VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Development of an Activated Carbon from Anaerobic Digestion By-product to Remove Hydrogen Sulfide from Biogas
Keywords: biogas
activated carbon
hydrogen sulfide
anaerobic digestate

The production of biogas through the anaerobic digestion of cattle manure and its subsequent use in the generation of electricity on large Ontario farms is currently economically attractive. While larger farms have advantages of scale, there are substantially more small farms for which individually designed and engineered biogas systems are prohibitively expensive. Although biogas has numerous benefits, it contains hydrogen sulfide, an odourous, poisonous and corrosive gas, which emits sulfur oxides upon combustion. Larger systems can afford to use specialized biogas engines which tolerate some levels of hydrogen sulfide. For smaller scale systems to be financially attractive the hydrogen sulfide needs to be removed inexpensively, allowing for more flexibility in engine choice for electricity generation. In this work, the solid by-products from the anaerobic digestion process were used to create activated carbon, which has a high capacity for hydrogen sulfide. Not only does the carbon adsorb hydrogen sulfide, it allows for the surface oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur and sulfate. Since the sulfur is in a beneficial form for fertilizer use, and there are no chemicals added to create the carbon, the spent sulfur-containing carbon can be land applied, eliminating any spent carbon disposal costs.
Development of Flexible and Optically Transparent Composite Film with Wheat Straw Nanofibres
Keywords: Cellulose Nanofibre
Wheat Straw
Composite Film
Acrylate
Flexible
Transparent
Display Substrate

Cellulose is a potential source of nano-material not only because it possesses excellent mechanical and optical properties, but also because it is environmentally benign. In this study, nanofibres derived from wheat straw, an agriculture residue, was utilized in producing flexible and optically transparent nanocompostie films. The composites were produced using a bi-phase impregnation technique that coats the dried nanofibre films with clear polyurethane acrylate resins using UV radiation induced curing. The nanocomposite films thus produced possess excellent tensile properties (161MPa in strength and 9GPa in Young’s Modulus), superior thermal stability (above 300°C), low coefficient of thermal expansion (8-9ppm/K), good light transparency (80%), excellent flexibility and abrasion resistance. These nanocomposite films are aimed to replace the conventional glass substrates made in batches to a polymer based substrates that can be efficiently produced in a roll-to-roll process for the base of the future flexible flat panel displays.
Uncovering New Roles for Hsp90 in Candida albicans Morphogenesis
Keywords: Candida albicans
Molecular chaperone
Cell biology
Cell cycle
Cytokinesis
Vacuole
Morphogenesis
Hsp90
Mycology
Microbiology
Mitosis

The trimorphic fungus Candida albicans is the leading cause of systemic candidiasis, a disease with poor prognosis affecting immunocompromised patients. The capacity to switch between growth morphologies is tightly coupled to its ability to cause life-threatening infection. Recently, the molecular chaperone Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90) has been implicated as a major regulator of C. albicans morphogenesis via the Ras1-PKA pathway. In model organisms from plant, animal and fungal kingdoms, Hsp90 stabilizes regulators of cell signaling and participates in many important cellular processes. Hsp90’s roles in C. albicans are beginning to be dissected. This thesis represents a comprehensive overview of the morphological response of C. albicans to compromised Hsp90 function, illuminating previously unidentified roles for this chaperone in cell cycle progression, cytokinesis and vacuole maintenance. This work sheds light on the importance of Hsp90 in fungal development and the therapeutic potential of Hsp90 inhibitors in the treatment of fungal infections.
Resonant Boost Converter for Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking in Grid-connected Photovoltaic Systems
Keywords: DC-DC converter, step-up, boost, converter, MPPT, grid-connected, photovoltaic, power electronics, efficient, high efficiency, high step-up ratio, novel, distributed MPPT, peak power tracking, frequency, control, pulse frequency modulation

