VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Is Well-being Illusory? Examining the Benefits of Positive Illusions for Relationship Quality and Well-being
Keywords: Other-enhancement
Positive illusions
relationship satisfaction
Self-enhancement
structural equation modeling
well-being

Previous research has shown that positive illusions about a romantic partner are related to higher levels of relationship quality (Murray, Holmes Griffin, 1996). Using model comparison, and a sample of 458 families (one student with two biological parents, N=1374), the direction of this effect was examined. Model fit favored partner-illusions predicting relationship satisfaction. With this model, several additional hypotheses about personality, self-enhancement, partner-enhancement, well-being and relationship quality were tested. Results revealed that personality had an effect on relationship quality, but this effect was fully mediated by partner-perceptions. This result suggesting that positive perceptions lead to better relationships, regardless of the perception being based on reality or illusions. Personality also significantly predicted well-being, with the effect being partially mediated by relationship quality. The model also allowed us to examine self-enhancement in personality ratings, which were found to be unrelated to the shared variance in well-being ratings.
The Role of the Notch Signaling Pathway during Postembryonic Retinal Neurogenesis in Danio rerio
Keywords: Notch
retinal stem cell
zebrafish

The retina of teleost fish, such as zebrafish (Danio rerio), exhibits remarkable capacity for continuous neurogenesis throughout life – unlike mammalian retina. Postembryonic retinogenesis in zebrafish is mainly contributed by active stem/progenitor cells in ciliary marginal zone (CMZ). Notch signaling has been reported to regulate embryonic retinogenesis and Notch pathway components are expressed in adult zebrafish CMZ. Here I address the functions of Notch signaling during postembryonic retinogenesis in zebrafish. My research revealed that: (1) Notch signaling is activated in the transition zone of CMZ and differentiated retina; (2) CMZ cells do not exhibit Notch activity and do not require Notch signaling for maintenance; and (3) Notch signaling is required and sufficient for proper differentiation of Müller glia, cone photoreceptor and bipolar cells. These studies demonstrate how different levels of Notch activity regulate retinal stem cell behavior and provide insight into how to reactivate mammalian adult retinal stem cells in vivo.
The Role of Niche Stiffness on Muscle Stem Cell Symmetric Self-renewal
Keywords: biomaterials
extracellular matrix
niche
skeletal muscle
stem cell
tissue engineering

Reconstruction of the adult muscle tissue relies on stem cells situated in a niche between the basal lamina and sarcolemma, but the molecular mechanisms of cell fate decisions, especially self-renewal, during muscle regeneration remains unclear. We report that the local extracellular matrix surrounding the muscle stem cell in healthy, uninjured tissue is permissive for planar and apical-basal division orientations that lead to either symmetric or asymmetric cell fates, but that the increased extracellular matrix deposition during injury physically alters the niche architecture to significantly favour symmetric divisions in the planar orientation. We demonstrate that the addition of soluble ligands such as Wnt7a leads to a significant increase of self-renewal divisions instead of differentiation, but only when coupled with 3D culture in a stiff environment. Together, these results suggest that biophysical cues such as niche stiffness work synergistically with biochemical cues like Wnt7a signaling to regulate muscle stem cell self-renewal.
Eye Tracking for Evaluating Esthetics in Treatment of Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors
Keywords: Canine Substitution
Eye Tracking
Lateral Incisor Agenesis
Laypersons
Orthodontics
Smile Esthetics

