VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Using the Simple View of Reading to Examine Reading Comprehension Proficiency in Youth With and Without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Keywords: ADHD
Reading Comprehension
Youth

Reading comprehension may be an area of challenge for youth with ADHD but is currently understudied. The overarching goal of this study was to examine reading comprehension (RC) performance drawing on the Simple View of Reading (Gough Tunmer, 1986). The first objective was to compare reading comprehension proficiency and related reading measures between youth with ADHD and typically developing youth. Findings showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups on the measure of RC, word level decoding, and oral language comprehension. In contrast, youth with ADHD performed significantly lower than their peer group on the word level reading fluency measure and on a verbal working memory measure. Next, I explored predictors of performance on the RC measures. Multiple regression analyses revealed that only word level decoding and language comprehension proficiency were unique predictors of performance on each of the RC measures. A supplementary analysis revealed that the contribution of working memory to RC was mediated by the language comprehension composite. Finally, I tested the convergent validity of the two RC measures using latent profile analysis. As the latent profile analysis showed that profiles of performance converged across the three latent profile groups (lowest, middle, and highest performers), the findings supported the convergent validity of the two measures of RC. Further analyses of the three latent profile subgroups using a multinomial regression analysis revealed that language comprehension and word level decoding differentiated the low-performing group compared to the middle- and highest-performing groups. Overall, these findings suggest that youth with ADHD and their typically developing peers are more likely to demonstrate weaker RC if they have less proficiency in oral language comprehension skills and/or word level decoding ability, supporting the Simple View of Reading.
Managing Uncertainty: Risk Narratives and Learning in Provincial Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation in Canada 2006 – 2016
Keywords: Canadian provincial politics
comparative public policy
energy policy
hydraulic fracturing
policy learning
risk

This dissertation explains variation in provincial regulation of hydraulic fracturing, an emerging method of oil and gas extraction in Canada. The dissertation examines the interplay of interests and ideas in fostering mechanisms of learning among policy elites, resulting in different regulatory outcomes. The study argues that material and electoral interests in each province shape the emergence of “risk narratives”: ideas about uncertainty that delineate the nature of the policy problem and identify appropriate solutions. Risk narratives are categorized into four distinct types – linear, complex, uncertain, and catastrophic. The study distinguishes two modes of learning: learning about policy efficacy and learning about political feasibility. Different risk narratives foster processes of policy learning in some cases and political learning in others, leading to different regulatory approaches. The dissertation probes the plausibility of the framework by applying it to three provincial cases of regulatory change, examining the cases of British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia from 2006-2016. The study uses both a cross-case and within-case comparative approach, engaging in process tracing by drawing on policy document analysis, media analysis, and key informant interviews. The dissertation finds that when risk narratives are filtered through varying institutional conditions, they trigger alternate processes of learning among policy elites. Narratives of linear risk locked in processes of policy learning in British Columbia, leading to single issue regulation. Narratives of complex risk fostered more extensive processes of policy learning in New Brunswick, leading to more comprehensive regulation. However, the emergence of an uncertain risk narrative in New Brunswick spurred a subsequent process of political learning among elites, resulting in an implementation of a moratorium. In Nova Scotia uncertain risk narratives also prompted political learning, leading initially to a moratorium. But the emergence of catastrophic risk narratives in Nova Scotia facilitated subsequent processes of political learning that resulted in a legislated ban. The dissertation demonstrates that contingent combinations of risk narratives, institutional structures, and learning present different pathways to regulatory change. The study findings have important implications for understanding how ideas about uncertainty influence policy elite decision making and the relationship between processes of learning and policy change.
Characterization of TMEM14 Proteins in the Context of Zebrafish PCP AND Ciliogenesis
Keywords: Cilia
Intracellular trafficking
Planar cell polarity
Tmem14
Vangl2
Zebrafish

The planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway regulates key developmental processes which include convergence and extension (C) movements and the planar organization of motile cilia (1–3). Central members of the PCP pathway include transmembrane proteins such as Van Gogh-like (Vangl). However, despite a large body of research characterizing the PCP pathway, the intracellular trafficking of each factor is poorly understood. This knowledge gap has led to a search for additional factors that act in the regulation of PCP components. In this work, I expand on the characterization of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) localized protein, Tmem14A, an unpublished novel interactor of Vangl1/2 in the context zebrafish PCP and ciliogenesis. Curiously, I found that the loss of Tmem14A in both zygotic and maternal zygotic (MZ) tmem14A mutants did not severely impact the morphogenesis of zebrafish embryos. However, in my analysis of MZtmem14A floor plate (FP) neuroepithelia, I show the planar polarity of motile cilia to be disrupted and the localization of Vangl2 to the basolateral membranes of FP cells to be reduced. This analysis supports the hypothesis that Tmem14A can regulate PCP, possibly through the intracellular transport of Vangl2 from the TGN. The absence of severe developmental defects in MZtmem14A mutants suggests that Tmem14A function may be dispensable in the context of embryonic development. Interestingly, a recent study has provided evidence to suggest that the loss of gene function can be rescued by the upregulation of a functionally related gene, induced by a novel non-sense mediated decay (NMD)-dependent compensatory mechanism (4,5). Intriguingly, I show that MZtmem14A mutants have a near 2-fold upregulation of tmem14cB, an uncharacterized zebrafish-specific Tmem14 family member, suggesting that loss of Tmem14A may be rescued by Tmem14cB. Interestingly, contrary to my initial hypothesis of Tmem14cB alleviating the loss of Tmem14A, MZtmem14A;MZtmem14cB mutants did not develop morphological defects. Remarkably, the loss of Tmem14cB rescued the translational polarity and basolateral Vangl2 defects of FP cells in MZtmem14A mutants. These observations suggest that the upregulation of tmem14cB in MZtmem14A mutants has a deleterious effect on FP planar polarity and implicates Tmem14cB as a novel regulator of Vangl2 and zebrafish planar polarity.
Forms of Rationality and Uncertainty: Energy Efficiency in Ontario Hospitals
Keywords: Energy Efficiency
Environmental Policy
Hospitals
Institutional Theory
Risk Aversion
Uncertainty

This dissertation explores the dynamics surrounding energy efficiency practices in Ontario hospitals using a manuscript-based approach, and consisting of a chapter dedicated to a theoretical overview, and two separate but related studies with first-hand data. The theoretical overview reviews the diverse perspectives, approaches and theories used to understand energy behaviour at multiple levels of analysis: the individual, organizational and institutional level. The first study is based on a grounded theory approach to generate theory on how energy efficiency practices occur. The research explores how individuals and organizations make sense of their environment, the rationalities and implicit assumptions that shape their understandings, and the approaches they use to deal with uncertainty surrounding energy efficiency decision-making. Structural conditions are identified, frames for considering energy efficiency are uncovered, and two approaches for dealing with uncertainty are interpreted. For hospitals ‘Demanding Certainty’, management demands uncertainties be completely controlled. Energy efficiency is communicate by presenting, pitching and confirming to management, resulting in risk avoiding organizations where individuals absorb associated risks and energy efficiency stalls. For hospitals ‘Managing Complexity’ energy efficiency is complementary to patient care. Leadership is understanding of inherent risks and buy-in fosters communication through negotiation and collaboration, resulting in improved energy efficiency performance. The second study utilizes a quantitative approach to operationalize constructs developed in the first study to test theory and to drive further understandings. The results support the earlier findings and suggest that forms of rationality and dealing with uncertainty are intertwined, with both predicting energy efficiency performance. Applying these findings more broadly to climate policy can ensure new policies contextualize the risk-taking needed by both government and external stakeholders to drive not only innovation, but also the risk-taking needed to achieve their objectives. Finally, a conclusion summarizes the overall findings, presents limitations, and directions for future research.
Optimization Driven Design and Operation of Foundry Fabricated Silicon Photonics
Keywords: Control
Grating Coupler
Integrated Optics
Microring
Optimization
Silicon Photonics

Motivated by growing capabilities to realize geometrically complex silicon (Si) devices and large scale photonic integrated circuits (PICs), this thesis explores the use of optimization algorithms for design and operation of Si photonics. Optimization procedures are implemented for designing and operating grating couplers, power splitters, and microring optical filters at telecommunication wavelengths. The devices reported in this thesis were fabricated in foundry Si photonics processes at A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics or CEA-Leti using deep ultra-violet lithography on 8" wafers. First, we present an optimization design procedure for bi-layer silicon nitride-on-silicon (SiN-on-Si) grating couplers (GCs). We designed the first SiN-on-Si GCs for the O-band in a new platform. Cross-wafer measurements showed a median peak coupling efficiency of -2.1 dB and a 1-dB bandwidth of 70.8 nm. We also present 3-layer SiN-SiN-Si one-dimensional polarization-independent grating couplers (PI-GCs) designed by optimization methods. The best-performing PI-GC had a peak coupling efficiency of -4.8 dB and a 1-dB polarization-dependent loss bandwidth of >100 nm, setting a record for PI-GCs. The higher than expected loss was likely due to fabrication imperfections in one of the SiN layers. Next, we report the first topology-optimized devices fabricated in a foundry process, a Si photonic 2x2 3-dB splitter within a 4.8 um x 4.8 um footprint. Despite not respecting design rules, the design with the smaller cells had lower insertion losses and broader bandwidth and showed consistent behavior across the wafer. However, results point towards the need to improve consistency between simulation the fabricated devices in future work. Finally, we demonstrate multi-variable tuning control that incorporates optimization algorithms to guide the tuning of multiple phase-shifters simultaneously. Multi-variable control becomes indispensable for PICs with a large (>> 10) number of constituent devices by reducing the number of electrical inputs/outputs and simplifying packaging. Repeatable resonance alignment and wavelength tracking in a 5-ring optical filter and a programmable 2-ring Butterworth filter are demonstrated. An application to switch matrix tuning is also explored. Taken together, this thesis showcases how optimization methods can open up new directions for advancing the field of foundry fabricated Si photonics.
Sinfonia, 2018
Keywords: Wind Ensemble

