VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Costs in Canadian Buildings using Thermal Mass
Keywords: Demand Response
Fabric Energy Storage
Load Flexibility
Load Shifting
Night Ventilation
Thermal Mass

In this thesis, two methods of using the thermal mass in Canadian buildings to reduce operational energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are investigated. The first is cooling commercial buildings with night ventilation. By comparing the climates of Canadian cities to the climates of urban centres with existing night-ventilated buildings, Vancouver and Edmonton were found to have strong night ventilation potential. The second method investigated is shifting heating demand in electrically heated high-rise residential buildings by varying the thermostat setpoint in order to use less expensive and less GHG-intensive electricity. A representative high-rise residential building was modeled with 16 retrofits in order to evaluate the most important building parameters. Model results indicated annual electricity cost savings of up to $34,000 and GHG savings of 20 Tonnes eCO2 in a 300-unit building. Further, findings indicated financial savings would increase if residential users were charged for their peak electricity demand.
The Nutritional Implications of Household Food Insecurity in Canada
Keywords: Canadian Community Health Survey- Nutrition
Household food insecurity
Nutritional vulnerability
Prevalence of inadequacy
Usual intake

Household food insecurity affects 4 million Canadians and has negative implications for health and diet, as evidenced by the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The objectives of this thesis were to i) evaluate how household food insecurity status related to nutritional vulnerability among Canadian adults (19-64 y), using CCHS 2015 Nutrition; and ii) compare the nutritional vulnerability of Canadians (1-64 y) stratified by age-/sex-groups in moderately/severely food-insecure households between CCHS 2004 and 2015. Greater nutritional vulnerability was observed among adults on a gradient of worsening severity of food insecurity in 2015 and among older children and women in 2015 compared to 2004, but no differences were observed in the adequacy of men’s or children’s nutrient intakes over time. Considering the strong association between household food insecurity and poor health and the health-eroding effects of chronically poor nutrition, the nutritional vulnerability of individuals in food-insecure households should be addressed.
Influence of Fines Content on Cyclic Resistance and Residual Strength of Base Metal Tailings
Keywords: critical state
cyclic resistance
fines content
liquefaction
residual strength
tailings

Stability of tailings dams is an important safety and economic issue for the mining industry. Liquefaction is the phenomenon in which a soil mass loses its shear strength following generation of excess pore water pressure. Liquefaction assessment is the main technical challenge for geotechnical engineers tasked to design tailings storage facilities. In this research project, a laboratory testing program was completed to assess the influence of fines content on the cyclic resistance and residual strength ratio of Base Metal Tailings through the critical state framework. Four gradations of Base Metal Tailings with fines content of 0%, 30%, 60% and 100% were tested in a direct simple shear apparatus. Cyclic resistance and post-cyclic residual strength were correlated to the state parameter. The influence of density, confinement, and fabric were also investigated.
Microplastics and Other Anthropogenic Debris in Fish and Potential Implications for Human Exposures
Keywords: Fish
Human
Microplastics
Translocation

Microplastics are an inconspicuous environmental threat that have received considerable attention due to global contamination and potential adverse ecological and human health impacts. Recent studies demonstrate that microplastics are ingested by aquatic organisms and can cause physiological and toxicological damage. As a result, concerns have been raised by government agencies and the public regarding microplastics in seafood. First Nations communities around Lake Simcoe have also expressed concern regarding microplastic contamination in their fish. In response, I measured contamination levels in fish from Lake Simcoe and found 93.2% (N=44) contained anthropogenic debris, the majority (86.8%) being fibers. The size of the fish was positively correlated with the quantity of anthropogenic debris found. In addition, I tested the potential for microplastic translocation in laboratory fish to inform exposure routes to humans. No translocation of microplastics was observed, suggesting the consumption of fish fillets is likely not a significant exposure pathway to humans.
Characterizing the Physical Culture Conditions for Endothelial Cell Perpendicular Alignment to Flow
Keywords: Cell Alignment
Endothelium
Flow Shear Stress
Microfluidics
Organ-on-a-chip

Flow-induced parallel alignment of endothelial cells (ECs) is replicated in vitro in macroscale parallel plate flow chambers (PPFCs), but with increasing application of microfluidic platforms to study EC biology and model ECs in organ-on-a-chip platforms, there is a need to better understand flow regulation of ECs in microscale platforms. Previous work in our labs found that EC monolayers confined in microchannels and PDMS stencils aligned perpendicular to the direction of flow in contrast to parallel alignment in macroscale PPFCs. The goal of this thesis was to elucidate the microfluidic culture parameters that condition for the confined EC phenotype. Perpendicular alignment to flow was observed in human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) across all tested physical and geometrical conditions and suggested that spatial control provides cues for a confined EC phenotype. This work demonstrated that perpendicular alignment to flow is a robust response in microscale-cultured ECs.
Dwelling is Telling: Ruminating over School Challenges can Affect how Students with Strong Executive Skills Perform in Math
Keywords: Elementary School Students
Executive Function
Math Computation
Rumination