Agenesis of permanent maxillary lateral incisors may be addressed by one of two treatment options including space closure, known as canine substitution, or prosthetic replacement. We aim to determine whether the esthetic outcome differs between canine substitution or implant replacement. Raters consisted of forty (n=40) orthodontists and thirty-five (n=35) laypersons, who viewed twenty-four photographs of orthodontically treated smiles, consisting of three treatment groups: controls with no missing teeth, patients who had bilateral canine substitution, patients with bilateral lateral incisor implants. Raters provided an esthetic rating (scale 0-10) and eye tracking measures recorded fixations and scan paths during the course of viewing the photographs. Control photos received the highest esthetic ratings, on average, by both orthodontists and laypersons. Orthodontists rated the implants as more esthetic than canine substitution. There was no significant difference in esthetic ratings given by laypersons between these two treatment groups. Laypersons looked at the photos of patients with missing MLI in the same way as demonstrated by the AOI fixation count and AOI percent dwell time. Orthodontists were keen to notice canine substitution and spent a greater percentage of time looking at the second and third teeth from the midline for canine substitution photos compared to control photos. When comparing the esthetic ratings and eye-tracking measures, it was found that staring at the photo for a longer time (quantified by viewing duration or fixation count) was correlated with lower esthetic ratings. The esthetics of canine substitution and implants for treatment of missing maxillary lateral incisors is comparable as viewed by laypersons.
Lead Isotopes as Particulate Contaminant Tracers and Chronostratigraphic Markers in Lake Sediments in Northeastern North America
Keywords: Chronostratigraphic Markers
Contaminant Tracers
Lake Sediments
Lead Isotopes
North America
Trace Metals

The utility of lead isotopes as particulate contaminant tracers and chronostratigraphic markers was assessed in six lakes from the Great Lakes region. The geographic range of the 19th century Upper Mississippi Valley ore smelting marker was expanded into southern and central Ontario and its northwestern extent was reached within Lake Superior. This marker is useful for dating sediments deposited 100-200 years ago when other dating techniques are problematic. Leaded gasoline was dominant in one lake in the 20th century; its signal was absent elsewhere because the other lakes were affected by regional industrial output or were too remote to receive the leaded gasoline signal. Lead isotopes and trace metals identified a coal combustion marker in the 20th century in southern Ontario, where coal combustion was important enough to outweigh leaded gasoline input. This thesis demonstrates the usefulness of lead isotopes for identifying contamination sources where several pollution sources exist.
Genesis: A Language for Generating Synthetic Programs
Keywords: Design
Experimentation
Languages
Macro languages
Preprocessors
Synthetic program generation

This thesis describes Genesis, a new language used for the expression and generation of synthetic programs. The language allows users to annotate a template program to identify code segments of the program they wish to vary. Users also describe how parameters in each code segment can vary across generated instance programs using statistical distributions. The Genesis preprocessor uses the annotations to generate a set of instance programs whose characteristics or features vary in a statistically controlled fashion. We describe Genesis, its functionalities, its language constructs, a prototype preprocessor for the language, and three case studies that demonstrate the ability of Genesis to express a range of programs in different domains. We evaluate the performance of the preprocessor during the generation of instance programs, and the statistical quality of the samples it generates. We believe that Genesis is a useful tool that eases the expression and creation of large and diverse program sets for a multitude of domains and applications, such as machine learning, image generation, and compiler testing.
Thermal Treatment of Pulb and Paper Mill Biosludge and Digestate to Enhance their Anaerobic Digestibility
Keywords: Anaerobic digestion
Biogas
Biosludge
Pulp and paper mill
Thermal treatment
Waste management

Anaerobic digestion of pulp and paper mill biosludge has the potential to reduce sludge disposal costs and generate energy through biogas production. Thermal treatment can couple with anaerobic digestion to enhance the sludge digestibility. Conventionally, thermal pretreatment of biosludge is used by the industry. In this study, three possible thermal treatment-assisted anaerobic digestion configurations were compared: 1. Thermal pretreatment of biosludge; 2. Digestate thermal treatment; 3. Digestate thermal treatment and only recycling the hydrolysate. The thermal pretreatment (1) of biosludge at the theoretical optimal conditions (170o C for 1 h) did not extend the ultimate biogas yield. The digestate thermal treatment (2) increased the rate and extent of the biogas production; a synergistic effect on biogas production was observed by co-digesting biosludge and treated digestate. Only recycling the hydrolysate (3) is recommended if the thermal treatment is conducted at high intensities such as the one at 210o C for 30 min.
Inaccurate or Imprecise? Examining the Positive Illusory Bias in Youth with ADHD's Academic Self-appraisals
Keywords: ADHD
Executive functions
Positive illusory bias
Self-appraisals

