VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Fabrication of Cementitious Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring
Keywords: Carbon fiber cementitious sensors
Cementitious sensors
Optimization
Structural health monitoring

Cementitious sensors function based on the principle of piezoresistivity, which is defined as the dependence of electrical resistivity on applied strain. These sensors incorporate conductive materials within a cementitious matrix. Fiber dispersion quality, mix design, and fabrication methods significantly impact the sensitivity, repeatability, and stability of the sensors. In this study, cementitious sensors were fabricated using coal-tar pitch-based carbon fibers as the conductive phase and the Taguchi method of optimization was utilized to find the most effective mix design and fabrication procedures. Four-probe electrical resistivity measurement under compressive mechanical loading determined the efficiency of each fabrication setting. The fiber dispersion quality was evaluated via several image processing techniques. Optimization results indicated that sensor samples containing 15% volume fraction of carbon fiber, general use Portland cement and silica fume, and mixed with centrifugal mixer produce the best results with better repeatability.
Brain Changes and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Neonates with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Interconnections between Lung Health and Brain Health
Keywords: brain development
neonate
neurodevelopment
preterm

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a frequent complication of prematurity, is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This thesis describes the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm-born children with BPD at preschool age. In a prospective cohort of 144 very preterm neonates with brain MRI at term age, 59 (41%) neonates had a diagnosis of BPD. At preschool age, children with BPD had significant motor impairment but intact cognitive function. Duration of mechanical ventilation (i.e., invasive ventilation involving endotracheal intubation) was the most predictive clinical factor of motor performance. Mechanical ventilation exposure was associated with smaller pons and medulla at term age in two independent cohorts, along with diffuse anomalies of white matter maturation. Pons and medulla volumes at term age were both associated with motor performance at preschool age. Our findings highlight the role of the brainstem in the relationship between duration of mechanical ventilation and impaired motor development in children with BPD.
Investigating the Behavioural and Antiapoptotic Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation in a Model of Moderate-to-severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Keywords: Deep brain stimulation
fluid percussion injury
traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a neurological event where an external mechanical force to the brain can lead to devastating effects on physical, cognitive, and/or behavioural function in humans. Currently, no therapeutic approach is substantially efficient in treating prolonged secondary injury from TBI. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure used tomanage debilitating symptoms in motor disorders. While DBS is demonstrated to modulate targeted brain circuitry, its underlying mode of action is yet to be determined. This thesis hypothesizes that high-frequency acute DBS delivered to the anterior thalamic nucleus (ANT) will lead to recovery of memory deficits and reduce anxiety-type behaviour in a well-established TBI rodent model, through a decrease in apoptosis. Salient findings suggest: (i) Acute stimulation of the ANT improved spatial memory in rats with moderate-to-severe TBI, compared to rats receiving no DBS; however, (ii) anti-apoptotic effects after ANT-DBS, as assessed via caspase-3 measurements, were inconclusive.
Inclusion et Langue Française : Stratégies Linguistiques des Membres du Personnel Responsables des Groupes LGBTQ+
Keywords: français inclusif
français neutre
groupe LGBTQ
inclusion LGBTQ
milieu minoritaire
personnel enseignant

