The aim of this study is to re-contextualize prior negotiation theory emanating from the field of communications in a unique contemporary setting. The research focuses on the Canadian residential telecommunications sector, where the dominant business model involves the use of a rather peculiar variable pricing strategy, which has compelled a proportion of consumers to adopt competitive negotiation strategies. Through a series of three focus groups, the project gleans insight into the participants’ experiences and perceptions of the telecommunications procurement process. Based on prior theoretical assumptions and on this original research, the study tests the appropriateness of descriptive phase models of negotiation in the Canadian telecommunications industry, providing a new dimension to the nascent body of academic research in this area.

The concept of gamification has various areas of applications as a mechanism for creating motivation and engagement to behavioral change. However, there is a gap in current literature regarding guidelines for implementing gamification, leading to uncertainty and approaches of trial-and-error. To address this issue the purpose of this study was to increase understanding of the challenges and success factors when implementing gamification to create empirically validated guidelines in the form of a structured model. Two research questions were formulated: what are the significant challenges and success factors when implementing gamification? And how should managers act when implementing gamification? To answer the research questions, case studies of 13 ongoing or completed gamification projects was conducted. The data consisted of 20 semi-structured interviews with key individuals, primarily project managers within the selected projects. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis and relevant themes and dimensions were created, forming the back bone of the following structured model. This study identified four challenges during implementation of gamification relating to complications of stakeholder’s management, lack of end user support, lack of knowledge and understanding and lack of sufficient resources. In contrast, the four identified success factors were relating to favorable organizational environment, high intrinsic motivation, customizable gamification applications and high end-user involvement.  Also, this study resulted in a phase model describing what managerial actions should be taken when implementing gamification in three different phases: design, integration and operation. The actions in the design phase are: involve end-users early on, upper management involvement and ensuring sufficient resources, in the integration phase: ensure end-user involvement, development of technical platforms and evaluation and adjustment activities, and in the operational phase: create acceptance of end-users, balance individual and team based achievements and fine tune cooperation vs competition. The phase model can be used as a practical tool, explaining how managers in organizations should act on overcoming the significant challenges and utilizing significant success factors, thereby reducing uncertainty and need of trial-and-error when implementing gamification. By offering a phase model as well as insight of significant challenges and success factors, the current weakness of lack of solutions for integration for gamification in organizations is mitigated. For further studies, extensive single-market or exhaustive research on diverse markets are suggested to find stronger relations and patterns based on the initial work presented in this study. Also, testing the validity of the suggested phase model in actual business settings should be included in future studies.

The numerical computer models that simulate municipal solid waste (MSW) bioreactor landfills have mainly two components--a biodegradation process module and a multi-phase flow module. The biodegradation model describes the chemical and microbiological processes of solid waste biodegradation. The models available to date include predefined solid waste biodegradation reactions and participating species. In a bioreactor landfill several processes, such as anaerobic and aerobic biodegradation, nitrogen and sulfate cycling, precipitation and dissolution of metals, and adsorption and gasification of various anthropogenic organic compounds, occur simultaneously. These processes may involve reactions of several species and the available biochemical models for solid waste biodegradation do not provide users with the flexibility to selectively simulate these processes. This research work includes the development of a generalized biochemical process model, BIOKEMOD-3P, which can accommodate a large number of species and process reactions. This model is able to simulate bioreactor landfill processes in a completely mixed condition; when coupled with a multi-phase model it will be able to simulate a full-scale bioreactor landfill. This generalized biochemical model can simulate laboratory and pilot-scale operations which are important to determine biochemical parameters important for simulation of full-scale operations. To illustrate application of BIOKEMOD-3P, two sets of laboratory MSW bioreactors were simulated in this research work. The first demonstrated simulation of data from anaerobic biodegradation of MSW in experimental bioreactors. In another application, simultaneous nitrification and denitrification processes in MSW bioreactors were simulated. The results from these simulations generated information about various modeling parameters that would help implement these processes in a full-scale bioreactor landfill operation.

