With the growth of ubiquitous computing, people are getting familiar and receptive to the idea of using non personal devices in public spaces. An example of such a possible device are the large ambient displays which can be found in airports, subway stations, malls, and bus stops. While most of these devices are not interactive, some offer interaction through touchscreen. This study explored the impact of body-movement-based interaction on engagement of a peripheral information display. We developed and exhibited two versions of the same peripheral information display in a public space. The first version offered interactivity while no interaction was available in the second version. We counted the number of people who watched/interacted with the displays and timed how long they spent doing so. Qualitative data was also gathered through semi structured interviews and non-participant observations. The statistical analysis provide evidences that the mean time spent watching/interacting with the peripheral information display is higher when there is interaction. We are 95% confident that the interval from 0.25 to 13.71 seconds contains the difierence of mean time spent watching/interacting with the display between the two versions. The interviews and observations indicated that the interaction implemented is easily understandable by the public in few seconds without the need of instructions. / Med framväxten av ubik datateknik blir människor allt mer bekanta och mottagliga för att använda allmänt tillgängliga enheter i det offentliga rum. Ett exempel på en sådan enhet är dom stora bildskärmar som placerats på flygplatser, tunnelbanestationer, köpcenter och busshållplatser. Dom flesta av dessa är inte interaktiva, men några är interaktiva genom touch. Denna studie utforskar effekten av kroppsrörelse-baserat interaktion på människors engagemang med perifera informationsskärmar. Vi utvecklade och ställde ut två versioner av en informationsskärm i ett offentligt rum. Den första versionen var interaktiv medans den andra var statisk. Vi räknade antalet människor som uppmärksammade/interagerade med informationsskärmen och tog tiden på hur länge dom eventuellt stannade. Kvalitativ data samlades genom intervjuer genom semistrukturerade intervjuer och icke-deltagande observationer. Statistisk analys av data ger underlag för att säga att medelvärdet för tid spenderat framför informationsskärmen var högre när den var interaktiv. Med ett konfidensintervall på 95% slår vi fast att skillnaden i medelvärde för tid spenderat engagerad med informationsskärmen ligger mellan 0,25 och 13,71 sekunder för dom två versionerna. Intervjuer och observationer pekar mot att den implementerade interaktionen är lätt att förstå inom loppet av några få sekunder utan behov av instruktioner.

The report reviews macro segregations in continuous cast steels and possible correlations to impact toughness. The purpose of the thesis is to investigate centreline segregates and V-segregates to see which of them that affect impact toughness the most. Apart from a literature study, Charpy-V data was collected with permission from SSAB for two steel types, grade A and grade B, each with respective dominant segregation type. The collected data was yielded in three individual Charpy-V tests at different spots on the metal sheet, derived within a close area. The average value of these tests were used in statistical analysis to observe the spread of values in different heats of the two steels. Additionally, the specimens were etched and captured in cross-section. Results indicated that for the data of grade A, where centreline segregates were dominant, the spread of values was higher than for the data of grade B. The conclusion is that centreline segregations are worse in relation to impact toughness, since higher deviations translates to less predictable properties from a customers perspective. / Denna rapport granskar makrosegringar i stränggjutet stål och eventuella kopplingar till slagseghet. Centrumsegringar och V-segringar undersöks för att undersöka vilken segringstyp som har störst effekt på slagseghet, vilket är syftet med denna avhandling. Förutom en litteraturstudie, hämtades Charpy-V data med SSAB’s medgivande från två olika stålsorter, kvalitet A och kvalitet B, med respektive dominant segringstyp. Datan som inhämtades erhölls från tre stycken Charpy-V tester för varje plåt, från ett närliggande område. Medelvärdet för dessa datapunkter användes i statistisk analysför att obeservera spridningen av datapunkter i olika charger av de två stålen. Dessutom, erhölls segringsbilder för respektive slab från SSAB. Resultaten visade att datapunkterna för kvalitet A, som hade centrumsegring som domiant segringstyp, var mer spridd än datan för kvalitet B. Således, är slutsatsen att centrumsegring är värre i relation till slagseghet eftersom en högre avvikelse leder till mindre förutsägbara egenskaper från en kunds perspektiv.

