VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
VR Drama Therapy
Keywords: Drama Therapy
Psychodrama
Theatre Therapy
Virtual Reality
VR Drama
VR Therapy

This thesis delves into the scarcely explored domain of Virtual Reality Drama Therapy (VR DT), an innovative intersection that merges the capabilities of VR with the foundational principles of traditional Drama Therapy. The study aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap in this area, delivering a comprehensive understanding of its potential benefits, applications, and limitations. The core methodology implemented encompassed a literature review and theoretical analysis, specifically within three academic fields: Drama Therapy, VR Therapy, and VR Drama. The research scrutinizes the fundamentals of Drama Therapy and the therapeutic and performative potentials of VR, culminating in a theoretical framework for VR DT. Although limitations are acknowledged, the conclusions indicate VR's unique features can amplify the therapeutic interventions’ scope, presenting an inventive and immersive therapeutic paradigm. This thesis provides a preliminary guide for implementing VR DT, paving the way for further research and practical applications in Drama Therapy contexts.
Optimizing Fabrication and Validating Performance of InAs Nanowire Field-Effect Transistors for Enhanced Chemical Sensing
Keywords: biosensing
InAs
NWFET
sensor

As the demand for advanced sensing technologies is growing in multiple industries, Nanowire Field-Effect Transistors (NWFETs) have recently shown great promise as highly sensitive, rapid, and portable chemical detectors. The large surface-to-volume ratio and the confined transport allow perturbations occurring at the surface of nanowires to affect the entire cross-section of the structure. This thesis presents an exploration into the performance enhancement and optimization strategies of InAs NWFETs, with the core intention of contributing to the realization of next-generation sensing electronics. The fabrication procedure has been optimized to significantly improve usable device yield. A new detection limit has been established in the proof-of-concept measurement of streptavidin in the liquid media. Commercialization and large-scale production perspectives and challenges are discussed.
The Performance Cost of Disintegrated Manycores: Which Applications Lose and Why?
Keywords: Chiplets
Disintegrated systems
Multicore architectures
Network-on-chip

Recent industry manycores have transitioned to disintegrated designs with multiple chips within a package. Disintegration can make larger and higher performance systems economically viable by reducing cost, but introduces additional network bandwidth and latency bottlenecks which harms performance. Ideally, cost savings outweigh disintegration slowdown. This thesis presents the first study, to our knowledge, of the disintegration performance penalty across a diverse suite of applications and a characterization of what properties of applications impact this penalty. We find high variance in disintegration slowdown (performance penalty normalized to equivalently sized monolithic design) across applications. Some disintegrated applications lose almost half their performance. We identify that metrics relating to the network-on-package bandwidth and data sharing are correlated with disintegration slowdown. Disintegration constrains the network where it crosses between chips, and these categories of metrics either measure network pressure or measure data sharing, which causes network pressure.
EV Assisted Robust Security Constrained ACOPF for N-1 Line and Generator Contingencies
Keywords: Benders decomposition
Economic feasibility
Electric vehicles (EV)
Line and generator contingency
Robust optimization
Security constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF)

The optimal power flow provides an economically optimal solution under normal conditions. However, when subject to disturbances, this system may fail to operate securely leading to serious consequences. Security constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) ensures the reliable operation of the power grid following an outage. Corrective SCOPF uses fast response generating units to ensure feasibility of postcontingency scenarios. Future power grids with high integration of electric vehicles will have huge flexible energy capacities which could be used for ancillary services. Modelling EV behaviour can be challenging due to several uncertain factors affecting its operation and availability. This thesis investigates the potential of using EVs for corrective SCOPF of N-1 contingencies using a robust optimization model. The results show the techno-economic benefit of EV-based post-contingency real and reactive power control. There is cost savings up to 5% and the set level of robustness guides the performance of the model under uncertainty.
Exploring Seasonal Hydrologic Performance of Green Roofs with Various Layering Profiles
Keywords: Green Roofs
Low Impact Development
Stormwater Engineering
Water Quality
Water Quantity

