VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Safety of a Fully Powered Mechanical Patient Lift for Bariatric Patients
Keywords: Patient lift
Bariatic
Safety

The work in this thesis was concerned with the safety evaluation of a fully powered mechanical patient lift for bariatric patients. A working prototype of this system, called RoboNurse, was designed and manufactured at iDAPT technology team at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. There are currently no lifting technologies similar to RoboNurse in the healthcare industry. The methods that are used to evaluate the system included: 1) Series of mechanical tests to evaluate the static strength and stability of the design 2) Computer simulations to evaluate the dynamic stability of the system and 3) Failure mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) as risk analysis tools. These techniques helped to perform thorough and systematic evaluations on the system and its components. This study significantly assisted in understanding the problems associated with the current design prototype and provided the necessary resources and guidelines for the future generations of this technology.
Intelligent Ad Resizing
Keywords: Image Resizing
Saliency
Energy-Based Models
Cropping

Currently, online advertisements are created for specific dimensions and must be laboriously modified by advertisers to support different aspect ratios. In addition, publishers are constrained to design web pages to accommodate this limited set of sizes. As an alternative we present a framework for automatically generating visual banners at arbitrary sizes based on individual prototype ads. This technique can be used to create flexible visual ads that can be resized to accommodate various aspect ratios. In the proposed framework image and text data are stored separately. Resizing involves selecting a sub-region of the original image and updating text parameters (size and position). This problem is posed within an optimization framework that encourages solutions which maintain important structural properties of the original ad. The method can be applied to advertisements containing a wide variety of imagery and provides significantly more flexibility than existing solutions.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy after Acquired Brain Injury: An Investigation of the Benefits for Emotional Well-being, Coping Strategy Use, and Community Integration at 6-Months Post-Treatment
Keywords: Brain Injuries
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Psychological distress
Coping
Community integration

Objectives: To demonstrate that at 6-months post-cessation of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) adapted for acquired brain injury (ABI), (1) patients maintain psychological benefits, (2) coping strategy selection improves, (3) community integration is enhanced, and (4) benefits are observed in both face-to-face and telephone administrations. Methods: Participants. Seventeen ABI patients with elevated psychological distress. Outcome Measures. Pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6-month follow-up performance on the Symptom Checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R), Depression, Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) and the Ways of Coping-Revised Questionnaire (WOC-R). Procedures. Eleven CBT sessions provided in group, face-to-face format or individually by telephone. Results: For face-to-face and telephone groups, psychological distress was significantly reduced from pre-treatment to 6-months follow-up: DASS-21 (t16= 7.32, p <.000); SCL-90-R (t16= 6.22, p <.000). Community integration (t16= -6.15 p<.000) and problem-focused coping (t16= -3.67, p<.01) were also significantly enhanced. Conclusion: CBT adapted for patients with ABI carries robust benefits even 6-months after treatment.
Identification of a Chloroplastic "RNA Tractor" within the Genome of Potato Virus X (PVX)
Keywords: Potato Virus X
Chloroplast

Previous studies have detected the presence of the capsid protein (CP) and CP RNA of PVX in chloroplasts of transgenic plants expressing the PVX CP and 8kD genes from nuclear transgenes. CP RNA was also found in the chloroplasts of transgenic plants with mutations that eliminated either the CP or the 8kD protein. To further investigate the potential “RNA Tractor” activity of the PVX RNA, various constructs containing limited regions of the PVX 8kD and CP genes were produced and used to transform tobacco plants. RT-PCR analyses of chloroplastic RNA ascertained the presence of the RNA transcript within chloroplasts when as little as 125bp of the PVX sequence was used to transform plants. From this, it was concluded that the PVX proteins did not contribute to the movement of the viral RNA and that a region within the 125bp PVX sequence is acting as a chloroplastic “RNA Tractor”.
Foraging Ecology of a Bat Assemblage
Keywords: Chiroptera
Foraging ecology

