VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Distributed Circuits in SiGe BiCMOS for Next-generation Fiber-optic Communications
Keywords: Broadband analog
Distributed circuits
fiber-optic communication
IC design
millimeter-wave circuits
SiGe BiCMOS

In this thesis, various distributed circuits topologies in SiGe BiCMOS are investigated as a means to overcome the strict requirements of next-generation optical communications. A low-noise DC-135GHz bandwidth distributed amplifier was designed and fabricated in 55nm SiGe BiCMOS for ultra-wideband receiver applications. In the same technology, a novel large-swing, time-interleaved power DAC test circuit was implemented as a proof-of-concept to investigate the maximum achievable bandwidth with a differential output swing of 6 Vpp, as needed to directly drive an optical modulator. Additionally, key blocks of a large-swing frequency-interleaved transmitter architecture were designed and fabricated in a 90nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. These included a 125GHz bandwidth PIN-diode SPST switch with record linearity, a novel vertically-coupled 40-100 GHz band-pass filter, and a large-swing driver with 80GHz bandwidth.
Formation and Behaviour of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals from the Heterogeneous Reaction of Ozone with Combustion Particulate Matter
Keywords: combustion particulate matter
environmentally persistent free radicals
heterogeneous reactivity
ozone
particulate matter
polycyclic aromatic compounds

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are paramagnetic species stabilized by interaction with particulate matter (PM), which allows them to persist in the environment for days-weeks. Such species are important because when inhaled they can catalytically generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) which cause oxidative stress and cell death. EPFRs are typically generated during combustion processes, but there is evidence in the literature that semiquinone EPFRs are formed when PM is aged in ambient air. It is known that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), a common combustion PM (CPM) constituent, react heterogeneously with ozone, and quinone species are major products. In this thesis, using a single experimental method, we find for the first time that the reaction of ozone with PAH and with CPM produce several species of EPFRs. Their formation and behaviour is dependent upon a number of environmental factors including humidity, light, other gas phase radicals, and organic coating materials.
Drying Characteristics of Biosludge from Pulp and Paper Mills
Keywords: Biosludge
Drying
Pulp and Paper
Sludge
Stickiness

Biosludge disposal has been a problem for pulp and paper mills due to its high moisture content and poor dewatering/drying characteristics. Most biosludge is landfilled, although some has been used as soil amendment. Some mills mix biosludge with primary sludge, dewater the mixture to 15-30% solids and burn it with hog fuel in biomass boilers. For biosludge to burn effectively, its solids content must be increased to at least 30-35%. However, during drying biosludge becomes sticky, agglomerating and adhering to the dryer wall, decreasing dryer efficiency. This study examines the drying characteristics and sticky behaviour of pulp and paper mill biosludge. The cohesive strength of biosludge was found to be stronger than the adhesive strength, reaching a maximum at 20% solids and 13% solids respectively. The moisture and organic appear to influence sticky behaviour. The addition of wood fines and fly ash did not affect the drying rate, but reduced stickiness.
Adaptive Perfectionism, Maladaptive Perfectionism, Perceived Stress and Risk of Concussion in Varsity Athletes
Keywords: Athletic injury
Perfectionism
Risk factors
Sport Concussion
Stress

Introduction: Psychological variables such as personality, perceived stress and mood have been proposed as antecedents to musculoskeletal injury. Furthermore, a positive relationship between life stress and athletic injury has been reported in the literature. However, these variables have not yet been examined with respect to sport concussion. Purpose and Method: Baseline measures of perfectionism and perceived stress (PS) were examined as potential risk factors for concussion. Specifically, adaptive perfectionism (AP), maladaptive perfectionism (MP), and PS were investigated as predictors of concussion. Mood states were hypothesized to mediate these relationships. A total of 828 varsity athletes completed the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Results: Significant correlations were found between AP, MP, PS, and the POMS. Based on logistic regression analysis, AP, MP, and PS did not predict concussion occurrence. Conclusion: Risk of concussion is not associated with perfectionism or perceived stress.
Measurements of Aqueous Droplet Evaporation Rate as a Function of Solute Species
Keywords: aerosol science
droplet evaporation
ultrasonic levitator