Green roofs (GR) are a low impact development approach that utilizes an untapped local to manage both stormwater quantity and quality in urban areas. Adaptations in the retention layer composition are being made to improve water storage capacity and pollutant control. At GRITLab1, extensive GRs were constructed with manufactured retention/detention materials to evaluate the water quantity management compared to traditional, substrate only GR. The inclusion of manufactured layers improved the hydrologic performance of GRs during the growing season, but better performance was seen by the traditional GR in the winter. At GRITLab2, winter snow accumulation and stormwater quality was evaluated for extensive GRswith substrates both with and without biochar amendments and sedum and native vegetation. Over two winters, the type of vegetation, and its cover density, impacted the snow accumulation. The frozen substrate contributed to a decline in the leaching potential of the GR systems.
Engineering a Minimal Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteriophage
Keywords: Bacteriophage
CRISPR-Cas3
Phage engineering
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Synthetic biology

Phage therapy is gaining support as a treatment for diseases caused by antibiotic resistant pathogens, however many isolated therapeutic phages remain completely uncharacterised. There is a risk of these phages producing unknown gene products that could exacerbate the virulence of the disease. In this study, I describe a method using the type I-C CRISPR-Cas system that allows for the rapid screening of these unknown genes and their subsequent deletion in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage JBD68. I show that of the 27 genes of unknown function in the JBD68 genome, 26 are dispensable for lytic growth. With this knowledge, I produce genome reduced JBD68 phages missing upwards of 3 kbp of their genome. This corresponds to 8% of its total genome, and I show that this is likely the limit of genomic reduction from JBD68.
Immunological Humoral and Cellular Activation Profiles in the Low Dose Multi Allergen Oral Immunotherapy Trial
Keywords: allergy
basophil
IgE
immunotherapy
oral tolerance
paediatric

Low dose multi-oral immunotherapy (LOMO) may increase the safety profile of oral immunotherapy (OIT) while maintaining efficacy. Eighteen children allergic to 2-5 nuts were enrolled in LOMO (NCT03799328). Blood was collected at baseline, 6 months when the dosing target of ~30 mg protein/allergen was met, and at 18 months. Basophil activation test (BAT) was performed with allergen extracts (0.01-1000 ng/ml; FlowCAST BÜHLMANN, Switzerland). Molecular diagnosis for allergen-specific IgG4 and IgE was performed. At 18 months, BAT showed significant increase in EC50 corresponding to reduced reactivity of basophils to walnut, pistachio, cashew, and peanut relative to baseline. LOMO is effective and is accompanied by treatment-specific humoral changes and modulation of effector cell response to allergen stimulation, which reflects the desensitization process. Study results support the application of lowered maintenance dosing as a strategy to implement multi-OIT and to induce immunological changes reflective of desensitization.
Investigating Maternal, New-born, and Child Health Indicators toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in nine sub-Saharan African Countries
Keywords: ARIMA forecasting
global health
interrupted time series
policy evaluation
SDGs
SSA

This is a preliminary study that evaluates the statistical association of the SDGs on MNCH indicators in nine countries in sub-Saharan African. An Interrupted Time Series model is used to evaluate this association using six indicators from the Demographic and Health Survey. ARIMA modelling is used to forecast trends to 2030. 63% (34/54) of observations were significant, and 50% (17/34) of the indicators suggested the SDGs are associated with improving MNCH indicators. Of the MNCH indicators evaluated in this study, preliminary results of the ARIMA forecasting suggest 31% (17/54) of the observations signal progress towards the 2030 targets. Future directions suggest (1) using more recent data to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the indicator progress, (2) re-evaluating country progress more frequently and within income quintiles, and (3) investigating how to make the SDGs more equitable to promote progress not only in sub-Saharan Africa, but globally.
Assessing the Effects of Ischemia-Reperfusion in Multicellular Cardiovascular Tissues In Vitro
Keywords: Cardiomyocytes
Heart-on-a-Chip
Hypoxia
Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Microvessels
Myocardial Infarction

