VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and Characterisation of the Thermal Grill Apparatus for Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Keywords: central neuropathic pain
thermal grill
spinal cord injury

Patients suffering from central neuropathic pain have thermal sensory deficits within the painful area. Prior research proposed that the loss of thermal sensation in regions of central neuropathic pain may reflect similar central nervous system interaction between warm and cold sensory inputs that underlie the Thermal Grill Illusion (TGI) in which burning pain is felt while reduced warm/cold sensations are reported. This work presents a portable and reliable device that was used to systematically evaluate the characteristics of the TGI in healthy individuals. The results suggest that the spatial distribution of the warm and cool stimuli significantly affected the quality of perceived TGI. Additionally, simultaneous tactile and thermal stimulation was shown to be significantly less painful than thermal stimulation alone. A high correlation was also seen in the subject‘s TG intensity scores and their cold pain threshold. These results are useful for future TGI studies for central neuropathic pain.
DNA Methylation Changes at Promoters of Endothelial Cell-enriched Genes during in vitro Differentiation
Keywords: endothelial cell
epigenetics
DNA methylation
differentiation

This study examined DNA methylation patterns at promoters of endothelial cell (EC)-enriched genes during differentiation of mouse ES cells towards the EC. We have previously shown that eNOS, CD31, VE-cadherin and vWF, which have an EC-enriched pattern of gene expression are differentially methylated between EC and vascular smooth muscle cells. Given that differential promoter DNA methylation is functionally important we asked when these distinct patterns are established. Using the hanging drop method to differentiate ES cells, followed by FACS, we isolated early (EB-day4 VEGFR2-positive) and late (EB-day7 CD31-positive) endothelial progenitor cells. Though current paradigms suggest that lineage-restricted genes are methylated in ES cells, we show heterogeneous promoter DNA methylation. We show DNA demethylation at the CD31 promoter in EB-day 7 CD31-positive cells. In contrast, the eNOS promoter is still heavily methylated in EB-day 7 CD31 positive cells compared with murine EC where there is no DNA methylation.
Classification of Ordinary Chondrite NWA 6514 and Pb-Pb Chondrule Chronology
Keywords: Meteorite classification
Chondrule chronology

This study presents a petrographic description and a classification of ordinary chondrite NWA 6514 and aims to establish the first high-precision Pb-Pb age of a single ordinary chondrite chondrule. Furthermore, the distribution of different isotopic Pb signatures among chondritic components will be investigated by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). This study shows that NWA 6514 can be classified as a highly unequilibrated (subtype 3.10) L or LL chondrite that has experienced moderate terrestrial weathering (W2) and a low degree of shock (S2). The LA-ICP-MS measurements suggest that radiogenic Pb signatures have been locally preserved in chondrules. However, the Pb isotopic compositions of leaches from a large chondrule obtained by thermal ionization mass spectrometry show an anomalous distribution that indicates the presence of an exotic Pb component. The best estimate for the chondrule formation age is a model age of the last leach (4566.8 ± 2.6 Myr).
Quantification of Vehicle-induced Turbulence on Roadways Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation
Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics
Vehicle-induced Turbulence

Turbulence is a significant factor in near-road air quality, as it affects the initial dilution, dispersion, and the ultimate fate of pollutants. This study used computational fluid dynamics simulations to model the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) on roadways, focusing on vehicle-induced turbulence. TKE was shown to decay with different power-law exponents depending on vehicle types; vehicle speeds and winds affect TKE; and thermal impacts are negligible. It was found that TKE is superimposed for vehicles in series; TKE does not dissipate far laterally, and the side-by-side interactions are not significant regardless of the directions. Thus, TKE for different traffic compositions may be expressed as a sum of the contribution from each type of vehicle. Insights gained in this study may enable the quantification of TKE for various traffic scenarios based on TKE values of single vehicle of different types, and simplify the TKE estimations in regional air quality models.
Does the Green Light from the Government Really Mean "Go"?: Challenges Associated with Canadian Tax Instruments on Renewable Energy Development
Keywords: Tax Incentives
Renewable Energy
Green Energy
Tax Policy
Environmental Taxation