Here I examine five non-migratory sympatric bat species that are similar in their morphology and general ecology: Eptesicus fuscus, three myotid bats, Myotis leibii, M. lucifugus, Myotis septentrionalis, and Pipistrellus (= Perimyotis) subflavus. By examining echolocation call structure, wing and jaw morphology and diet, I defined finer niche differences between species. M. lucifugus and M. septentrionalis differ in the relative abundance of moths in their diet. My results on skull morphology suggest M. lucifugus consumes harder insects than M. septentrionalis. Conversely, my data suggests M. leibii is not as efficient within a cluttered habitat but is capable of foraging in edge habitats. Eptesicus fuscus is capable of efficiently consuming larger insects whereas P. subflavus has echolocation and jaw characteristics that indicate specialization in smaller insects. Significant differences amongst these 5 species are evident based on my data of overall morphology and diet.
Whose Balance? Divergent Directions in Canadian Copyright Reform
Keywords: copyright
legislative reform
Bill C-61

Over the last decade, Supreme Court copyright jurisprudence has undergone dramatic changes, concurrent with governmental copyright reform initiatives. Both the Supreme Court and the government have used the popular but unhelpful language of “balance” to explain and justify their initiatives. Unfortunately, there is no consensus as to what constitutes an appropriate balance or how to facilitate this and the two initiatives have been moving in opposite directions. The changes in the Supreme Court have altered the purpose and application of copyright law in a way that favours user access to works. Conversely, had they passed, government amendments would have increased owner rights and incentives, moving in a protectionist direction and restricting access and use. This would have the potential to impede future innovation. This thesis suggests that balance is an inadequate metaphor, examines the differences between the Supreme Court and governmental conception of “balance” and proposes reasons for these differences.
The Tumour Suppressor p27kip1 Interacts with NF-kB Activator IKK and Plays a Role in Inflammation
Keywords: p27kip1
IKK
heart failure
inflammation

The tumour suppressor p27kip1 (p27) is a potent inhibitor of cell growth and proliferation. We identified NF-κB activator, IKKα, as a novel interacting partner of p27 in a protein microarray screen. Both the IKKα and IKKβ components of the IKK complex were mapped to the C-terminal domain of p27. To investigate the physiological function of the p27-IKK interaction, we employed a well-established model of LPS-induced sepsis which is known to activate the IKK/NF-κB pathway. Lentivirally-mediated overexpression of p27 blocked LPS activation of NF-κB. Furthermore, in LPS-injected animals transduced with TAT-p27, a significant improvement in the left ventricular function of the heart was observed. TAT-p27 treatment was also shown to attenuate the endotoxin effect and significantly improve survival compared to both saline and TAT-LacZ controls. Our results indicate that p27 attenuates inflammation, possibly through inhibiting the IKK-dependent activation of NF-κB, thus supporting a novel link between both cell cycle regulation and inflammation.
Synthetic Studies on Palladium-Catalyzed Olefin Dioxygenation, Indole Functionalization, and Helical Ligands
Keywords: palladium catalysis
olefin dioxygenation
indole functionalization
helical ligand
vicinal oxidation
hammett study
synthetic organic chemistry
transition metal catalysis

Palladium-catalyzed olefin dioxygenation is a powerful tool in the generation of complex and valuable substrates, one which may become complimentary to the well known Sharpless dihydroxylation. In this work the mechanism of this transformation is examined via reaction kinetics and Hammett studies, which corroborate a PdII/IV catalytic cycle and suggest that the rate determining step is the oxidation of PdII to PdIV. Olefin dioxygenation was also found to proceed in the presence of catalytic quantities of BF3•OEt2 or triflic acid, with stoichiometric hypervalent iodine oxidant and an acetic acid solvent. Furthermore, asymmetric variants of intramolecular palladium-catalyzed olefin dioxygenation were also investigated, which resulted in the formation of tetrahydrofuran products in up to 36% ee. Next, chelate-assisted C–H bond functionalization of indoles at the C7 position and of carbazoles at the C1 position was investigated with a variety of arylation, halogenation and oxygenation techniques. Lastly, our efforts towards the synthesis of a mono-phosphine based [5]helicene ligand via olefin metathesis and photocyclization strategies will be discussed.
Recognizing a Sustainable Relationship between International Human Rights and International Trade Law in a Pursuit to have Human Rights Taken More Seriously: A Case Study of the People’s Republic of China and the WTO
Keywords: International human rights
International trade law

