Under normal operating conditions a CANDU reactor pressure tube (PT) is insulated from its outer calandria tube (CT) by a CO2 gas annulus. If the primary loop coolant flow is compromised the PT can overheat and, if still pressurized, balloon into contact with the CT. At this point the moderator acts as an emergency heat sink. If the heat transferred from the CT to the moderator exceeds the critical heat flux (CHF) the CT can overheat, begin to strain due to the contact pressure, and eventually fail. A mechanistic model is presented that describes ballooning contact of the PT and CT, the resulting thermal contact conductance, heat flux to the moderator, and, if CHF is exceeded, the development of film boiling and potential CT strain. The goal is to create a software package that predicts fuel channel failure during a pressure tube overheat event. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc) / Computer software was developed to predict CANDU fuel channel failure in the event of a total station blackout. The model created successfully predicted the available experimental data.

<p> This thesis investigates the application of multiple model estimation algorithms to the problem of channel equalization for digital data transmission and channel tracking for space-time block coded systems with non-Gaussian additive noise. Recently, a network of Kalman filters (NKF) has been reported for the equalization of digital communication channels based on the approximation of the a posteriori probability density function of a sequence of delayed symbols by a weighted Gaussian sum. A serious drawback of this approach is that the number of Gaussian terms in the sum increases exponentially through iterations. In this thesis, firstly, we have shown that the NKF-based equalizer can be further improved by considering the interactions between the parallel filters in an efficient way. To this end, we take resort to the Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) estimator widely used in the area of multiple target tracking. The IMM is a very effective approach when the system exhibits discrete uncertainties in the dynamic or measurement model as well as continuous uncertainties in state values. A computationally feasible implementation based on a weighted sum of Gaussian approximation of the density functions of the data signals is introduced. Next, we present an adaptive multiple model blind equalization algorithm based on the IMM estimator to estimate the channel and the transmitted sequence corrupted by intersymbol interference and noise. It is shown through simulations that the proposed IMM-based equalizer offers substantially improved performance relative to the blind equalizer based on a (static or non-interacting) network of extended Kalman filters. It obviates the exponential growth of the state complexity caused by increasing channel memory length. The proposed approaches avoid the exponential growth of the number of terms used in the weighted Gaussian sum approximation of the plant noise making it practical for real-time processing.</p> <p> Finally, we consider the problem of channel estimation and tracking for space-time block coded systems contaminated by additive non-Gaussian noise. In many practical wireless channels in which space-time block coding techniques may be applied, the ambient noise is likely to have an impulsive component that gives rise to larger tail probabilities than is predicted by the Gaussian model. Although Kalman filters are often used in practice to track the channel variation, they are notoriously sensitive to heavy-tailed outliers and model mismatches resulting from the presence of impulsive noise. Non-Gaussian noise environments require the modification of standard filters to perform acceptably. Based on the coding/decoding technique, we propose a robust IMM algorithm approach in estimating time-selective fading channels when the measurements are perturbed by the presence of impulsive noise. The impulsive noise is modeled by a two terms Gaussian mixture distribution. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed method yields substantially improved performance compared to the conventional Kalman filter algorithm using the clipping or localization approaches to handle impulses in the observation. It is also shown that IMM-based approach performs robustly even when the prior information about the impulsive noise is not known exactly.</p> / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