The water content of atmospheric particles determines their size and solute concentration, and thus their phase, gas uptake, reactivity, optical properties, and cloud-forming properties. I have measured the evaporation rate of water from binary and ternary solution droplets using an ultrasonic levitator, and developed a simple model to predict the change in droplet size as a function of solute concentration. The simple model agrees well with experimental results for solutions of simple, non-ammonium salts, and may be used for organic acids with parameterized water activity data. For ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate droplets, the experimental evaporation rate of subsaturated solutions exceeds the simple model's prediction. For ternary malonic acid/ammonium sulfate/water droplets, the effect of solutes on the evaporation rate of water from subsaturated solutions appears to be additive, and at higher concentrations a drastic reduction to evaporation rate is observed, suggesting that a highly viscous phase is formed.
The Creation of Functional Pseudoislets Using Modular Tissue Engineering
Keywords: BOEC
Diabetes
Islet
Modules
Transplantation

Pancreatic islet transplantation exists as an option for treating type I diabetes but is not widely used as there is a shortage of donors and it requires intensive immunosuppression. We investigated aggregating islet cells in modules (injectable microtissue structures) to create pseudoislets that have better vasculature and ability to reverse hyperglycemia. Blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOEC) are autologous and easily obtained, making them an ideal endothelial cell source. Results showed there were no significant differences in vascularization when using BOEC rather than human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) or when embedding them in modules compared to coating them. Diabetic SCID-Bg mice returned to normoglycemia faster when subcutaneously implanted with BOEC coated modules or modules containing ÎąTC1-6 cells along with MIN6 cells (in a 33/67 mix). Future work with stem cell sources could eliminate the strain on donor supply and lead to a long-term solution for those with type I diabetes.
Exploring Low-coordinate Aluminum-based Lewis Acids for Small Molecule Activation
Keywords: Aluminum
Carbene
Catalysis
Hydrogenation
Radical

While there have been a significant number of publications in the field of frustrated Lewis pair chemistry, only a fraction employ aluminum-based Lewis acids. The research presented herein expands the scope of Lewis acids to include novel aluminum-based compounds. N-heterocyclic carbene-stabilized three-coordinate aluminum cations were synthesized from the NHC-AlR3 adduct by abstraction of an R substituent from aluminum. These compounds were crystallographically characterized and exhibited solvent-dependent reactivity. Hydrogenation catalysis and radical reactivity were also explored experimentally and computationally.
Collection, Speciation and Aerosol Modelling for Volatile Organic Compounds
Keywords: Aerosol Formation
Cold EI
Kinetic Modelling
Structure Elucidation

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are collected on the integrated organic gas and particle sampler (IOGAPS) to measure particle loss and collection efficiency. Particle loss increases with increasing flow rate while collection efficiency is a function of alkane volatility. Unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs) are then analyzed and quantified using the novel technique supersonic molecular beam gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SMB-GC/MS), to develop accurate inputs in modelling the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Alkanes were segregated by carbon number, number of double bond equivalents, and chemical structure. With the most explicit compositional knowledge to date, these mixtures were modelled for their affinity towards formation of SOA. Unsaturated alkanes formed the most and relatively equal amounts of aerosol based on their degree of unsaturation while branched species formed the least. Increasing specificity in chemical structure led to increased computational demands while only general structural motifs were needed to form an accurate picture of aerosol formation.
Towards Stochastic Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Keywords: Disturbed Stress Field Model
Finite Element Analysis
Reinforced Concrete
Reliability
Shear
Stochastic

Stochastic simulation is used primarily as a basis for the resistance models in a reliability analysis and is often used to calibrate many structural concrete building codes. This thesis outlines the implementation of stochastic simulation techniques into VecTor2, a NLFEA program for the analysis of reinforced concrete. Stochastic simulation was conducted on a subset of beams from the Toronto size effect series. The simulation results form the basis of a reliability analysis that computes the reliability indices for the CSA A23.3-14 and the ACI 318-14 codes. Additionally, an experimental program that assessed the spatial variability within monolithic concrete using nondestructive techniques is presented and discussed. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) measurements were taken on a grid for a large reinforced concrete specimen. Data were collected from cylinders to develop a regression model for strength versus UPV. Geospatial statistical methods were then employed to determine spatially variable material properties for a finite element model.
A Simulator Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Group View Displays in Nuclear Control Rooms
Keywords: Cognitive Work Analysis
Control Room
Ecological
Group View Display
Human Factors
Interface

Group View Displays (GVDs), have become prominent features in modern nuclear control room (NCR) designs. Despite their widespread implementation, an operating experience review by Myers Jamieson (2014) revealed that the efficacy of these GVDs has yet to be thoroughly evaluated. This thesis addresses this gap by presenting the analysis, design, and experimental results of a full-scale nuclear simulator study designed to evaluate the purported benefits of GVDs. The results of this study indicate that the current state of the art in NCRs can be improved upon. We found evidence suggesting that the dominant GVD solution in NCRs was outperformed in terms of communication by the experimental GVD alternative. Furthermore, we demonstrated marked situation awareness improvements fostered by the ecological display framework when compared against the advanced displays currently in use in NCRs. The implications, limitations, and recommendations for future work from this study are discussed.
Exploring the Role of Social Work in Supporting People Affected by HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND)
Keywords: Aging
Cognitive Health
HAND
HIV/AIDS
Older Adults
Social Work