This thesis introduces a new photovoltaic (PV) system architecture employing low voltage parallel-connected PV panels interfaced to a high voltage regulated DC bus of a three-phase grid-tied inverter. The concept provides several improvements over existing technologies in terms of cost, safety, reliability, and modularity. A novel resonant mode DC-DC boost converter topology is proposed to enable the PV modules to deliver power to the fixed DC bus. The topology offers high step-up capabilities and a nearly constant efficiency over a wide operating range. A reduced sensor maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller is developed for the converter to maximize energy harvesting of the PV panels. The reduced sensor algorithm can be generally applied to the class of converters employing pulse frequency modulation control. A ZigBee wireless communication system is implemented to provide advanced control, monitoring and protection features. A testbench for a low cost 500 W smart microconverter is designed and implemented, demonstrating the viability of the system architecture.
Urinary Composition and Stone Formation
Keywords: Nephrology
Medical Science

Background: Kidney stone disease is a common and often debilitating disorder, yet its pathophysiology is poorly understood. This dissertation studies predisposition to kidney stone formation from diurnal variation in physiochemical and physiologic properties of urine and in response to increased fluid intake. Methods: Urine volume, flow rate and constituents were measured in multiple timed specimens from healthy volunteers in a day. Further, subjects were asked to provide specimen over a period of increased fluid intake. Results: A 24-hour specimen missed significant periods of supersaturation in individual urine samples throughout the day. Despite a significant reduction in nocturnal urine flow rate, calcium concentration as well as urine pH and divalent phosphate remained unchanged. Finally, increased water intake did not dilute urine evenly. Conclusion: Mixing multiple urine samples obscures information about periods of increased calcium phosphate precipitation risk over 24 hours. Further, increased fluid intake does not uniformly provide risk protection.
Saccade Related Gamma Potentials Recorded in Human Subthalamic Nucleus, Globus Pallidus Interna and Ventrointermediate Nucleus of the Thalamus
Keywords: Gamma oscillations
Saccadic Spike potentials
Local field potential oscillations
Deep brain stimulation
Gamma artifact
Subthalamic nucleus
Globus pallidus interna
Ventrointermediate nucleus

Gamma oscillations of local field potentials (LFP) in the basal ganglia and thalamus had not been studied during saccades. Eleven patients were studied during deep brain stimulation (DBS); 6 were in the subthalamic nucleus (STN); 3 in the globus pallidus interna (GPi); and 2 in the thalamic ventralis intermedius nucleus (Vim). Patients performed horizontal saccades to visual targets while LFPs from DBS electrodes, scalp electroencephalogram (EEG), and electrooculogram (EOG) were recorded. Wavelet spectrograms were generated and saccade onset and event-related gamma synchronizations (ERS) were compared to baseline without eye motion. ERS were recorded at and after saccade onset in the STN, GPi and Vim, EEGs and EOGs; but were absent during target light illumination without saccades. ERS were symmetric in all DBS contacts and appeared identical in DBS LFPs, frontal EEGs and EOGs. These findings indicate their origin from extraocular muscle spike potentials rather than brain neural activity.
Visualization of the Crystallization in Foam Extrusion Process
Keywords: Visualization
Crystallization
Foam Extrusion

In this study, crystal formation of polypropylene (PP) and poly lactic acid (PLA) in the presence of CO2 in foam extrusion process was investigated using a visualization chamber and a CCD camera. The role of pre-existing crystals on the foaming behavior of PP and PLA were studied by characterizing the foam morphology. Visualization results showed that crystals formed within the die before foaming and these crystals affect the cell nucleation behavior and expansion ratio of PP and PLA significantly. Due to the fast crystallization kinetics of PP, crystallinity should be optimum to achieve uniform cell structure with high cell density and high expansion ratio. In PLA, enhancement of crystallinity is crucial for getting foam with a high expansion ratio. It was also visualized that CO2 significantly suppresses the crystallization temperature in PP through the plasticization effect as well as its influence on flow induced crystallinity.
Is Severe Early Childhood Caries Associated with Dental Caries in Adulthood?
Keywords: childhood caries
risk factor
adultdhood
disease trajectory

