This research focuses on estimation and analysis of stream sinuosity using GIS. Fifty-five streams including 13 streams of order 0, 17 streams of order 1, 15 streams of order 2 and 10 streams of order 3 in Virginia were considered. Several GIS datasets from various sources, including the Virginia Base Mapping Program (VBMP) and United States Geological Survey (USGS), were used to generate stream networks using GIS. Sinuosity was computed using GIS based on a technique comparable to the approach used in an Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program's (EMAP's) field survey report. Field sinuosity data from EMAP report were used as reference data for analyzing the accuracy of sinuosity values from different GIS data sources and resolutions. The GIS technique was implemented for computing sinuosity for 55 streams in Virginia using vector data including the VBMP Hydro44 and National Hydrography Data (NHD). Insufficient statistical evidence was found to support the hypothesis that the computed sinuosity values using Hydro44 and NHD data are different from EMAP field data for all 55 streams. Sinuosity values computed using Hydro44 and NHD were found to increase with the increase in EMAP sinuosity (positive correlation) for all 55 streams. EMAP data on sinuosity, however, did not predict sinuosity values computed using Hydro44 (R² = 27%) and NHD (R² = 10%) sources well. It was found that the GIS technique of computing sinuosity using digital data such as Hydro44 (VBMP source) and NHD (USGS source 1:24,000) is better suited for stream orders 2 and 3. Insufficient statistical evidence was found that computed sinuosity values for streams derived using various resolutions (i.e., DTM 3m, DTM 10m, DTM 30m, DEM 10m and DEM 30m) are different from EMAP field data. Positive correlation was observed between sinuosity values for streams derived in all resolutions with EMAP field data. DTM 10m resolution data yielded best correlation value (75%) with EMAP field data. / Master of Science

Inverse problems, foundational in applied sciences, involve deducing system inputs from specific output observations. These problems find applications in diverse domains such as aerospace engineering, weather prediction, and oceanography. However, their solution often requires complex numerical simulations and substantial computational resources. Modern machine learning based approaches have emerged as an alternative and flexible methodology for solving these types of problems, however their generalization power often comes at the cost of working with large descriptive datasets, a requirement that many applications cannot afford. This thesis proposes and explores the novel Deep Multi-resolution Operator Network (DMON), inspired by the recently developed DeepONet architecture. The DMON model is designed to solve inverse problems related to chaotic non-linear systems with low-resolution data through intelligently utilizing high-resolution data from a similar system. Performance of the DMON model and the proposed selection mechanisms are evaluated on two chaotic systems, a double pendulum and turbulent flow around a cylinder, with improvements observed under idealized scenarios whereby high and low-resolution inputs are manually paired, along with minor improvements when this pairing is conducted through the proposed the latent space comparison selection mechanism. / Master of Science / In everyday life, we often encounter the challenge of determining the cause behind something we observe. For instance, meteorologists infer weather patterns based on limited atmospheric data, while doctors use X-rays and CT scans to reconstruct images representing the insides of our bodies. Solving these so called ``inverse problems'' can be difficult, particularly when the process is chaotic such as the weather, whereby small changes result in much larger ones over time. In this thesis, we propose a novel method using artificial intelligence and high-resolution simulation data to aid in solving these types of problems. Our proposed method is designed to work well even when we only have access to a small amount of information, or the information available isn't very detailed. Because of this there are potential applications of the proposed method across a wide range of fields, particularly those where acquiring detailed information is difficult, expensive, or impossible.

Dyslexia is a clinical diagnosis often associated with phonological processing deficits. There are, however, other areas of concern, such as the presence of auditory temporal processing (ATP) disorders. One method of investigating ATP is the gap detection (GD) paradigm. This study investigated GD performance using the Gaps-in-Noise © (GIN) test in three groups of 30 children, aged 8 to 9 years. GD thresholds and gap identification scores (%) were determined for each participant. The three groups of participants included (Group I) children with dyslexia and phonological deficits, (Group II) children with dyslexia and no significant phonological deficits, and (Group III) normal reading peers. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed that GD thresholds for the three groups were significantly different. Group I showed longer GD thresholds (RE, 8.5 msec; LE, 8 msec), than did Group II (4.9 msec for both ears) or Group III (RE, 4.2 msec; LE, 4.3 msec). Close inspection of the threshold values for the three groups revealed that the thresholds for Group II overlapped substantially with those of Group III, but not with those of Group I. Similar trends were also noted for the gap identification analysis. From a clinical perspective, the majority of participants in Group II and all participants in Group III performed within normal limits on both measures (i.e., thresholds and identifications), while performance of participants in Group I fell below established norms on these measures. Finally, additional analyses revealed that ATP was highly correlated with phonological processing measures indicating a relationship between the presence of phonological deficits and ATP deficits. This study confirmed that ATP deficit is a factor to be considered in dyslexia and suggested that the GIN © test is a promising clinical tool that should be incorporated in the evaluation procedures for children with reading difficulties.

