VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Effects of Automatic Target Detection on Detection and Identification Performance
Keywords: Cognitive Engineering
Human Automation Interaction
Human Factors
Military
Signal Detection Theory

Automatic target detection (ATD) is an aid being developed to support soldiers in combat. Intended to assist detection by highlighting human targets, ATD is imperfect and may cue different target affiliations at varying reliabilities, resulting in a cueing bias that could impact identification. To evaluate the effects of cueing biases in ATD on target detection and combat identification, an experiment was conducted in a simulated combat environment. Illumination within the simulated scenarios was varied as day and night conditions to assess automation reliance as task difficulty changed. Target detection rate was found to increase when ATD was available. ATD resulted in the greatest improvement relative to the no aid condition at night. Cueing bias affected identification as well. Participants shifted their decision criterion appropriately, though not optimally, for targets cued and missed by the ATD. Participants relied on ATD differently for detection and identification, but improved performance on both tasks.
Ferric Sulphate Leaching of Pyrrhotite Tailings
Keywords: Hydrometallurgy

The present study investigates the potential to recover nickel from pyrrhotite tailings produced at the smelting operations of Vale in Sudbury, Ontario. Leaching tests were performed in acidic ferric sulphate media with 0.14 wt.% solids. The temperature was varied between 30 °C and 55 °C, and the ferric concentration was in a range 0.02- 0.3 M. The shrinking core model (SCM) was applied on the nickel extraction data. The dominant reaction mechanism was found to be diffusion control. The Arrhenius plot yielded an activation energy of Ea=62.12 kJ/mol based on apparent reaction rates obtained by the SCM. The reaction order with respect to ferric ion was found to be 1.0 at the high concentration range. SEM images of partially leached tailings confirmed the presence of elemental sulphur around the pyrrhotite particles, which was responsible for the observed non-linear leaching kinetics (diffusion control).
Design, Construction, and Testing of a 1:5 Scale, Externally Post-tensioned, Segmental, Double T Bridge
Keywords: Post-tensioned
Bridge
Scale
Segmental
Double T

A 1:5 scale model of an externally post-tensioned, segmental, double-T bridge was designed, built, and tested. The behaviour of the model was observed under sustained, eccentric, and concentric loads. The capacity of the model to distribute the longitudinal flexural moment between the webs under eccentric load was compared to predictions. The capacity for load distribution was greater than predicted and improved significantly after the eccentrically loaded web cracked. The behaviour of the model at ultimate limit state was compared to first- and second-order predictions and to simplified predictions of failure load. The observed results corresponded closely to the predicted second-order behaviour. The model exhibited extensive pseudo-ductility before failure. The forces in the post-tensioning were monitored, and one tendon was monitored further to determine the effects of friction in the deviators on the stress in the post-tensioning.
Investigation of Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Chronic Deep-brain Stimulation
Keywords: Parkinson's disease
plasticity
transcranial magnetic stimulation
paired associative stimulation
neurophysiology
basal ganglia
motor cortex
deep brain stimulation

Deep-­brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a remarkable surgical therapy for advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its therapeutic mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used to non-invasively examine associative cortical plasticity, which was deficient in PD patients. TMS can also be used to study the cortical effects of DBS, and a growing body of evidence suggests primary motor cortex (M1) activation by STN-­DBS may be related to its clinical effects in PD. This thesis employed a novel approach to investigate associative plasticity between the basal ganglia and motor cortex by pairing STN-­DBS and M1-­TMS in PD patients. Our results demonstrate that coincident activation of the M1 by TMS and STN stimulation result in long-­lasting cortical excitability changes according to associative plasticity principles. This is a novel demonstration of plasticity between the STN and M1 in PD patients on dopaminergic medication.
Functional Consequences of Embryonic Stem Cell-Specific Alternative Splicing
Keywords: alternative splicing
differentiation
embryonic stem cells
Mta1