Transplanting exogenous cardiomyocytes into the infarcted myocardium is a promising strategy to prevent and potentially cure heart failure. However, many cardiomyocytes succumb to ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) before engraftment. Co-transplanting microvessel fragments (MVFs) can improve cardiomyocyte survival by enhancing perfusion; however, it remains unclear if MVFs can secrete factors during IRI and provide cardioprotective benefits beyond perfusion. We hypothesized that simulating aspects of IRI would impair both MVF growth and cardiomyocyte survival/function in vitro, and that co-culture would rescue cardiomyocyte survival/function. Isolated MVF cultures showed a delayed or abolished growth response to increasing durations of hypoxia, whereas cardiomyocytes demonstrated resilience unless cultured in 3D biowire constructs. Although cardiomyocyte area tended to increase on MVF-laden hydrogels, the effect was not statistically significant, and MVF conditioned media did not rescue biowire function in preliminary screens. Further investigation is necessary to conclude whether MVFs can rescue cardiomyocyte survival/function in the absence of perfusion.
Subgenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex (sgACC) Connectivity As Biomarker For Low-Frequency Right rTMS and The Individual Variability of rs-fc In MDD
Keywords: electrical field modelling
individual variability
Major depressive disorder
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
resting-state functional MRI
treatment-resistant depression

It has been proposed that left DLPFC regions anti-correlated with right subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) may represent optimal individualized target sites for high-frequency left rTMS (HFL). This study aimed to explore effects of left sgACC connectivity during low-frequency right rTMS (LFR), using concurrent rTMS-fMRI to directly observe rTMS effects and personalized e-field to measure stimulation over the cortex. Contrary to prior results, higher anti-correlation R-DLPFC and L-sgACC were not associated with greater clinical outcomes, suggesting strategies designed to optimize targets for HLF may not directly translate to LFR. Given individual functional connectivity (FC) predicted portions of rTMS outcomes, variability of resting state functional connectivity (rs-fc) was examined in the context of rTMS. Findings suggested that MDD patients displayed lower variability of sgACC connectivity than healthy controls; this may reflect the shared abnormality within MDD, and rTMS may normalize the lower variability of rs-fc toward healthy control.
The Consequences of Police Involvement in Mental Health Emergencies: From the Perspectives of Mental Health Professionals and Racialized Children, Youth, and Families
Keywords: Children Youth and Families
Crisis response
Mental Health
Mental Health Professionals
Policing
Racialization

Current literature evaluating crisis interventions is primarily police-informed and is lacking the perspectives of service users and mental health professionals. The aim of this study is to explore the consequences of policing in mental health emergencies for racialized children, youth, and families. Focus groups were conducted for two groups of participants: 11 racialized service users and 13 mental health professionals. Four themes were developed from the service user data: Incongruity of involving police in mental health crisis response, Intersectional biases of police, Criminalization of children and youth, and Responding to mental health crisis without cops. Five themes were generated from the mental health professional data: Uncertainties around mandated reporting and crisis response, Inappropriateness of involving officers in psychiatric emergencies, Racial bias in mental health care service provision, Power imbalance between cops and clinicians, and Working around police. Both groups showcase how having police respond to mental health crises is unhelpful and unethical. Implications for researchers, policymakers, and service providers who work with racialized children, youth, and families are considered.
Combined Spin- and Gradient-echo Perfusion Weighted Imaging for Characterizing Vascular Architecture of Brain Tissue
Keywords: Cerebral tumours
Magnetic resonance imaging
Perfusion

