VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Automated Generation of Banked Memory Architectures in the High-Level Synthesis of Multi-Threaded Software
Keywords: Computer-Aided Design
FPGA
Hardware
High-Level Synthesis
Memory Partitioning
Multi-thread

The Legup High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tool permits the synthesis of multi-threaded software into parallel hardware, where parallel software threads are realized as concurrently operating hardware units. A common performance bottleneck in any parallel implementation is memory bandwidth â parallel threads demand concurrent access to memory resulting in contention that hurts performance. FPGAs contain an abundance of independently accessible memories offering high internal memory bandwidth. We describe an approach for leveraging such bandwidth in the context of synthesizing parallel software into hardware. Our approach applies trace-based profiling to determine how a programâ s arrays should be automatically partitioned into sub-arrays, which are then implemented in separate RAM blocks within the target FPGA. The end result is that each thread, when implemented in hardware, has exclusive access to its own memories to the extent possible, significantly reducing contention and arbitration and thus raising performance.
Losing the War, Winning the Pooh: Ishii Momoko and the Construction of Contemporary Children's Literature in Postwar Japan
Keywords: Ishii Momoko
Japanese Children's Literature
Japanese Literature

The beginning of contemporary Japanese children’s literature dates back to the 1950s. Presently, the conventions of the genre has become accepted as truths about what types of books are appropriate for children. However, the conventions established in the 50s and 60s developed under the specific social conditions of Japan’s loss of the Second World War, the ensuing U.S. Occupation, and the Cold War. The state of children’s literature in present day Japan reflects a historically constructed image of childhood prevalent in writing, translating, publishing, and distributing children’s books. This thesis focuses on the career of Ishii Momoko, one of the most important figures in shaping postwar Japanese children’s literature who received a fellowship from the Rockefeller Foundation to study in America from 1954 to 55 and disseminated the knowledge she acquired upon her return, in an attempt to outline the influences of postwar social forces on children’s literature.
Performance and Policy Analysis of Cladding Systems with Large Window Areas in Tall Residential Buildings
Keywords: Curtain wall
Efficiency
MURB
Tall Building
Window wall
WWR

Highly-glazed modular systems such as the curtain wall and window wall have been the most popular cladding systems for modern tall buildings in North America. There exists little in academic literature about the window wall, prompting a detailed analysis of the system in comparison with the curtain wall. The systems were analyzed and compared for building science and construction management parameters. Further, energy codes around the world have been restricting window-to-wall ratios (WWR) in an attempt to help reduce the energy loads of building envelopes. As ambitious goals are trying to be reached, there are concerns that maximum WWRs will be lowered to levels that might harm human comfort and liveability of multi-unit residential building (MURB) units. A different way to calculate glazing area from an occupantâ s perspective is introduced.
Effect of Photosensitizer-Functionalized Bioactive Nanoparticles on Lipopolysaccharide-Contaminated Root Dentin In-Vivo
Keywords: chitosan
functionalized
guinea pig
intraosseous
Lipopolysaccharide
nanoparticles

Persistence of dentin-bound bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) after conventional root canal disinfection regimens impedes treatment outcomes of conventional and regenerative endodontic procedures. Effects of photoactivated rose-bengal functionalized chitosan nanoparticles (CSRBnp) on neotissue formation in LPS-contaminated root canals, using a regenerative endodontics model in-vivo was evaluated. LPS-contaminated, 3mm-long root dentin cylinders were treated with CSRBnp or conventional endodontic disinfection protocols, and implanted mandibular symphysis of Guinea-pigs to allow ingrowth of neotissue into canals. After 4weeks animals were sacrificed, processed for histology and interfacial neotissue examined. Neotissue without LPS inactivation displayed intense inflammation (CD14+ and CB68+ cells), osteoclasts and dentin-resorption defects, and minimal osteoid formation. Conventional disinfection and calcium hydroxide treated cylinders displayed ingrowth of mixed areas of healthy and inflamed neotissue. CSRBnp treated dentin displayed mineralized neotissue formation, absence of inflammatory cells/markers, osteoclasts, and dentin-resorption defects. Root canal disinfection with photoactivated CSRBnp supported ingrowth of healthy neotissue in-vivo, suggestive of effective inactivation of dentin-bound LPS.
IMPACT OF BONDING PERICERVICAL DENTIN ON BIOMECHANICAL RESPONSE IN ROOT FILLED MAXILLARY SINGLE-CANAL PREMOLARS
Keywords: Endodontics
Pericervical dentin
Restoration