Various levels of governments in Canada have introduced different types of tax instruments in order to encourage the development of renewable energy. This paper will look at the challenges that render those tax instruments inefficient and/or ineffective. For the ease of discussion, I will divide the said challenges by a hypothetical timeline of “before” and “during” the implementation of renewable energy. “Before” the implementation, some of the current tax incentives are criticized to be ineffective because there are better policy substitutes. It is also found that the inherent characteristics of renewable energy sources themselves render policy instruments inefficient. “During” the implementation, the currently existing “unlevel playing field” with the conventional oil and gas industry is found to be the strongest factor that causes tax incentives on renewable energy ineffective; the introduction of a carbon tax is recommended here. Lastly, even the most comprehensive tax measures are found unable to completely address the “exogenous” factors.
A Model to Measure Lymphatic Drainage from the Eye
Keywords: Aqueous humor
Lymphatic system
Uveoscleral outflow
Glaucoma
Sheep

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor for glaucoma development and progression. Most anti-glaucoma treatments aim to lower IOP by enhancing aqueous humor drainage from the eye. Aqueous humor drainage occurs via well-characterized trabecular meshwork (TM) and uveoscleral (UVS) pathways, and the recently described ciliary lymphatics. The relative contribution of the lymphatic pathway to aqueous drainage is not known. We developed a sheep model to quantitatively assess lymphatic drainage along with TM and UVS outflows. Following intracameral injection of 125I-bovine serum albumin (BSA), lymph and blood samples were continuously collected. Lymphatic and TM drainage were quantitatively assessed by measuring 125I-BSA recovery. This quantitative sheep model enables assessment of relative contributions of lymphatic drainage (1.64% ± 0.89%), TM (68.86% ± 9.27%) and UVS outflows (19.87% ± 5.59%), and may help to better understand the effects of glaucoma agents on outflow pathways.
A Large Water Diuresis during Hypoxia: Intervention with dDAVP and Furosemide
Keywords: Renal Outer Medulla
Hypoxia

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with renal medullary hypoxia. The medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) in the renal outer medulla is most susceptible to hypoxic injury, due to marginal O2 supply and high O2 consumption. The objectives of this study were to document the earliest effect of hypoxia (8% O2 for 2.5 hrs) on the mTAL function, and to identify strategies to protect the mTAL from hypoxia. The earliest effect of hypoxia is large water diuresis, due to a fall in the medullary osmolality and increase in vasopressinase. Desmopressin acetate (dDAVP), a synthetic vasopressin analogue resistant to vasopressinase that may also increase O2 delivery, prevented water diuresis. A low dose (0.8mg/kg) of furosemide may significantly reduce the mTAL work without a large excretion of essential electrolytes. Large water diuresis may be diagnostically valuable in detecting renal tissue hypoxia, and dDAVP and furosemide may prevent AKI in the clinical setting.
Addressing Future Grid Requirements for Distributed Energy Resources
Keywords: Grid code requirements
Ancillary services
Distributed Energy Resources
Fault ride-through

This thesis first develops a medium-voltage grid code outlining stringent requirements for low-voltage ride-through, high-voltage ride-through and ancillary services based on anticipated grid requirements for distributed energy resources (DER)s. A 100 kW generating capacity DER study system is then formulated taking into consideration key design constraints as motivated by the medium-voltage grid code. Local DER system controls are developed that enable existing systems employing conventional current-control for the grid-interfacing voltage-sourced-converters to comply with the grid code. A supervisory controller is proposed that allows multiple DER units and loads to operate collectively as a DER system with a single point of common coupling. The impact of transformer configurations, fault types and fault locations on DER systems are quantified through a comprehensive fault study using the PSCAD/EMTDC software package. A subset of these fault scenarios are identified for rapid screening of DER system compliance against low-voltage ride-through requirements.
Targeted Deletion of Fibrinogen-like Protein 2 (FGL2) ENHANCES Immunity in a Murine Model of Acute Viral Hepatitis Caused by Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)
Keywords: LCMV
HCV pathogenesis