Spin- and gradient-echo dynamic-susceptibility contrast (SAGE-DSC) is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that measures the passage of a contrast agent through tissue. This work proposes a simulation framework to measure SAGE-DSC given a known vessel configuration and discusses results acquired in patients diagnosed with cerebral tumours. The framework is a comprehensive model to describe signal changes due to the intrinsic properties of tissue, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and the contrast agent. With this model, perfusion curve features are extracted to describe vessel architecture, providing supplementary information about vessel structure in brain tissue. Finally, a SAGE-DSC sequence was implemented into routine clinical scans, and metric maps were generated to show differences between healthy tissue and lesions. These maps are useful in clinical settings because they display information about the blood volume and characterize tissue by vessel caliber and type. Overall, this work optimizes and extracts insightful information about tissue vasculature from DSC acquisitions.
Collaborative Translation and Meaning Making: Using English Language Learners’ First Language as a Resource for Language Learning and Academic Achievement in the Classroom
Keywords: Academic achievement
AI Tools
English language learners
First language
Language Education
Translation

This MA thesis explores integrating home languages, collaborative translation, and AI-based online tools to enhance language learning and academic performance for English Language Learners (ELLs) in various subjects. The findings from this qualitative research with Arabic-speaking teachers and ELL students highlights positive impacts on vocabulary, writing, speaking, and reading. Collaborative translation boosts language transfer, metalinguistic awareness, and appears to improve speaking skills by encouraging students to freely express themselves in the target language. Translating into the first language aids comprehension, especially in math and science. Utilizing digital translation tools effectively utilizes existing linguistic knowledge, fostering better engagement and collaboration. The study underscores the transformative potential of incorporating native languages and translation tools, providing practical guidance for educators and valuable insights for diverse ELL classrooms. The goal is to bridge the linguistic gap between students' home language and English, equipping educators with powerful tools for proficiency and comprehension.
Hēap: Listening Through Performance
Keywords: Body
Foucault
Iran
Performance

This research delves into the profound interplay between the body, power, and subjugation that has come to the forefront of late twentieth-century discourse. Focused on the Iranian female body, it aims to uncover manifestations of subjugation and illuminate pathways towards conscious subjecthood. By drawing inspiration from Foucauldian concepts, the exploration led to a site-specific performance named "Hēap," an artistic endeavor to unearth the tangible experiences within Iranian society. Through an examination of power dynamics, surveillance, and spatial arrangement using Foucault's insights, the study seeks to discern signs of subjugation and pathways to empowerment. It reveals that despite historical and societal constraints, confronting and acknowledging subjugation empowers individuals to transcend limitations, fostering gradual transformation. This process holds potential for erasing the imprints of disciplinary machinery, liberating both current and future generations.
How to Restore Ravines: Ecological Restoration and the Toronto Ravine System
Keywords: Ecological Restoration
Society for Ecological Restoration
Stakeholders
Toronto Ravine Strategy
Toronto Ravines

This paper addresses the following research question: what does ecological restoration mean to stakeholders engaged in restoring Toronto’s ravine system? Building on the International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration, this proposal critically examines the relevance of two of its guiding principles. The discussion then shifts to an analysis of the Toronto Ravine Strategy and relevant literature on the Toronto ravine system. After this, a grounded theory-informed methodology is outlined, detailing interviews with 10 participants and visits to 3 sites. A section on findings follows, as well as concluding thoughts.
Intimate Monsters: On Disorder, Trans* Embodiment, and Futurity
Keywords: Disability
Intimacy
Monstrosity
Needles
Phenomenology
Trans*

This paper evaluates trans* use of needles for the purpose of subcutaneous injection to present a working theory of intimate technologies and how monstrosity can be utilized as a tool to build coalitions across groups of needle users. From a deeply phenomenological approach, this project presents one such body-essay that attempts to reckon with questions of assimilation, access, transition, disorder, and the medical industrial complex. Using my own experiences as a trans*, impaired, and gender-queer needle user, I interrogate how the tools and technologies we use shape how we begin to imagine the future and carry with us hopes for radically different worlds. Key themes relating to the body, how people interface with medical authorities, and embodiment carry through each section, culminating in the development of looser theory on self-actualization, one that considers that trans* individuals are not so alone in their quest for embodiment.
Tau PET Imaging for Atypical Parkinsonisms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Keywords: Neuroimaging
Parkinson's disease
Parkinsonism
PET
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Tau