<p> In recent years, community interest groups have played an integral role in conflict situations. This paper focuses on community response to locational conflict and the community's role in the process of conflict resolution. A conceptual model of locational conflict is developed. The model includes three essential elements. These are (i) community perceptions of a facility, (ii) the formation of a community group and (iii) a cycle of conflict. This framework leads to a hypothesis that there exists a cycle of conflict between community response to locational conflict and conflict resolution. Specifically, as a conflict evolves there exists a cyclical repetition of stages which lead to a cycle of conflict. As an empirical example of locational conflict, the Upper Ottawa Street Landfill is used to evaluate the validity of the model. Illegal chemical dumping in the past has created an environmental conflict for the surrounding community. The analysis illuminated the hypothesis that a cycle of conflict exists between community response to locational conflict and conflict resolution. </p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Arts (BA)

<p> X-ray fluorescence has been used to measure levels of lead in the bone for many years. This technique is particularly important for the occupational monitoring of those exposed to lead in the workplace as it provides an indication of long term exposure and retention in the body. The measurement of kidney mercury by x-ray fluorescence has been developed recently and is currently being improved for future use in occupational monitoring.</p> <p> X-ray fluorescence detection systems conventionally employ analog-amplifier components. Recently, digital spectrometers have been developed which can replace these conventional electronics components. The digital systems offer higher throughput without major losses in resolution which translates to better precision and reduced detection limits for x-ray fluorescence measurements.</p> <p> Investigations using the DSPECplus and DSA-2000 digital spectrometers for the measurement of bone lead in phantoms showed significant improvements in precision and potential reductions in MDL compared to conventional electronics. The use of the DSA-2000 digital spectrometer in a bone lead survey was shown to improve measurement uncertainties for in vivo bone lead measurements. Investigations using the DSA-2000 for the XRF measurement of kidney mercury in phantoms also showed a significant reduction in MDL for this system by the introduction of digital spectroscopy.</p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Little is known about how healthy aging impacts figure-ground (FG) perception, which is critical in organizing complex visual input into coherent figures. Inhibitory-suppression is thought to be critical in resolution between competing FG interpretations. Given the age-related changes to inhibitory cortical mechanisms, my thesis investigated the hypothesis that processes underlying FG organization are impaired in aging. We explored the effects of age on the convexity context effect (CCE): the tendency to perceive convex regions as figural [i.e., P(Convex=Figure)] increases with surrounding convex and concave regions. In Chapter 2, we observed that adding context by increasing region number, increased P(Convex=Figure) in younger and older observers, but this CCE was significantly reduced in older adults. Reducing competition between perceptual interpretations by heterogeneously colouring convex regions, thereby invalidating the alternative {Concave=Figure} stimulus interpretation, greatly increased P(Convex=Figure) in older observers. These results supported the notion that aging impairs FG organization, particularly in relatively high competition contexts. In Chapter 3, we explored the possibility that reduced presumption of depth in our stimuli might explain the reduced the CCE in older observers by adding texture motion to region fills consistent with depth in the stimulus. The results were inconsistent with the hypothesis, but supported the reduced inhibitory-suppression hypothesis of the age effect. In Chapter 4, we explored the neural activation associated with the processing mechanisms underlying the resolution of FG competition. The results indicated that the N250 in younger observers but not older observers is sensitive to high vs. low competition contexts. Furthermore, individual differences in this N250-competition effect were correlated with the behavioural effect of competition. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the processing underlying FG organization is impaired in senescence, which may stem from reduced efficacy of the neural architecture supporting this ability. Various implications of this work are discussed. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

<p> High resolution measurements of the far-infrared absorption spectra due to a number of substitutional impurities in KBr and KCl are presented. Several Van Hove singularities of the phonon spectrum of the host lattice are directly observed and found to shift to higher frequencies as the impurity concentration is increased. The first direct experimental evidence for the change of shape or metamorphism of singularities is also presented. The experimental spectra are compared with numerical calculations based on the ordinary shell model for the defect together with phonon data obtained from inelastic neutron scattering experiments. Agreement between experiment and calculation is generally good when impurity resonant modes are absent.</p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Women’s roles in peacebuilding are often marginalized, necessitating a reevaluation of their contributions to peace initiatives. Research has shown that participation of women in peace processes and peacebuilding activities can increase the chances of democratization as they are less violent and more caring, i.e more suitable for these activities. To be able to analyze the long-term changes and consequences of female participation in peacebuilding this study focused  on the women's organization the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET). Through this organization, this research sought to understand if Resolution 1325 made any long-term differences for women in peacebuilding in Liberia from 2003 until 2023.   Scholars underscores Liberian women’s pivotal role in shaping peacebuilding strategies, advocating for gender-inclusive measures. While post-conflict countries have increased women’s participation in governance, Resolution 1325’s impact needs scrutiny. Despite progress, substantial investment is needed to achieve gender parity, especially in local governance and public service. This study employs a qualitative research approach, focusing on the analysis of existing data with a specific emphasis on women’s rights organization in Liberia. The goal is to enrich understanding of women’s peacebuilding roles and the lasting effects of international resolutions from their engagement.  It was the advocacy efforts of women that led to a recognition of the interrelation between gender equality and sustainable peace. Women were included in various post-conflict mechanisms and transition processes as a result of this recognition. It is evident that the journey toward gender equality is both complex and intertwined between international resolutions, local advocacy, and the subsequent inclusion of women in leadership roles.

Global crises are associated with significant shifts in the relationship functioning of romantic couples. The novel Coronavirus pandemic has caused financial distress which may pose a threat to the wellbeing of romantic couples. Previous studies show economic declines cause damaging strain on relationship functioning, specifically the relationship satisfaction, conflict resolution, and commitment influencing variables. To study the effects of the pandemic on these relationship functioning variables, researchers recruited and divided 228 participants into two groups – individuals in relationships that began before the outbreak of the COVID pandemic (Before January 2020 – pre-COVID; N= 148), and individuals in relationships that started after the initial wave of the pandemic (After March 2020 – post-COVID; N= 80). Our results show a significant association between economic strain and conflict resolution. This finding suggests that circumstances that induce financial strain – similar to the COVID-related economic declines – may be linked to the deterioration of couples' abilities to solve conflicts. Although there were no significant differences in the relationship functioning variables of individuals in relationships that began prior to the pandemic in comparison to individuals in relationships that began while the pandemic was underway, findings suggest that future analyses may lead to significant results.

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