Introduction: This study evaluated the impact of bonding pericervical-dentin (PCD) with composite-resin on microstrain distribution (MD) and fracture strength of root-filled maxillary premolars. Methods: Microstrain: Ten single-canal maxillary premolars were decoronated 2mm above the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and instrumented to Protaper Universal F3. Canals were root-filled with gutta-percha, either to CEJ (Group-1) or to 6mm below CEJ and restored with bonded composite-resin (Group-2). Digital moirĂŠ interferometry was used to evaluate MD in PCD. Fracture strength: Thirty premolars were prepared and root-filled as above (n=10/group). Cyclic loading with compressive load-to-failure were used. Mechanical data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test at 5% level of significance. Results: Coronal and apical dentin showed bending and compressive MD. Group-1 MD was unaltered. Group-2 MD suggested stiffening at PCD. Load-at-failure values were not statistically significant (p=0.464). Conclusion: Bonding of PCD might impact the biomechanical responses in maxillary premolars at low-level continuous loads.
Improving the Fabrication of Semiconductor Bragg Lasers
Keywords: Bragg Reflection Laser
Semiconductor Laser
Tapered Bowtie Laser

Fabrication process developments for Bragg reflection lasers have been optimized in this thesis using resources available to the group. New e-beam lithography and oxide etch recipes have been developed to minimize sidewall roughness and residues. E -beam evaporated metal contacts for semiconductor diode laser utilizing oblique angle deposition have also been developed in-house for the first time. Furthermore, improvement in micro-loading effect of DFB laser etching has been demonstrated where the ratio of tapered portion of the sidewall to total etch depth is reduced by half, from 33% to 15%. Electrical, optical and thermal performance of the fabricated lasers are characterized. Comparing the results to previous generation lasers, average dynamic resistance is decreased drastically from 14 Ohms to 7 Ohms and threshold current density also reduced from 1705A/cm^2 to 1383A/cm^2. Improvement in laser performance is result of reduced loss from optimized fabrication processes. BRL bow-tie tapered lasers is then fabricated for the first time and output power of 18mW at 200mA input is measured. Benefiting from the increased effective area and better carrier utilization, reduction in threshold current density from 1383A/cm^2 to 712A/cm^2 is observed.
Improving the Characterization of Infiltration and Natural Ventilation Parameters in Whole-Building Energy Models of Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
Keywords: Calibration
Energy Modelling
Infiltration
Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
Natural Ventilation

This thesis investigated two low-cost, easy-to-implement procedures to reduce parameter uncertainty for infiltration and natural ventilation inputs in whole-building energy models. Window component infiltration rate testing was conducted at two buildings to develop a component-weighted average infiltration rate. Incorporation of these building-specific measurements reduced parameter uncertainty and accounted for the variation in zone infiltration rates based on type and quantity of leakage paths. The discretization of the infiltration rate can improve energy retrofit models specifically targeting building infiltration, by setting bounds on the maximum possible improvement. Various sensors were tested for their appropriateness in window monitoring applications. An accelerometer, state logger and string potentiometer were tested on both a sliding window and a tilting window. No one sensor distinguished itself as ideal for all applications so selection should be tailored to the window type and monitoring goals. Data on window operation patterns and schedules can improve energy model calibration.
Adaptive Waveform Design and CFAR Processing for High Frequency Surface Wave Radar
Keywords: alternating projections
CFAR
radar
sea clutter
spectral coexistence
successive convex approximation

High frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR), used for coastal surveillance, operates in a challenging environment as the clutter signals returned from the ocean surface can be several orders of magnitude larger than returns from targets. Reliably detecting small boats in severe sea states, is therefore quite difficult. In this thesis we take a two-fold approach to improving the detection performance of Raytheon Canada's third generation HFSWR system. First, we consider the design of transmit waveforms with improved range resolution, thus reducing the area of the clutter cell. We develop an algorithm to design practical spectrally-compliant waveforms which achieve high bandwidths while simultaneously avoiding interference with concurrent communications users. We then propose a new detection algorithm based on the best known statistical model for sea clutter, the K-distribution. We show that both the proposed transmit waveforms and detection algorithm can lead to improved detection performance in a sea clutter environment.
Large Swing Optical Modulator Drivers for 100+ GBaud Applications
Keywords: digital-to-analog converter
distributed amplifier
large-swing
linear broadband amplifier
modulator driver
SiGe BiCMOS

This thesis describes the design of a large-swing linear driver and a large-swing 90 GS/s digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with retiming in 55 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology, both with applications for next-generation optical transmitters. The linear driver’s measured differential gain is 20 dB and its small-signal bandwidth exceeds 70 GHz. Measured NRZ eye diagrams up to 120 Gb/s with 4.8 Vpp differential output swing are shown, as well as PAM-4 and PAM-8 eye diagrams up to 64 GBaud. The driver’s measured input linearity is −2.5 dBm (475 mVpp) per side. In simulation, the large-swing DAC demonstrates 90 GBaud PAM-4 with greater than 6 Vpp differential output swing. Its simulated effective number of bits (ENOB) is 3.51 at 90 GS/s.
Enamel Bond Strength of Self-Etching Adhesives to Orthodontic Brackets: An In Vitro Study
Keywords: Enamel Bond Strength
Orthodontic Brackets
Self-Etching Adhesives
Universal Adhesives

Background: Self-etch adhesives, which have combined the acidic monomer, primer and adhesive resin into one bottle, have been extensively tested on dentin and cut-enamel; however, very limited studies test their performances on uncut enamel. Objective: To assess their shear bond strength(SBS) on uncut enamel bonded to orthodontic brackets. Methods:160 premolars were divided into four groups: SU(Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive), BU(All-Bond Universal), CU(Clearfil Universal Bond), the control total-etch adhesive, C(Adper™ Scotchbond™ Multi-Purpose Adhesive). Following storage in distilled water(24 h/6 months), they were tested for SBS, adhesive remnant index(ARI) and percentage of remaining resin(%RR). Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Student-t test(α =0.05). Results: C group had the highest SBS, ARI and mean %RR. BU group had the lowest SBS. SBS and ARI decreased over time for SU and BU, but remained stable for CU and there was no difference in %RR. Conclusion: None of the self-etch adhesives achieved the recommended SBS for orthodontic treatment.
Gender Differences and Predictors of Referral in a Sample of Ontario Dentists
Keywords: Dentists
Gender
Ontario
Predictor
Referrals

Introduction: Very little is known about what influences a dentistâ s decision to refer to specialists. Research suggests that male and female dentists practice differently, but it is unknown whether or not a gender difference exists in referrals to specialists. This study explores what predicts referrals and to see whether or not a gender difference exists amongst the predictors. Methods: A secondary data analysis of a mail-in survey of Ontario dentists. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted to obtain referral likelihood for fifteen dental services. Results: Dental services requiring multiple appointments or more chair time had the highest number of predictors. Male and female dentists had different predictors of referral indicating a gender difference. Conclusion: Referral to specialists appears to be a complex function of personal, familial, and professional factors with a high variability amongst dentists and across dental services. Gender differences exist with respect to considerations for referral.
Long-term effects of nasoalveolar molding in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate
Keywords: Cleft lip and palate
Nasoalveolar molding
Orthodontics
Presurgical infant orthopedics

To investigate the long-term nasolabial esthetic outcome of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in comparison to traditional infant orthopedics (TIO), and to no IO in the treatment of patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP) at a mean age of 11 years 8 months. Three samples were collected with different infant management protocols, namely NAM, TIO, and no IO. Nasolabial esthetics were assessed based on frontal and cleft-side profile photographs using the Q-Sort modification of the Asher-McDade et al. method. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis test and a Bonferroni correction. The use of both types of IO yielded significantly better results in vermilion border and nasal form and profile esthetics of the sample treated with TIO were rated more superiorly. Although direct causation cannot be established given the heterogeneity surrounding cleft care, this study suggests reconsidering the proposed benefits associated with IO in the long-term.
Non-enzymic Fluoride Elimination and Iodination of the Breslow Intermediate
Keywords: Breslow intermediate
Flouride elimination
Pyruvate decarboxylase
Pyruvate dehydrogenase
Thiamin