Objective: To compare first- and second-generation tau PET tracer efficacy in patients with atypical parkinsonisms (APs), represented by progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Methods: In vivo tau PET imaging data was compiled from an extensive literature search and meta-analyzed using random-effects meta-analytic models with restricted maximum likelihood estimation (REML) and subgroup analysis based on regions of interest (ROIs). Results: Second-generation tau PET tracers ([18F]PI-2620 and [18F]PM-PBB3) consistently outperformed first-generation tracers ([18F]AV-1451 and [18F]THK-5351). These tracers presented with the largest standardized mean difference (SMD) values in tracer binding, favouring patients with APs. The ROIs with the greatest differences in binding were the globus pallidus (GP) and subthalamic nucleus (STN). Conclusions: Our results provide evidence for the efficacy of second-generation tau PET tracers, particularly in the basal ganglia. These findings support and advance existing literature, ultimately contributing towards identifying a reliable diagnostic biomarker for patients with APs.
Model Checking and Gas Optimization of Move Smart Contracts, and Transaction Order Dependency Detection and Rectification
Keywords: Formal Verification
Gas Optimization
Model Checking
Move
Smart Contracts
Transaction Order Dependency

Blockchain technology has revolutionized various industries by providing secure transaction mechanisms in a decentralized, trustless environment. In 2014, the Ethereum blockchain platform introduced smart contracts, facilitating the deployment of a wide range of decentralized applications. However, since its inception numerous vulnerabilities have been discovered in the Ethereum Virtual Machine, many resulting in significant financial loss. Consequently, a new smart contract language, Move, has been developed, where security and verifiability are first class features. As the adoption of Move increases, it necessitates robust developer tools and adherence to best practice principles, similar to the existing infrastructure present in Ethereum. This thesis contributes to the advancement of this goal. First, it introduces VeriMove, the first model checking framework for the Move language. Experiments show that model checking is a feasible method to formally verify global properties in Move smart contracts. Second, this thesis presents the first gas optimization analysis of the Move language. Experiments show that the proposed gas optimization patterns reduce gas consumption in a typical smart contract by 7 - 56%. Lastly, this thesis proposes a novel algorithm to automatically audit the transaction order dependency vulnerability present in many popular public blockchain platforms. A prototype implementation is developed on Ethereum for the Solidity smart contract language. Experiments show that the proposed methodology can be used successfully to detect and rectify such vulnerabilities, or to certify their absence.
Investigating the Relationship Between Delirium Severity and Motor Subtypes in Older Adults Presenting to the Emergency Department
Keywords: Delirium
Geriatric Emergency Medicine
Motor Subtypes
Older Adults
Severity Scales

Delirium is a medical emergency associated with adverse outcomes in older (> 65 years) patients and is categorized into two main motor subtypes, hyperactive and hypoactive. The objective of study one was to prospectively assess measurement differences within and between two delirium severity scales, the Confusion Assessment Method – Severity Scale (CAM-S) and Delirium Index (DI), using case vignettes of delirium motor subtypes and severity, rated by emergency department staff. We found the CAM-S and DI scales both rated hypoactive as more severe than hyperactive (Δ3%). The second study was a systematic review of studies that reported delirium subtype, severity and outcomes to investigate measurement differences between motor subtypes. The relationship between delirium subtype, severity and outcomes was largely confounded by inconsistent delirium measurement tools used between reviewed studies. This thesis identifies systematic measurement errors in delirium motor subtype severity using the CAM-S and DI, and potential implications of these differences.