VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
BinPro: A Tool for Binary Backdoor Accountability in Code Audits
Keywords: Backdoor
Computer Security
Graph Matching
Program Analysis
Static Analysis

Highly security sensitive organizations often perform source code audits on software they use. However, after the audit is performed, they must still perform a binary code audit to ensure the binary provided to them matches the source code that was audited. BinPro seeks to reduce the manual effort required to perform the binary audit by accounting for the binary versions of functions in a given source code. To do this, BinPro combines static analysis, graph matching and machine learning. Over a corpus of 10 applications, BinPro is able to match 74% of binary functions with their source code counterparts, and thus determine that they are free of malicious backdoors if their source code version is. When evaluated on applications that backdoors inserted into their binaries, BinPro detects that they do not match any function in the source code.
The Effect of Two Wattages of Low-level Laser Therapy on Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Keywords: Arndt-Schultz
histology
LLLT
low-level laser
orthodontic tooth movement
rats

The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) has generated mixed outcomes due to the variability of parameters used. The aims of this study were to test for differences in OTM, gene expression using RT-qPCR, and histological changes of molars exposed to two different wattages at the same energy density. A 10g force was applied to molars of three rat groups: CT (no laser), EX-500 (500 mW)and EX-1000 (1000 mW). There were statistically significant differences in OTM between EX-500 and CT groups and RANKL and MMP-13 expression levels between CT and laser groups. Histologically, 56% of the EX-1000 revealed early dysplastic changes. Both wattages of laser therapy increased remodeling in the PDL that may or may not translate into increased OTM. Future studies should focus on elucidating possible biphasic responses of LLLT before it can be offered as a consistent modality for accelerating OTM.
Mammalian Kidney Development in the Context of GLI3R
Keywords: Development
GLI3R
Hedgehog
Kidney

Mammalian kidney development is dependent on molecular signalling mechanisms between multiple embryonic cell lineages. Dysregulated Hedgehog (HH) signalling is implicated in kidney development and truncating mutations in the HH transcriptional effector GLI3 causes renal hypoplasia, dysplasia, or urinary tract malformations. Using the
A Surface Admittance Approach For Fast Calculation of the Series Impedance of Cables Including Skin, Proximity, and Ground Return Effects
Keywords: method of moments
power cable modelling
series impedance
Surface method
transients

The accurate calculation of broadband series impedance of power cables is required to predict transients induced in power systems. Since modern power cables have complex geometries with hundreds of tightly packed conductors, existing techniques to compute their series impedance are either inaccurate or very slow. This thesis presents MoM-SO, a fast and accurate technique to compute the per-unit length impedance of cables made up of solid and hollow round conductors placed inside a tunnel in a multilayer ground environment. MoM-SO employs a surface-approach to solve for the impedance. In this approach, only fields on the boundaries of the conductors are discretized and calculated. As shown in the examples, this discretization scheme makes MoM-SO over 1000 times faster than existing volumetric-based methods like finite-element tools. MoM-SO is also accurate because it includes skin, proximity, and ground return effects which govern the behaviour of fields inside a cable.
Molecular Characterization of Preeclampsia In Vivo and In Vitro
Keywords: heterogeneity
preeclampsia
pregnancy

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by poor placental development. Unfortunately, variations in PE pathogenesis have made management and development of effective intervention agents difficult. An improved understanding of the molecular basis of PE is required to properly classify this complex disease, and determine effects drugs may have on molecular profiles. Here, we sought to characterize the molecular profiles present in PE, and intervention agent heparin's effect on these profiles. Proteomic analysis of placentas from the BPH5 PE mice model revealed differential protein expression and increased Stat3 phosphorylation compared to wild-type mice. Increased Stat3 phosphorylation was also observed in an additional in vivo, and one in vitro PE model. Microarray and phospho-proteomic analysis revealed differential effects of heparin on molecular profiles in in vivo and in vitro PE models. Identifying molecular pathways altered and which pathways heparin targets in PE may aid in designing individualized therapeutic approaches.
Examining Relationships between Heritage Management and Heritage Information within the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
Keywords: Community Heritage
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
Heritage Information
Heritage Management
Living History
Place-identity

This thesis explores central issues of heritage management through frameworks of place identity, collective memory, as well as heritage and information studies to investigate the following two questions: How is the connection between a community and a built space shaped by heritage designation? Which community members, whether individuals or groups, are involved in the production of heritage information, how is that information selected, codified, communicated, and otherwise promoted through heritage management systems including planning and conservation policy frameworks? A case analysis of the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse provides a means of examining the social processes involved in heritage management and designation as they relate to community engagement and urban development. Through analysis of archival materials from the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Foundation and Little Trinity Church Archives, this study found evidence of communication trends, interests and motivations of individuals and groups, as well as differences in the representation of Schoolhouse narratives.
Teneurin C-terminal Associated Peptide (TCAP)-1 Mediates Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) - independent Testosterone Production in Male Mice: Evidence from In vivo and In vitro Models
Keywords: GPCRs
Neuroendocrinology
Peptides
Reproduction
Steroidogenesis
Testes

The teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP) is encoded by the terminal exon of each of the four teneurin genes, the established endogenous ligands of the adhesion G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), ADGRL. Although little is known about the teneurin/TCAP-ADGRL complex activity in non-neural tissues, TCAP-1 has now been implicated in testosterone production in male mice. With the combined application of in vivo and in vitro methods, my work indicated that TCAP-1 has the ability to regulate gonadal testosterone production. Using my in vivo data, TCAP-1 was shown to increase male mouse fecal testosterone concentrations. Furthermore, in vitro studies utilizing immortalized mouse Leydig (TM3) and Sertoli (TM4) cells suggested that TCAP-1 activates these cells differentially. In the TM3 cells, a significant increase in testosterone synthesis was observed upon TCAP-1 stimulation, indicating that this mechanism may be independent of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropin action. Additionally, using siRNA transient transfection, I showed that this mechanism might be dependent upon binding and activation of the ADGRL receptor.
Decolonizing Every Day: Exploring Relationships, Stories, and Practices for Decolonization
Keywords: Decolonization
Relationships
Repatriation
Spirituality
Storytelling
Transformative Learning

In this thesis I reflect ethnographically on ‘every day’ experiences and stories that have shaped my own transformational learning about colonialism and decolonization to inspire and contribute to ongoing discussions and action on decolonization. The struggle of my close friend Natasha (Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw) to uncover where she is from originally inspired me to ask similar questions of my settler family. In this research I have learned from: family members, Ancestors, friends and mentors, archival online data and importantly, Natasha, and her friends and family in the birth community she found after years of searching. This research in our respective communities shows the relationships of my family; to one another, Indigenous people on Turtle Island, the Land, Spirit and colonialism. It also demonstrates the vitality of life-giving worldviews and relationships with land, Spirit and each other; with emphasis on the importance of supportive and accountable relationships in decolonizing work.
Delineating a Metabolomic Signature for the Transition from Gestational Diabetes to Type 2 Diabetes
Keywords: Diabetes
Machine Learning
Metabolomics
Predictive modelling
Pregnancy
System biology

Although gestational diabetes (GDM) is of a transient nature, up to 50% of women with GDM develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) within 5 years. Despite this extremely high risk, post-partum screening remains low. Here, we delineated a predictive metabolomic signature of disease transition. The study patients were part of the SWIFT Cohort, which follows 1010 GDM women, 109 of which developed T2D two years post-partum. Future cases were matched to future controls based on ethnicity, age and pre-pregnancy BMI. Hexoses, specific amino acids, specific sphingomyelin and specific phosphatidylcholine species associated with T2D. Through a J48 decision tree predictive modelling in the training set, future T2D incidence was predicted in an independent testing set with discriminative power 0.769 (P
Use of Mobile Phone Technology to Support Improved Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Scoping Review
Keywords: behaviour change communication
breastfeeding
complementary feeding
mobile phones

Sub-optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices persist in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), contributing to the burden of malnutrition, morbidity and mortality. Contextualized behavior change communication (BCC) delivered through interpersonal support at the community level is effective for improving IYCF practices, but not widely available in LMIC. This scoping review examined the potential for mobile phone technology to facilitate greater access to quality BCC for IYCF. Four delivery channels were identified through a search of the published and grey literature and consultation with implementers. Direct messaging, voice counseling, job aid applications and interactive media each emphasize different BCC techniques. Four studies reported positive effects on IYCF practices with mobile phone-based BCC delivery, but contexts and designs vary. Further research is needed. The incorporation of mobile phone technology in BCC interventions should be guided by formative research to match both the content and delivery approach to the local context.
Artifacts on Air: Cultural Coherence, Collaboration, and Remote Access in Indigenous Archeological Collections
Keywords: Accessibility
Archaeology
Collaboration
First Nations radio
Ontario
Remote access

This thesis explores if and how radio can be used to promote remote access to Indigenous archaeological collections for descendant communities, with attention to how First Nations media techniques can inform museum interpretation. With increasing globalization, museums can now reach audiences who may never enter the museumâ s physical space. This is especially important for First Nations with a strong cultural interest in museum collections they are often unable to visit. How then, can we interpret Indigenous objects in a culturally coherent manner without a physical encounter? Within this, how can competing expert narratives be navigated through collaborative practice? This thesis acknowledges the insufficiencies of visual media for remotely interpreting Indigenous material heritage. Audio is proposed as a supplementary medium, which offers alternative interpretive benefits and is more broadly accessible. The radio format is also used to consider tensions between the presence and absence of objects and people.
Requirement(s) for the Replication of Lucerne Transient Streak Virus Satellite RNA
Keywords: Biology
Molecular
Plant
Virology