Acknowledging a relationship between international human rights and international trade law adds to the legitimacy of economic, social and cultural rights already enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the central institution for international trade law and it has demonstrated a commitment to enhance human rights. This commitment has been realized through WTO efforts to enhance human dignity and eradicate poverty. These WTO efforts ought to be fostered and used to promote human rights. The purpose of this study was two fold – first, demonstrate that a relationship between international trade law and international human rights exists; and second, that this relationship is useful in promoting economic, social and cultural rights. This relationship will be examined through WTO initiatives, case studies and the Accession of the Republic of China in 2001.
Biomimetic Aminoacylation: Investigating Detection of Acylation and the Effect of α-Amino Protection
Keywords: aminoacylation
tRNA

Direct synthesis of aminoacyl-tRNA occurs using α-N-tBoc-protected aminoacyl phosphates and lanthanum salts. Deprotection of aminoacyl tRNA is essential prior to translation; however, the conditions of tBoc deprotection causes tRNA degradation. It was found that α-N-pentenoyl-protected aminoacyl phosphates, deprotected under mild conditions, are effectively used in lanthanum-mediated acylation of tRNA analogs. This provides an alternative route for aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis that maintains tRNA structure. Also, it was determined that α-N-deprotection of aminoacyl phosphates prior to aminoacylation still produces aminoacylated tRNA analogs. This establishes that acyl phosphates activate amino acids without inducing self-condensation, presumably due to electrostatic repulsion. Direct quantification of lanthanum-mediated tRNA aminoacylation was additionally undertaken utilizing a radiolabelled tRNA assay. From this, it was shown that lanthanum-mediated acylation does not promote deacylation and degradation of tRNA. These results have provided insight into lanthanum-mediated acylation of tRNA, ultimately allowing for use of the reagent in ribosomal translation.
Methane Production, Oxidation, and Emissions under Simulated Enhanced Nutrient Deposition in a Northern Peat Bog
Keywords: Methane
Nitrogen

Northern peatlands play a significant role in the global carbon (C) cycle by functioning as sources of atmospheric methane (CH4). Peatlands are becoming polluted as a result of nitrogen (N) deposition, which is likely to impact CH4 dynamics. This thesis presents research at the Mer Bleue bog (Ottawa, Canada) in the longest known simulated atmospheric nutrient deposition experiment. After 8 years of simulated N (and other nutrient) deposition, activities of microbial communities involved in CH4 cycling have been analyzed in the laboratory and CH4 fluxes measured using chamber techniques in the field. High rates (>10 times ambient deposition) of simulated N deposition decreased CH4 production, and enhanced CH4 oxidation in vitro. However, in situ CH4¬ emissions were greater in the high N plots. I hypothesize that CH4 production is therefore driven by short-lived root exudates in the field, consistent with increased shrub biomass that occurs concomitantly with high N deposition.
Neoliberalising Africa: Revealing Technologies of Government in the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad)
Keywords: Nepad
Development
Africa
Governmentality
Neoliberalism
Foucault

This thesis investigates the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) in order to engage debates about neoliberalism in African development policy. In identifying limitations with commentaries of Nepad and pervasive narratives of neoliberalisation, I employ an analytic of governmentality to reinterpret neoliberalisation as the governmental re-management of populations into societies of free, entrepreneurial, self-regulating subjects. Firstly, I investigate how Nepad makes Africa knowable and amenable to technical intervention in the form of “development”, particularly drawing attention to how the African subject is understood and the intimacy between technical solutions and expert diagnosis. Secondly, I explore four initiatives and techniques that attempt to render these rationalities reality. The conclusions elucidate how neoliberalism ought not to be understood as a monolithic, unrolling totality that simply implants itself through coercive power relations, but rather is comprised of a patchwork of rationalities, knowledges and discourses and given effect through prosaic governing practices.
Acquired Brain Injury and Naturalistic Strategy Use: Analysis of Strategies Used during Completion of the Multiple Errands Test
Keywords: strategy
brain injury