Alternative splicing (AS) is a powerful mechanism for the generation of functional and regulatory diversity. It is present in transcripts from 95% of human multi-exon genes and often co-ordinately regulated in development across large exon networks. In particular, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) exhibit a large number of cell type-specific AS events, and many of these have been shown to be necessary for normal regulation of ESC identity. Here, I present the characterization of a novel such event in the chromatin regulatory cofactor, metastasis-associated factor 1 (MTA1). This event produces an evolutionarily conserved, ESC-specific isoform of MTA1, MTA1-ES, which, unlike canonical Mta1, appears to strongly inhibit differentiation of mouse ESCs, and repress expression of genes involved in development.
Genetic Predictors of Intellectual and White Matter Outcome in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients
Keywords: medulloblastoma
neurotoxicity
pediatric brain tumors
PPAR
random forest
treatment outcome

Advances in cancer treatment in the last thirty years have led to radically improved long-term survival rates for pediatric brain tumor patients. However, many of these children develop long-term neuropsychological deficits as a result of treatment. There exists a large variability in post-treatment outcome, such that certain patients develop long-term functional deficits while others do not. While current research has elucidated the negative effects of treatment on brain structure and function in these patients, little is known about genetic factors that may predict better or worse outcome following treatment. We explored the relationship between targeted genetic polymorphisms and treatment-related outcome in a sample of pediatric brain tumor patients. Using a machine learning algorithm, we identified five peroxisomal proliferator-actiavted receptor (PPAR) polymorphisms significantly associated with changes in intellectual outcome in these patients. Our findings suggest that having a variant allele of these polymorphisms predicts worse intellectual outcome following treatment.
Characterization of the Cellular Stress Response in Skeletal Muscle Following Lengthening Contractions
Keywords: cellular stress response
heat shock factors
heat shock proteins
lengthening contractions
muscle damage
skeletal muscle

The cellular stress response (CSR) was investigated in skeletal muscle following lengthening contractions (LCs). Rat tibialis anterior (TA) muscle was subjected to 20, 40 or 60 LCs and removed at 0, 1, 3, or 24 hours after LCs to be analyzed for muscle damage, HSP content, and HSF activation. Hsp72 content was elevated 24 hours after 20 LCs (2.34±0.37, p
Structure and Dynamics of Elastin Cross-linking Domains
Keywords: cross-linking
elastin
molecular dynamics simulations
nuclear magnetic resonance
protein aggregation
structural disorder

The secondary structure of elastin cross-linking domains has been shown to be sequence and context dependent, but the role of these domains in the function of elastomeric proteins remains unclear. We use molecular dynamics simulations (MD), circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD), and nuclear magnetic resonance to probe the conformational equilibria of model elastin-like cross-linking peptides. We tested four recently developed force fields using MD to select the one that best reproduces the amount of alpha-helix seen in CD. Simulation studies of the aggregative properties of the cross-linking domains found that they occasionally interact, but not in any specific way. Additionally, multifaceted studies of biphasic systems show that these domains do not partition preferentially into or on the interface of a hydrophobic surface. Further experiments on constructs of cross-linking and hydrophobic domains will help elucidate how cross-linking modulates the self-assembly and mechanical properties of elastomeric proteins.
Improving the Performance of Monocular Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping through the use of a Gimballed Camera
Keywords: Computer Vision
Gimballed
GNSS
Kalman Filter
SLAM
UAV

In this thesis modern vision based localisation methods are discussed and contrasted with existing satellite based approaches. Shortcomings are noted and potential solutions are highlighted. A novel method of using a gimballed camera to perform visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) is proposed, along with a control algorithm to point the camera toward feature dense regions. This method is then modularly coupled with existing visual SLAM techniques allowing seamless integration across different platforms. Ground tests are performed to verify operation of the gimbal controller and rotation inverser. Results from experimental flight tests are incorporated as a final means of obtaining information to verify gimbal operation.
Characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Tissue
Keywords: Characterization
Diabetes
Excisional Murine Model
Immunophenotype
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
TSG-6