The melting behavior of polymers can provide information on their crystallization mechanism. However, the origin of the time-dependent low endotherm, or annealing peak, and the extent of melting-recrystallization-remelting during heating are still debated. The crystallization and subsequent melting behavior of isotactic polystyrene are explored in the context of Stroblâ "s 3-Phase model using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and wide angle X-ray diffraction. DSC experiments confirm the existence of a crystallization time-dependent low endotherm, and melting-recrystallization-remelting processes during heating. SAXS analysis using the correlation function confirms that the lamellar thickness increases with crystallization temperature and is independent of time. The spread between equilibrium melting and crystallization temperatures determined in this work (Tfâ"" = 533K, Tcâ"" = 544K) is much smaller than reported by Strobl et al. (Tfâ"" = 562K, Tcâ"" = 598K). These differences are partially attributed to overestimation in lamellar thicknesses calculated through the interface distribution function. Analysis of diffraction broadening shows that the apparent crystal size decreases with crystallization time, suggesting the formation of smaller/less perfect crystals during secondary crystallization. These results are consistent with observations that the glass transition temperature increases with crystallization time and supports the idea that secondary crystallization leads to increased amorphous conformational constraints. These results also suggest that the upward shift of the annealing peak during secondary crystallization is associated with increased amorphous constraints rather than increased crystal dimensions. The lack of distinction between Tfâ"" and Tcâ"" and the evolution of crystal size during crystallization stand in direct contrast with Stroblâ "s model. / Master of Science

The ability to monitor client change in psychotherapy over time is vital to quality assurance in psychotherapy as well as the continuing improvement of psychotherapy research. Currently there is not a free and comprehensive outcome measure for psychotherapy that meets current research and treatment goals. This study took further steps to validate a suite of measures to aid in treatment and research, theoretically based in the research domain criteria (RDoC) and the phase model of change frameworks. Items previously tested in a community sample were further tested in a clinical population in psychotherapy training clinics and a community clinical sample Data was analyzed using bi-factor confirmatory factor analysis and multidimensional item response theory. Additional exploratory analyses were conducted to explore differential item functioning in these samples.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering / M.H. Hosni / Z.C. Zheng / In order to study the capability of computational methods in investigating the mechanisms associated with disease and contaminants transmission in aircraft cabins, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models are used for the simulation of turbulent airflow, tracer gas diffusion, and particle dispersion in a generic aircraft cabin mockup. The CFD models are validated through comparisons of the CFD predictions with the corresponding experimental measurements. It is found that using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) with the Werner-Wengle wall function, one can predict unsteady airflow velocity field with relatively high accuracy. However in the middle region of the cabin mockup, where the recirculation of airflow takes place, the accuracy is not as good as that in other locations. By examining different k-ε models, the current study recommends the use of the RNG k-ε model with the non-equilibrium wall function as a Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) model for predicting the steady-state airflow velocity data. It is also found that changing the cabin air-inlet nozzle height has a significant effect on the flow behavior in the middle and upper part of the cabin, while the flow pattern in the lower part is not affected as much. Through the use of LES and species transport model in simulating tracer gas diffusion, very good agreement between predicted and measured tracer gas concentration data is observed for some monitoring locations, but the agreement level is not uniform for all the sampling point locations. The reasons for the deviations between predictions and measurements for those locations are discussed. The Lagrange-Euler approach is invoked in the particle dispersion simulations. In this approach, the equation of motion for the discrete phase is coupled with the continuous phase governing equations through the calculation of drag and buoyancy forces acting on particles. The continuous phase flow is turbulent and RANS is employed in order to calculate the continuous phase velocity field. A complete study on grid dependence for RANS simulation is performed through a controllable regional mesh refinement scheme. The grid dependence study shows that using unstructured grid with tetrahedral and hybrid elements in the refinement region are more efficient than using structured grid with hexahedral elements. The effect of turbulence on the particle dispersion is taken into account by using a stochastic tracking method (Discrete Random Walk model). One of the significant features of this study is the investigation of the effect of the number of tries on the accuracy of particle concentration predictions when Discrete Random Walk is used to model turbulent distribution of particles. Subsequently, the optimum number of tries to obtain the most accurate predictions is determined. In accordance with the corresponding experimental data, the effect of particle size on particle distribution is also studied and discussed through the simulation of two different sizes of mono-disperse particles in the cabin with straight injection tube, i.e., 3µm and 10µm. Due to the low particle loading, neglecting the effect of particles motion on the continuous phase flow-field seems to be a reasonable, simplifying assumption in running the simulations. However, this assumption is verified through the comparison of the results from 1-way and 2-way coupling simulations. Eventually through the simulations for the particle injection using the cone diffuser, the effects of cabin pressure gradient as well as the particle density on particles dispersion behavior are studied and discussed. In the last part of this dissertation, the turbulent airflow in a full-scale Boeing 767 aircraft cabin mockup with eleven rows of seats and manikins is simulated using steady RANS method. The results of this simulation cannot only be used to study the airflow pattern, but also can be used as the initial condition for running the tracer gas diffusion and particle dispersion simulations in this cabin mockup.