The satellite RNA of Lucerne Transient Streak Virus (LTSV) is a 322-nucleotide, single-stranded circular RNA with a high degree of base-pairing (70%) that has a rod-like structure very similar to that of viroids. As it does not encode any translation products and cannot replicate independently of a helper virus, the satellite RNA is proposed to rely on viral-encoded proteins for the replication and cell-to-cell movement that facilitate its systemic infection in a host. To investigate the requirements for replication and cell-to-cell movement of the LTSV satellite RNA, transgenic plant systems were generated to express the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Results of infectivity assays of these transgenic lines demonstrated for the first time that the viral encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is necessary and sufficient for the replication of LTSV satellite RNA, and no additional viral-encoded protein products for its cell-to cell or systemic transport.
Integrating Biologic and Clinical Data towards Resolving Heterogeneity in Childhood Inflammatory Diseases
Keywords: Kawasaki Disease
Similarity Network Fusion

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children from the developed world, with up to 25% risk of developing aneurysms if untreated. Diagnosis uses a set of classical clinical symptoms, which fail to capture the heterogeneity in KD. One solution is to incorporate new biomarkers and expanded biologic datasets to generate new predictive models that can better discern homogeneous groups of patients. Using Similarity Network Fusion (SNF), a novel computational technique, we uncovered 3 robust clusters of patients after fusing gene expression and clinical datasets for 171 KD patients. The first cluster is older females with marked activation of the innate immune response, second cluster is patients with prolonged fever and markers of activation of the adaptive response, while cluster 3 is males with no lymphadenopathy in a less severe innate immune response. SNF identified clinically meaningful clusters of patients and is a promising new tool for future KD studies.
The Diagnostic Series SA.GIG: Ancient Innovations and Adaptations
Keywords: āšipu
Mesopotamian diagnostic texts
Mesopotamian magic
Mesopotamian medicine
SA.GIG
sakikk没

The following thesis study will explore and contextualize the tradition of Mesopotamian medical diagnostics for the reader, with a particular focus on the first millennium canonical series SA.GIG. It charts the rise of the ancient diagnostician, the āšipu, as well as the emergence of the early diagnostic texts which predate the SA.GIG series. It problematizes the role of the series’ (alleged) 11th century editor, Esagil-kīn-apli, and seeks to qualify his role by delineating between editorial innovations and editorial adaptations. With reference to recent in-depth structural studies of the texts, it will argue that the head-to-foot order of the second subseries is an adaptation while the real innovation lies in the grouping of the entries within that order. This thesis will also argue for the association of the diagnostic and divinatory traditions based on an examination of the structure of the diagnoses and the modus operandi of the diagnostician.
Walled Prison, Walled Garden – or Both? The GDR and Images of Education: Film Media’s Relationship to History and Memory of the German Democratic Republic in the Post-Wende Period
Keywords: education
film history
German Democratic Republic
memory
oral history
Wende

This paper first examines the broad context of German historiography, then moves on to specific recollections of educational life in the GDR. The paper then attempts to link issues of education in the German Democratic Republic to larger forces of media, history and memory, arguing that both film makers and historians have viewed the nature of repression in German Democratic Republic in the post-unification period in several limited ways. The latter part of the paper examines the several films of the post-unification period, linking them to changes in the historiographical perceptions in GDR history, offering a model which suggests that while the German Democratic Republic was oppressive, it was also a nation where â normal lifeâ was possible, that the whole GDR was as a metaphor, a kind of dysfunctional, educative state. It concludes with a caution for educators in their use of film as history.
Making Digital Polity Spaces: Encoding Democracy into Information Systems
Keywords: Democratic Information Systems
eDemocracy
eParticipation
Participatory Information Systems

This paper examines how democratic constructs are encoded into information systems through the design process. Specifically, I examine how designers conceived of their project goals in creating Budget Talks, a platform launched by the Ontario government to solicit citizen input in the run-up to the yearly budget. Using ethnographic methods, such as interviews and examination of internal documents, I explore how the goals of Budget Talks were conceived of organizationally and by designers. I then examine how specific design choices about commenting, posting, voting, etc, contribute to a value-laden environment. This analysis allows me to discuss how design decisions represented choices between values, many of which harken to known problems in deliberative and democratic theory. Finally, I explore how the structure of Budget Talks creates a relationship between government and public that instantiates a specific conception of the citizen; in particular, one that is based on the importance of individual experience and knowledge, rather than one that emphasizes the formation of collaborative publics.
Understanding Effective and Timely Administration of Loop Diuretics for the Treatment of Acute Heart Failure: A Quality Improvement Intervention and Evaluation
Keywords: Adherence
Heart Failure
Quality Improvement