Cette étude explore les stratégies linguistiques utilisées par le personnel enseignant responsable des groupes LGBTQ+ dans des écoles de langue française en Ontario en demandant : « Quelles stratégies linguistiques le personnel enseignant responsable des groupes LGBTQ+ utilise-t-il en fonction de son rôle d’appui à la communauté LGBTQ+ dans l’école ? » et « Quelles sont les possibilités et les contraintes à l’utilisation de stratégies linguistiques inclusives de la communauté LGBTQ+ dans le contexte discursif des écoles de langue française de l’Ontario? ». Les données sont recueillies à l’aide d’une analyse de documents et de six entretiens semi-structurés avec des membres du personnel enseignant responsable de groupes LGBTQ+ dans des écoles de langue française en Ontario. L’étude révèle deux catégories de stratégies linguistiques, soit discursives et grammaticales, qui sont analysées selon cadres de la littératie queer de miller (2015) et des moments sécuritaires, positifs et queering de Goldstein et al. (2007).
The Effects of Early-life Inflammation on Seizure Development and Memory in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Keywords: Early-life
Epilepsy
Immune activation
Lipopolysaccharide
Memory
Neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a neurocutaneous disorder, can cause various neurological manifestations including learning impairments and epilepsy. Experimental early-life immune activation can promote later-life seizure susceptibility and neurocognitive impairments and can lead to spontaneous seizures in certain neurodevelopmental disorders, but the effect in NF1 is not known. We hypothesized early-life immune activation by systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) would further exacerbate the increased seizure susceptibility and cognitive impairments previously described in Nf1+/- mice. We found that systemic LPS induced a comparable acute cytokine response in post-natal day 10 Nf1+/- and WT mice. In adulthood, spontaneous seizures were only found in LPS-challenged Nf1+/- mice, while early-life LPS had similar effects on seizure susceptibility in both genotypes and did not affect spatial learning and memory. Our findings suggest second-hit environmental events, such as early-life immune activation, may be required for epileptogenesis in the Nf1+/- mouse and may be a risk-factor for NF1-associated epilepsy
The Impact of Ongoing Coparenting Conflict on Female Domestic Violence Survivors and their Parenting of Very Young Children
Keywords: domestic violence
intimate partner violence
mothering
parenting
post-traumatic stress
trauma

There are inconsistent results from studies on how maternal parenting is affected by experiencing domestic violence (DV) and most research does not consider ongoing DV or even ongoing conflict. In a sample of 42 mothers of children aged 2 months to 77 months, mostly DV survivors, the relationship between previous week conflict in the coparenting relationship and maternal parenting capacity was assessed, as well as whether maternal trauma symptoms mediated this relationship. Analyses found an indirect, but not direct, relationship between ongoing conflict and self-reported maternal parenting capacity, specifically parenting related stress and parenting self-efficacy, through maternal trauma symptoms. The results suggest ongoing conflict may be important to consider in research examining the maternal parenting of DV survivors and that the focus on improving mothers’ mental health and parenting may be misplaced if there is still ongoing conflict.
Higher Intensity Exercise Increases Protein Turnover and Daily Protein Requirements of Male Endurance Athletes During Recovery
Keywords: Dietary Protein
Exercise Intensity
Exercise Physiology
Protein Metabolism
Stable Isotope Tracers

Purpose: Examine the effect of exercise intensity of prolonged running exercise on whole-body protein metabolism and protein requirements during recovery. Methods: Seven male endurance athletes completed two randomized exercise trials (20-km run) at LOW (~55% V ̇O2peak), or HIGH (~72% V ̇O2peak), intensity. Participants consumed 0.6g·kg-1 CHO pre-exercise. During the 8 h post-exercise, participants consumed 8.6g·kg-1·d-1 CHO and hourly meals providing 0.93g ·kg-1·d-1 protein, enriched with indicator AA [13C] phenylalanine. Breath and urine samples were collected to determine whole-body phenylalanine flux (PheRa), oxidation (PheOx), protein synthesis (PS), breakdown (PB) and net balance (NB). Results: The rate of CHO oxidation during exercise was 60% greater in HIGH vs LOW (P
Free-stream Turbulence Effects on Laminar Separation Bubbles at Low Reynolds Numbers
Keywords: Experimental aerodynamics
Free-stream turbulence
Laminar separation bubble
low Reynolds number
Oil film interferometry
Particle Image Velocimetry

This thesis investigates the behaviour of a laminar separation bubble (LSB) on a low Reynolds number airfoil, at various free-stream turbulence intensities. The experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel for Reynolds numbers 1.0 × 10^5 – 2.0 × 10^5, at angles of attack 4◦ – 15◦, over free-stream turbulence intensities 0.05% – 1.1%. Particle image velocimetry and oil film interferometry were used to measure skin friction, separation and reattachment points, displacement thickness, and flow transition. The experimental results indicate that increasing turbulence intensity reduces the overall LSB effect, by reducing its length and height. The length reduction is driven by the reattachment point moving upstream, due to an earlier transition to turbulence, and the separation point moving downstream, due to additional upstream mixing. The height reduction results in decreasing skin friction magnitudes within the LSB and is the result of a decrease in the wall-normal velocity fluctuations, indicating more 3-D turbulent structures.
Role of Stem Cell Antigen-1 in Vessel Remodeling
Keywords: Progenitor Cells
Restenosis
Stem Cell Antigen-1
Vascular Biology
Vessel Remodeling