A avaliação das propriedades mecânicas do sistema respiratório é tipicamente realizada oscilando-se um fluxo nos pulmões através da traquéia, medindo-se a pressão resultante gerada na traquéia e relacionando-se os dois sinais em termos de alguns modelos matemáticos. Se o sinal de fluxo de perturbação tem seu espectro em banda larga e não apresenta uma amplitude muito elevada, assume-se que o sistema respiratório está se comportando de forma linear e calcula-se sua impedância de entrada. Alternativamente, alguns pesquisadores tem utilizado sinais de fluxo que apresentam um espectro em banda estreita, mas com altos valores de amplitude, e aplicam modelos paramétricos não-lineares para quantificar as relações entre fluxo e pressão. Pouco tem sido feito, entretanto, para considerar dados relativos ao sistema respiratório quando a excitação é de banda larga e o sistema reflete não-linearidades. Nesta pesquisa, esta categoria de dados foi considerada realizando-se experimentos com camundongos. Para interpretar estes dados, desenvolveu-se uma aproximação no domínio do tempo de um modelo muito empregado para descrever a impedância respiratória de entrada. Este modelo foi então estendido para incluir termos de resistência e elastância não-lineares. Descobriu-se que o modelo com termo de elastância não-linear estima melhor os dados experimentais quando amplitudes altas são utilizadas, relativamente ao modelo linear e ao modelo com termo resistivo não-linear. Este modelo pode também ser útil para detecção de hiperinsuflação dos pulmões durante a ventilação mecânica. / The assessment of the mechanical properties of the respiratory system is typically done by oscillating flow into the lungs via the trachea, measuring the resulting pressure generated at the trachea, and relating these two signals to each other in terms of some suitable mathematical model. If the perturbing flow signal is broadband and not too large in amplitude, linear behavior is usually assumed and the input impedance calculated. Alternatively, some researchers have used flow signals that are narrow band but large in amplitude, and invoked nonlinear lumped-parameter models to account for the relationship between flow and pressure. There has been little attempt, however, to deal with respiratory data that is both broadband and reflective of system nonlinearities. In the present study, it was collected such data from mice. To interpret these data, it was first developed a time-domain approximation to a widely used model of respiratory input impedance. It was then extended this model to include nonlinear resistive and elastic terms. It was found that the nonlinear elastic term fit the data better than the linear model or the nonlinear resistance model when amplitudes were large. This model may also be useful for detecting over inflation of the lung during mechanical ventilation.

A avaliação das propriedades mecânicas do sistema respiratório é tipicamente realizada oscilando-se um fluxo nos pulmões através da traquéia, medindo-se a pressão resultante gerada na traquéia e relacionando-se os dois sinais em termos de alguns modelos matemáticos. Se o sinal de fluxo de perturbação tem seu espectro em banda larga e não apresenta uma amplitude muito elevada, assume-se que o sistema respiratório está se comportando de forma linear e calcula-se sua impedância de entrada. Alternativamente, alguns pesquisadores tem utilizado sinais de fluxo que apresentam um espectro em banda estreita, mas com altos valores de amplitude, e aplicam modelos paramétricos não-lineares para quantificar as relações entre fluxo e pressão. Pouco tem sido feito, entretanto, para considerar dados relativos ao sistema respiratório quando a excitação é de banda larga e o sistema reflete não-linearidades. Nesta pesquisa, esta categoria de dados foi considerada realizando-se experimentos com camundongos. Para interpretar estes dados, desenvolveu-se uma aproximação no domínio do tempo de um modelo muito empregado para descrever a impedância respiratória de entrada. Este modelo foi então estendido para incluir termos de resistência e elastância não-lineares. Descobriu-se que o modelo com termo de elastância não-linear estima melhor os dados experimentais quando amplitudes altas são utilizadas, relativamente ao modelo linear e ao modelo com termo resistivo não-linear. Este modelo pode também ser útil para detecção de hiperinsuflação dos pulmões durante a ventilação mecânica. / The assessment of the mechanical properties of the respiratory system is typically done by oscillating flow into the lungs via the trachea, measuring the resulting pressure generated at the trachea, and relating these two signals to each other in terms of some suitable mathematical model. If the perturbing flow signal is broadband and not too large in amplitude, linear behavior is usually assumed and the input impedance calculated. Alternatively, some researchers have used flow signals that are narrow band but large in amplitude, and invoked nonlinear lumped-parameter models to account for the relationship between flow and pressure. There has been little attempt, however, to deal with respiratory data that is both broadband and reflective of system nonlinearities. In the present study, it was collected such data from mice. To interpret these data, it was first developed a time-domain approximation to a widely used model of respiratory input impedance. It was then extended this model to include nonlinear resistive and elastic terms. It was found that the nonlinear elastic term fit the data better than the linear model or the nonlinear resistance model when amplitudes were large. This model may also be useful for detecting over inflation of the lung during mechanical ventilation.