Finite element analysis modeling is a powerful technology to predict the response of materials and structures under certain loaded situations including the applied force, the changing temperature and humanity, the alterative boundary condition, etc. In this paper, the mechanical properties of wood material were analyzed with an emphasis on bending behavior under lateral applied force with the finite element simulation in ABAQUS (Dassault Systèmes, 2020 version). Two methods were conducted in ABAQUS commercial software and the modulus of elastic (MOE) attained from the computational results were compared with the data obtained from the experimental records. The simulation model with grain patterns into consideration showed more accurate behavior when comparing with the displacement from the 3rd point bending test during the elastic range. Machine learning method is widely applied to the image processing procedures like digital recognition. The paper developed a python script to process the wood image cross section with an environmental background and calculated the late wood proportion based on the unsupervised machine learning concept. Grab cut function and Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) image processing were defined to obtain the wood section and wood texture features separately. K-Means method was used to cluster the latewood and early wood material based on the mean value from the GLCM matrix then the script was able to calculate the ratio with a simple definition of the equation. The results of the latewood ratio from the python script were compared with the ratio from the dot grid method in this paper. Statistical models in SPSS version 27 (IBM, Chicago, IL) were taken for this paper to predict the relationship between several parameters quantitatively. Since the density, latewood ratio, and number of rings per inch are obviously correlated with each other, this paper proposed a ridge regression statistical model to study the relationship between MOE/modulus of rupture (MOR) with multiple independents. Ridge regression model is also known as Tikhonov Regularization method which aims to solve the collinearity problems that may lead to statistical bias with stepwise regression analysis.

Both Part I and Part II are included. / The separation of a mixture of glass spheres in water using 2 inch hydrocyclones was studied. <p> Three operating parameters were investigated: feed concentration, volume split and feed flow rate. In addition, three design parameters were cone angle, inlet diameter, and vortex finder length. The performance criterion parameters were the efficiency with which the solids were separated from the liquid, and the energy required per unit mass flowing through the hydrocyclone. </p> <p> First the experimental data were analyzed by three different statistical methods and the results compared in an attempt to determine which statistical method was most suitable for this two criteria system. The three methods were principal component analysis, canonical correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The theory behind these methods is briefly outlined. Our conclusion is that using all three methods give much more insight than could be obtained from any individual method. </p> <p> Second, an analysis of the above eight hydrocyclonc parameters of hydrocyclones with cylindrical sections indicated that for the range of parameters covered in this work, feed flow rate and inlet diameter influenced the energy loss most; volume split influenced the separation efficiency the most. Energy loss and separation efficiency are quite independent; this means that it is possible to design and run a hydrocyclone with high separation efficiency and low energy loss. The dilute concentrations used in this work indicate that a hydrocyclone of conventional design can be used in waste water treatment. When the parameters were correlated, a power model gave more consistent interpretation than a linear model. </p> <p> Third, the effect of the three operating parameters on hydrocyclones with three different body shapes suggested that the most efficient cyclone was one with a straight cone and no cylindrical section. The body shape dictated which parameters would significantly affect performance. </p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

<p dir="ltr">Examination of gaseous detonation flow-fields represents a unique experimental challenge. High-speed shock interaction within a reactive mixture manifests combustion modes across a range of spatial-temporal scales. While the kinetics along the leading front are often characterized by adiabatic compression, simultaneously strong shear induces turbulent mixing in downstream portions of the flow. This all occurs within a wave structure typically traveling near 2000 m/s. To advance fundamental understanding, high-resolution diagnostics are required to make quantitative, time-resolved measurements of the unsteady detonation propagation.</p><p dir="ltr">In this work, detonations are experimentally studied in a single-shot, narrow channel using non-intrusive optical diagnostics. The change in wave structure between mixtures fueled by methane and natural gas was characterized using 175 kHz schlieren and CH* chemiluminescence imaging. The effect of the higher order alkanes in natural gas is speed up the reaction kinetics and produce a wave structure with smaller spatial scales and in which reaction occurs closer to the leading shock front.