Children and youth with ADHD show a positive illusory bias (PIB), where they overestimate their academic competencies (AC) relative to other performance and informant indicators. It is unclear whether the PIB renders self-views inaccurate (i.e., non-predictive of external indicators) or just imprecise (i.e., inflated, but predictive). This study examined the predictive accuracy of academic self-appraisals in 102 adolescents aged 13-17 (51 with ADHD; 51 typically-developing), and whether EFs could predict the PIB size. Youth completed math and EF tests, and self-rated their AC. Parents rated their youth’s AC and EF. Youth with ADHD performed more poorly on the math task (vs. comparison group) but showed a larger AC PIB relative to parents’ ratings, partly accounted for by EFs. However, all youths’ AC-ratings were more predictive of math performance than their parents’ AC-ratings. In all, youth with ADHD appear self-aware despite a modest PIB, but nuanced self-appraisals may depend on EFs.
Association between Caregiver’s and Child’s Oral Health Status and Oral Health Related Quality of Life
Keywords: Caregivers
Children
OHRQOL
Oral Health
Quality of Life

Objectives: To investigate associations between caregivers and children’s oral health, as well as the perceptions of the impact of oral diseases on oral health. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 149 child-caregiver dyads from a convenience sample in Toronto. Objective and subjective data about oral health and quality of life were collected from both children and caregivers groups. Results: Decay in permanent and primary teeth in children was moderately with missing teeth in caregivers, as well as with most of the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ). Mostly weak associations were observed between the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) scores and missing teeth in caregivers. Conclusion: Significant associations emphasize the influence of caregivers on children’s oral health outcomes and raise awareness about dental care coverage to disadvantaged families. Despite the questionable findings with some subjective measures, policymakers may still consider the use of patient-centered information to analysing disease trends in the population.
Auditory Perception and Executive Functions in Simultaneous Interpreters
Keywords: Audition
Executive function
Simultaneous interpreters

Music and language have been proposed to share processing resources in the brain, an extension of that being expertise in one of these two skills may enhance processing of the other. This study aimed to use an experience-dependent linguistic expert – simultaneous interpreters – to address whether linguistic expertise enhances auditory processing outside of the linguistic domain, particularly in measures where musical expertise has been shown to improve performance. Simultaneous interpreters and non-interpreter controls were compared on several measures, spanning fine temporal and spectral discrimination, speech-in-noise perception, memory for pitch, visual working memory and cognitive flexibility. No significant differences were found between simultaneous interpreters and controls on any of the tested measures. The current findings are discussed in light of previous studies demonstrating advantages in executive function in simultaneous interpreters. Possible causes for the discrepancy between the existing research and this study are also discussed.
Analytical and Experimental Investigations of Modified Tuned Liquid Dampers (MTLDs)
Keywords: Dynamics
Earthquake Engineering
Structural vibration control
TLD
Tuned Liquid Damper

Tuned Liquid Dampers (TLDs), as passive control devices, have been used in high-rise buildings for vibration control. A TLD dissipates energy through the sloshing of the water inside the tank. Modified Tuned Liquid Damper (MTLD) utilizes the rotational spring system at the base, therefore the MTLD experiences both horizontal and rotational motions. In this study, MTLD-structure system subjected to sinusoidal excitation and seismic events has been investigated using Lu’s analytical model. This analytical model has been verified experimentally using Real-Time Hybrid Simulation method. The important parameters of the MTLD including the dimensionless rotational stiffness parameter, mass ratio, frequency ratio and damping ratio were studied in detail; and a preliminary design procedure was outlined.
Effect of Acoustic Signaling, Metabolic Rate, and Size on Territoriality in Male Cyphoderris monstrosa (Orthoptera: Haglidae)
Keywords: acoustic signals
competition
Cyphoderris monstrosa
metabolic rate
performance capacity
territoriality