Viral hepatitis infection represents a significant epidemiological and economic burden on society. Following infection, some patients mount a blunted immune response to the virus, which ultimately can result in chronic infection. FGL2, a member of the fibrinogen-related protein superfamily, has been implicated in vitro in suppressing both innate and adaptive immune responses. In a murine model of acute viral hepatitis caused by Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus strain WE, we demonstrate that FGL2 expressed by reticuloendothelial cells limits viral spread. When expressed by Treg cells FGL2 binds to FCγRIIB and prevents DC maturation and suppresses virus-specific T and B cell responses. We provide compelling evidence to suggest that hepatitis viruses utilize the FGL2-FCγRIIB pathway to evade immune detection. Inhibition of this pathway restores effective cellular and humoral antiviral immune responses towards hepatitis viruses.
Physical Activity Levels & Correlates 2-6 Years Post-rehabilitation in Cardiac Patients
Keywords: physical activity
cardiac rehabilitation
correlates
long-term

Many patients do not maintain physical activity (PA) post cardiac rehabilitation (CR),however few studies examine a large enough sample over the long-term. Thus, a retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out to examine PA and its correlates 2-6 years post CR; 584 graduates completed a mailed survey (mean+SD age: 69.8+9.8 years, BMI: 27+5.0 kg/m2, 80% male, 41.4+11.6 months since graduation, 36% response rate). PA was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE, mean+SD: 122.3+75.9). Seventy five percent of participants met Canadian PA guidelines. Greater PA was significantly associated with male sex, younger age, fear of falling, cholesterol control, self-controlled transportation, marital status, full-time work, rural location, higher VO2max, more comorbid conditions, greater perceived health, PA enjoyment, quality of life (QOL), social support, income, and CR staff support. Age,PA enjoyment, QOL, work status, cholesterol control and CR staff were significant in a multivariate model (R2=0.22, F=18.7, p<0.001).
The Effect of Splinted Prosthesis on Posterior Dental Implants on Radiographic Crestal Bone Levels
Keywords: dental implant
splinted
crestal bone loss
implant

This project examined the effect of splinting adjacent dental implants of different designs [Sintered porous surface (SPS), Threaded dual acid etched (THR-DAE), Threaded sand-blasted large grit acid etched (THR-SLA)] placed in posterior sites and compared two intraoral radiographic techniques to assess peri-implant crestal bone levels. 799 implants located in 345 patients qualified and were examined retrospectively using an inclusion criteria of a minimum one year in function and having a recent periapical (PA) and vertical bitewing radiograph (vBW). SPS had less bone loss than THR-DAA and THR-SLA. PA views showed approximately 0.10 mm (Range 0.07-0.40 mm) less crestal bone loss than vBW (P<0.01). Splinted implants had more crestal bone loss (0.30 mm; range 0.16-0.38 mm) than non-splinted implants. 49 implants failed with an overall failure rate of 4.9% with a significant difference in the failure rate of SPS and THR-DAA (P<0.0005) and in the time to fail (P<0.0036).
The Role of Retinal Limb Position on the Use of Visual Feedback during Manual Aiming Movements
Keywords: motor control
vision
aiming movements

Vision is important for the control of upper limb movements (Woodworth, 1899). How and when vision is used during a limb movement continues to be debated. In this thesis, I examined the use of visual feedback as a function of retinal limb position. Individuals made rapid upper limb aiming movements to a target location and vision was provided when the limb was at varying degrees of retinal eccentricity. The temporal characteristics, endpoint accuracy and precision, as well as the spatial variability of the limb trajectories were recorded and analyzed. No relationship was observed between retinal limb positions and the use of visual feedback during the movements. These results suggest that the use of vision during limb movements is not directly tied to the neuroanatomy of the eye and challenges continuous models of upper limb control.
A Methodology for the Development and Verification of Expressive Ontologies
Keywords: industrial engineering
ontology
development lifecycle
verification
first-order logic

