VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Role of Complement in Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an understudied life-threatening genetic disorder affecting around 300,000 infants yearly with severely limited treatment options. Recent research suggests the complement system, a part of innate immunity, may be involved in SCD and present a potential treatment target. This study aimed to evaluate complement activity in children with SCD during both vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and steady state. Results showed that SCD crisis patients had significantly lower hemoglobin levels compared to steady state, and elevated heme concentrations both during VOC and steady state. Heme was found to drive complement activation on endothelial cells (ECs). Complement protein deposition was significantly greater in early crisis patients, indicating complement activation during early crisis. Lectin and alternative pathway activity was potentially driving complement activity. The study concludes that complement activity is elevated in SCD early crisis patients, suggesting its role in SCD pathology. Future work will have to explore the functional consequences of activation and potential rescue using complement blockade.

Keywords: Complement
Endothelium
Heme
Hemoglobin
Neutrophils
Sickle cell disease
Advisor: Licht, Christoph
Investigating the Role of Integrins in Spondyloarthritis Using the SKG Mouse Model

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) describes a group of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation in the spine and joints. Gut-derived immune cells have been identified in the joints of SpA patients and entry of these cells into joints may be mediated by integrins which bind to specific ligands expressed by both gut and joint endothelial cells. Using the curdlan-treated SKG mouse model, the role of integrins in SpA was investigated. Starting at selected time points, curdlan-treated mice were injected with anti-α4β7 or anti-β7 antibodies twice a week until endpoint. Mice treated with integrin blockade showed decreased disease severity, with greater benefit observed in mice treated with anti-β7 antibodies. Disease scores were comparable between treatment initiation times. Integrin blocking therapies have proved to be effective in inflammatory bowel disease. While this approach has not been studied in arthritis to date, my findings indicate that integrin-blocking strategies may have unrecognized therapeutic potential in SpA.

Keywords: Arthritis
Integrin
Rheumatology
SKG Mice
Spondyloarthritis
Advisor: Inman, Robert D
Investigating Tauopathy in Military Blast Exposure: A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Study with the Tau Tracer [F-18] T807

Background: Long-term chronic traumatic encephalopathy is suspected to occur due to repetitive exposure to low-level military blast (LLMB). This dissertation tested the hypothesis that greater exposure to LLMB in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members would be associated with greater tau aggregation. Methods: CAF members (n=25 males) exposed to blast overpressure completed a positron emission tomography (PET) scan using the radiotracer [F-18] T807 to quantitate tau levels, clinical questionnaires and a battery of neurocognitive tests. Results: [F-18] T807 SUVr in the temporal and whole brain cortices were positively correlated to years of breaching; taken as a measure of blast exposure. [F-18] T807 SUVr in whole brain cortices was related to depressive and post-concussive symptoms. Lastly, there was no significant association found between [F-18] T807 SUVr and cognitive function. Conclusion: Overall, findings indicate that brain tau-PET deposition in temporal and whole brain cortices are associated with dose-dependent exposure to LLMB, suggesting risk of tauopathy in individuals with high exposure.

Keywords: chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Flortaucipir
Low level military occupational blast exposure
mild traumatic brain injury
Tau
[F-18)T807
Advisor: Boileau, Isabelle I
A Design-based Implementation Study on Virtual Reality Learning Environments in English Language Learning Instruction

This thesis explores a design-based implementation research (DBIR) study documenting my experiences of implementing VRLEs as an additional tool for eLearning in response to the growing concerns stemming from COVID- 19s’ sudden shift to online learning in higher education online English Language Learning (ELL) programs. Informed by the theories of embodied cognition and situated learning and inspired by the Knowledge Community Inquiry (KCI) approach, the study examines learners’ and practitioners’ overall concerns of VRLEs and identifies aspects of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (EDIAB). It presents three iterative cycles of various collective inquiry activities explored in Spatial, Engage VR, and the Virbela Open Campus. Through the lens of EDIAB, from both the educators' and learners' perspectives, discrete qualitative and quantitative findings document the potential and challenges of implementing VRLEs in eLearning and inform of design decisions and forms of learning well suited to a VRLE.

