Ryerson University

About: Ryerson University is a education organization based out in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 7671 authors who have published 20164 publications receiving 394976 citations. The organization is also known as: Ryerson Polytechnical Institute & Ryerson Institute of Technology.

Control method for cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter with faulty power cells

Abstract: To increase the fault tolerance for cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverters, a novel control algorithm is proposed for the inverter operating under faulty conditions. The influence of various faults on space vectors is investigated and the maximum achievable output voltage of the inverter with faulty power cells is derived. Making use of the redundant switching states, the proposed algorithm is able to produce a three-phase balanced line-to-line voltage with minimum harmonic distortion for the inverter with disabled power cells. In addition, the control algorithm is suitable for use in the cascaded H-bridge inverters of any voltage levels. Simulation and experimental results are provided for verification.

A strategic service quality approach using analytic hierarchy process

Abstract: – The paper aims to develop a technique that considers competition using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) framework to measure service quality., – The present study adapted the AHP methodology to the measurement of service quality, involving five steps – referred to as “analytical hierarchy process for service quality” (“AHP‐SQ”). Subsequently, the authors demonstrate how the technique can be applied to the fast‐food restaurants., – The AHP‐SQ approach described in this study thus assists management to devise and maintain a relevant, competitive plan for ongoing improvements in service quality. Specifically, such analysis enables the following questions to be addressed: “How does the firm perform in terms of service quality in relation to its competitors?”; “Given the firm's resources, which service initiatives will enhance its service competitiveness?”; “Which service areas require immediate improvement?”; “How should the firm's service improvement be prioritized?”, and “What opportunities exist for service improvement in relation to the competition?”, – It would be important to consider the “right” dimensions of service quality that are relevant to the respective industry. It would also be essential to collect responses from customers who have utilized the services of the focal firm as well as its competitors in order to have an accurate opinion., – The framework proposed here allows management to address two main issues pertaining to its competitive advantage: establishing its performance ranking in the marketplace; and identifying the service elements that most require improvement., – The paper develops a cohesive approach to help managers identify which reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, responsiveness (RATER) service dimensions require attention to create a sustainable competitive advantage. It offers a “bigger picture” in service‐quality management.

Health decline among recent immigrants to Canada: findings from a nationally-representative longitudinal survey.

Abstract: Objective: The healthy immigrant effect suggests new immigrants to Canada enjoy better health, on average, than those born in Canada, yet cross-sectional data suggest that immigrants who have been in Canada for decades have comparable health to their native-born peers. We analyzed prospective cohort data to identify the factors associated with health decline among new immigrants. Methods: The Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada was conducted by Statistics Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada between April 2001 and November 2005. A probability sample of 7,716 recent immigrants from abroad was interviewed three times: at six months, two years and four years after arrival in Canada. Logistic regression was used to model predictors of a two-step decline in self-reported health (e.g., from excellent to good or from very good to fair). Results: Among recent immigrants, 15% reported a two-step decline in health in the first four years after arrival in Canada. In comparison, only 6% of non-immigrants from a similar age cohort reported a two-step decline in health during the same time period. The characteristics associated with an increased likelihood of health decline among recent immigrants include initial health status, age, gender, marital status, language skills and place/region of birth. Experience of discrimination was also associated with health decline. One in four immigrants who experienced a health decline reported problems accessing Canadian health services. Conclusions: The process of immigration is associated with health decline for some recent immigrants. These findings support Health Canada’s identification of immigration as a determinant of health. Strategies need to be developed to improve access to health care among new immigrants. Key words: Emigration and immigration; longitudinal studies; discrimination; health status disparities; minority health Objective: The healthy immigrant effect suggests new immigrants to Canada enjoy better health, on average, than those born in Canada, yet cross-sectional data suggests that immigrants who have been in Canada for decades have comparable health to their native-born peers. We analyzed prospective cohort data to identify the factors associated with health decline among new immigrants. Methods: The Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada was conducted by Statistics Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada between April 2001 and November 2005. A probability sample of 7,716 recent immigrants from abroad was interviewed three times: six months, two years and four years after arrival in Canada. Logistic regression was used to model predictors of a two-step decline in self-reported health. Results: Among recent immigrants, 15% reported a two-step decline in health in the first four years after arrival in Canada. In comparison, only 6% of non-immigrants from a similar age cohort reported a two-step decline in health during the same time period. The characteristics associated with an increased likelihood of health decline among recent immigrants include initial health status, age, gender, marital status, language skills and place/region of birth. Experience of discrimination was also associated with health decline. One in four immigrants who experienced a health decline reported problems accessing Canadian health services. Conclusions: The process of immigration appears to promote health decline. These findings support Health Canada’s identification of immigration as a determinant of health. Strategies need to be developed to improve access to health care among new immigrants.

The Impact of Financial Literacy on New Venture Survival

Abstract: This is an investigation into the impact of financial literacy on new venture survival. A model is proposed in whichincreased adoption of financial tools (e.g. financial statements and financial ratios) leads to increased frequency offinancial statement generation which in turn increases the likelihood of loan repayment and decreases theprobability of venture failure. A structural model was then tested using data from 509 young entrepreneurs inCanada who had received start up loans through their participation in a program by the Canadian Youth BusinessFoundation. This research found that increases in financial literacy led to more frequent production of financialstatements. This research found that entrepreneurs who produced financial statements more frequently had ahigher probability of loan repayment and a lower probability to close their venture involuntarily.