The research presented in this thesis is a contribution to the modeling and understanding of the dynamic behavior of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). A time-dependent, two-phase non-isothermal model of the membrane electrode assembly was developed and implemented using the finite element method. In addition to solving a phenomenological transport equation for water in the membrane, the model takes into consideration the non-equilibrium water sorption to better capture some of the dynamic characteristics of water transport in the MEA. Mass transfer using Fickian diffusion is implemented in the model. Two different models describing the electrochemical reactions in the catalyst layer including a macro-homogeneous model and an agglomerate model, are also implemented. Conservation of energy is included in the solution procedure in order to assess the impact of thermal effects on the dynamics of the transport in the MEA. For the purpose of model and concept validation, the model was first solved in a steady two-dimensional mode for a through- plane computational domain using a commercial software package, COMSOL Multiphysics version 3.2b. The impact of using a single- and two-phase modeling approaches was evaluated, and the predicted current-voltage performance characteristic are found in good agreement with the experimental data available in the literature. In addition, the developed model was benchmarked against a finite element-based in-house code for further validation and to evaluate numerical accuracy and computational performance. Transient simulations of operation under dynamic voltage sweeps are presented, and parametric studies are conducted to investigate the impact of various model, operation and transport properties on the predicted dynamic cell performance. In particular, the rate of load change, the difference in water content between the anode and cathode, and the water sorptions rate are shown to have significant impact on cell performance in unsteady operation, especially at higher current densities. Parametric studies also address the sensitivity of the model results to physical properties, highlighting the importance of accurately determining certain physical properties of the fuel cell components. Finally, the application of the model to air-breathing fuel cells provides further insight into the dynamic performance characteristic of such type of fuel cells.

L’opto-pyrotechnie (amorçage de la détonation par système optique) est l’une des innovations les plus prometteuses en termes de fiabilité, de sécurité et de performances pour les futurs lanceurs spatiaux. Le but de la thèse est d’étudier et de modéliser le premier des deux étages d’un Détonateur Opto-Pyrotechnique, constitué d’un explosif confiné dans une chambre de combustion fermée où se déroulent les premières phases d’une Transition Déflagration-Détonation. L’amorçage par laser de l’explosif puis la combustion en chambre isochore sont traités par le code EFAE, lequel est couplé au logiciel LS-DYNA qui simule la déformation et la rupture du disque de fermeture de la chambre, puis la propulsion du projectile résultant vers le second étage. En parallèle, diverses techniques expérimentales (adsorption de gaz, vélocimétrie hétérodyne, microscopie) ont mis en valeur plusieurs procédés physiques, ce qui a permis de tester le couplage entre EFAE et LS-DYNA, puis de déterminer et de hiérarchiser les paramètres affectant les critères industriels. / Opto-pyrotechnics (ignition of detonation by optical systems) is one of the most promising innovations to improve reliability, safety and performances on future space launchers. This thesis aims at studying and modeling the first stage from a two-stage opto-pyrotechnic detonator that consists of a condensed explosive confined in a closed combustion chamber, in which the beginning of a Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition occurs. The laser ignition of the explosive and its isochoric combustion are modeled by the EFAE code. This code is coupled with LS-DYNA software to deal with the deformation and the rupture of the metallic disk that closes the combustion chamber, and then with the subsequent propulsion of the projectile to the second stage. In parallel, various experimental technics (gas adsorption, photonic Doppler velocimetry, microscopy) have underlined several physical processes that allow first to test the coupling between EFAE and LS-DYNA, then to determine and classify influent parameters that affect the industrial specifications.