This work focuses on the presentation of a methodology for the development and verification of expressive ontologies. Motivated by experiences with the development of first-order logic ontologies, we call attention to the inadequacies of existing development methodologies for expressive ontologies. We attempt to incorporate pragmatic considerations inspired by our experiences while maintaining the rigorous definition and verification of requirements necessary for the development of expressive ontologies. We leverage automated reasoning tools to enable semiautomatic verification of requirements, and to assist other aspects of development where possible. In addition, we discuss the related issue of ontology quality, and formulate a set of requirements for MACLEOD - a proposed development tool that would support our lifecycle.
Magnetic Resonance Elastography for Measuring the Compliance of Chronic Total Occlusions
Keywords: Elastography
Chronic Total Occlusions
MRI
MR Elastography
Angioplasty
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Percutaneous coronary revascularization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) is difficult due to the presence of a hard proximal fibrous cap and lack of image guidance. The use of x-ray fluoroscopy alone makes it difficult to identify vessel boundaries and occlusive constituents which would aid the process of revascularization. It also can be difficult to keep a guidewire intraluminal without puncturing the vessel wall. Although several imaging modalities are being developed, a technique for measuring the stiffness of occlusions would facilitate revascularization by helping the process of guidewire selection and placement. In this study, a technique known as static magnetic resonance elastography is explored as a method of determining the compliance of CTOs. A finite element simulation was used to determine the response of an artery to deformation, and displacement images were obtained from an artery phantom using a stimulated echo MR imaging pulse sequence and a pneumatic compression system.
Paving the Silk Road: Sub-Saharan Africa’s Collaboration with China and India in Health Biotechnology
Keywords: Africa
Biotechnology
Collaboration
South-South

South-South collaboration has grown significantly over the past decade and can be an important tool to boost development and scientific capacity in Southern countries. This research aims to understand the role of China and India’s collaboration with sub-Saharan African countries’ in health biotechnology development on the African continent. I conducted a scientometric analysis, surveyed biotechnology firms, and interviewed researchers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers to identify the drivers, challenges, and impacts of South-South collaboration in health biotechnology and understand the factors that shape it. The main messages resulting from this study indicate that: China and India are active collaborators of sub-Saharan Africa in technology intensive fields, collaboration in traditional medicine is of high priority, drivers for collaboration with China and India are not uniform, and that shared health concerns are motivate and foster South-South collaboration between sub-Saharan Africa, China and India. This research study illustrates that sub-Saharan Africa can harness South-South collaboration to improve capacity, innovation potentials, and promote the development of health biotechnology solutions appropriate for the African context.
Developing and Evaluating Rapid Test Methods for Measuring the Sulphate Penetration Resistance of Concrete in Relation to Chloride Penetration Resistance
Keywords: Concrete
Sulphate penetration resistance
Chloride penetration resistance
Rapid test methods
Sulphate penetration depth

External sulphate attack on concrete can lead to cracking, expansion and sometimes loss of cohesiveness of hardened cement paste. Therefore, aside from using sulphate resistant cementitious binders, it is important to design concrete which can resist sulphate penetration. In this research, both ASTM C1202 and NT Build 492 electrical migration tests were modified such that sulphate rather than chloride penetration resistances were measured. Modifications included exposing concrete specimens to Na2SO4 rather than NaCl solutions and measuring the depth of sulphate penetration visually using BaCl2+KMnO4 rather than AgNO3 solution. Nine concrete mixtures of varying w/cm, slag replacement and cement types were tested in both original standard tests and modified tests to evaluate the influence of these material variables on test results and compare chloride to sulphate results. It was found that while migration coefficients and total charge passing were lower for sulphate, the influence of material variables were relatively similar.
Comparative Effects of a D2 and Mixed D1-D2 Dopamine Antagonist on Gambling Reinforcement in Pathological Gamblers and Healthy Controls
Keywords: dopamine
pathological gambling
addiction
haloperidol
fluphenazine
dopamine antagonist