Sinfonia, 2018 is a three-movement work for wind ensemble, with a combined performance duration of approximately 25 minutes. The instrumentation consists of piccolo, flute 1+2, oboe 1, oboe 2 doubling English horn, clarinet in E flat, clarinet in B flat 1-3, bass clarinet in B flat, bassoon 1+2, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone 1+2, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet in B flat 1-3, horn in F 1-4, tenor trombone 1+2, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion (minimum 5 players). The compositional style employs a freely chromatic harmonic and melodic language with elements of extended tonality and with rhythms sometimes mimicking those of natural speech. Although open to multiple interpretations and not overtly programmatic, the work was inspired in part by events of the last few years in my native United States, and portions of the music might be heard as evoking by turns a sense of chaos and disorientation and a struggle between hope and despair. Some melodic material is derived from transcriptions of the rhythm and pitch contour of excerpts from recordings of public speeches delivered by Donald Trump and Barack Obama. The well-known American hymn “Amazing Grace” is also quoted in a fragmentary and/or disguised manner throughout the piece, with the most clearly recognizable statement heard near the end of the final movement.
The Role of Instructional Coaching for Teacher Learning in Elementary Mathematics: A Multi-case Study
Keywords: Instructional Coaching
Mathematics Education
Professional Learning

This study examines how instructional coaching shapes teacher learning in elementary/intermediate mathematics education. Coaching is an initiative that is currently being implemented in a large Ontario Board of Education to address the teaching and learning needs in mathematics education. This multi-case study, with a cross-case analysis examines the perceptions of five elementary and intermediate teachers and four instructional coaches who have participated in instructional coaching specific to mathematics. The overall impression of instructional coaching from the participants’ perspectives was a positive one. Instructional coaching as a form of professional learning adhered to many of the components that are deemed to be important for effective professional learning environments of taking place over time, embedded in the teachers’ practice, self-directed, and relevant (Desimone, 2009). The teachers took an active role in their learning by choosing and determining the focus of the coaching sessions, and at the end of the study, commented about how they were incorporating aspects of the instructional coaching learning into their mathematics practice. The instructional coaches also commented about the work having impact, emphasizing the importance of choice and working with teachers who had elected to participate in the instructional coaching initiative. The major findings from the study are: (1) perceptions of the instructional coaching vary amongst the superintendents, administrators and teachers; (2) instructional coaching is an effective means of professional learning; (3) it is evident that the teachers perceived that their mathematics program was positively impacted by the work that took place with their instructional coach; (4) instructional coaching has a transient nature to it because there were many changes in personnel, which meant that some schools were working with various instructional coaches since the program was first introduced; and (5) instructional coaching has the ability to make school-wide change, through the work done with collaborative inquiry groups, as well as individual teachers. Findings from the study may inform how instructional coaching is implemented in school districts. The hiring practices of how coaches are selected and assigned to various schools need to be considered.
Elegy at Dawn: For Orchestra
Keywords: composition
elegy
grief
orchestra
solo
violin