Dental caries in the primary dentition is a risk factor for dental caries in the permanent dentition. The aim of this pilot project was to establish if high levels of dental caries very early in life translate into increased levels of dental caries in adulthood. Our objective was to determine the mean DMFT score of individuals with a history of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and compare it with the mean DMFT score of individuals who were caries-free in the primary dentition. The results of our analyses indicate that adults who experienced S-ECC manifest significantly higher levels of dental caries in their adulthood. The best predictor for dental caries in adulthood was caries experience in primary dentition. This preliminary study, the first of its kind, suggests that early childhood caries might indeed be associated with dental caries in adulthood.
Tungsten Doped Tantalum Oxide Anodes for Electrochemical Disinfection of Wastewater
Keywords: Electrochemical disinfection
Doped metal oxide

Tungsten doped tantalum oxide films on titanium substrates were investigated for use as anodes in the electrochemical disinfection of wastewater (measured through e. coli inactivation). A sol-gel method for fabricating these films was developed that allowed for control of both the doping concentration (through volumes of tantalum and tungsten ethoxide added to the solutions), and the thickness (through the number of layers applied). The morphology and composition of these films were investigated using SEM and EDX mapping; the morphology was found to be connected to the fabrication heating procedure. Three different doping concentrations (0%, 8% and 14% tungsten by volume of added metals) were investigated for: 1) electrochemical activity; 2) long-term stability; and 3) disinfection capabilities. The 14% samples demonstrated the highest conductivity (0.06μS/cm), good long-term stability (verified using ICPMS, SEM and EDX analysis) and the best electrochemical activity for removal of e. coli (based on wastewater tests).
Investigation of the Production, Distribution, and Trafficking of MMP-9 in Classically Activated Macrophages
Keywords: macrophages
MMP-9
microtubules
Macrophage activation
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
Trafficking

As major effector cells of the innate immune response, macrophages must adeptly migrate from blood to infected tissues. Endothelial transmigration is accomplished by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-induced degradation of basement membrane and extracellular matrix components. The classical activation of macrophages with LPS and IFN-γ causes enhanced microtubule stabilization and secretion of MMPs. Macrophages upregulate MMP-9 expression and secretion upon immunological challenge, and require its activity for migration during inflammatory response. However, the dynamics of MMP-9 production and intracellular distribution, as well as the mechanisms responsible for its trafficking, are unknown. Using immunofluorescent imaging, we localized intracellular MMP-9 to small Golgi-derived cytoplasmic vesicles that contain calreticulin and PDI, in activated macrophages. Vesicular organelles of MMP-9 aligned along stable subsets of microtubules and colocalized with the anterograde molecular motor protein, kinesin. We demonstrated a functional contribution of stable MTs in the enhanced trafficking of MMP-9 extracellularly, and showed that heterogeneity exists in macrophage cell populations with respect to MMP-9 production.
What does a Single-item Measure of Self-rated Mental Health tell us? Systematic Review of Literature and Analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey
Keywords: self rated mental health
systematic review
Canadian Community Health Survey

A single-item measure of self-rated mental health (SRMH) asks respondents to rate their mental health on a 5-point scale from ‘excellent’ to ‘poor’. SRMH is being used increasingly in research and on population health surveys. However, little is known about this item, as there are no literature reviews and few formal validation studies. The aim of this study is to understand what SRMH measures by conducting the first known systematic review of SRMH literature, followed by analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 1.2). Results of the systematic review reveal SRMH has relationships with mental health scales, mental disorders, self-rated health, health problems, service utilization, and service satisfaction. Analysis of CCHS 1.2 data finds SRMH is associated with psychiatric diagnoses, distress, physical health, and sociodemographic characteristics. Both studies conclude SRMH is measuring mental health and more; however, there needs to be more research to understand the specifics of these relationships.
The FIIND Domain of Nlrp1b Promotes Oligomerization and Pro-caspase-1 Activation in Response to Lethal Toxin of Bacillus anthracis
Keywords: Nlrp1b
FIIND domain
anthrax
lethal toxin
caspase-1
inflammasome
anthracis
pyroptosis