This study furthers our understanding of naturalistic strategy use by ABI survivors with executive dysfunction. Strategies used by 14 stroke survivors, 12 TBI survivors and 25 matched controls on the Baycrest Multiple Errands Test (BMET) were scored. Relationships between strategy use and BMET performance were found for all groups (rs=.30-.71). TBI participants experienced monitoring difficulties (rs=-.38 to -.71). Greater use of task setting strategies was associated with better performance for all participants. Results support the theory of fractionation of the prefrontal lobes and the suggestion for further fractionation of the task setting and monitoring processes. Strategy use was consistently correlated with scores on the AMPS (rs=.30-.75) indicating good ecological validity. Differences in patterns of strategy use between stroke and TBI participants suggest these types of ABIs do not affect real-world performance in the same way. This study indicates the importance of understanding naturalistic strategy use for cognitive rehabilitation after ABI.
Reduction of TRS Emissions from Lime Kilns
Keywords: Total Reduced Sulfur
Lime Kiln
Pulp and Paper
Lime Mud Solids
Air Emissions
TRS

The pulp and paper industry has been struggling to meet the new and stringent TRS (Total Reduced Sulphur) emission compliance standards established in recent years. However, a new approach by some regulatory bodies gives intricate operational parameters a new and important role in achieving environmental compliance. TRS compounds that cause the distinctive pulp mill odour, originate from sodium sulphide in white liquor used in the kraft pulping process. Up to 20% of TRS emissions could originate from the lime kiln and lime mud solids content is one of the operational parameters that could help reduce the TRS emissions from the lime kiln. Residual sodium sulphide in the lime mud that results in TRS gases, is dissolved in the moisture content of the mud. Although efficient lime mud washing can remove most of the residual sodium sulphide, the remaining moisture content of the mud still contains some sodium sulphide. Therefore, improved lime mud dewatering can be effective in reducing the TRS emissions from the lime kiln. Data presented in this study confirms that as the lime mud solids content increases, TRS emissions from the lime kiln decrease. Data analysis demonstrates a negative linear correlation at 5% significance level between TRS emissions and lime mud solids.
Inhaled Hypertonic Saline (7%) improves the Lung Clearance Index in CF Paediatric Patients with FEV1% predicted ≥ 80%
Keywords: Hypertonic Saline
Cystic Fibrosis

Objective: To determine if inhaled Hypertonic Saline (7%) improves the Lung Clearance Index in paediatric Cystic Fibrosis patients with FEV1 ≥80% predicted. Methods: In a blinded crossover trial, twenty CF patients received 4 weeks of hypertonic saline (7%) (HS) and 4 weeks of isotonic saline (0.9%) (IS) separated by a 4 week washout period. The primary endpoint was the change in LCI in the HS versus the IS treatment periods. Results: Four weeks of twice daily inhalation of HS significantly improved the LCI as compared to IS by 1.16, 95% CI [0.26, 2.05]; p=0.016. Baseline LCI before IS, 8.71+/-2.10, was not significantly different from baseline LCI before HS inhalation, 8.84+/-1.95 (p=0.73). Randomization order had no significant impact on the treatment effect (p=0.61). Conclusions: Four weeks of twice daily Hypertonic Saline (7%) inhalations improved the LCI and may be a suitable early intervention therapy for CF patients with mild disease.
Sex Differences in Nicotinic Currents of Layer VI Neurons of Prefrontal Cortex During Development
Keywords: prefrontal cortex
nicotine
sex difference
electrophysiology
development
progesterone

There is a large sex difference in the prevalence of attention deficit disorder; yet, little is known about sex differences in prefrontal attention circuitry. We investigated sex differences in the developmental nicotinic excitation of corticothalamic layer VI neurons, which play an important role in attention. Using whole cell recording in prefrontal brain slices, we examined the inward currents elicited by nicotinic stimulation in rodents. We found a prominent sex difference in the currents during the first postnatal month when males had significantly greater α4β2* nicotinic currents. Immunohistochemical analysis of α4YFP mice revealed no sex difference in the pattern or proportion of YFP-positive neurons in layer VI. Further electrophysiological experiments revealed that progesterone is able to rapidly and significantly suppress nicotinic currents in layer VI neurons. This is the first illustration at a cellular level that prefrontal attention circuitry is differently excited by nicotinic stimulation in males and females during development.
A Novel Technique for Class II Composite Restorations with Self-adhesive Resin Cements
Keywords: Microleakage
Composite restoration