Elegy at Dawn is a twenty-minute composition for orchestra with the following instrumentation: solo violin, two flutes (piccolo), two oboes, two clarinets in B-flat, two bassoons, four horns in F, two trumpets in C, two tenor trombones, one bass trombone, one tuba, one timpani, two percussion, one piano, and strings. The title refers to the composer’s mother (Dawn Judith Marwood) who passed away from cancer in 2011. The work is a tribute to her memory, as well as an exploration and musical interpretation of the different emotions that accompany deep loss. The featured solo violin part embodies much of the emotional grief, and may be imagined as representing the memory or voice of the departed parent. The work comprises six sections which alternate static and dense string chords with sections of different textures and instrumental colours. The solo violin is prominent in several sections throughout the composition, while in others it quietly soars above the rest of the ensemble. Notable moments in the work include a quasi-cadenza by the solo violin emerging from the low, dark string chords of the beginning; a brass chorale – composed as if set to the text of Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Shepherd” – in section four that begins in the background and gradually gains prominence; and a duet between the solo violin and piano in section five. This section uses free notation, where each instrument is given an approximate timing for their parts. The strings are gradually added, with the conductor giving cues for chord changes and entrances only. The work ends in a high register with all instruments fading out, leaving only the solo violin and piano to conclude the composition.
Angiogenic Patterning By STEEL, An Endothelial-enriched Long Noncoding RNA
Keywords: Angiogenesis
Chromatin
Endothelium
Hemodynamics
long noncoding RNA

Endothelial cell (EC)-enriched protein coding genes, such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), define quintessential EC-specific physiologic functions. It is not clear whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) also define cardiovascular cell-type specific phenotypes, especially in the vascular endothelium. Here, we report the existence of a set of EC-enriched lncRNAs and define a role for STEEL (spliced transcript – endothelial enriched lncRNA) in angiogenic potential, macrovascular/microvascular identity and shear stress responsiveness. STEEL is expressed from the terminus of the HOXD locus and is transcribed antisense to HOXD transcription factors. STEEL RNA increases the number and integrity of de novo perfused microvessels in an in vivo model and augments angiogenesis in vitro. The STEEL RNA is polyadenylated, nuclear-enriched and has microvascular predominance. Functionally, STEEL regulates a number of genes in diverse endothelial cells. Of interest, STEEL upregulates both eNOS and the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), and is subject to feedback inhibition by both eNOS and shear-augmented KLF2. Mechanistically, STEEL upregulation of eNOS and KLF2 is transcriptionally mediated, in part, via interaction of chromatin-associated STEEL with the poly-ADP ribosylase, PARP-1. For instance, STEEL recruits PARP-1 to the KLF2 promoter. This work identifies a role for EC-enriched lncRNAs in the phenotypic adaptation of ECs to both body position and hemodynamic forces, and establishes a newer role for lncRNAs in the transcriptional regulation of EC identity.
“A Battle for the Soul of the Climate Movement”: The Expansion of the Intersectional Climate Justice Frame Among Young Activists in Canada
Keywords: Canada
climate justice
environmental politics
youth activism

In this dissertation, I argue that the climate justice movement in Canada is conceptually aligned with tenets of feminist political ecology and demonstrates intersectional and decolonial approaches to activism and organizing. Such a framework did not emerge spontaneously but was developed through intellectual work and communication of climate justice activists, a contentious process tantamount to what one activist identified as a “battle for the soul of the climate movement”. Climate justice seeks to address the underlying conditions that generate and perpetuate climate change, understood to be caused by inequities, oppressions, and systems of domination inherent in the colonial-capitalist pursuit of endless growth. Intersectional climate justice further understands that groups and individuals experience and contribute to climate change differentially, based on contextual power relations, privilege, and identity, and thus seeks to incorporate recognition, (re)distributive, and participatory justice in climate change mitigation and adaption. My findings suggest that young Canadian activists began articulating climate justice between 2006 and 2015, in response to a Conservative-led federal government that attempted to (re)create Canada as a global ‘energy superpower’ while simultaneously weakening domestic environmental protection, vilifying activists, and contesting territorial rights of Indigenous peoples. I suggest that this intersectional climate justice movement inhabits the ‘glocal’ scale (e.g., Swyngedouw Kaika, 2003; Harcourt, 2015), constituted by interrelated, multi-scalar processes as well as actors that contest and co-create global narratives that generate and respond to locally-specific conditions. In this case, activist organizing appears to be structured differently than other environmental and social movements that promote allegiance to a group. Instead, principles of intersectional climate justice are disseminated through youth training networks which connect ‘free agents’ (activists without traditional organizational affiliations) from across the country into new linkages for mobilization. Many of the activists interviewed have engaged in processes of relational reflexivity, grappling with their own complicity and advantage in a society that continues to contribute to climate change. Their approaches to enacting intersectional analysis and decolonial solidarity are, arguably, empirical demonstrations of how to “stay with the trouble” (Haraway, 2016), and provide alternatives to hegemonic climate governance approaches that rely on technological interventions or market mechanisms.