Control (FOC) and PI controllers often fall short in maintaining optimal performance under dynamic conditions. To address these limitations, Model Predictive Current Control (MPCC) has emerged as a viable solution, offering improved dynamic response, reduced torque ripple, and better current regulation. Despite its advantages, MPCC's reliance on accurate system modeling makes it prone to uncertainties. This research introduces a novel integration of Sliding Mode Control (SMC) into the speed loop, enhancing the system's ability to reject disturbances and adapt to varying conditions. The proposed MPCC SMC strategy demonstrates faster transient response, increased stability, and greater reliability, making it well suited for demanding FSPMSM applications. The approach is validated through high fidelity simulations using OPAL RT Technologies’ OP5707XG simulator. In addition to advanced motor control , a stable high voltage DC supply is crucial for efficient FSPMSM operation. Many energy sources, such as batteries, fuel cells, and photovoltaic (PV) panels, produce low voltage DC power, requiring an efficient step up converter for high performance motor drives. Traditional boost converters face challenges like extreme duty cycles, high conduction losses, and reduced efficiency, limiting their suitability. To address these issues, this research explores the Cubic Semi SEPIC Converter (C³SSC), a novel high gain, non isolated DC DC topology capable of achieving ultra high voltage conversion with moderate duty cycles, reduced switching losses, and improved efficiency. A laboratory tested prototype of the C³SSC confirms its high gain capability and practical viability for power conversion applications. While MPCC SMC ensures robust control of the FSPMSM, the C³SSC efficiently provides the necessary high voltage DC supply, enabling stable, efficient, and reliable motor operation. This research integrates advance d motor control with high performance power conversion, enabling next generation electric drives for sustainable transport, automation, and renewable energy