published_or_final_version / Comparative Asian Studies / Master / Master of Arts

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Recently there has been a surge in interest in coupling ensemble-based data assimilation methods with variational methods (commonly referred to as 4DVar). Here we discuss a number of important differences between ensemble-based and variational methods that ought to be considered when attempting to fuse these methods. We note that the Best Linear Unbiased Estimate (BLUE) of the posterior mean over a data assimilation window can only be delivered by data assimilation schemes that utilise the 4-dimensional (4D) forecast covariance of a prior distribution of non-linear forecasts across the data assimilation window. An ensemble Kalman smoother (EnKS) may be viewed as a BLUE approximating data assimilation scheme. In contrast, we use the dual form of 4DVar to show that the most likely non-linear trajectory corresponding to the posterior mode across a data assimilation window can only be delivered by data assimilation schemes that create counterparts of the 4D prior forecast covariance using a tangent linear model. Since 4DVar schemes have the required structural framework to identify posterior modes, in contrast to the EnKS, they may be viewed as mode approximating data assimilation schemes. Hence, when aspects of the EnKS and 4DVar data assimilation schemes are blended together in a hybrid, one would like to be able to understand how such changes would affect the mode-or mean-finding abilities of the data assimilation schemes. This article helps build such understanding using a series of simple examples. We argue that this understanding has important implications to both the interpretation of the hybrid state estimates and to their design.

This dissertation explores the phonetics and phonology of voicing and emphatic assimilation across morpheme boundaries and investigates gemination word-medially and word-finally in Rural Jordanian Arabic (RJA). The results reveal that assimilation across morpheme boundaries behaves differently from assimilation across word boundaries in RJA. Vowel duration and vowel F1 were found robust parameters to indicate voicing assimilation. Similarly, F1, F2, and F3 were also adequate correlates to indicate emphatic assimilation. Phonologically, assimilation is best accounted for through the Sonority Hierarchy, Notion of Dominance, and Obligatory Contour Principle. For gemination, consonant as well as vowel durations were found robust acoustic correlates to discriminate geminates from singletons. Phonologically short vowels in the geminate context are significantly shorter than those in singleton context, while phonologically long vowels in geminate context are significantly longer than those in singleton context. The results indicate that the proportional differences between geminates and singletons based on word position and syllable structure are significantly different. Geminates word-medially are one and a half times longer than geminates word-finally. It has also been found that there is a temporal compensation between geminate consonants and the preceding vowels. Phonologically, geminates are best accounted for through prosodic weight rather than prosodic length. / October 2016

The Romani are a group of individuals that have been acknowledged in newspapers, television, movies and other forms of media but remain invisible as a people world-wide. Through the use of qualitative interviews, content analysis and qualitative synthesis, this study investigates why this phenomenon occurs in the United States as well as Europe. Overall, it was found that media portrayals negatively impact the Romani’s ability to successfully acculturate, increases their experiences of prejudice and discrimination and negatively impacts their social, physical and mental health. Romani media portrayals also appropriate the Romani’s ability to define themselves to mainstream society and impacts their identity development.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Research on information security culture evolved because technical security controls and policies have failed to eliminate information security incidents. Although existing research has addressed the measurement and cultivation of an information security culture, it has not addressed how to maintain that culture. This study focused on that gap by exploring the values and assumptions that inhibit assimilation of new members into an information security culture. Contract employees represent a distinct set of new organizational members with additional challenges assimilating into an organization's information security culture. This study addressed two research questions about how and why pre-existing information security related values and assumptions of new contract employees conflicted with the prevalent information security culture that created information security risks. This study applied an ethnographic approach to the examination of the assimilation of new contract employees based on Schein's framework of organizational culture. The findings revealed that IT contractors displayed a sense of responsibility for information security. However, the IT contractors demonstrated a detachment from the organization's information security culture through a lack of interest in the mission, goals and strategies. As a result of this detachment, information security concerns were linked to a lack of understanding of the information the organization sought to protect, the risk tolerance and the response to unforeseen security incidents. The contractors' detachment was traced to assumptions that resulted from their temporal relationship with the organization and their perception of being organizational outsiders. In addition to identifying the risk and mechanisms behind contractors' failure to assimilate, this study extended research into professional sub-groups within an information security culture. The study offered a contribution to research in its approach to Schein's framework by focusing on the inter-relationships between assumptions. The findings identified where organizations should be cognizant of specific contractor information security assumptions and how they create risk. The findings suggest that organization should encourage the engagement of contractor in social interactions with direct staff and the avoid actions leading to the perception of inequitable treatment. However, future research will be required to confirm the extent that these actions might have in overcoming the contractor's deeply rooted assumptions.

