VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Intracellular Complement: Activation and Expression in Human Skeletal Muscle Myotubes Under Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Stress
Keywords: Complement C3
Human Skeletal Myotubes
IL-1β
IL-6
Inflammation
TNF-α

The complement system was known to be mainly liver-derived and being effective in the serum, however, a concept of intracellular complement has emerged, where local production of complement has nonconical roles in various cell types. We have discovered a novel production of complement C3 in skeletal muscle myotubes, and we hypothesized that it can be stimulated under pro-inflammatory cytokines stress. This study utilizes human myotubes differentiated in serum-free conditions to study skeletal muscle C3. Our results show that pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, and interleukin 1 beta increase both the expression and activation of C3 in myotubes. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokine stress induces intracellular C3 deposition which can activate membrane attack complex. In addition, the proteolytic activity of Cathepsin L might be important for intracellular C3 activation in myotubes. This study will help us further elucidate the new phenomenon of intracellularly functional complement in the context of muscle inflammation.
Electrophysiological Correlates of Subjective Cognitive Demand in Cochlear Implant Users during Listening in Noise
Keywords: attention
cochlear implants
EEG
speech perception
speech tracking
temporal response functions

There is a weak relationship between clinical and self-reported speech perception outcomes in CI listeners, potentially due to differences in clinical and real-world listening environments. Therefore, the objectives of this thesis were to 1) quantify neural speech tracking in CI listeners to naturalistic audiovisual stimuli in various levels of background noise using temporal response functions (TRFs), and 2) assess speech tracking and alpha power as objective measures of cognitive demand compared to subjective self-reports. Neural tracking of a dialogue-based television show and alpha power were measured for fifteen adult CI listeners, and correlated to their self-reported demand ratings. Late TRF components significantly changes as an effect of background noise, along with non-significant parametric changes in early components. Change in auditory alpha power and demand ratings were significantly correlated as well. These results indicate that meaningful information about the CI listening experience can be extracted from neural responses using “ecological” stimuli.
A Study of Observability-aware Trajectory Optimization
Keywords: observability
robotics
self-calibration
sensor fusion
state estimation
trajectory optimization

Ideally, robots should move in ways that maximize knowledge gained about the state of both their internal system and external operating environment. Recently, observability-based metrics have been proposed to find trajectories that enable rapid and accurate estimation. A system is observable, roughly, if relevant states and parameters can be recovered from measurements over finite time. Degree of observability has been applied as a metric to optimize motion to produce more observable trajectories that yield better estimation accuracy. The viability of methods for observability-aware trajectory optimization are not yet well understood in the literature. In this thesis, we compare two state-of-the-art methods for trajectory optimization and seek to add important theoretical clarifications and valuable discussion about their effectiveness. For evaluation, we examine the representative task of sensor-to-sensor extrinsic self-calibration using a realistic physics simulator. We also study the sensitivity of these algorithms to changes in information content of exteroceptive sensor measurements.
Twin Pregnancy and Severe Maternal Mental Illness: A Canadian Population-based Cohort Study
Keywords: Health services research
Maternal mental health
Postpartum mental illness
Pregnancy
Twin pregnancy

Objective: To quantity the short- and long-term risks of severe maternal mental illness arising after a twin vs. singleton birth. Methods: This propensity-score weighted population-based retrospective cohort study comprised primiparous Canadian women aged 15-50 years. We compared 15,024 twin livebirths to 796,804 singletons livebirths, from 2003-2019. The primary composite outcome was a psychiatric emergency department visit, hospitalization, self-harm or suicide event – both in the first year postpartum, and from 1 year postpartum up to 17 years post-delivery. Results: In the first year postpartum, after weighting, the rate of composite outcome events was 10.5 vs. 8.7 per 1000 person-years among twin and singleton births respectively (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07-1.47). Starting from 1 year postpartum, the corresponding rates were 5.9 vs. 6.1 per 1000 person-years (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.89-1.04). Conclusions: Women with a twin birth may experience more severe adverse mental health within 1-year postpartum, but not in the long-term.
Role of Saturated Fatty Acids in the Development of Insulin Resistance via NOD1 Activation In vivo
Keywords: Diabetes
in vivo
Insulin resistance
NOD1
Palmitate
Saturated fatty acids

Obesity is associated with elevated free fatty acids (FFA), chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance (IR). We hypothesize that FFA can act as damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to activate innate immune receptors such as nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD) 1 receptor inducing IR and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We here show that i.v. infusion of ethylpalmitate (EtP), which is broken down into palmitate and ethanol in circulation, can induce whole body IR in WT mice, which was assessed using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Furthermore, NOD1 KO mice were protected from EtP induced whole-body and peripheral IR. We used GSK583, a pharmacological inhibitor of RIPK2, which is downstream of NOD1. We found that GSK583 treatment protected against EtP induced whole body and hepatic IR. This data suggests NOD1 as a potential therapeutic target for IR and T2D.
Instructional Components and their Combinations for Teaching Empathy to Mental Health Practitioners and Trainees: Pairwise and Network Meta-analyses
Keywords: counselling
empathy
intervention
meta-analysis
network meta-analysis
therapy

