VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Numerical Prediction of Lean Premixed Hydrogen-air Deflagrations in Vented Vessels
Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics
Finite Volume Method
Hydrogen Deflagration
Integral Length Scale Approximation
Large Eddy Simulation
Nuclear Power Plant

In water-cooled nuclear power plants, hydrogen gas can be generated by various mechanisms during an accident. If the resulting hydrogen-air mixture within the facility combusts, existing containment structures may be compromised, and radio-active material can be released to the environment. Thus, to develop mitigation strategies for these scenarios, an improved understanding of the propagation of lean hydrogen deflagrations within buildings and structures is required. Large-eddy-simulation (LES) techniques can be used to model the propagation of flames in such scenarios. Adaptive-mesh-refinement can be used to increase the level of detail provided by the LES simulations, and thus they are applied in this study along with an Integral-length-scale-approximation (ILSA) sub-filter scale model. The LES predictions are compared to experimental data obtained by the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). Particularly, the predicted time histories of pressure as well as the maximum overpressure achieved within the vessels are compared to those arising from CNL experiments.
Challenging Canadian Immigration Policies and Services: The Settlement Experiences of Mature Tamil Women in Ontario, Canada
Keywords: Community
Integration
Newcomer
Settlement
Tamil women
Tamil-Canadian

Literature on immigrant integration in Canada documents the limits of public services supporting the settlement of newcomers. This study provides deeper understandings of these limitations by examining the experiences of ten mature Tamil immigrant women who have resided in the province of Ontario, Canada for more than 10 years. Using personal interviews and archival immigration policy documents, the study argues that despite interacting closely with settlement programs, adult Tamil immigrant women continue to face gendered and classed barriers to social integration within and outside their communities. The thesis attributes these barriers to neoliberal and patriarchal notions of a “successfully integrated immigrant” enacted through Canadian government legislation and services supporting newcomers. Reflections from study participants challenge Canadian immigration policymakers to look beyond a time-limited definition of “successful integration” and towards feminist and community-centered notions of belonging. Based on these conclusions, the study proposes changes in Canadian federal and provincial settlement and integration policy.
Impact of Biochar on the Hydrological Performance of Extensive Green Roofs in Southern Ontario
Keywords: Biochar
Detention
Evapotranspiration
Green Roof
Retention
Water Balance

Green roofs are a form of green infrastructure used in urban areas to help the postdevelopment water balance mimic the pre-development balance by retaining stormwater during the wet period and restoring it as evapotranspiration (ET) during the dry period. The overall objective of the current research is threefold: (1) assessing the discharge performance (retentionand detention) over 115 rain events and vegetation growth of four configurations of extensive green roof testbeds for two variables (a) green roof plant communities, and (b) substrate amendment using biochar; (2) assessing the effect of biochar amendment on the water balance, including dew, of a green roof module planted with sedum, using a smart field lysimeter; finally (3) assessing the effect of scale on a green roof by comparing the hydrological performance of a small green roof module with that of a larger green roof testbed. Overall, the green roofs showed good hydrological performance.
Unprecedented Long Circulating Lipid Nanoparticles Enabled by High-density Gd-DTPA-bis(stearylamide) for Enhanced Tumor Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Keywords: Bis(stearylamide)
Circulatory longevity
Contrast agent
Liposome
MRI
Porphysome