</p><p dir="ltr">A schlieren system operating at a rate of 5 MHz is then implemented to resolve the spatial-temporal oscillation of the leading shock front. These images are used to compute the lead shock normal speed, which enables a statistical analysis of the oscillating shock velocity. The moments of distribution are compared with computed instability levels of sixteen mixtures and a positive correlation is found. Simultaneous chemiluminescence is used to create joint distribution of shock speed and chemical length scale, which are then compared with the quasi-steady reaction zone solution.</p><p dir="ltr">Experiments are performed with highly nitrogen diluted mixtures of methane and oxygen to examine specific flow features. Different regimes of transverse wave reactivity are observed, from nonreactive to detonative. The transverse detonation wave structure is modeled using oblique shock relations and good agreement is found. The chemical length scales within the configuration are compared to the relevant expansion scales to explain the observed near-steady propagation. Distinct reactive processes following transverse wave collision are also captured. In one instance an explosion immediately occurs, while in the other a reactive gas jet grows from the point of collision. An unsteady reaction zone model is applied to understand the reaction mode within the jet.</p><p dir="ltr">Lastly, 300 kHz OH PLIF is performed to study small scale and weak reaction structures within the flow. The evolution of deflagrative burning mechanisms becomes resolvable using this technique, which highlights the benefit of its use.</p>

Mammary cancer is a serious health issue in pet rabbits; prognostic factors are unknown. In a normal mammary gland, glandular secretory cells are surrounded by a single continuous layer of myoepithelial cells. In non-invasive mammary carcinomas, tumor cells are delineated by an intact myoepithelial layer, which is gradually lost to invasive carcinomas. The main aim of this study was to determine in rabbit mammary carcinomas (n = 119) the expression of myoepithelial markers that have prognostic significance in human cancer. Results show that all cases contained some retained myoepithelial cells. In 93% of the tumors, neoplastic cells expressed the myoepithelial marker calponin. There was a statistically significant association between higher percentages of calponin-containing cancer cells and histological features indicative of a better tumor differentiation, i.e., a lower proliferation of tumor cells, an increased percentage of tubular growth within the tumor, and a lower tumor grade, respectively. These results suggest that rabbit mammary carcinomas develop from progression of non-invasive cancer forms, and that calponin expression in cancer cells likely represents a favorable prognostic factor. The latter hypothesis has to be confirmed in long-term follow-up studies.

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High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a well-known and widely used analytical technique which is prevalent throughout the pharmaceutical industry as a research tool. Despite its prominence HPLC possesses some disadvantages, most notably slow analysis time and large consumption of organic solvents. Ultra Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) is a relatively new technique which offers the same separation capabilities of HPLC with the added benefits of reduced run time and lower solvent consumption. One of the key developments which facilitate the new UPLC technology is sub 2-µm particles used as column packing material. These particles allow for higher operating pressures and increased flow rates while still providing strong separation. Although UPLC technology has been available since early 2000, few laboratories have embraced the new technology as an alternative to HPLC. Besides the resistance to investing in new capital, another major roadblock is converting existing HPLC methodology to UPLC without disruption. This research provides a framework for converting existing HPLC methods to UPLC. An existing HPLC method for analysis of Galantamine hydrobromide was converted to UPLC and validated according to ICH guidelines. A series of statistical evaluations on the validation data were performed to prove the equivalency between the original HPLC and the new UPLC method. This research presents this novel statistical strategy which can be applied to any two methodologies to determine parity. / Chemistry