The current study investigated the most effective instructional components (didactic, rehearsal, reflection, observation, feedback, mindfulness), instructional component combinations, and program characteristics for teaching empathy to mental health practitioners. Thirty-seven studies were included (N = 1591). Data were pooled using random-effects pairwise and network meta-analyses. Overall, empathy interventions demonstrated a medium to large effect (d = .76, 95% CI = .57, .95). Pairwise analyses showed that didactic (d = .87 vs. d = .43, p = .03) and rehearsal components (d = .88 vs. d = .50, p = .05) were more effective, on average, than those that did not use these respective approaches. None of the program characteristics significantly impacted intervention effectiveness. Network analyses revealed didactic, rehearsal, and observation components were included among the most effective intervention combinations compared to other intervention combinations.
Investigating the Relationships between Menstrual Cycle, Progesterone, and Concussion in Female Athletes
Keywords: Concussion
Female Athletes
Menstrual Cycle
Progesterone

Sport related concussion is a traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanical forces. Progesterone, a female sex hormone, is thought to be neuroprotective and may have implications in concussion. The current study examined how changes in hormone levels may affect menstrual functioning and outcomes after concussion in university athletes. The influence of progesterone was examined in relation to variation in the menstrual cycle and the severity of symptoms post-concussion. Specifically, our findings suggest that there may be changes in menstrual cycle patterns and neuroendocrine disturbances occurring after concussion in female athletes. Additionally, progesterone may have a neuroprotective effect as its increased concentration is associated with decreases in symptom severity acutely after concussion. Findings from this study are informative for future research aiming to explore the influence of female sex hormones in the field of concussion and brain injury.
Empathizing with Victims or Culprits: The Roles of Political Orientation and Competitive Worldview in Empathy
Keywords: competitive worldview
culprits
empathy
political orientation
victims

Victim-blaming and exonerating perpetrators can often be seen in society. This present research aims to understand these phenomena through the lens of empathy for victims and culprits. As victims and culprits espouse qualities that conservatives and liberals may value differently, political orientation may influence who an individual empathizes more with. I propose a model in which political conservatism predicts lower empathy for victims and higher empathy for culprits, as a function of competitive worldview. Study 1 tests this model in a correlational design, finding support for competitive worldview as a mediator of political orientation and empathy. Study 2 builds on these findings by examining the causal effect of inducing competitive views on the relationship between political orientation and empathy, further demonstrating the proposed model. Despite potential limitations, these studies provide initial evidence for the association of political orientation, competitive worldview, and empathy. Planned future studies and research ideas are discussed.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Differentiating Pediatric Neuroblastic Tumours
Keywords: Diffusion Weighted Imaging
Ganglioneuroma
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neuroblastic Tumours
Neuroblastoma
Pediatric Oncology

The main objectives of this thesis work were to answer the following questions:1. Are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features able to accurately distinguish malignant from benign neuroblastic tumours? 2. Are quantitative Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI)-MRI features able to accurately differentiate malignant from benign neuroblastic tumours? The thesis is presented as two manuscripts resulting from the two primary research studies: 1. Diagnostic Accuracy of MRI for Pediatric Neuroblastic Tumour Differentiation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2. Quantitative MRI Features Characterizing Pediatric Neuroblastic Tumours at Diagnosis. The results of both studies confirm that Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), a quantitative feature derived from DWI measuring the motion of free water molecules, has high accuracy for differentiating between malignant and benign pediatric neuroblastic tumours. Therefore, use of this quantitative feature as a non-invasive tool could contribute to the diagnostic armamentarium and help guide management decisions of this highly heterogenous solid tumour in children.
Fixed Beliefs, Low Control, and Well-being: Can Believing Something Cannot Change Be Good?
Keywords: Malleability Beliefs

Believing that attributes are fixed – “fixed beliefs” – is often associated with negative outcomes, but emerging evidence suggests that fixed beliefs can be beneficial. I suggest that for populations who have low control, fixed beliefs may be positively related to well-being through greater goal disengagement and lesser goal engagement. I investigated how fixed beliefs relate to control efforts and well-being in low-SES individuals (Study 1; n = 321) and older adults (Study 2; n = 418). Results suggest that fixed beliefs negatively relate to goal engagement, goal engagement positively relates with well-being, and fixed beliefs negatively impact well-being through decreased control efforts. In addition, goal disengagement positively relates with well-being for low-SES-individuals. Overall, the results suggest that even in low-control populations, fixed beliefs may negatively impact well-being and that control efforts are one mechanism through which this can occur.
Impacts of Test Variables on The Electrical Resistivity Measurements of Hardened Concrete
Keywords: Concrete bulk resistivity
Concrete durability
Concrete quality control
Electrical resistivity