Porphysomes (PS) were developed to incorporate different types of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic-acid-gadolinium-(III) (Gd-DTPA)-lipids into their bilayer membrane to assess PS potential as an MRI contrast agent. Integration of Gd-DTPA-bis(stearylamide) (Gd-DTPA-BSA)-lipids resulted in exceptional serum stability and intact T1 and T2 relaxivity measurements of 13mM-1s-1 and 19mM-1s-1, respectively. In vivo studies in mice showed Gd-dPS-BSA having significant enhanced retention in blood circulation with a half-life of 13.6 hours and high tumor accumulation in select models with biodistribution showing up to 19.5 %ID/g in the tumor 72-hours post-injection. Additionally, Gd-dPS-BSA displayed excellent MRI tumor enhancement over 24-, 48- and 72-hours with contrast enhancements from baseline of 35.8%, 38.2% and 38.3%, respectively. Results reported in this project highlight how dense incorporation of Gd-DTPA-BSA-lipids can enhance circulatory longevity within PS and other liposome formulations, suggesting effective MRI contrast agent potential for Gd-dPS-BSA and potential utility of Gd-DTPA-BSA-lipids to enhance other liposomal-influenced diagnostic and therapeutic functions.
Fabrication of In-mold Pressure and Temperature Sensors using Masked Wire-arc Thermal Spray
Keywords: Injection molding
Masked in situ deposition
Sensors
Strain gauge
Thermal spray
Thermocouple

Pressure and temperature fluctuations within injection molding cavities adversely impact the viscosity of injected molten polymers, leading to material defects and poor part quality. This research investigates the feasibility of wire-arc deposition through patterned masks as a cost-effective and direct method for fabricating strain gauge and thermocouple sensors directly onto cavity surfaces for accurate and real-time in situ process monitoring. Preliminary characterization of coating microstructures revealed improved density and surface splat formations in a comparative study against flame sprayed coatings. The thick film Ni-Cr strain gauge responded linearly to uniaxial tensile strains and exhibited a cycled gauge factor of 70 with a R2 value of 0.995. Furthermore, a four-point bending experiment successfully demonstrated a reduction of hysteresis with increased cycling of flexure loads. Finally, wire-arc fabrication of a steel-constantan surface thermocouple, with a 0 °C Seebeck coefficient of 50 µV/°C, was also proposed to compensate for thermal output.
The Behaviour of Large Hollow Reinforced Concrete Shear-Critical Beams with Transverse Reinforcement
Keywords: co2 emissions
embodied carbon
hollow beams
point load tests
reinforced concrete
shear critical

The objective of this study is to investigate the shear capacity of rectangular reinforced concrete beams with hollow cross sections subject to combined shear and flexural loading. The size of the hollow section is a key component of the analytical modelling and was evaluated using 2D Sectional Analysis software and CSA A23.3-14 Code formulations. The transverse reinforcement ratio was varied between specimens to observe its influence on crack development, shear capacity, and deformation. It was concluded that a 52% reduction in cross sectional area and 40% reduction in concrete volume with identical transverse and longitudinal reinforcement results in a 23% reduction in shear capacity compared to a solid beam with the same external dimensions. An identical hollow-section specimen with the same longitudinal reinforcement and twice as much transverse reinforcement carries 38% more shear than the lightly reinforced hollow specimen, and 6% more than the lightly reinforced solid specimen.
Towards a Body: A Study of Anatomical Exhibits in "Canada"
Keywords: Anatomy
Critical Race Theory
Death
Healthism
Humanism
Presence

Autoethnographic methods and affect theory guide this reflection upon three anatomical exhibits: The Maude Abbott Medical Museum, The AstraZeneca Human Edge, and Medical Sensations. It reflects upon the stakes of the display of bodies, the idea of presence, and, ultimately, conceptions of the human life-form. Approaching the material by thinking through critical race theory, performance studies, and women and gender studies, this thesis questions how these exhibits pose challenges for dreaming of a collective future. Many of the displays include fragments of deceased bodies, or replications of deceased bodies. Thus, this thesis asks how we can ethically engage in these exhibits by bearing witness to rather than consuming these bodies. Critically thinking about the body and humanisms is a central concern for living in an ethical present and future. Ultimately, the writing reflects upon how storytelling is a key method for theoretically shifting how we think about the human life-form itself.
Cytotoxicity of Non-psychoactive Cannabinoids with an Emphasis on Cannabidiol and Ovarian Cancer
Keywords: cannabichromene
cannabidiol
cannabigerol
cisplatin
ovarian cancer
paclitaxel