The U.S. healthcare system is facing many public health challenges that affect population health, societal well-being, and quality of healthcare. Infant mortality, opioid overdose death, and hospital readmission after stroke are some of these important public health concerns that can impact the effectiveness and outcomes of the healthcare system. We analyze these problems through the industrial engineering and data analytics lens. The major goal of this dissertation is to enhance understanding of these three challenges and related interventions using different levels of analysis to improve the health outcomes. To attain this objective, I introduced three stand-alone papers to answer the related research questions. In essay 1, we focused on the performance of the state's healthcare systems in reducing unfavorable birth outcomes such as infant mortality, preterm birth, and low birthweight using Data Envelopment Approach. We constructed a unique state-level dataset to answer this main research question: what does make a healthcare system more successful in improving the birth outcomes? Our results indicated that socioeconomic and demographic factors may facilitate or obstruct health systems in improving their outcomes. We realized that states with a lower rate of poverty and African-American women were more successful in effectively reduce unfavorable birth outcomes. In the second essay, we looked into the trends of the opioid overdose mortalities in each state from 2008 to 2017. We investigated the effect of four state laws and programs that have been established to curb the epidemic (i.e., dose and duration limitations on the initial prescription, pain management clinic laws, mandated use of prescription drug monitoring programs, and medical cannabis laws) in short and long-term, while we controlled for several protentional risk factors. The results of fixed-effect regression and significant tests indicated that state policies and laws were unlikely to result in an immediate reduction in overdose mortalities and comprehensive interventions were needed to restrain the epidemic. The third essay investigated the risk factors of 30-day readmission in patients with ischemic stroke at an individual level. We aimed to identify the main risk factors of stroke readmissions and prioritized them using machine learning techniques and logistic regression. We also introduced the most effective predictive model based on different performance metrics. We used the electronic health records of stroke patients extracted from two stroke centers within the Geisinger Health System from 2015 to 2018. This data set included a comprehensive list of clinical features, patients' comorbidities, demographical characteristics, discharge status, and type of health insurance. One of the major findings of this study was that stroke severity, insert an indwelling urinary catheter, and hypercoagulable state were more important than generally known diagnoses such as diabetes and hypertension in the prediction of stroke 30-day readmission. Furthermore, machine learning-based models can be designed to provide a better predictive model. Overall, this dissertation provided new insights to better understand the three major challenges of the U.S. healthcare system and improve its outcomes. / Doctor of Philosophy / The major goal of a healthcare system can be summarized in three main objectives: preventing preterm birth and premature mortality, advancing the quality of life, and preparing for a good death. Despite all the national efforts to achieve these goals, the U.S. healthcare system still faces many obstacles and crises and suffers from inefficiencies. The U.S. infant mortality rate is still higher than any other comparable advanced country. The opioid overdose death rate has been steadily increasing since 1999 and has risen exponentially in recent years. Hospital readmissions especially in stroke patients impose a substantial cost burden on the healthcare system in the U.S. Also, readmitted stroke patients are at higher risk of mortality compared to the first admission. I believe that industrial engineering and data analytics approaches can help in advancing the understanding of these health challenges, their important risk factors, and effective interventions. In this dissertation, the main focus was on the performance, trends, variations, and processes of the healthcare systems. We applied innovative methods to provide answers to the following questions in three essays: What does make a healthcare system more successful in improving the birth outcomes? What factors do explain mortality from opioid painkillers? What are the determinants of state variations in mortalities from an opioid overdose? What is the impact of states' laws and programs and opioid prescription rates and overdose mortality rates? What are the most important contributors to stroke readmissions? The results of the first essay showed that not all the state's healthcare systems perform the same in terms of reducing unfavorable birth outcomes. States with lower people in poverty and lower African American women were more successful in improving their birth outcomes. The second study revealed that states with a higher share of uninsured people and binge drinkers were suffering from higher opioid overdose deaths. Also, our results implied that in addition to upstream prevention policies, states need to implement downstream programs to curb the epidemic. Finally, the third study showed that the top predictors of stroke readmissions within 30 days consist of the severity of the stroke, insert an indwelling urinary catheter, being overweight, and malnourished. The results of this dissertation can help to educate policymakers and practitioners at state and organizational level in a way to better serve the society and ultimately enhance the population health, quality of healthcare, and societal well-being.