Lethal toxin (LeTx) of Bacillus anthracis kills murine macrophages in a caspase-1 and Nod-like-receptor-protein 1b (Nlrp1b)-dependent manner. Nlrp1b detects intoxication, and self-associates to form a macromolecular complex called the inflammasome, which activates the pro-caspase-1 zymogen. I heterologously reconstituted the Nlrp1b inflammasome in human fibroblasts to characterize the role of the FIIND domain of Nlrp1b in pro-caspase-1 activation. Amino-terminal truncation analysis of Nlrp1b revealed that Nlrp1b1100-1233, containing the CARD domain and amino-terminal 42 amino acids within the FIIND domain was the minimal region that self-associated and activated pro-caspase-1. Residues 1100EIKLQIK1106 within the FIIND domain were critical for self-association and pro-caspase-1 activation potential of Nlrp1b1100-1233, but not for binding to pro-caspase-1. Furthermore, residues 1100EIKLQIK1106 were critical for cell death and pro-caspase-1 activation potential of full-length Nlrp1b upon intoxication. These data suggest that after Nlrp1b senses intoxication, the FIIND domain promotes self-association of Nlrp1b, which activates pro-caspase-1 zymogen due to induced pro-caspase-1 proximity.
Raspberries and Human Health: A Clinical Perspective on the Bioactivity and Bioavailability of Red Raspberry Antioxidants
Keywords: raspberry
antioxidants
oxidative stress
human intervention

Red raspberries, as an excellent source of dietary antioxidants, were investigated for their effect on oxidative stress in healthy adults. Study 1 measured effects of chronic exposure in a parallel, multi-dose intervention. Subjects consumed one-cup red raspberries (1cR) daily for two-weeks, then were randomized to consume 1cR, 2cR or 4cR for additional two-weeks (n=8, by group). There was a reduction in TBARS, indicating a decrease in lipid peroxidation, after two-weeks of intervention in the 1cR group, but effects were not significant at week 4, or for other treatment groups. Study 2 measured effects of acute exposure using a cross-over design. Subjects (n=8) consumed single treatments of 1cR, 2cR, 4cR, bread and bread plus vitamin C. Post-prandial oxidative stress responses were complex and appeared related to calorie and antioxidant load. Overall there was no clear relationship between red raspberry consumption and protection against oxidative stress.
Pakistani Immigrant Parental Perspectives on New Media Literacies
Keywords: parental attitudes
parental perceptions
new media literacies
multimodality
immigrant
immigrant education
technology
new media technology
Pakistan
competency

This phenomenological study researches Pakistani immigrant parents’ perspectives and attitudes on how their children use new media technologies. Parental attitudes are directly linked to student achievement (Hampton, Mumford & Bond, 1998) and parents are the gatekeepers of technology use in the home, where, during unstructured time, children can experiment and develop skills in using new technologies (Ito et al, 2010). Therefore, this study looks at how parents, through their actions and attitudes, encourage or discourage their children from developing competencies in using new media technologies By examining the pedagogical histories of parents and their concerns and rules about technology use, this study adds to the literature on parental attitudes towards the use of technology as a pedagogical tool. Further, this study examines the issue from an immigrant perspective, focusing on 10 Pakistani immigrant parents who live in the Greater Toronto Area and whose children attend pubic school.
Effect of Folate Deficiency on the Sensitivity of Colon Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil Based Chemotherapy
Keywords: Folate
Colon Cancer
Fluorouracil
Chemotherapy