There has been an increased interest in determining the therapeutic potential of non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene, and cannabigerol. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the cytotoxicity of non-psychoactive cannabinoids in various cancer cell lines and to determine the combined drug effects of CBD with chemotherapeutic agents, cisplatin (CDDP), and paclitaxel (PTX) in ovarian cancer cell lines. All cannabinoids exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic effects with IC50 values in the micromolar range. When CBD was further evaluated in combination with CDDP, the combined drug effect was neither cell line nor molar ratio dependent and was predominantly antagonistic at most molar ratios of CBD:CDDP. Conversely, the effects of CBD combined with PTX resulted in synergistic, additive, and antagonistic effects which varied depending on the cell line evaluated. The combined effect of CBD and PTX cannot be explained solely by the involvement of the drug transporter, P-glycoprotein.
Teacher-student Tradition: Bharathanatyam Classroom Experience in the Greater Toronto Area
Keywords: Bharathanatyam
Dance Teacher
Guru-Shishya Parampara
Hierarchy
Power Dynamics
Teacher-Student Relationship

This research project explores the guru-shishya paramapara (teacher-student tradition) within Bharathanatyam classrooms in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Briefly examining the complex history of the dance form and the origin of the teacher-student tradition within Hinduism establishes the sources of this tradition and challenges the effectiveness of said tradition in present-day Bharathanatyam classrooms. The researcher’s overt auto-ethnographical methodology as well as individual and group interviews with nine Bharathanatyam students from the GTA ascertain challenges faced within the teacher-student relationship. Further information is gathered through publicly posted social media content and their advocacy and condemnation of the teacher-student tradition is examined. The main purpose of this research project is to assess if the teacher-student tradition can offer safe and inclusive learning spaces for Bharathanatyam students of diverse backgrounds.
Reduce, Reuse, Refill: Understanding the Refill-based Sector in Ontario
Keywords: Circular economy
Refill
Reuse
Waste

As a reuse-based system, refills offer a starting point in reducing packaging waste and shifting our capitalist, linear economies towards more circular approaches. The concept of ‘refilling’ has been present since the advent of milk delivery services (Vaughan et al., 2007), however the study of what a refill is, and how it works in practice, is insufficiently understood. The purpose of my research is to fill this gap in understanding by investigating the motivations and challenges faced by retailers who offer refills of household and personal care products in a case study of Ontario. This qualitative study involved one-on-one, semi-structured interviews (n=23) with refill-based retailers across Ontario. Key findings include challenges such as customer education and recruitment, COVID-19 and having to ‘do it all alone’, and motivations, including environmental motivations. The implications of this study reveal that further research is needed on the accessibility of refills, and their economic and environmental viability.
Bone Health in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes and Progressive eGFR Decline
Keywords: bone biomarkers
Bone Health
eGFR
HRpQCT
Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction: Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is associated with increased risk of fractures, worsened by microvascular complications.Objectives: To determine if progressive eGFR decline in youth with T1D is associated with worsened bone health and to assess the impact of demographic and diabetes variables on bone health. Methods: eGFR slopes were determined using four CKiDU25 measurements. Bone health was assessed in adulthood by HRpQCT and bone biomarkers. Linear regression analysis with adjustment for covariates was performed. Results: 44% of 99 participants had progressive eGFR decline. eGFR decliners had higher cortical porosity diameter than non-decliners. Longer diabetes duration was associated with higher trabecular separation and lower trabecular number. Higher 25 hydroxy-vitamin D was associated with decreased trabecular separation. Higher A1C and BMI were associated with lower bone formation. Conclusion: There was subtle micro-architectural changes in T1D associated with progressive eGFR decline. Low 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, long diabetes duration, poor glycemic control and higher BMI are associated with worsened bone health.
Relation of Honey and its Constituent Rare Sugars on Cardiometabolic Health – An Epidemiological Analysis
Keywords: honey
rare sugars
sugar