It is estimated that 50% of the 75,500 people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada will be affected by at least an asymptomatic form of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). As the number of HIV-positive people over age 50 increases, social workers and other helping professionals need to adapt to meet people’s changing needs. Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted to understand: a) concerns about living with HIV and changes in cognition; b) client knowledge and experience of social work; and c) gaps in current HIV-related programs and services related to cognitive health. Through a quantitative survey (n=108) and qualitative interviews (n=20), five key themes emerged regarding the duality of people’s perceptions and experiences, confusion about whether health issues were attributable to HIV or to aging, social work’s role as a necessary support service, and how knowledge and supports decrease stress and anxiety.
Investigation of Creep Rupture Phenomenon in Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Stirrups
Keywords: creep
fiber
glass
rupture
stirrup
sustained

Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars offer a feasible alternative to typical steel reinforcement in concrete structures where there are concerns of corrosion or magnetic interference. In order to design safe structures for a service life of 50 to 100 years, the long-term material properties of GFRP must be understood. Thirty GFRP stirrups of three types were tested under sustained loading to investigate creep rupture and modulus degradation behaviour. The time to failure under varying sustained loads was used to extrapolate the safe design load for typical service lives. It was found that shear critical beams with shear reinforcement designed in accordance with CSA-S806 and ACI-440 provisions may be at risk of premature failure under sustained design loads. Analysis was based on finite element modelling and previously tested beams. Additionally, no moduli degradation was observed in this study. A cumulative weakening model was developed to potentially take into account fatigue loading.
Traceless Automated Design Debugging of Liveness Properties Using Property Directed Reachability
Keywords: Debugging
Verification

The growth in complexity of digital hardware drives an increase in the importance of automated computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Verification consumes most of the design effort, with debugging accounting for half of the verification time. These are therefore important targets for automation. Traditionally, when a failure is detected through an observation value mismatch, an error trace is returned. The error trace can be used with a Boolean Satisfiability (SAT)-based automated debugging tool to aid the engineer in finding the error source. However, when a state is shown to be unreachable, no error trace is available to guide the tool. Debugging these errors is a manual process. This thesis presents two novel automated techniques to perform design debugging in the absence of an error trace. The use of PDR avoids the memory-intensive ILA representation, making it possible to solve larger problem instances. Experiments demonstrate the practicality of the proposed techniques.
Exploring the Moral Space in Literacy Practices: A Fluid Model for the Actions of the Emotive Self in Adults' Responses to Fairy Tales
Keywords: case study
conceptual metaphor
fairy tales
literacy practice
self-examination

Bettelheim (1975) famously claimed that fairy tales support emotional health in children. He used psychoanalysis in his research, but a poststructural view of emotional, cognitive action allows for a new consideration of the self, as fluid and socioculturally situated. I use Taylor's (1989) framework to examine the response of one adult reader to her favorite fairy tale. In noting the qualitative estimations associated with the participant's orientations of self, I demonstrate a method for understanding the moral self as a cognitive act of self-optimization, using conceptual metaphor as evidence for these orientations (Lakoff, 1993). This novel approach to understanding the effect of fairy tales on the psyche has implications for the use of fairy tales in emotionally sensitive and supportive curricula, as well as for the general use of literature as a means of understanding, supporting, and expressing the self.
The Critical Attributes and Design of a Music Partnership Study Guide
Keywords: arts integration
arts partnerships
concert study guides
music partnerships
opera
symphonies

Abstract Community Arts Organizations such as symphonies and opera companies play an important role as partners in school education through the provision of concerts, artist residencies and mentorship programs. The curriculum that accompanies any partnership endeavor can dramatically impact the quality of the student's experience and subsequent learning. This thesis identifies that a successful music partnership study guide is relevant, prepares students for the concert experience, makes the music come alive, and builds teacher confidence. These attributes were determined through an analysis of artifacts from the study guide writing team, and a survey to a sample group of teachers whose students attended the performance associated with the study guide. The study examines how knowledge of these critical attributes affects the design process. For this part of the research I examine my own practice as a curriculum writer and use my working notes, emails, drafts, and final products as my data.
Investigating Sensory Plasticity in Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy following Constraint Induced Movement Therapy
Keywords: constraint-induced movement therapy
hemiplegic cerebral palsy
magnetoencephalography
sensory function

Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) experience upper limb sensory processing and motor deficits. While constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is effective in improving motor hand function in HCP, its impact on sensory function remains under-investigated. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of CIMT on sensory function in children with HCP using neuroimaging and clinical diagnostic tools. Ten children with HCP attended a three-week CIMT intervention with the integration of a sensory component to optimize potential sensory change. Both magnetoencephalography (MEG) and clinical sensory/motor assessments were completed at: baseline (one week prior to CIMT), one and six months post-baseline. Clinical sensory and MEG measures were compared between all three time points. CIMT did not result in significant changes in clinical sensory modalities or MEG somatosensory processing of the affected hand. This is the first study to investigate the effect of CIMT on sensory function utilizing clinical sensory measures and neural processing.
The Experiences of Female Teachers Returning to Work Following Maternity Leave: The Implications of Policy
Keywords: Family Medical Leave Act
Maternity Leave
Parental Leave
Returning to Work
Working Mothers

Recovering from birth and caring for a newborn requires time away from other commitments, including one's job. For full-time teachers, the amount of protected time and how much of this time is subsidized varies depending on country, state and school board. For many reasons, women in the labour force face discrimination. Female teachers returning to work upon the completion of a parental leave are also confronted with a variety of new challenges. This study analyzes journal entries and photographs submitted by female teachers transitioning back to work following parental leave. The intention of the inquiry is to give women a platform upon which to share their stories. The findings are used to evaluate current parental leave policies in Canada and the U.S. and to recommend policies that may help to support this shift.
Is Corporate Social Responsibility an Effective Intervention for Sustainable Development? The Case of Canadian Mining Companies in Burkina Faso
Keywords: Africa
Burkina Faso
Corporate social responsibility
Economic democracy
Mining
Sustainable development

Quite a number of Canadian mining companies claim that their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts can contribute to sustainable development (SD). However, several studies suggest that CSR initiatives in Africa are yet to make a significant, long-lasting socio-economic contribution. This research focuses on six Canadian mining companies operating in Burkina Faso, a country in West Africa that has recently become a hotspot for gold extraction. By employing a qualitative content analysis method to analyze companies’ archives and other textual sources available within the public domain, through the theoretical lens of economic democracy, this study interrogates whether the current neoliberal CSR framework is an effective intervention to address Burkina Faso’s socio-economic challenges. The findings from this research reveal the contradictions between stated CSR intentions and the mining companies’ priorities, thus making noteworthy contributions to literature that investigates CSR and sustainable development in Africa’s natural resource sector.
MR-based Mapping of Cerebral Hemodynamics in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Keywords: Cerebral Blood Flow
Cerebrovascular Reactivity
Children
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Sickle Cell Disease
Stroke

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is the most common cause of stroke in children, which follows the exhaustion of vasodilatory capacity known as cerebrovascular reserve. Cerebrovascular reserve may be impaired in SCD due to chronic anemia and endothelial dysfunction, which may place SCD children at an increased risk for stroke. Therefore, we set out to assess cerebrovascular reserve in children with SCD using MR-based measures of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). We demonstrated that SCD children with a greater severity of anemia have higher cerebral blood flow and lower CVR. In addition, we have shown that SCD children on hydroxyurea or transfusion treatments have reduced severity of anemia and greater CVR than untreated patients. These results suggest that SCD children with greater severity of anemia access more of their cerebrovascular reserve in an attempt to maintain adequate oxygen supply and hydroxyurea or transfusion-treated patients have increased reserve, which may be beneficial in stroke prevention.
Acoustic Wave Biosensor for the Detection of the Breast Cancer Metastasis Biomarker Protein PTHrP
Keywords: Acoustic Wave
Antibodies
Biosensor
Breast Cancer
Metastasis
PTHrP

This manuscript illustrates the three stage development of a biosensor capable of detecting a breast cancer metastasis biomarker protein. In the first stage of development, a new reducing agent was discovered for the formation of antibody fragment antigen-binding (Fab’) units. This reducing agent, dithiobutylamine (DTBA), was found to be 213 times more efficient than the previously accepted leading reducing agent, dithiothreitol (DTT), at cleaving antibody F(ab)2 fragments. The second stage of development studied the anti-fouling properties of Fab’ fragments on various homogeneous and mixed alkylsilane monolayers. Immobilized Fab’ fragments were determined to impart anti-fouling properties onto these surfaces, making them ideal for use in biosensors. The last stage of development compared whole antibody and Fab’ fragment-based biosensors for the detection of the cancer metastasis protein in buffer, with the whole antibody-based biosensor yielding the lowest limit of detection of 61 ng/mL.