Ce mémoire porte sur les facteurs institutionnels qui ont contribué à l’entrée des femmes artistes dans la collection du Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, dont le pourcentage d’œuvres d’artistes-femmes, vis-à-vis des œuvres d’artistes-hommes, apparaît élevé en comparaison de ceux des collections d’arts modernes ou contemporains des musées nord-américains et d’Europe de l’Ouest. Selon le calcul effectué en 2016 par la conservatrice responsable de la collection, Marie-Ève Beaupré, la part d’œuvres de femmes artistes conservées au MAC à cette date serait de 33 %. La production de graphiques donnant à voir l’évolution de la quantité d’acquisitions par catégorie de genre s’est fondée sur une reprise des stratégies visuelles et militantes déployées par les Guerrilla Girls dès le milieu des années 1980. Ces visualisations ont été produites en collaboration avec Lena Krause, responsable du laboratoire l’Ouvroir d’histoire de l’art et de muséologie numériques de l’Université de Montréal. Le premier chapitre vise alors à expliciter l’intégration de ce mémoire au champ d’études d’histoire de l’art féministes d’après lesquelles les données statistiques représentent les points de départ d’analyses des modalités et des processus de reconnaissance institutionnelle des artistes (White 1965, Nochlin 1971, Arbour 2000, Dumont 2008, Zemans et Wallace 2013, Christensen 2016, Dymond 2019, Greenwald 2021). La majorité des pics d’acquisition d’œuvres d’artistes-femmes au MAC, repérés au deuxième chapitre, correspond à des stratégies d’attraction de donations, de même qu’à des acquisitions multiples et massives d’œuvres provenant de collections de marchand.e.s d’art et d’entreprises. Au troisième chapitre, nos repérages sont intégrés à des analyses transversales dans lesquelles plusieurs secteurs de l’institution sont mis en relation. Nous analysons en particulier l’impact de directeur.rice.s et de conservateur.rice.s sur la mise en place d’orientations favorables à l’amélioration de la représentation des femmes artistes dans la programmation ainsi que dans la collection. Finalement, la prévalence de médiums au sein du corpus d’œuvres d’artistes-femmes conservées s’avère refléter la valorisation, au musée, de mouvements qui ont émergé sur le devant de la scène artistique québécoise et auxquels a participé un certain nombre de femmes. / This thesis examines the institutional factors that have contributed to the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal’s acquisition of works of art by women artists. In this collection, the percentage of works of arts by women artists, related to works of arts by men artists, appears high in comparison with those of modern or contemporary art collections in North American and Western European museums. According to a calculation made in 2016 by Marie-Ève Beaupré, the curator in charge of the collection, the proportion of works by women artists held by the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal at that time would be 33%. The production of graphs showing the evolution of the number of acquisitions by gender category was founded on the visual and activist strategies deployed by the Guerrilla Girls since the mid-1980s. These data visualizations were produced in collaboration with Lena Krause, head of laboratory l’Ouvroir d'histoire de l'art et de muséologie numériques at Université de Montréal. The first chapter then aims to situate this thesis into the field of feminist art history studies, according to which statistical data represent the starting point for analyses on the modalities and processes of artists' institutional recognition (White 1965, Nochlin 1971, Arbour 2000, Dumont 2008, Zemans and Wallace 2013, Christensen 2016, Dymond 2019, Greenwald 2021). In the second chapter, most of the identified peaks in the acquisition of works by women artists correspond to strategies for attracting donations, as well as to multiple and massive acquisitions of works from corporate and art dealers’ collections. In the third chapter, our findings are integrated into cross-cutting analyses that link several sectors of the institution. In particular, the impact of female directors and curators on the implementation of strategies conducive to improving the representation of women artists in programming and within the collection. Finally, the prevalence of some mediums within the corpus of works by women artists in the museum's collection reflects the museum's emphasis on movements that emerged at the forefront of Québec’s art scene in which a large number of women took part.