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as candidates with therapeutic potential to treat different pathologies. MSCs isolated from the bone marrow are most commonly used, however, umbilical cord (UC) tissue presents a source that has not been as extensively studied, yet can be obtained with more ease. Here, we characterize UC-MSCs obtained from 40 patient samples and conclude that different cell populations have the same phenotypic profile. TSG-6 has recently been suggested as a biomarker that can be used in order to predict the in vivo efficacy of different MSC populations, and we show that within a subset of UC-MSC samples, there are variations in the expression levels of TSG-6, however this does not correlate with the cytokine secretion profiles or the wound healing capacity of the cells in a db/db male mouse excisional wound splinting model.
Targeting Human Ubiquitin Activating Enzyme UBE1 with Rationally Designed Copper-based Inhibitors and the Application of a Fluorescent Chemosensor to the Development of an Assay for Adenylating Enzyme Activity
Keywords: Adenylating Enzyme
Assay
Inhibitor
ProxyPhos
Pyrophosphate
UBE1

Two projects were explored in this work. In the first, a previously developed, rationally-designed, potent, and selective cupric cyclen-based small molecule library of human ubiquitin activating enzyme 1 (UBE1) inhibitors was explored for its therapeutic potential in hematological malignancies. After significant difficulties reproducing inhibitor validation data, our further investigational findings suggest that the library’s activity observed in western blot-based UBE1-UbcH6 E1-E2 transthiolation assays and a LifeSensors Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based assay was simply the spurious result of excess unbound copper in the compound samples. This work also investigated the application of a dual-emission fluorescent chemosensor, ProxyPhos, to development of a robust high throughput assay for adenylating enzyme activity. With selective detection of pyrophosphate over ATP, ADP, and AMP in aqueous buffer, ProxyPhos was applied in buffer conditions suitable to adenylating enzymes to explore their effects on selectivity and signal.
Positive Youth Development at a Residential Summer Sport Camp
Keywords: positive youth development
residential summer camp
sport camp

This qualitative research study explored the contextual features such as leaders, setting, and programming that contributed to creating PYD experiences for campers at a residential summer sport camp. Using a case study approach summer camp leaders and camp management were interviewed, campers and counselors in training participated in focus groups and observations were recorded as field notes. Data was analyzed with the aid of NVivo and results were presented using an adapted version of Bronfenbrenner’s Process-Person-Context-Time model, Lerner’s 5Cs of positive youth development, and the 8 settings features as presented by the NRCIM. This camp context was deliberately structured to facilitate leaders’ provision of growth opportunities for campers. Leaders provided opportunities for growth through the development of supportive relationships with a variety of leaders, the presence of positive social norms, and opportunities for skill building. Suggestions for future studies regarding positive youth development and residential summer camp are provided.
Carotid Plaque Specimens: Semi-automatic Orientation Correction of micro-MR and micro-CT Images Driven by Axial Feature Segmentation
Keywords: carotid plaque
ex vivo imaging
feature-based centroid-driven axial correction
image registration
inter-modal registration

This thesis presents a method of realigning volumetric micro-MR and micro-CT images of carotid plaque specimens to increase the axial correspondence between these imaging modalities. In determining the optimal image features, to be used in the reorientation of each image volume, minimal reader involvement would be required; through this, the subjectivity in the pre-registration steps decreases, while the accuracy of matching correctly oriented axial planes across imaging modalities increases. As measured through distance and overlap parameters, the outer-wall centroid-based realignment is more robust across specimens and across each specimen's length in both imaging modalities. Simultaneously, three types of registration algorithms were calibrated for treating the data in 2D (centroid-driven reoriented images) and in 3D (unaltered images).
Design and Evaluation of a Prosthetic Knee Joint based on Automatic Stance-Phase Lock (ASPL) Technology for Children with Transfemoral Amputations
Keywords: above knee amputation
paediatric amputee
prosthetic knee joint
stance phase
swing phase
transfemoral amputation