Objectives: Intravenous administration of loop diuretics is a cornerstone of therapy for acute heart failure. We developed and evaluated the MSH La6 Protocol, a tool to standardize practices for administration, monitoring and dose adjustment of IV furosemide over a 48-hour period and delegated autonomy to the nurse at the point of care. Results: There were no serious adverse events and no deaths. Between the pre- and post-implementation period, a significant and stable improvement was observed in the monitoring of patients receiving IV furosemide. A significantly larger proportion of patients treated using the La6 Protocol had a furosemide dose increase in the 24-48 hour block versus patients treated with usual care. Conclusions: An intervention that resulted in improved adherence to practices for monitoring was also associated with the observation that furosemide dosage was up titrated more frequently early during hospital admission.
Design and Control of a Vertical Takeoff and Landing Fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Keywords: Gain scheduling
Tilt-rotor
Transition
UAV
VTOL

With the goal of extending capabilities of multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for wetland conservation missions, a novel hybrid aircraft design consisting of four tilting rotors and a fixed wing is designed and built. The tilting rotors and nonlinear aerodynamic effects introduce a control challenge for autonomous flight, and the research focus is to develop and validate an autonomous transition flight controller. The overall controller structure consists of separate cascaded Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers whose gains are scheduled according to the rotors' tilt angle. A control mechanism effectiveness factor is used to mix the multi-rotor and fixed-wing control actuators during transition. A nonlinear flight dynamics model is created and transition stability is shown through MATLAB simulations, which proves gain-scheduled control is a good fit for tilt-rotor aircraft. Experiments carried out using the prototype UAV validate simulation results for VTOL and tilted-rotor flight.
A Passive Solar-thermal Aeration System for Rural Pond Aquaculture
Keywords: Aeration
Aquaculture
Convection
Dissolved Oxygen
Solar Thermal
Stratification

Dissolved oxygen is one of the most critical aspects of water quality in a fish culture system. For small-scale aquaculture farmers in resource-constrained communities, aeration systems -- which introduce oxygen to pond water -- are out of reach due to their high capital cost and lack of access to electricity. This thesis presents an alternative, passive, affordable, aerator concept to meet the needs of those farmers. Using a solar-thermal absorber and heat conductor, the device induces convective circulation in the pond, thereby producing an even dissolved oxygen distribution. In order to evaluate this concept, a tool to predict temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles in a water column was developed, along with CFD simulations of the device. Using results from those simulations, prototypes of the device were designed, constructed and tested in Vietnam and Bangladesh. Field trials of those prototypes showed a dissolved oxygen improvement of ~18% near the device.
Metformin: A Potential Chemosensitizing Agent for Improving Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Treatment
Keywords: Castration-resistant prostate cancer
Docetaxel
Metformin

Symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is treated with docetaxel chemotherapy which provides a survival benefit but is associated with significant toxicity. A novel therapeutic approach is combining docetaxel with an agent that enhances its efficacy (i.e. a chemosensitizer). Metformin, an oral biguanide used to treat Type 2 diabetes, has been shown to have anti-neoplastic activity, and more specifically, enhance the effect of chemotherapy in multiple types of solid tumors. We hypothesized that metformin would act as a chemosensitizing agent when combined with docetaxel chemotherapy in CRPC. A retrospective cohort study of CRPC patients in Ontario indicated metformin did not have a chemosensitizing effect. However, in vitro experiments completed using CRPC cells indicated metformin may act as a chemosensitizing agent when combined with docetaxel in PC3 cells but not in DU145 cells. Therefore, metformin may be a novel chemosensitizing agent for CRPC and further investigation of cellular mechanisms is warranted.
Youth Crisis: Unemployment and Outmigration in Nova Scotia
Keywords: Consciousness
Ideology
Migration
Nova Scotia
Youth

In recent years, the unemployment, underemployment, and outmigration of youth from Nova Scotia have been widely researched. The subject is often referred to as the “youth crisis”. Much of this work analyzes the experiences of youth who have left the province, as well as those who remain and the communities impacted by youth migration trends. But insufficient attention has been paid to how social and historical relations have created this moment. This thesis explores these relations, the ideology behind them, and how young people in Nova Scotia understand both these relations and this ideological framing. Through two complimentary entry points – document analysis and narrative-based interviews – this thesis examines and challenges the dominant way of conceptualizing the “youth crisis”. This research will inform the project of imagining and building an alternative future, a future where all Nova Scotians can feel secure to pursue the things that make them feel most fulfilled.