Elementary students with higher executive function (EF) tend to achieve better math outcomes. Although rumination is one maladaptive coping strategy that has been found to negatively affect EF, research exploring rumination’s impact on the relationship between EF and math performance (MP) in computation is lacking. We examined the relationship between caregiver-rated measures of EF and students’ MP as a function of student-reported level of rumination; rumination was hypothesized to moderate this relationship. In a sample of students from grades four to six (n = 69, mean age = 10.68), hierarchical regression analyses showed an interaction between EF and rumination in predicting MP. Students with EF deficits demonstrated lower MP, and this was moderated by level of rumination. Specifically, EF difficulties were associated with lower MP only among high ruminators; this was not observed among low ruminators. These results demonstrate the importance of teaching students how to appropriately address math challenges.
The Impact of the Move2Smile Program on Motor, Social and Emotional Development in Children Aged 3-4 Years
Keywords: Child Development
Early Intervention
Mental Health
Motor Skills
Physical Activity
Social-Emotional Learning

Today’s children and youth are facing three major challenges: (1) poor mental health, (2) physical inactivity and (3) lack of school readiness. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) and social-emotional learning (SEL) are two domains of development that underpin these challenges. The purpose of this study was the examine the acceptability and feasibility of Move2Smile, a program that targets both FMS and SEL, and to assess the impact of the program on FMS and SEL in children aged 3-4 years. Move2Smile was rated as acceptable and feasible by children, parents and the instructor. The intervention had a small-moderate effect on FMS and a small- large effect on SEL. Results from the focus group suggest that parents and children enjoyed the program and that the program was useful and effective at impacting FMS and SEL. Additional research is warranted to further explore the long-term impact of this program on the development of young children.
Stories of Collaborative Inquiry: Resistance and Negotiation in the Social Construction of Educator Knowledge
Keywords: Collaborative Inquiry
Community-Based Experiential Learning
Core reflection in professional learning
Grounded Theory
Narrative
Practitioner Research

This qualitative practitioner research study delves deeply into the experience of a group of teachers who engaged in Collaborative Inquiry to consider a pedagogical shift to Community- Based Experiential Learning. Grounded Theory was used to theorize about their individual learning journeys within a socially-constructed learning environment. The conceptual framework which shapes this study calls educators to take up three views of Professional Learning: an outward view, focused on the structures of this professional learning experience; a shared view, framing the social construction of teacher knowledge of practice; and the inward view, foregrounding the hopes, wants, feelings and actions of the participants. These views foster and facilitate understanding of how school improvement is negotiated by teachers. The study reveals how teachers may overcome structural and contextual barriers within Professional Learning experiences through the alignment of their efforts to both personal and common values and beliefs about teaching and learning.
The Practice and Potential of Expressive Writing Groups
Keywords: community development
expressive writing
mental health
writing groups

My research examines the potential of expressive writing groups in non-clinical settings for individuals navigating trauma, transition and life challenges. Writing as a tool for supporting mental health is not a new concept, however, there is renewed interest given the: track record of success; potential as a low-cost treatment; and flexibility for supporting isolated segments of the population. My mixed-methods qualitative research is part self-study narrative inquiry, probing my experience with expressive writing, and part case study analysis looking at the work of an organization offering volunteer facilitated expressive writing workshops in partnership with social service and community organizations. I analyze the data to advance knowledge in regards to how an expressive writing group functions, the role of the facilitator and how success is measured for the individual. This study produces valuable insight into models of expressive writing groups and their potential for healing and inspiring hope.
Evaluation of the Autoclave Expansion Test for Cement
Keywords: Autoclave Expansion Test (AET)
Cement MgO Content
Soundness

The total MgO content of portland cements is limited in specifications to prevent abnormal expansion of periclase (MgO) to brucite (Mg(OH)2) transformation. In addition, in North American specifications, the ASTM C151 autoclave expansion test (AET) has been used since the 1940s as a rapid expansion (soundness) test to accelerate the periclase hydration. Within the last few years, cements have been found that failed the autoclave test while still being well below the chemical MgO limit, yet others with similar MgO contents passed the AET expansion limit. The primary objective of the current project was to determine if the AET is serving any purpose in protecting the consumer or is the chemical limit on MgO content sufficient? Based on the current research, it was determined that the AET is overly severe and provides an unrealistic ground for rejecting or accepting the portland cements.
A Stochastic Approach to Electromigration Checking for Chip Power Grids
Keywords: Chip Power Grid
Electromigration
Stochastic