Pathological Gambling (PG) is an impulse control disorder with lifetime prevalence of 1-3%. Available treatments are limited by uncertain classification and complexity of implicated neurotransmitter systems. Dopamine (DA), a key neurotransmitter implicated in addictive behavior and reward is elevated in response to gambling and psychostimulants. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that the D2 blocker, haloperidol (HAL), will enhance slot machine reinforcement in PG but not in Healthy Controls (HC). If this increase reflects preferential stimulation of D1 receptors and group differences in D1 sensitivity, D1-D2 blocker (fluphenazine, FLU) should offset increase in reinforcement seen with HAL in PG subjects. In line with DA's implicated role in 'wanting' vs. 'liking' of the addictive reinforcer, the results suggest that DA release mediated partial D1 activation under FLU led to clear differentiation between groups with increased 'wanting' seen in controls but not in gamblers. DA's role in 'liking' however remains elusive.
Investigation of Mixed Solder Assemblies & Novel Lead-free Solder Alloys
Keywords: Lead Free Solder
Mixed Assembly

Due to the introduction of Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive Pb containing solders have been banned from the electronics industry and a reliable replacement for the Sn-Pb solder is being sought for by industry around the globe. Medical and Defense industries are currently exempt from the directive and use Sn-Pb solder in their manufacturing process. The switch to lead-free has led component manufacturers to use different lead-free solders, thus causing mixed solder joints of lead-free components with Sn-Pb paste. In this study, mixed assembly microstructures and mechanical properties were examined. Furthermore, six novel lead-free solders were prepared using SAC105 solder doped with elements: Ti, Ni, Mn, La, Ce and Y. The solidification microstructures, fracture behavior and wetting properties of these solders were evaluated to find a suitable replacement for SAC105 solder.
Canadian Nursing Labour Force: Examining the Relationship between Job Dissatisfaction, Nurse Dissatisfaction and Intent to Quit
Keywords: Nurses
Turnover, Intent to Quit
Job Satisfaction
Satisfaction

Canada is challenged with a perceived nursing shortage. Better understanding of the factors that influence satisfaction and turnover may help to formulate improved strategies for retention of the nursing workforce. Our analysis revealed that satisfaction levels in both the job and the nursing profession are high in the Canadian nursing workforce corresponding to relatively high retention rates in the workforce. We found that dissatisfaction with the job and nursing are distinct concepts that are intrinsically associated. Dissatisfaction in the job significantly increased the likelihood of dissatisfaction with being a nurse and vice versa for RNs. Also, nurses were more likely to express intentions to switch jobs than intentions to leave nursing. Job dissatisfaction was the strongest predictor for both the intentions to leave nursing and switch jobs. The findings suggest that targeting both the job structures and the profession’s role would help to maintain and improve retention rates for nurses.
The Formation and Drying of Thin Paint Films Sprayed on a Solid Surface
Keywords: Paint sprays
Paint drying
Rupture of sprayed liquid films

The impact dynamics and drying of paint films sprayed on steel were experimentally investigated. The rupture of sprayed liquid films was first photographed on different substrates. The critical film thickness, below which a film would break, was observed to increase with increasing advancing liquid-solid contact angle, and was unaffected by liquid viscosity for a given substrate. For viscous paint, it was observed that there is no rupture or splashing from a paint droplet impacting a solid substrate or another paint drop or film. For paint films drying at room temperature, mass fluxes were measured and correlated with a simple analytical model based on transient diffusion, and showed good agreement. The mass flux of sprayed paint films decreased slightly with time, and the volatile concentration decreased appreciably. For sprayed paint films cured with heat, there is a minimum stand-time in order to cure a film without any entrapped bubbles.