Vessel remodeling underlies several vascular diseases and involves the expansion and differentiation of stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1)-expressing progenitor cells into vascular smooth muscle cells and related myofibroblast-like cells. Although used to identify progenitor cells, the functional role of Sca-1 has not been examined in vascular remodeling. Here, we first identified the dynamics of Sca-1 expression in a wire injury model of vessel remodeling. To determine the requirement for Sca-1, mice deficient in Sca-1 (Sca1KO) and wild-type controls underwent carotid wire injury. Sca1KO displayed more intimal and adventitial remodeling post-injury. At 8d, non-leukocyte proliferation was increased throughout the vessel, and confined to the adventitia at 14d post-injury. Minimal differences in endothelial- and smooth muscle cells were observed, but fibroblasts and leukocytes were significantly increased, suggesting disinhibited pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory responses to injury. Our findings suggest that Sca-1 expression protects against vessel remodeling by suppressing fibrotic and inflammatory responses to injury.
Dismantling Dominant Discourse Surrounding Complex Death with Indigenous Youth Experience
Keywords: Canada
Indigenous Youth
Life Promotion
Mental Health
Suicide

Suicide is commonly described as an urgent health concern and tragedy afflicting Indigenous communities in Canada. This work aimed to develop more contextual understandings of complex death, specifically Indigenous youth deaths by suicide that considered social, economic, historical, ecological, and political factors. This work centered the voices of an often-overlooked demographic, urban-based Indigenous youth, and utilized qualitative methodology that included thematic analysis of archival interview data conducted with Indigenous youth wellness facilitators in British Columbia, Canada. Thematic analysis identified multiple socio-political, historical, and colonial factors that contribute to Indigenous youth challenges with suicidality, and mental health. Furthermore, Indigenous youth in the study conceptualized wellbeing in a manner that resisted psychocentrism and described creative, institutional, and structural interventions that are key to promoting a livable life. Critical implications of this work are discussed, particularly, regarding the roles of the psy-disciplines (psychology and psychiatry) in preventing Indigenous youth suicide in Canada.
'Sharing My Truth": An Arts-informed, Secondary Analysis on the Psycho-social and Educational Experiences of Youth and Young Adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Keywords: Arts-Based Research
Chronic Illness
Cystic Fibrosis
Developmental Psychology
Education
Psycho-Social Well-Being

Among the multitude of literature unravelling the biomedical paradigm of chronic illnesses in youth and young adults, there is a lack of knowledge surrounding this population’s personal narratives, specifically through the use of visual storytelling. Storytelling is an unparalleled method for creating a bridge between different life phases. Specifically, young individuals with chronic conditions need platforms to share the truths of living with a life-altering condition. The purpose of this arts-informed secondary analysis is to explore and understand the psycho-social and educational experiences of youth and young people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), using verbal narratives and self-created storybooks. Participants shared experiences of increased levels of negative mental health, limited social relationships, increased levels of CF stigma, adequate support from elementary and high school educators, and negative barriers in post-secondary educational settings. This new knowledge can lead to the development of interventions to assist this population in navigating through these systems.
Magnetic Particles for Sample Preparation in Microfluidic Paper-based Analytical Devices
Keywords: Iron Oxide particles
Magnetic particles
Non-specific adsorption
POC
Sample preparation
µPAD

This work investigates the of using iron oxide particles in a paper substrate to develop a sample preparation method for a microfluidic paper-based analytical device. The compatibility of three particles (2800 nm, 400 nm and 30 nm diameter) in Whatman Grade 1 paper was evaluated based on their colloidal stability and magnetic susceptibility. The particles were conjugated to horseradish peroxidase to produce a colourimetric signal for tracking in paper. Particle batch variation was evaluated through quality assurance testing to determine the impact on the selected bioconjugation scheme. Results indicated that less colloidally stable particles, due to their larger size or particle-particle interactions, adsorbed to paper, thereby preventing their magnetic field manipulation. The smaller nanoparticles had improved stability, but lower magnetic susceptibility, which reduced their magnetic manipulation. Lastly, the challenges in working with paper were discussed with regards to data collection and analysis (i.e. smartphone versus desktop scanner).
Unsupervised Multivariate Time Series Anomaly Detection via Transformer-based models and Time Series Encoding
Keywords: Anomaly Detection
Machine Learning
Multivariate Time Series