Electromigration (EM) is a major reliability concern in modern chip design, especially due to continuous technology scaling. Existing methods for EM checking are inaccurate, and suffer from many shortcomings. Emerging solutions for EM checking are physics-based, which allow designers to track the stress evolution in the power grid interconnects, and hence, detect void formations which degrade conductivity. Korhonen's Model [15] is a physical model for EM degradation that has been extensively studied in the literature.The work in [2] uses the so-called Extended Korhonen's Model (EKM) to formulate the EM checking problem as a series of Liner-Time-Invariant (LTI) systems. This work is a first attempt to apply a stochastic approach to EKM. We propose a framework for a Stochastic Electromigration Simulation (SES) with multiple computational schemes. Our results show that the SES mitigates the optimism of the existing approach, providing more accurate chip lifetime estimates.
Development and Validation of the Subjective Identity Concealability Scale
Keywords: Concealment
Identity
Prejudice
Scale Development
Stereotypes
Stigma

People with stigmatized identities are frequently the targets of prejudice. Being the target of prejudice has costly psychological consequences. For people whose stigmas are not visible, concealment offers an opportunity to avoid these consequences. However, concealment has its own negative consequences in multiple domains of psychological wellbeing. It is possible, however, that simply believing that an identity is concealable may be sufficient to minimize the psychological costs of stigmatization. Here, we introduce the construct of subjective identity concealability: the belief that an identity one holds is concealable from others. Across four pre- registered (https://bit.ly/33gaRvy) studies and an internal meta-analysis, we develop and validate a scale to measure individual differences in concealability beliefs and provide evidence that it predicts lower levels of the psychological costs of bearing stigma.
Student Perspectives on Course Choice in Ontario Secondary Schools
Keywords: course choice
course selection
cultural capital
postsecondary transition
secondary curriculum structure
undifferentiated education system

This research is concerned with how students experience the current Ontario secondary education system and their ability to choose from a variety of courses in relation to their own educational plans. This study identifies three main factors most important in secondary school course selection: (1) the influence of parents, (2) students’ interest in subjects, and (3) students’ past academic performance. The study is based on 19 interviews with first- and second-year university students in Ontario, Canada. Two main themes of secondary course selection were identified, (1) Self-Elimination from Fields of Study, and (2) Keep Options Open, as well as five subthemes. These themes are described using a framework of the three factors of course selection. Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital is used as a theoretical tool to uniquely assess the experiences of students as they recount their secondary course selections in conjunction with the pressures of transitioning into postsecondary education.
Visual Attention Failures towards Vulnerable Road Users at Intersections: Results from On-road Studies
Keywords: Cycling Safety
Human Factors
Intersection Safety

Crash data indicate that attention misallocation is a major factor in crashes with vulnerable road users (VRUs) at intersections. However, the extent that drivers fail to scan for VRUs at intersections is unknown. This thesis investigates driver visual attention failures toward VRUs at intersections using an instrumented vehicle and eye-tracking equipment. First, analysis of data collected in an earlier on-road study is presented, which informed the design of the main experiment where 26 drivers (ages 35-54; 13 cyclists) made 18 different turns at downtown Toronto intersections, half of which were identified to be higher risk. Almost half of the turns had a visual attention failure; and most were towards cyclists. The failures were significantly more common at higher risk intersections and among non-cyclist drivers. Overall, prevalence of failures is alarming. Further research is needed to generalize these findings. The thesis also provides an overview of the countermeasures on cyclist safety.
Characterization of a Lead Compound Targeting LXRβ for the Treatment of Glucocorticoid-induced Diabetes
Keywords: Drug development
Drug discovery
Molecular biology
Pharmaceutical

A known cause of diabetes is the long-term use of glucocorticoid (GC) drugs which are commonly used to treat chronic inflammation. Our lab has found that co-treatment of GC drugs with an LXRβ antagonist can decrease GC-induced diabetes. Herein, we characterize the pharmacokinetics of a pre-clinical lead candidate drug (LO520) targeting LXRβ that could be used along with GC therapy to prevent the diabetogenic side effects of GC drugs. LO520 demonstrated receptor specificity towards LXRβ in both murine and human LXR plasmid-based expression systems and significantly reduced plasma glucose levels when dosed in the presence of GC drug (dexamethasone, Dex) without altering the desired immunosuppressive effect. Future studies will need to investigate the molecular mechanisms of LO520 in regulating gluconeogenesis and whether the use of LO520 will impact reverse cholesterol transport and the development of atherosclerosis.
Maladaptive and Adaptive Perfectionism and Nonsuicidal Self-injury
Keywords: emerging adulthood
nonsuicidal self-injury
perfectionism