3-fluoropyruvate is an unusual substrate for pyruvate decarboxylase and pyruvate dehydrogenase that results in mechanistic divergence through exclusive fluoride elimination. A synthetic analogue, 2-(1-hydroxytrifluoroethyl)-thiamin (HTFETh), was designed to generate a similar Breslow intermediate to that produced in the diverted pathway. 1H NMR studies on HTFETh at pH/pD 7.0 displayed 100% fluoride elimination in solution and the corresponding C2alpha carbanion/enamine is subject to rapid proton transfer. The rate constants for C2alpha proton transfer were measured by trapping the Breslow intermediate with triiodide at various concentrations for the purpose of solving that of fluoride elimination. The results suggested that fluoride elimination is molecularly intrinsic and likely rate-determining on the enzymes. Furthermore, the second-order rate constants for C2alpha proton transfer showed general base and general acid catalysis and an averaged pKa value of 12.5. Preliminary BrĂ¸nsted plots with alpha = 0.48 and beta = 0.49 implied mid-way proton transfer at the transition state.
Identification of novel resistance specificity in Arabidopsis thaliana against Pseudomonas syringae strains
Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana
plant immunity
plant-pathogen interactions
Pseudomonas syringae
type III effector

Pseudomonas syringae is a plant pathogen that infects a diverse set of hosts by injecting type III secreted effectors (T3SEs) into plant cells to cause disease. Plants like Arabidopsis thaliana have evolved resistance (R) proteins to recognize these effectors and trigger robust immunity. Co-evolutionary pressures have led to effector and R protein diversification as plants and pathogens struggle for survival. To date, there are >60 T3SE families in P. syringae and ~160 predicted R proteins in Arabidopsis, yet, less than a dozen R protein-effector pairs are characterized. To tackle this problem, we took 2 approaches. 1) We screened Arabidopsis ecotypes for resistance to PtoDC3000. We identified the Uod-1 ecotype and propose HopM1 as a potential T3SE triggering immunity. 2) We screened P. syringae strains for those capable of triggering immunity in the Arabidopsis Col-0 ecotype. We identified two strains with immune-eliciting effectors that have yet to be characterized.
Composite Films Formed by Cellulose nanocrystals and Latex Nanoparticles: Optical, Structural, and Mechanical Properties
Keywords: Cellulose
Cholesteric
Composite
Film
Latex
Nanoparticles

This thesis describes the preparation of iridescent, birefringent, composite films composed of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), latex nanoparticles (NPs) and a NP crosslinker; hexanediamine (HDA). First, aqueous suspensions were prepared with varying quantities of CNCs, NPs and HDA before equilibrating for one week. The cholesteric (Ch) phase was then cast and dried into a film. The optical, structural and mechanical properties of the film was analyzed. Second, films with identical compositions of CNCs, NPs, and HDA were fabricated in three different ways to yield films of different morphology, (i) fast drying of an isotropic suspension, yielding an isotropic film, (ii) slow drying of an isotropic suspension, yielding a partially Ch films, (iii) slow drying of an equilibrated suspension, yielding a highly Ch film. The optical and mechanical properties of the films was analyzed.
The Impact of Plants on Indoor Air Quality, Energy Use, and Psychological Status of Occupants
Keywords: Clean air Delivery rate
Energy Saving
Indoor air quality
Plants
Psychological effects