This thesis has investigated the anomaly detection problem on multivariate time series. In particular, we have studied two different directions: the point-based approach and the range-based approach. For the point-based approach, one novel Transformer-based model: Transformer Conditional Variational Autoencoder (T-CVAE) has been designed and compared with state-of-the-art multivariate time series anomaly detection baselines. Through exhaustive experiments on three open-source datasets, our model T-CVAE has outperformed all baseline models in terms of the F1 score. On the other hand, for the range-based approach, we have developed and implemented two time series encoding techniques: Outer product Matrix (OM) and Gramian Angular Field Matrix (GAFM). We have compared the two methods with the existing Gram Matrix approach in the literature. Based on empirical experiment results, we have found that GAFM time series encoding performs best among the three in terms of the F1 measurement.
Multiplexing Quantum and Classical Channels for a Commercial Quantum Key Distribution System
Keywords: Coherent One-Way Protocol
Optimization
Quantum Key Distribution
Wavelength-Division Multiplexing

Wavelength-division multiplexing of quantum and classical channels is a necessary requirement for the integration of commercial quantum key distribution (QKD) systems with existing fibre infrastructure since it drastically reduces the cost of implementation. However, due to the high power of the classical signals in relation to the quantum signal, multiplexing poses a significant technical challenge for QKD systems: the production of optical noise. This thesis will present the first experimental realization of QKD performed using a commercial system with multiplexed quantum and classical communication channels. Using the ID3200 Clavis3 commercial QKD system, key generation was performed under a variety of conditions to generate system-level data which was used to construct and verify mathematical models of the key generation process. Once verified, the models were optimized via exhaustive search to obtain optimal system parameter values such that a maximal secret key rate was achieved for each set of experimental conditions.
Magnetogenetic Stimulation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-derived Cardiomyocytes and Smooth Muscle Cells
Keywords: hESC-CMs
hESC-SMCs
Human embryonic stem cells
Magneto
Magnetogenetics
Remote cellular control

Spatiotemporal stimulation of bioengineered channels offers a powerful tool for modulating cellular activity. Recently, a chimeric ion channel termed “Magneto” has been postulated to function as a genetically encoded magnetoreceptor. Here we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of Magneto could be used to remotely stimulate Magneto expressing cells by the application of a magnetic field. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, we created a transgenic human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line that stably expressed Magneto. Next, we differentiated Magneto+ hESCs into cardiomyocytes and smooth muscle cells and evaluated the protein expression and subcellular localization of Magneto by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. To test the channel’s magnetoreceptor function, we employed in vitro calcium imaging of Magneto+ hESC-derived smooth muscle cells in response to various magnetic fields. We found that magnetic stimulation did not elicit calcium transients in Magneto+ cells, while the parasympathomimetic drug carbachol did elicit cellular depolarization when used as a positive control.
Deep Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning
Keywords: Energy
Hierarchies
Mutation
Reinforcement Learning
Trade

The biological paradigm of learning by trial and error has motivated tremendous success in the field of Machine Learning. While Reinforcement Learning (RL) rests behind a myriad of breakthroughs, its practical application to real-world scenarios remains an open question. This thesis addresses the three challenges of restricted scalability, reduced robustness and limited practical viability through the lens of hierarchies serving as abstractions of composite behavior. Novel evolutionary RL methods present an evolving hierarchy which provisions scalability among members of its population. Novel energy based RL schemes, on the other hand, minimize surprise utilizing low energy configurations among members of the multi agent hierarchy. The framework of energy-based surprise minimization steers practical application of hierarchical RL to the setting of trade execution. The end result of this study is a hierarchical scheme demonstrating trade patterns analogous to humans with this thesis serving as a motivation for application of RL to practical problems.
Geology and Geochemistry of the Newly-discovered VOLPA Seafloor Massive Sulfide Deposit, Niua Volcanic Arc Complex, Tonga, SW Pacific
Keywords: Seafloor massive sulfides