Folate is an essential cofactor in one-carbon transfer reactions including nucleotide biosynthesis, thereby playing an important role in DNA replication and repair. In cancer cells, folate depletion interrupts DNA synthesis, thereby causing cancer cell death. This has been the basis for chemotherapy using antifolates and 5-fluorouracil (5FU). We determined the effect of folate deficiency on the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to 5FU in a well established in vitro model of folate deficiency. Folate deficient cells had lower intracellular folate concentrations, had functional evidence of intracellular folate depletion, proliferated less, and had increased chemosensitivity to 5FU with and without Leucovorin. These data suggest that folate deficiency significantly enhances the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to 5FU based chemotherapy via changes in intracellular folate. Dietary or other strategies to deplete intracellular folate concentrations in colon cancer cells to enhance chemosensitivity to 5FU are worthy of further investigation.
R.A.G.E.: Reflections on Acts of Gendered Violence and our Educational Lives
Keywords: arts-informed
qualitative research study
violence against women
educational outcomes
art installation
feminist research lens
participatory practice
storytelling
transformation
community development

This is an arts-informed qualitative research study looking at violence against women and how it affects their educational outcomes. It uses an art installation in which the narratives of the women involved are combined with photographs and real world objects in which viewers take on a ‘walking meditation’ as well as the use of participation stations for viewer feedback and further sharing of stories anonymously. This project is based on the belief that through a feminist research lens, participatory practice with the use of storytelling can be a form of transformation in community development.
Mental Health, Identity and Coping Following Hate Crime Victimization
Keywords: Mental Health
Hate Crimes
LGBT
Victimization

Previous research has explored the impact on individuals following hate crime victimization, including prevalence estimates in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual (LGBT) community. Past research, however, has been limited in its scope when exploring the impact of the hate crime event on the overall mental health of the survivor often examining only one measure of functioning. The current project aims to fill this gap by analyzing measures of posttraumatic symptoms, depression, stress and dissociation, collected on a sample of 30 LGBT individuals who have experienced hate crime victimization. In addition to clinical features, this study also analysed identity, openness about LGBT identity and coping behaviours. Results indicated that social support, identity and coping impact recovery from hate crime victimization. The effect of these factors differed over time (within one month of the hate crime) and up to as much as five years later (within the month of the interview).
Moving Beyond Cultural Inclusion Towards a Curriculum of Settler Colonial Responsibility: A Teacher Education Curriculum Analysis
Keywords: Teacher Education
Settler Colonialism
Racism
Indigenous
Aboriginal
Multiculturalism
Whiteness Studies

Critical Indigenous scholars and their explicit allies have emphasized the need for curriculum and pedagogy in teacher education to address settler colonialism in Canada (Cannon, forthcoming(a); Cannon and Sunseri, 2011; Dion, 2009; Friedel, 2010a; Haig-Brown, 2009; Schick, 2010; Schick and St. Denis 2003, 2005; & St. Denis, 2007) . This thesis is primarily concerned with the existence of and possibilities for such a curriculum. In this thesis, I analyzed the curricula used in the three required courses of the secondary consecutive Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program in the 2011-2012 year at OISE for representations of settler colonialism in Canada. This study finds that while the curriculum in the ITE program at OISE focuses broadly on social justice, it shies away from addressing the ways that Canadians are complicit in ongoing colonialism. The thesis ends by highlighting some clear possibilities and challenges for a curriculum of settler colonial responsibility.
Cumulative Contextual Risk, Maternal Responsivity, and Social Cognition at 18 Months
Keywords: social cognition
social disadvantage
parenting
cumulative risk

By 18 months children demonstrate a range of social-cognitive skills that reflect their emerging capacity to understand and engage in intentional relations with others. Intention understanding is a critical component of children’s social cognition at this age. Although individual differences in social cognition have been linked to neurocognitive maturation, socio-cultural models of development suggest that environmental influences operate in the development of intention understanding, with distal factors operating through proximal processes. In the current study of 501 children and their mothers, we tested and found support for a model in which an accumulation of distal environmental risks was associated with lower maternal responsivity, which was in turn associated with lower social-cognitive competency at 18 months. In addition, part of this effect operated through children’s concurrent language ability. Findings are discussed with respect to the Vygotskian themes of internalization and semiotic mediation.