Evaluating concrete quality and performance, especially determining the resistance of concrete to fluid and ion ingress is fundamental to estimating concrete’s durability and predicting the service life of concrete structures. As a simple and rapid indicator of concrete’s resistance to any fluid and ion ingress, the bulk electrical resistivity test has gained increasing interest. However, the bulk resistivity measurement can be affected by many factors. This study aims to analyze the impacts of different factors on bulk resistivity measurement, including curing condition and storage solution, degree of saturation, temperature, AC frequency, different test devices, specimen shape and thickness, and mixture compositions. The correlations between each test variable and bulk resistivity are discussed. The bulk and surface resistivity measurements are compared as well. The results show that different factors affected resistivity measurements differently, the clear understanding of their impacts could result in more accurate resistivity measurements for assessing the durability of concrete.
Developing Indium Arsenide Nanowire Field Effect Transistor Sensors for Biological Applications
Keywords: Biosensing
Indium Arsenide
Nanowires
pH Sensing
Semiconductors
Streptavidin

Nanowire field effect transistors have emerged as a promising platform for rapid and direct electrical sensing. The present work characterizes indium arsenide multiwire devices for liquid and gas phase sensing applications. Studies evaluating the pH response of the devices demonstrated the importance of the careful selection of an appropriate figure-of-merit to relate potential response to ion concentration that is free from the effects of electrostatic history. Furthermore, measurement parameters were tuned to optimize the sensitivity of the sensor response. In the gas phase, the sensing responses to ethanol and dimethyl methylphosphonate were compared and found to exhibit a differing response based on the respective dipole moments and adsorption properties of these analytes. Finally, a preliminary bio-sensing response of biotin-functionalized devices to streptavidin is presented. While the devices demonstrate versatility in different sensing media, they should be tailored appropriately to the specific sensing application.
Developing a Generative Design Framework for Optimising Public Transit Network Planning
Keywords: Generative Design
Public Transport
Transit Frequency
Transit Network
Transit Planning

Despite the plethora of tools and data available to transit planners, transit network design has remained mostly a manual task. There have been many attempts to algorithmically optimise algorithms transit network design based on geography, travel demand, and operating resources. However, the Transit Network Design Problem (TNDP) and Transit Network Design and Frequency Setting Problem (TNDFSP) remain challenging due to their NP-hard nature and the volume of data and computation required to produce good and realistic solutions. Generative Design is an emerging design methodology that takes advantage of computational power and efficient solution generation methods to develop high-quality solutions for complex, multi-objective optimisation problems. This thesis presents a framework that adopts the Generative Design methodology towards optimising transit network design and examines ways to improve adaptability and applicability of the framework in real-world scenarios.
Correcting Deficient Papillae and Gingival Recession using a Conservative Surgical Approach utilizing a Dermal Filler (Juvéderm) and Enamel Matrix Derivative (Emdogain); A Pilot Study
Keywords: Black triangles
Papilla
Recession
Regeneration

Gingival recession, and “black triangle” (BT) defects are a common complaint for patients. While gingival recession seems to be more amenable to treatment this is not the case for BTs. We have developed a minimally invasive approach with the use of dermal filler and concurrent enamel matrix derivative (EMD). A total of 8 patient with 34 sites needing treatment were involved in this pilot study. Mean gain in attachment was 0.82mm ± 1.47mm (p = 0.002). Mean root coverage was 70.37%. Papilla fill was improved by an average of 1.5mm (mean fill 44.58%) from baseline. Patient satisfaction at 6-month post-operative VAS data shows satisfaction improvement of 92.9% ± 7.0% (p
Masjid Ball: The Influence of Mosque-based Physical Activity Programs on the Physical Cultural Practices of Young Muslim Women
Keywords: Basketball
Belonging
Faith-focused
Safe spaces
Sporting cultures
Young Muslim women

The values mediating exclusionary practices in Western sporting environments posit religiosity and physical activity as opposite principles, forcing many Muslim women to choose between faith or play (Knez et al., 2012). Religious institutions like mosques are essential structures that link Muslims to their communities, making them valuable when designing lifestyle interventions (Banerjee et al., 2017). The study used a space-based racial analysis to explore how six young Muslim women experienced mosque-based women’s-only sports programs, the relationships that form in such settings, and the physical cultures being practiced. The results demonstrate the significance of studying faith as a racializing identity within sport science, and gendered Islamophobia’s role in influencing Muslim women’s sporting participation. The findings also highlight how sporting exclusion is mediated through agentic processes of creating and negotiating safe sporting spaces by transforming faith spaces, and the relationships Muslim women develop with themselves, and their communities through faith-focused physical activity.
Phase Aware Approximation
Keywords: Computer Architecture
Hardware
Microarchitecture