The objectives of this study were to adopt the automatic stance-phase lock (ASPL) technology to a paediatric prosthetic knee, optimize and incorporate the extension assist to the proposed design, structurally and clinically validate the prototype of the knee in a structural testing and single subject pilot study, and use a questionnaire to evaluate its efficacy. Biomechanical models were used to analyze the gait characteristics of the participant with the proposed knee and the conventional knee joint used by the participant in the clinical pilot study. A questionnaire pertaining to the functions and characteristics of the proposed knee joint was administered to the participant. The results of the clinical study indicated that the stance phase performance of the proposed design is comparable to the conventional knee. Questionnaire results revealed participant was very confident with the design, and was able to participate in many activities such as running and playing dodge ball.
Sources of Particulate Matter in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region: Investigation through a Comparison of Trace Metal Measurement Techniques
Keywords: Aerosol
Athabasca
Metals
Oil Sands
PMF
Source Apportionment

The province of Alberta is home to three oil sands regions which, combined, contain the third largest deposit of oil in the world. Of these, the Athabasca Oil Sands Region is the largest. In conjunction with Environment Canada’s Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring program, concentrations of trace metal(oid)s in PM2.5 were measured during a long-term filter campaign and a short-term, semi-continuous measurement, campaign. The data from the two campaigns were analysed individually using positive matrix factorization. Seven emission sources of PM2.5 were thereby identified: two types of Upgrader Emissions, Soil, Haul Road Dust, Biomass Burning, and two sources of mixed origin. Overall, most of the PM2.5 related metal(oid)s was found to be anthropogenic, or to be aerosolized through anthropogenic activities. These emissions may in part explain the elevation of metals in the snow, water, and biota previously reported for samples collected near the oil sands operations.
Transfer Learning for Robotics: Can a Robot Learn from Another Robot's Data?
Keywords: Control Systems
Knowledge Transfer
Machine Learning
Multi-agent
Robotics
Transfer Learning

Machine learning methods have been used to improve the performance of control systems with experimental data when accurate system or environment models are unavailable. Transfer Learning (TL) allows for this data to come from another, similar system. A simplified TL scenario is studied to understand how the quality of an alignment-based transfer of data varies with the parameters of two linear, time-invariant (LTI), single-input, single-output systems that are tasked to follow the same reference signal. A scalar, LTI transformation is used to align the output from a source system to the output from a target system. An upper bound on the 2-norm of the transformation error is derived and minimized with respect to the transformation scalar. This minimized bound is analyzed with respect to the system parameters to show when TL works best. TL is further studied for wheeled robots, with data from simulation and experiment to supplement theoretical analysis.
Comparative Analysis of the Prominent Middleware Platforms in the Domain of Ambient Assisted Living
Keywords: Aging
Ambient Assisted Living
Middleware platforms
Scenario-based evaluation

Diversification of application areas, technologies, and computational techniques in the Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) domain alongside the need for a balance between reproducibility and customizability for the heterogeneous end-user groups has led towards the development domain-specific middleware platforms, which are integrated development environments that facilitate integration and communication amongst heterogeneous hardware and software components, so they can operate synergistically within a shared environment. Recent efforts that study such platforms have emphasized the need for improved evaluation methods, particularly feature-focused scenario-based evaluations and quantitative approaches. Thus, the objective of this thesis was to analyze developer requirements and compare current prominent AAL-specific middleware platforms to ultimately derive guidelines that improve the platform’s adoption rates and domain relevance. Maintainability, the ease of modifying system components, was highlighted as the most deficient quality attribute in current platforms. Mapping of a platform-independence use-case scenario to both platforms, hinted towards the need for graphical-user interfaces over text-based interfaces and additional application area-specific modules.
Body Representation in Children and Adolescents
Keywords: Adolescents
Body Schema
Children
Self-Other Mapping