Purpose: To determine microleakage and microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of composite restorations bonded with self-adhesive resin-cements. Methods: Six groups of molars were assigned to cements: RelyX-Unicem, Breeze, Monocem, PanaviaF-2.0, Filtek-LS, and Scotch-Bond-Multipurpose (adhesive). For microleakage, Class II preparations were made. Cements were applied onto all cavity walls. Preparations were restored, specimens themocycled and then immersed in red dye. Dye penetration was assessed according to 5-point scale. For µTBS test, 6 mm composite buildups were made over tooth surfaces. Rectangular rods were cut and subjected to tensile force. Mean µTBS and SDs were calculated. Results: RelyX-Unicem and Breeze showed low microleakage, however, they had lower µTBS values. Filtek-LS showed the least microleakage and the highest µTBS with dentin. Conclusion: RelyX-Unicem, Breeze and Filtek-LS will improve marginal seal when used in subgingival Class II composite restorations.
Multiphase Optimal Response Mixed-signal Current Program Mode Controller
Keywords: power converters
digital control
current program mode
multiphase switch mode power supplies

The primary focus of this thesis is to present a simple and practical implementation of an optimal-time response controller for multiphase interleaved dc-dc SMPS. This novel solution enables equal current sharing between phases not only in steady-state, but also during load transients, as well as bump-less transition between those two states. A digital voltage loop and multiple analog peak current programmed mode current loops are combined to implement a capacitor charge balance control algorithm with fairly simple hardware. This algorithm provides recovery from a disturbance in a single on-off switching action, which is performed in virtually the fastest possible time. The hybrid interface between the loops is provided through a structure combining a sample-and-hold circuit and a relatively slow successive-approximation DAC that provides control signals for all the loops in the system. Furthermore, for operation under light load conditions, the controller automatically switches into simply implemented pulse-frequency mode of operation.
Design and Implementation of Ground Support Equipment for Characterizing the Performance of XPOD and CNAPS & Thermal Analysis of CNAPS Pressure Regulator Valve
Keywords: nanosatellite
satellite

As the potential uses of nanosatellites become apparent, their numbers keep increasing. This is evident at the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) located at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies which has seen a rapid growth in satellite missions in recent years. By leveraging the use of the Generic Nanosatellite Bus developed at SFL, satellites can be rapidly developed to carry science payloads or demonstrate the capabilities of new technologies on orbit. Testing satellite systems in an Earth environment is an important step in qualifying them for space. This thesis describes the development of ground support equipment for testing SFL’s nanosatellite separation system, XPOD, and characterizing the performance of the propulsion system, CNAPS. Also, the thermal behaviour of a pressure regulator valve on CNAPS is examined for various flow conditions.
Computerized Provider Order Entry: Initial Analysis of Current and Predicted Provider Ordering Workflow
Keywords: Workflow
CPOE

Background: Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) allows providers to enter medication and service orders electronically. Workflow analysis is a critical component of CPOE implementation. Objectives 1. To develop a nosology for provider ordering workflow. 2. To describe actual provider ordering workflow focusing on chart and computer usage 3. To model the impact of computerized ordering on provider workflow in three future state scenarios Method: 20 hours of participant observation was performed for nosology development, time motion studies totaling 47 and predictive modeling projected effects of possible implementation scenarios Results/Conclusions: Unique nosology was developed. Clinicians spent 27% of their time with the patient, 2.2% writing orders and 1.1% locating patient charts. Our study predicted that the E-All scenario (computerization of all orders) would be the best implementation choice. Limitations: Small sample size (25 clinicians), participant frame of reference and other assumptions may have affected the results of this study.