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which refers to direct and deliberate alteration or damage to bodily tissue without lethal intent, is a prevalent mental health concern among emerging adults. Recent research and theory suggest that perfectionism, particularly a consistent perceived discrepancy between one’s exacting personal standards and reality (i.e., maladaptive perfectionism), may be an important predictor of NSSI engagement. The current study investigated the associations between maladaptive perfectionism, adaptive perfectionism, and NSSI, and explored two mechanisms through which maladaptive perfectionism may lead to NSSI engagement (via self-criticism and depressive symptoms) longitudinally. A sample of 732 emerging adults (70% female) completed an online survey annually over three years. Path analyses demonstrated a significant direct effect from maladaptive perfectionism to NSSI. Depressive symptoms and self-criticism did not mediate the link between maladaptive perfectionism and NSSI. In a secondary analysis, maladaptive perfectionism predicted self-punishment motivations for NSSI over time.
Methods Towards Enhancing Divergent Thinking in Conceptual Design
Keywords: Alternative Uses Test
Creativity
Divergent thinking

Divergent thinking, an aspect of creativity, is often measured by performance on the Alternative Uses Test (AUT). Beyond its use as a psychological test, the AUT is also societally relevant when finding alternative uses for retired wind-turbine blades, which have limited disposal options. This work firstly describes a method using visual similarity to aid alternative-use concept generation for retired wind-turbine blades. This partially automated method resulted in more relevant reuse concepts than humans performing the same task. The effect of visual stimuli on alternative-use concept generation was explored in our second study where eye tracking was used to observe visual fixation during the AUT. Visual fixation towards multiple views of an object and towards blank space around the object were related to increased divergent thinking. Eye tracking was used to not only reveal where participants looked during the task, but to uncover the cognitive processes underlying their eye movements.
Monitoring the Short-term Outcomes of Project-based UXD Community-engaged Learning Courses
Keywords: community-engaged learning
community partnerships
user experience design

Community-engaged learning is an experiential learning approach aimed at addressing community needs while benefitting students and community partners through applied learning opportunities. This research focuses on evaluating community-engaged learning initiatives within the field of user experience design (UXD). Evaluation was done using a mixed-methods approach which considers both students’ and community partners’ perspectives. Findings revealed community-engaged learning benefits for both students and community partners. Students gained UXD competencies, interpersonal skills, and empathy. Community partners garnered useful deliverables and an increased understanding of UXD. Results also suggest community-engaged learning initiatives offer a mutually beneficial experience for students and community partners. Recommendations, informed by the assessment of community-engaged learning initiative costs, are also provided. The primary recommendations include: (1) providing a clear outline of the engagement deliverables and timelines upfront; and (2) extending the timeframe of engagement. This research provides preliminary support for community-engaged learning initiatives among UXD programs.
Exploring Approaches used to Identify, Incorporate and Report Patient Preferences in Clinical Guidelines
Keywords: clinical guidelines
patient preferences

Introduction: Guidelines improve patient care and outcomes. Research shows that guidelines that address patient preferences are more likely to be used but few do. This study explored approaches used to identify, incorporate and report patient preferences in clinical guidelines. Methods: This study included a scoping review and semi-structured qualitative interviews with guideline developers on approaches used to identify, incorporate, and report patient preferences during guideline development. Results: Twenty-one full-text studies were included in the scoping review. Fifty national and international guideline developers (patients, clinicians, managers) participated in the qualitative interviews. A multitude of approaches were found for identifying patient preferences. Preferences are not being incorporated in all guideline steps, even though developers said they were, and are also being poorly reported in terms of how and where those preferences influence guideline development. Conclusions: More research is needed on approaches to optimize identifying, incorporating and reporting patient preferences in clinical guidelines.
The Impact of Gasoline Fuel Composition on Air Quality
Keywords: Black Carbon Emissions
Gasoline Direct Injection Engine
Gasoline Fuel Composition
Particulate Emissions

In recent years, particulate matter (PM) emissions from the gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, are of significant concern due to their associated health effects as well as for climate impacts. Thus, in this thesis, the effect of gasoline fuel composition on GDI engine PM emissions is investigated. The detailed composition of five regular grade (anti knock index, or AKI, 87) and two premium grade (AKI91) fuels currently used in Ontario was studied. In addition, the impact of fuel seasonal changes on gas-phase emissions (i.e. benzene and toluene), and particle-phase emissions, i.e. black carbon (BC), elemental carbon (EC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and particle number (PN) were also determined using a laboratory GDI engine. The observations showed that all summer AKI87 fuels contained higher aromatics and lower paraffins compared to the winter AKI87 grade which led to higher BC, EC, PN, benzene, and toluene emissions.