La génération actuelle des sondeurs infrarouges avancés constitue l’une des sources les plus importantes d’observation dans les systèmes d’assimilation de données dans les modèles de la Prévision Numérique du Temps (PNT). Cependant la richesse d’informations fournies par ce type de capteur avec son grand nombre de canaux et sa couverture globale est loin d’être complètement exploitée. La présence de nuages dans le champ de vision de l’instrument, qui affecte la majorité des observations, est l’une des raisons pour lesquelles les centres de PNT rejettent une grande quantité des observations des sondeurs. Les centres de PNT ont cependant commencé à assimiler au-dessus des océans les radiances affectées par les nuages en utilisant des canaux dont les effets radiatifs nuageux sont modélisés par un modèle de nuage simple. Certains de ces algorithmes de détection sont évalués dans ce manuscrit, et leurs limitations sont explicitées. Afin d’accroître la quantité de données assimilées, il est nécessaire de mieux représenter les nuages et leurs effets radiatifs. Depuis quelques années, des études ont été menées pour mieux représenter leurs effets dans les modèles de transfert radiatif ([Faijan et al., 2012] ; [Martinet et al., 2013]) ; et utiliser dans l’assimilation de nouveaux canaux infrarouges informatifs sur les hydrométéores nuageux. ([Martinet et al., 2014]). Cette thèse se concentre principalement sur ces méthodes de détection de scènes homogènes en consacrant sa majeur partie à l’établissement, l’évaluation et l’amélioration d’algorithme de détection de scènes homogènes en se basant sur la colocalistion d’observation avec d’autres sondeurs. Ces études sont rendus possibles par la prise en compte des champs d’hydrométéores fournis par les schémas convectifs du modèle ARPEGE en entrée du modèle de transfert radiatif nuageux RTTOV-CLD. Une partie validation des simulations est opérée dans cette thèse, en comparant l’apport les forces et faiblesses du schéma convectif en opérationnel ainsi que PCMT. Par la suite, différents tests, ou critères, de détection sont proposés, et en réalisant des expériences d’assimilation et en évaluant l’impact de ces ces critères de sélection proposés sur la qualité des prévisions à longues échéances, un des tests parmi ceux proposés se démarque des autres en conservant une quantité importante d’observation ciel clair et démontre des impacts neutres à légèrement positifs sur les prévisions. Les nouvelles méthodes de sélection de scènes homogènes proposées dans cette études permettent d’envisager une amélioration significative du contrôle de qualité des observation IASI en ciel clair. Cela ouvre ainsi donc la voie à une utilisation, plus maîtrisée, des scènes nuageuses. Nous expliquons dans ce manuscrit pourquoi il serait imprudent de précéder à des assimilation de radiances infrarouge contaminées par la présence de nuages. Pour contourner cette difficulté, une technique d’assimilation en deux étapes déjà utilisé pour l’assimilation des réflectivité radar ([Wattrelot et al., 2014]) dans AROME est évaluée. Cette méthode basée sur l’inversion bayésienne a récemment été adaptée pour les observations microondes satellitaire ([Duruisseau et al., 2018]). Dans cette étude, nous explorons cette technique pour les observations IASI. Plusieurs tests de sensibilité sont effectués sur les différents paramètres de l’algorithme, avec pour objectif de préparer de futurs travaux sur l’assimilation all-sky infrarouges, explicités dans les perspectives de ce manuscrit.

Thesis advisor: Danielle Hedegard / There are an estimated 150,000 Brazilians currently in the state of Massachusetts living, working, and living as immigrants in the “nation of immigrants” (McDonnell and de Lourenco, 2009; p. 241). The population often goes unnoticed, lost among a sea of immigrants in the landscape of Massachusetts. Occupying sub jobs, these Brazilian immigrants very often lose their status, and voices in the process of immigration to the United States. Over time, many Brazilians are able to achieve economical and occupational success in Massachusetts and decide to make the United States their home. Guided by the research questions: “How do Brazilian immigrants’ perceptions of the American Dream change with respect to reality and their lived experiences?” and “What are the lived experience of Brazilian immigrants?” I intend to understand this transition from temporary immigrant to permanent resident, and how the American Dream plays into these shifting expectations. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2012. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Sociology Honors Program. / Discipline: Sociology.