The VOLPA hydrothermal vent field is a newly-discovered seafloor massive sulfide deposit located on the Niua volcanic complex, on the Tonga-Kermadec arc. Mapping of Niua reveals a unique morphology dominated by volcanic fissures, indicating influences from extensional tectonics. Hydrothermal fluids are mainly focused along crater wall structures. Average metal concentrations are 2.7 wt% Cu, 12 wt% Zn, 2.9 wt% Pb 7.2 ppm Au and 422 ppm Ag. Three distinct types of chimneys are identified based on mineralogy and geochemistry: chalcopyrite-rich chimneys with >10 wt% Cu; sphalerite-rich chimneys with >5 wt% Zn, and zoned chalcopyrite-sphalerite chimneys with
A Low-power Injection-locked O-QPSK/8PSK Transmitter
Keywords: 8PSK
Injection-locked-divider
IoT
Low-power transmitter
OQPSK
Quadrature oscillator

Low-power constant-envelope modulations have gained popularity to meet the increasing demand for efficient transmitters with high data rates. In this thesis, a novel architecture for a low-power wireless transmitter is studied. The idea of employing a single injection-locked frequency divider (ILFD) to perform phase modulation is brought forth. The proposed solution, tailored to Offset-Quadrature-Phase-Shift-Keying (QPSK) and 8PSK for various applications such as IoT (Internet of Things), has been realized by exploiting the property of an ILFD to work as a phase rotator. The output is coupled to the antenna via a transformer to deliver the desired power. The highly efficient, high-bandwidth OQPSK and 8PSK transmitters are capable of operating at up to 120 Mbit/s and 136 Mbit/s, with output powers of 1.3 mW and 3 mW respectively and system efficiencies above 30%. The paper on the OQPSK transmitter has won the "Best Young Scientist Paper Award" in ESSCIRC 2018.
The Role of Endothelial-specific Autophagy-related Protein 7 in Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity
Keywords: Autophagy
Cancer Therapy
Cardiovascular Sciences
Heart Failure
Mouse Study

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective, broad-spectrum antineoplastic agent with serious cardiotoxic side effects. Recent evidence has linked the dysregulation and destruction of the endothelium in the development of DOX-induced heart disease. Autophagy is an important pro-survival mechanism to recycle and remove damaged cellular constituents. Autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) catalyzes autophagosome formation, a critical step in autophagy. In this study, we used endothelial cell-specific Atg7 knockout (EC-Atg7-/-) mice to characterize the role of endothelial cell-specific autophagy in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. DOX-treated EC-Atg7-/- mice showed reduced survival and a greater decline in cardiac function compared to wild-type controls. Histological assessments revealed increased cardiac fibrosis in DOX-treated EC-Atg7-/- mice. DOX-treated EC-Atg7-/- mice had elevated serum levels of creatine kinase-myocardial band, a biomarker for cardiac damage. Thus, endothelial cell-specific autophagy represented a protective pathway against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
Evidence for Fc Gamma Receptor Inhibition in the Therapeutic Activity of CD44 Antibodies in a Murine Model of Immune Thrombocytopenia
Keywords: CD44 Antibodies
Immune Thrombocytopenia
IVIg
Murine Model of ITP

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by low platelet counts. In a murine ITP model, thrombocytopenia has previously been treated using CD44 antibodies, although the mechanism of effect is not well understood. This thesis demonstrates that a monoclonal CD44 antibody can inhibit platelet phagocytosis in vitro and ameliorate murine ITP. A requirement for a functional Fc region was observed, as F(ab)’2 and deglycosylated anti-CD44 were not therapeutic. Furthermore, anti-CD44 (IgG1) could only inhibit platelet phagocytosis and ameliorate ITP in vivo when an IgG1 anti-platelet antibody was utilized, and not IgG2a. This subtype specific effect indicates that the anti-CD44 was therapeutic when able to interact with the same subclasses of Fc gamma receptors (FcyRs) as the anti-platelet antibody. Thus, binding to FcyRs, using their Fc region, and inhibiting the activating FcyR pathway of platelet destruction may potentially explain how CD44 antibodies inhibit platelet phagocytosis and ameliorate murine ITP.