<p dir="ltr">Studying ZARA provides valuable insights into the marketing communication strategies employed by a highly successful fashion brand. ZARA's innovative business model, which prioritizes speed, affordability, and fast fashion line turnaround, has disrupted the traditional fashion industry and created a new paradigm for fast fashion. The company's ability to rapidly create and distribute affordable, trendy clothing has made it one of the most popular fashion brands globally.</p><p dir="ltr">Analyzing ZARA's success in marketing and communicating with customers, as well as its ability to stay ahead of fashion trends, can inform and inspire other fashion brands seeking to improve their market position. I collect and analyze data from a variety of sources, including applying the marketing mix 4Ps and 4Cs and using ZARA's FB posts as a sample to understand its social media communication strategies. The study aims to identify how these key factors contribute to ZARA's success in marketing and customer communication.</p><p dir="ltr">ZARA's marketing communication strategies emphasize customer-centricity and responsiveness to changing fashion trends, and the effective use of social media marketing. By staying closely connected to its customers' needs and desires, ZARA can rapidly create new products and styles that resonate with its target market. Furthermore, the company's effective use of social media platforms, such as Facebook, has helped to create a strong brand identity and a loyal customer base.</p><p dir="ltr">Overall, the study of ZARA's marketing communication strategies provides useful insights into marketing performance and what works in the fast-paced world of fast fashion. By emphasizing customer-centricity, responsiveness to changing fashion trends, and the effective use of social media marketing, fashion brands can create strong brand identities and connect with customers in meaningful ways.</p>

The use of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) by wireless standards is often preferred due to its high spectral efficiency and ease of implementation. However, data transmission via OFDM still suffers when passing through a noisy channel. In order to maximize the abilities of OFDM, channel effects must be corrected. Unfortunately, channel estimation is often difficult due to the nonlinearity and randomness present in a practical communication channel. Recently, machine learning based approaches have been used to improve existing channel estimation algorithms for a more efficient transmission. This thesis investigates the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) as a means of improving existing channel estimation techniques. Multi-layer feed forward neural networks (FNNs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are tested on a variety of random fading channels with different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) via computer simulations. Compared to the conventional least squares (LS) algorithm, the approach based on CNN can reduce the bit error rate (BER) of data transmission by an average of 47.59%.

In this thesis, friction stir channeling (FSC) and its process parameters influence on geometry, surface quality and productivity are explored. The probe of the friction stir processing (FSP) tool used to perform these tests was a modified submerged bobbin tool made of MP 159 Co-Ni alloy. The body was made from H13 tool steel. To find the optimal channel conditions for a targeted range of process parameters, multiple 6061 aluminum samples were prepared with a U shape guide to test the effects of different spindle speeds and feed rates. Using a gantry-type computer numerical control (CNC) friction stir welding (FSW) machine, the aluminum coupons were subjected to calibration experiments, force control tests, and an increased production rate to test these effects. It was found through experimentation that the programmed feed rates, spindle speeds and forces produced by the machine had an impact on the channel geometry. It was determined from the force-controlled setup that 8.46 mm/s at 750 RPM was the best combination of results for the four conditions tested on a CNC friction stir processing-machine. It was then tested at 10.58 mm/s at 800 RPM, which had comparable results with the best combination of input parameters from the force-controlled runs which demonstrates the utility of the process in high production settings. Finally, a proof-of-concept experiment was performed on a robotic arm outfitted with a FSW holder, showing acceptable results. This is a validation of its future implementation in the manufacturing of large parts for lightweight, aerospace, and automotive applications.

Incidence and prevalence of Edwardsiella piscicida has increased in Mississippi farm-raised catfish in recent years. Edwardsiella piscicida affects mostly market-sized catfish during the final stages of the production cycle resulting in significant economic losses. The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variability of E. piscicida, assess virulence in channel and hybrid catfish, and evaluate the capacity of a live-attenuated E. ictaluri vaccine to protect channel and hybrid catfish against heterologous E. piscicida isolates. This work identified five discrete E. piscicida lineages, along with group specific associations of several virulence related genes. In general, E. piscicida was shown more virulent in hybrids than channel catfish, in line with previous work. Further, a live-attenuated E. ictaluri vaccine was shown to confer cross-protective immunity in channel and hybrid catfish against E. piscicida.