During territorial interactions, male ensiferan Orthoptera often stridulate before physical combat. Song is correlated with competitive ability; therefore, it is a reliable signal for resource holding power. Size and metabolic rate are also indicators of aggressiveness. Cyphoderris monstrosa (Orthoptera: Haglidae) are relatively insensitive to the frequency content of their own song, however, males use acoustic signals in the context of competition. Here, I examined size, diet, time spent singing, and metabolic rate with C. monstrosa territoriality. Using a round-robin tournament, I compared performance of males fed with a protein-supplemented diet to males fed with a low-protein diet. I measured body structures used for fighting, duty cycle during competition, and metabolic rate at two temperatures (22°C and 10°C). Competition in C. monstrosa is influenced by singing ability, physiological performance, and body and head size where winners have higher duty cycle, lower metabolic rates in cold, larger bodies, and smaller heads.
Living in the Light of Death: A Case for an Education-towards-death
Keywords: Care
Death
Education
Heidegger
Noddings
Philosophy

This thesis explores the educational potential of living and learning in the light of death. Through an analysis of Heidegger’s concept of Being, I highlight how our mortality is intimately bound up with care and therefore a potentially powerful place to begin reimagining the classroom. With the help of Noddings theory of caring, I explore how Heidegger’s key concepts of death, care, and authenticity can be integrated into an education-towards-death. Based on insights from those who have worked with individuals near the end of life, I outline four means—mindfulness, emotional engagement, deeper engagement with others, and finding and living personal meaning—of putting an education-towards-death into practice.
Assessment of Apical Extrusion of Irrigation in Mandibular Molars during Application of the Novel Gentle Wave System in a Simulated Environment
Keywords: Apical extrusion
EndoVac
GentleWave
Sodium Hypochlorite accident

Aim: This study assessed apical extrusion during treatment with GentleWaveTM (GW), conventional open-ended 30G needle (CN) or EndoVac® (EV) in root canals enlarged to different dimensions with and without apical constriction. Methodology: 16 mandibular molars were mounted in an in vitro apparatus. Roots were immersed in a pressure-regulated chamber containing distilled water with pressure kept at 5.88 ± 0.15 mmHg to simulate periapical back pressure. Mesio-buccal (curved ≤30o) and distal (straight) canals were instrumented to working length (WL) as follows: Minimal instrumentation (MI; #15/.04); traditional instrumentation (TI; #35/.06) or over-instrumentation (OI; #35/.06, to WL+1mm). Canals were tested 5 times each with distilled water using GW, CN (at WL-3mm) or EV and the mass (g) of extruded water recorded. Extrusion frequency and mean extruded mass were compared for each canal, irrigation group and canal instrumentation mode (Wilcoxon t-test; p
Role of FGF Receptors in Rescue of ΔF508-CFTR
Keywords: cystic fibrosis
FGFR
kinase
ΔF508-CFTR

ΔF508-CFTR is the most common mutation causing cystic fibrosis (CF), where it exhibits folding defects and is unable to reach the plasma membrane. To identify signaling pathways involved in ΔF508-CFTR rescue, we screened a library of esiRNAs that target over 750 different kinases and associated signaling proteins. We identified 20 novel suppressors of ΔF508-CFTR rescue including FGFR1. The top hits of the screen were validated by various methods: halide exchange assay, immunoblotting and ELISA following shRNA-mediated knockdown. Inhibition of FGFR1 with SU5402 leads to ΔF508-CFTR rescue in CF patient cells and in intestinal organoids from ΔF508/ΔF508 mice. Chaperone array analysis on Human Bronchial Epithelial cells identified altered expression of several chaperones and their effects on ΔF508-CFTR maturation were validated by ELISA. We propose that FGFR signaling regulates specific chaperones that control ΔF508-CFTR maturation, and suggest that FGFRs may serve as important targets for therapeutic intervention for the treatment of CF.
Hybrid LCC and Multi-terminal Full-bridge Modular Multilevel Converters for HVDC Transmission
Keywords: HVDC
Hybrid
LCC
MMC