The effect of honey and its constituent rare sugars on cardiometabolic outcomes is unclear. I conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) of controlled trials assessing the effect of honey on cardiometabolic outcomes. Independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Data was pooled using random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed (Cochrane’s Q) and quantified (I2). Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Pooled analysis of 33 trial comparisons (n=1105) showed that honey improved glycemic control and lipid levels. Rare sugars make up roughly 14% of sugars present in honey and may be contributing to the benefits observed. I conducted a second SRMA of clinical trials assessing the effect of rare sugars on cardiometabolic outcomes. Pooled analysis of 16 trial comparisons (n=1014) showed that allulose, isomaltulose, and tagatose may improve adiposity and glycemic control. In conclusion, both honey and its individual rare sugars may benefit cardiometabolic outcomes.
Pragmatic Development and a Learner’s Life on Study Abroad: A Case Study of a Japanese Learner of English
Keywords: Pragmatic Development
Requests
Study Abroad

The present study examines L2 pragmatic development in requesting in study abroad, focusing on how an individual’s experiences impact development. The study reports on a longitudinal case study of a Japanese learner of English in her first two months studying in Toronto, Canada. The data consists of naturalistic recordings and memos the participant made herself throughout the two months and role plays conducted at the beginning and end of the study, for a total of 106 requests. Additional data includes the participant’s reflections made on her requests, and weekly semi-structured interviews, diaries, and L2 engagement logs. The analysis focuses on the evolution of the participant’s use of politeness strategies and her knowledge of rules and structures, considering the role of noticing, language socialization, and personal (e.g., motivation) and social (e.g., networks) matters. Findings reveal a complex relationship between the person, her experiences, and her use and development of requesting.
The Task- and Sex-specific Function of FTO During Memory in Female and Male Mice
Keywords: FTO
m6A
Memory Formation
RNA Modifications
Sex Differences

Work investigating N-6 methyladenosine (m6A) established RNA modifications as novel regulators of memory in the male brain. Our lab showed that m6A demethylase fat-mass and obesity associated (FTO) protein is depleted, while m6A is accumulated during fear memory. Moreover, hippocampal FTO depletion improves fear memory in male mice, but the role of FTO and m6A has yet to be characterized in the female brain. I observed (1) if FTO and m6A are regulated similarly between sexes during fear memory and (2) the effect of hippocampal FTO depletion between sexes on fear and spatial memory tasks. I found that FTO and m6A expression is sex-specific during fear memory and FTO depletion has no effect on fear or spatial memory performance in females. However, FTO depletion impairs spatial and fear memory performance on harder but not easier learning tasks in males, suggesting that FTO has a sex- and task-specific function during memory.
An Exploration of TRAP Exposure and Patterns of Environmental Inequality at a High Spatial Resolution in Etobicoke-York, Ontario
Keywords: Environmental Health
Environmental Inequality
Exposure Modelling
Geographic Information Science
Spatial Statistics
Transportation-Related Air Pollution

This thesis addresses two objectives. The first objective explores the use of high spatial density urban sampling and regression kriging to improve land use regression (LUR) modelling performance for predicting ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at a high spatial resolution across Etobicoke-York, Ontario. The second objective explores marginalization as a potential mechanism for disparate NO2 exposure in Etobicoke-York. This objective was met by using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) modelling techniques to identify spatial associations between NO2 exposure and fine-scale metrics of marginalization and by computing odds ratios (ORs) to capture the effect of marginalization on the odds of high versus low NO2 exposure levels. This thesis highlights improvements in exposure modelling performance for the incorporation of high spatial density monitoring data and regression kriging, as well as identifies significant patterns of disparate NO2 exposure in Etobicoke-York related to ethnic concentration, material deprivation, and residential instability.
Communication Subsystem Design and Assembly, Integration, Testing of the GHGSat Remote Sensing Microsatellite Constellation
Keywords: antenna
communications
microsatellite
RF
satellite