Profiles of plasma estradiol and testosterone concentrations, cathepsin D, L, and B activities, and quantitative and qualitative protein content were developed and evaluated in four commercial strains of channel catfish, Gold Kist (2), Thompson and NWAC-103 for one year (age 2 to age 3). Great variation between individuals of the same strain precluded the identification of any significant, strain-specific differences for the variables under investigation. When variables from fish of all strains were collectively evaluated over time, both estradiol and testosterone concentrations significantly increased in July and then later from February to April. The increase in hormone concentration was accompanied by oocyte growth and increases in proteolytic activity of cathepsins D, L, and B, supporting the role of estradiol in regulating vitellogenesis. Vitellogenin was enzymatically broken down into smaller protein units by cathepsins L, D, and B that were separately predominant at different stages of oocyte development. During oocyte development, there were sequential relationships among hormone concentration, cathepsin activity, protein content, and predominant oocyte proteins. This observation was associated with high levels of activity of cathepsin L in February, suggesting an important role in protein degradation during that time, while high activity of cathepsin B occurred, stimulating during November to January. Cathepsin B is more important in oogenesis or early vitellogenesis, and cathepsin L assumes a principal role during middle vitellogenesis. Twenty hours subsequent to the injection of fish with either carp pituitary hormone or luteinizing hormone releasing hormone, increases in the concentration of plasma estradiol and testosterone, activities of cathepsins L, D, and B, egg size, and egg protein content occurred, stimulating the process of oocyte maturation. The percentages of spawning obtained were 18.8% of LHRH injected fish, 12.4% of CPE injected fish, 9.4% of fish not injected, and 0% of saline injected fish. Injection of females with LHRH can potentially serve as a tool to increase spawning success in appropriate commercial settings, particularly for improving three year old catfish spawning success early in the spawning season. Low estradiol levels in all three-year-old fish suggest that insufficient stimulation of vitellogenin production by estradiol may underlie the lack of vitellogenin incorporation into developing oocytes. In the present study, the measurement of the activities of the cathepsins and their relationships to other parameters were evaluated for the first time. This is also the first study to report plasma estradiol and testosterone concentrations, protein content, and egg size in 2 to 3-year old channel catfish. All of the parameters collectively evaluated may serve to assist in the selection of the best 2- year old channel catfish female broodstock, and to determine the optimal timing of treatments of hormone injection to increase reproductive performance.

Proliferative gill disease (PGD) caused by the myxozoan parasite Henneguya ictaluri is one of the most devastating parasitic infections in channel catfish aquaculture. Currently, there is no effective treatment for H. ictaluri and the unpredictable outbreaks can result in 100% mortality. Management strategies have been developed to prevent losses in newly stocked fingerlings by evaluating the PGD status of a pond prior to stocking, which is difficult since resident fish may not show clinical signs even when actinospore levels are lethal to naive fish. Current diagnostic methods are limited to the identification of an active infection and methods of predicting potential outbreaks have several limitations. The PGD status of a pond to be stocked can be determined using sentinel fish exposures which are labor intensive and require a source of parasite free fish. These limitations necessitated the development of more rapid and efficient means of determining actinospore concentrations to determine the risk of losing fish prior to stocking. The development of a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) assay provided a more rapid, sensitive and quantitative method of diagnosing active infections and also provides a means to predict potential PD outbreaks and determine the PGD status of a pond prior to stocking. Another approach in the control of this parasite is the identification of a less susceptible culturable species or to identify traits that could be targeted in a selective breeding program. Challenge studies have shown that the closely related blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) does not exhibit as severe an inflammatory response to H. ictaluri and mortalities are significantly lower than in channel catfish. Comparisons of PGD severity and H. ictaluri infection in channel catfish, blue catfish and channel x blue catfish backcross hybrids by gross examination, histopathology and the newly developed H. ictaluri real-time PCR (QPCR) assay supported previous research suggesting the life cycle of the parasite can not be completed as efficiently through the blue catfish host. This dissertation describes the development and validation of a QPCR assay to detect H. ictaluri in both fish tissues and environmental samples and the application of this assay in both research and production settings.

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