This thesis investigates the control and operation of an HVDC hybrid topology utilizing a line commutated converter (LCC) rectifier and a multi-terminal connection of modular multilevel converter (MMC) inverters. The hybrid LCC-MMC system leverage the features of both LCC and MMC technologies. The LCC is more economical, mature, and has a higher power capacity, while the MMC has a smaller footprint, reactive power control, no risk of commutation failure and can connect to weak AC systems. This thesis has four main objectives: (1) development of HVDC characteristic control curves for the proposed hybrid LCC-MMC system which describe operation under normal, DC fault, and AC three-phase-to-ground fault conditions, (2) manage current sharing amongst a multi-terminal connection of inverters, (3) define controls for FB-MMC operation, and (4) demonstrate operation of the proposed system through PSCAD/EMTDC simulations. The hybrid LCC-MMC topology represents a viable candidate to integrate remote energy sources to congested weak AC systems.
Building Networking Applications from a NoC-Enhanced FPGA
Keywords: FPGA
Interconnection Networks
Network-on-Chip
Packet Processing
Software-Defined Networking
Switch Fabric

An embedded Network-on-Chip (NoC) has been proposed to augment the traditional, fine-grained FPGA interconnect with a fast and efficient system-level interconnect. This thesis aims to build the case for its inclusion by presenting complete applications that can benefit from a NoC-enhanced FPGA, and tools to facilitate their design. The applications chosen – network switches and packet processors – target Software-Defined Networking (SDN), a rapidly growing field in computer networks. The presented network switch architecture uses the NoC as a crossbar and a new buffering scheme, achieving 819 Gb/s 16×16 switching, while being 1.8× and 1.6× more hardware- and power-efficient, respectively, compared to the most efficient previous FPGA-based design. A new packet processor design style is also presented, using the embedded NoC to provide high degrees of efficiency (1.7×-3.2× less area compared to previous work), performance (400G and 800G), and flexibility suitable for programmable computer networks.
Optimization of Highly Architectured Stereolithographic Microtrusses
Keywords: 3D printing
buckling
space frame
stereolithography
structural optimization

Stereolithography allows architectural freedom which can be used to fabricate optimal architectures with the potential for significant enhancements in structural efficiency. In this study, buckling behaviour of compressive struts is explored. Experimental failure stress values for stereolithographic polymer tubes are found to agree with existing predictive models for Euler and local shell buckling, validating the methodology. Experimental testing on a space frame compressive strut design proposed in literature reveals end constraints between fixed and free, and stereolithographic design freedom is considered to reduce over-engineered features, improving performance. Finally, a novel sandwich wall tubular strut design is introduced: experimental results show successful inhibition of local shell buckling while also enhancing Euler buckling performance (improvements of 45% and 30% in failure strength when compared to equal-mass simple tubes, respectively). A new failure mode termed “wall splitting” is identified, and a preliminary model is developed to predict the increases in failure stress.
Antenna Measurement and Design for the CanX-7 Nanosatellite and the Development of a Global Navigation Satellite System Based Attitude Determination System
Keywords: Antenna
Attitude Determination
Communications
GPS
Microsatellite
Satellite

This thesis describes and presents solutions to various challenges small satellites may encounter during design and operation, particularly in the areas of communications and attitude determination. The first section of this thesis presents simulation and measurement of communications antennas on a nanosatellite to verify that the antennas have sufficient gain and polarization to enable near-omnidirectional operation. Near-omnidirectional antennas are essential to ensure reliable communication with the spacecraft regardless of its attitude, especially when fine pointing ability is unavailable or inadequate. Next, the following section covers the design of a circularly polarized patch antenna for use on an aircraft tracking payload. Lastly, the final section of this thesis presents the development and analysis of a technique for augmenting a single GPS antenna on a spacecraft to estimate attitude. It is possible for GPS measurements to partially supplement an existing attitude sensor that has been denied operation.