The efforts of industrial operators to measure and quantify their environmental impact have been increasing exponentially in the past years. This interest lies particularly on greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality gas (AQG) emissions. The GHGSat constellation aims to detect and quantify GHG emissions from orbit with pin-point accuracy. The GHGSat satellites were designed based on the NEMO bus developed by the Space Flight Laboratory. This thesis describes the design process of the communication subsystem for the newest iteration of the NEMO bus which is being developed to support the GHGSat constellation. Emphasis is given on miniaturized antenna design, development and testing process, link budget analysis and Assembly, Integration and Testing effort to build these satellites. The first cluster of GHGSat satellites was launched in May 2022 and is healthy in-orbit. This thesis also outlines the testing standards and procedures which ensure the success of the satellite missions following SFL’s design philosophy.
Genetic Iinteractions between dNSF2 and l(2)gl, nwk, puc in Wing Development of the Drosophila melanogaster
Keywords: Developmental Biology
Drosophila
NSF
Wing Development
Wingless

In the development of the wings of the Drosophila melanogaster, dNSF2 is an important protein that functions to recycle SNARE proteins to allow vesicular trafficking to transport molecules necessary for development. Previous pilot studies observed three new genes l(2)gl, nwk and puc that have never been implicated in wing development. I have extended these studies by determining a genetic interaction between the three genes and dNSF2. I observed that l(2)gl is expressed in the wing disc where Wingless is expressed and that l(2)gl has effects of its own on wing development. Furthermore, puc is also expressed in the same region that Wingless and Decapentaplegic is expressed. Various mutations of nwk exhibit the same results on wing development as they did in the development of the Drosophila NMJ. Overall, these results suggest that these three genes are involved in wing development through multiple signaling pathways.
Of Commoners' Ears and Eyes: Epistemic Status of Common People in Mozi and Xunzi
Keywords: Epistemology
Mohism
Mozi
Pre-Qin
Ruism
Xunzi

In the political discourse of early China, social-political stability and moral ethics could not be discussed separately from epistemology. To pursue the ideal dao, which is the way to flourish humanity, theorists strive to explain its nature epistemically. This thesis seeks to fill a gap in the existing discussion by going beyond the social elites in early China and inquiring into the epistemic status of the common people in two classics from two prominent schools, Mozi and Xunzi. I argue that the commoners’ apparent lower epistemic status in Xunzi than in Mozi is the result of competing conceptions of dao; specifically, that to Xunzi, dao is esoteric, while the Mohist dao is easily perceivable. These two opposing conceptions of dao lead to different outlooks on the common people’s understanding of dao, as the complexity of knowing the Xunzian dao is radically harder than understanding the Mohist one.
Developing a Compound Computational Pathology Workflow for Automated and Integrated Analyses of Morphologic and Molecular Histopathological Features
Keywords: Computer vision
Deep learning
Digital pathology
Histopathology
Image registration
Immunohistochemistry

Despite recent innovations in deep learning, attempts to automate the integration of histomorphologic and molecular information found on respective H&E- and IHC-stained tissue sections are scarce. Here, I aim to address this issue by incorporating computer vision tools, including deep learning and scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), to align H&E-stained sections with accompanying IHC studies for automated subclassification of gliomas. I first trained a VGG19 convolutional neural network (CNN) to recognize histological patterns of 16 common tissue and lesion classes. Afterwards, I optimized several deep learning classifiers to recognize various IHC markers relevant for molecular subclassification of gliomas. For downstream integrated analyses, I employed SIFT to align lesional regions of H&E and IHC slides. The quantitative analysis of IHC WSIs significantly improved by using SIFT in conjunction with the classifiers. Collectively, these tools can provide a pathologist-inspired workflow to help automate advanced histopathology-based diagnostic tasks, such as subclassification of gliomas.