The purpose of the present study was to determine if children and adolescents are able to map the body parts of other children and adolescents on to the representation of their own body parts and if age influences this mapping. To this end, participants completed a body-part compatibility task where responses were executed to coloured targets (relevant feature) presented over the hand or foot (irrelevant feature) of separate male models of different ages (7, 11, and 15 years of age). It was found that body-part compatibility effects emerged for both the 10-12 and 13-16 year old age groups. No body-part compatibility effects were found for the 7-9 year old age group. Most interestingly, the body-part compatibility effects for both the 10-12 and 13-16 year old age groups occurred when viewing models of their own peers. Overall, the results indicate that the body-part matching process is sensitive to social factors.
Audiovisual Integration Deficits in Schizotypal Personality and Implications for Populations Diagnosed with Schizophrenia
Keywords: Audiovisual Integration
Multisensory Integration
Neuroanatomy of Audiovisual Binding
Schizophrenia
Schizotypal Personality
Speech Perception

Some evidence exists for audiovisual speech integration deficits in schizophrenia, but the generality of these deficits is unclear. We sought to characterize these deficits more fully by testing a general student population with varying degrees of schizotypal personality (SP) traits. Audiovisual integration of speech was measured with a McGurk task and non-speech audiovisual integration with a Sound-Induced Flash Illusion task. Visual integration capabilities were measured to determine if deficits were uniquely multisensory. Participants also completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), which is predictive of SP traits. We found a negative correlation between SPQ score and performance on both audiovisual integration tasks, and no correlation between SPQ score and visual integration tasks. These findings support the claim that populations diagnosed with schizophrenia and populations with SP traits have a common deficit in a perceptual process and suggest that audiovisual integration deficits in these populations are not specific to speech integration.
“That Really Hurt, Charlie!” Investigating the Role of Sympathy and Moral Respect in Children’s Aggressive Behaviour
Keywords: moral respect
overt aggression
proactive aggression
reactive aggression
sympathy

This study examined the independent and combined roles of sympathy and moral respect in children’s overt aggression, and the subtypes of proactive and reactive aggression, in a sample of 5-, 7-, and 10-year-olds (N = 110). Aggressive behaviour was measured through teacher reports and peer nominations. Sympathy was measured through teacher reports. Moral respect was measured using an interview procedure where children reported their feelings of respect towards a moral and amoral character. Results revealed that sympathy and moral respect were negatively related to overt aggression and specifically to the proactive aggression subtype, and unrelated to the reactive aggression subtype. In addition, an interaction between children’s sympathy and respect for amoral others was found. In children with low sympathy, children’s respect for amoral others further increased their overt aggression. We discuss the implications of our findings in relation to developmental research on children’s aggressive behaviour, sympathy, and moral respect.
Design of Wireless Links Using Large Antenna Arrays with Channel Correlation
Keywords: Channel Correlation Information
Gram-Schmidt Precoding
Limited RF-chains
Massive MIMO
Two-Tier
Wireless Backhaul

The link where both the transmitter and receiver can use a large antenna array is studied, proposed as a method of antenna offloading and connecting access points in a Two-Tier cellular network. For correlated fading channels, receiver diversity techniques perform worse than the proposed Gram-Schmidt Precoding Algorithm, which successively orthogonalizes the column space of the transmitted streams for a single user. Due to averaging effects from using many antenna elements, filters can be approximated using channel correlation information. A block successive interference cancellation receiver is used to extend the proposed algorithm for the multi-user case. Finally the design of Hybrid Beamformers for limited RF-Chain systems is studied, where phase-only processing is done at the RF-band, followed by digital processing at the baseband. A row combiner, that clusters groups of antenna elements sufficiently correlated, is shown to outperform a random projection scheme that has a Discrete Fourier Transform matrix structure.