Plants may have several impacts, which can be categorized into indoor air quality, energy use, and psychological effects. This thesis presented a comprehensive review of the impact of indoor plants in these categories. Indoor plants can emit a negligible amount of VOCs and microorganisms to the indoors but also have limited ability to remove pollutants. In addition, greenery systems are exterior to the building enclosure, resulting in a reduction of external surface temperature and heat transfer, particularly in certain climates. Interaction with indoor plants can also deliver measurable psychological benefits to people despite the confounding variables and other experimental design issues. In conclusion, indoor plants have limited effect on indoor air quality, external plants have a possible impact on saving energy, and indoor plants can influence psychological status when placed on the level of vision. Plants cannot be treated as a system, and other alternatives can provide promising solutions.
RHS-to-RHS Axially Loaded X-Connections Offset Towards an Open Chord End
Keywords: analytical modelling
chord end effects
chord sidewall strengths
rectangular hollow sections
steel structures
truss connections

In all truss-type welded rectangular hollow section (RHS) connection design procedures, the chord member is assumed continuous on both sides of the branch. Amendments to code have recently been submitted which specify minimum end distances from an open chord end to achieve the full connection strength. To investigate their suitability for RHS connections, an experimental program consisting of 16 RHS-to-RHS X-connections subject to branch axial compression was undertaken. A proposed analytical model is derived and, by comparing with the experimental results, is shown to accurately predict the yield loads. The closed-form solution for the end distance is thus justified for use with RHS connections, in lieu of a pending EN amendment, based on the twelve Î˛=0.5 tests. A strength reduction is recommended from the four Î˛=1.0 tests. A re-evaluation of 109 prior tests on full-width X-connections also reveals significant discrepancies between current design rules for RHS chord sidewall strengths.
Teneurin C-terminal Associated Peptides (TCAPs): Evolutionary Origins and the Role of TCAP-1 on Calcium Flux in Astrocyte Monocultures and in Astrocytes Co-cultured with Neurons
Keywords: Astrocyte-neuron co-cultures
Astrocytes
Calcium
Evolution
Neurons
Teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP)

Teneurin C-terminal associated peptides (TCAPs) are a family of 40-41 amino acid peptides located at the C-terminus of each of the four teneurin type II transmembrane proteins. The teneurin-TCAP system is ancient and likely arose as a result of a horizontal gene transfer event. TCAPs share sequence similarity to the Secretin superfamily, a less evolutionarily ancient family that includes corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). The phylogenetic position of TCAP places it as a putative ancestor of the Secretin superfamily. Calcium ion signaling is integral to all living organisms and astrocytes are integral to the development of the central nervous system in chordates. It is likely that TCAP played a role in these mechanisms. TCAP-1 stimulated calcium signaling in astrocyte monocultures but not in astrocytes co-cultured with neurons. This effect is mediated, in part, by the glutamatergic system. Therefore, the ancient peptide TCAP-1 plays a role in regulating calcium flux in astrocytes.
An Experimental Study on the Effects of Rings on Flame Length and Stability in Lime Kilns
Keywords: Flame
Flame stability
Lime kiln
Ring formation

Ring formation in lime kilns has been a persistent problem in kraft pulp mills due to the reversible nature of the calcination reaction that takes place in lime kilns. Rings can form due to temperature fluctuations in the kiln, which triggers the backward reaction depositing hard calcium carbonate deposits on the walls of the kiln. Rings can alter the inner surface of the kiln and can affect the flame pattern or cause impingement, causing further temperature fluctuations in the kiln. The effect of ring position, thickness and length on flame length and stability was examined in this work. Ring position, thickness and length were found to affect the flame shape and stability greatly. The rings could be altering the recirculation inside the kiln and thereby affecting the flame.
Correlating Sensitive Behaviours with User Interaction on Android
Keywords: mobile
privacy
program analysis
security
static analysis

In recent years, ransomware and private information leakage have become more prevalent on mobile devices. Distinguishing such applications from benign ones that make use of similar functionality is challenging because they make use of the exact same APIs. In order to disambiguate these uses, a security analyst may wish to consider whether the user was aware of and consented to the sensitive behaviour. This thesis seeks to aid an analyst making this determination by correlating sensitive behaviours with user interaction. In order to assess user awareness, an analyst should consider all paths to a sensitive behaviour. A path to a sensitive behaviour should be preceded by some UI interaction or a read from persistent storage written to as a consequence of UI interaction. A technique capable of correlating sensitive behaviours with preceding UI interaction has been implemented and evaluated on a suite of synthetic applications.