Modern computing needs have led to the emergence of eccentric new computing paradigms, including approximate computing. However, the widespread adoption of approximate computing necessitates techniques to control and minimize output error. As a step towards resolving this, our work leverages the domain of adaptive computing – architectures that dynamically adapt to the evolving behavior of a workload over its execution. We propose Phase Aware Approximation, a novel technique that conditionally applies approximation only in periods of execution where it ascertains the workload would see a performance benefit. Specifically, we explore the efficacy of our technique in conjunction with Load Value Approximation (LVA) – an approximate computing technique that mitigates the effects of L1 misses. Using the PERFECT benchmark suite, we conduct a thorough evaluation of different metrics that can be used as indicators of LVA being beneficial in an execution period. Our analysis concludes that the dynamics of Load Value Approximation are too complicated to accurately predict which periods of execution are likely to see benefits and which ones are not.
A Retrospective Study on Endodontic Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Special Needs
Keywords: Endontic Outcome
Endontic Success
Patients with Special Needs
Periapical Healing
Survival

Outcomes following endodontic treatment of teeth in patients with special needs are not fully understood and have not been meaningfully quantified. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of endodontic treatment and determine prognostic factors of periapical healing in patients with special needs.This retrospective cohort study included patients who had permanent teeth endodontically treated at the Dental Clinic for Persons with Special Needs, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada between 1998 to 2019. Periapical healing and tooth survival were evaluated. 62 patients (108 teeth) met the inclusion criteria. Most common treatment modality was initial therapy with 73.1% of cases being managed solely with local anaesthesia. Healing rate was 89.9%. Survival rate was 73%. With most cases being adequately managed using local anaesthesia administration, if treatment condition permits, therapy can be administered by any community dentists rather than waiting for a patient to be seen in a hospital setting.
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of Coaxial Drone Propellers
Keywords: Coaxial Propeller
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
Optimization

With the growing popularity of autonomous drones for commercial uses, there is a need to optimize the performance of propellers to increase the flight time and carry capacity. Coaxial propellers are of particular interest as they can generate greater lift with only a small increase in weight and space. The challenge with optimizing coaxial propellers lie in the varying downwash effects generated when modifying propeller designs though an optimization process. A Multidisciplinary Design Optimization framework with 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics and Finite Element software was implemented to resolve the difficulties of analyzing coaxial propellers. This work will attempt to maximize the figure of merit of a coaxial propeller by modifying both its geometry and other environmental factors. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the Multidisciplinary Design Optimization framework, a case study was applied to an aircraft wingbox. Experimental testing was performed to validate the optimized designs and show significant performance increases.
Additive Manufacturing of Polyphenylene Sulfide and their Carbon Compositions through Fused Filament Fabrication
Keywords: Fused Filament Fabrication
Interlayer Bonding
PPS
Recycled Carbon Fiber

This study explored the interlayer bonding strength enhancement through process parameters (print temperature chamber temperature and layer height) optimization of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) parts printed with fused filament fabrication (FFF) by the response surface method (RSM). Using DSC, rheometer, and optical microscopy, it was revealed that interlayer bonding was significantly enhanced with parameters’ optimization showing tensile strength and Young’s modulus of 93% and 96% of compression molded specimen, respectively. Optimized parts showed excellent chemical resistance, suggesting potential for under-the-hood application.Moreover, recycled carbon fiber (rCF) reinforced PPS filaments with fiber percentages up to 10% were developed. The superior performance of parts containing 10% fiber (10%CF) was proved using mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact) and thermal (DSC, TGA, and DMA) tests. Excellent chemical resistance and high print quality of an actual industrial part using 10%CF was verified. Mentioned results suggested a desirable performance of 10%CF for lightweight high-temperature applications in the automotive industry.
Violence, Sectarianism, and Decolonization: Re-Framing the Syrian Revolution
Keywords: Decolonization
Revolution
Syria
Violence

This paper examines the colonial legacy, from the late Ottoman period through the French Mandate and into the post-independence era, of Syria in an attempt to re-frame the Syrian Revolution of 2011 onward as an attempt at further decolonization. By engaging with the works of Frantz Fanon, this paper puts contemporary Syrian writers, most notably Yassin al-Haj Saleh, in conversation with ideas of decolonization. Viewed in this framework, the Syrian Revolution can be understood as part of a colonial lineage, and seeking to address social and political ills -particularly sectarianism - exacerbated and manipulated by the French colonial administration and the post/neo-colonial regime of the Assad family.