Keywords: Design Based Implementation Research (DBIR)
English Language Learning (ELL)
Equity Diversity Inclusion Accessibility and Belonging (EDIAB)
Knowledge Community Inquiry (KCI)
Sense of Presence
Virtual Reality Learning Environments (VRLEs)
Advisor: Slotta, James
Optimizing Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors for Community-Based Monitoring

Air pollution is a major public health concern, especially for marginalized communities and vulnerable populations. Government-run air quality monitoring stations use robust instrumentation to measure pollution levels, but their associated costs limit their spatial distribution. To address this, low-cost sensor devices can be used to augment air quality monitoring networks, but their inaccuracy is a limitation. AirSENCE, a low-cost sensor device was deployed to rural municipalities in Canada for community-based monitoring. The use of field data and laboratory tests helped identify the impacts of sensor drift, interference, and meteorological factors. A calibration approach using elastic net regression (ENR), an extension of multiple linear regression (MLR) improved the accuracy of most sensors. A correction approach using relative humidity and a hygroscopicity factor was suitable for particulate matter sensors. Based on these findings, a revised deployment plan using AirSENCE for community-based air quality monitoring was developed.

Keywords: air quality
calibration
community-based research
environmental monitoring
machine learning
sensors
Advisor: Evans, Greg J
Getting Coached: The Information Experience of Life Coaching Clients

Informed by the author’s experience as a life coaching client, this thesis is a critical, curious, reflexive inquiry into the information experience of life coaching clients. It builds on recent scholarship in the field of information science on the topics of life coaching and life transitions. The research design is inspired by exploratory, contemplative, and ethnographic methodologies. Ten coaching clients participated in a questionnaire, a semi-structured interview, and an information horizon drawing activity. These yielded textual, verbal, and visual data, which were analyzed quantitatively, as a matrix, and qualitatively, using reflexive thematic analysis. This project presents new insights into life coaching: an information-based definition of life coaching, the clients’ information horizons and information behaviours, and the social world of life coaching in the cultural zeitgeist. Ultimately, it tells the informational story of an emerging industry from the perspective of the clients and told (empathetically) by a researcher with insider status.

Keywords: information behaviour
information horizon
information sculpting
life coaching
life transitions
thematic analysis
Advisor: Hartel, Jenna
Toward Global Critical Consciousness for Liberatory Pedagogy in the West

In this thesis, I introduce the idea of “global critical consciousness” as a lens through which young adults in the West can view their shared reality of structural oppression across the globe, while also recognizing their capacity to make change within that reality and recognize their capacity to transform these realities. Global critical consciousness in this context is distinct from a Freirean conceptualization of critical consciousness as a popular ideal of liberatory pedagogy in the Global South in four ways; it primarily considers the consciousness of those in the West; it is experienced from a distinctly global perspective; the primary focus is on the responsibility of those in the West to move from critical reflection to critical action; and it focuses on the pedagogical experiences and exposures which have led young adults in the West towards a global critical consciousness. This analysis will be illustrated through data from four life history conversations with globally engaged young adults.

Keywords: Critical consciousness
Critical pedagogy
Global
Liberatory pedagogy
Life history
Paulo Freire
Advisor: Sumner, Jennifer
Examining Mobility Challenges Experienced by Hong Kong Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Potential for Information and Communication Technologies to Support Alternative Forms of Mobilities and Mitigate Impacts

This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated mobility restrictions on youth in Hong Kong with a particular focus on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in mitigating challenges to physical mobility. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 youth examine how pandemic-related measures and personal concerns curtailed their mobility and access to spaces and places. Key findings reveal that mobility and gathering restrictions greatly impacted youth’s social, academic, and recreational life. The findings show that virtual, communicative, and imaginative mobilities facilitated by ICTs offered a means to address barriers to in-person mobility, although they fall short of fully replicating the richness of face-to-face interactions. Future research should monitor the evolving landscape of non-physical mobility as in-person mobility returns to pre-pandemic levels. This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how technology and mobility intersect, with implications for post-pandemic policy and technological advancements.

Keywords: Information and Communication Technology
Mobility
Non-physical Mobility
Advisor: Wilson, Kathleen KW
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Restoration Activities for Freshwater Species at Risk in Ontario

Restoration is the act of returning ecosystems to their historical trajectories to maximize ecosystem biodiversity, structure, and function. However, the effectiveness of aquatic restoration is often unknown due to gaps in knowledge associated with evaluating restoration. To overcome these gaps, evaluating the effectiveness of restoration for aquatic Species at Risk (SAR) using robust datasets and standardized monitoring are required. To assess whether the Canadian Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) for the stewardship of aquatic SAR was effectively targeting aquatic SAR and to determine whether projects were achieving measurable conservation benefits, I analyzed 98 projects funded through the HSP in Ontario, 2006-2017. Although HSP-funded projects targeted areas of high SAR richness, many species-rich watersheds and widely distributed aquatic SAR were left untargeted. Lack of monitoring data prevented the evaluation of the effectiveness of these restoration projects. I addressed these shortcomings for one restoration project, habitat creation for spawning Spotted Gar in Rondeau Bay, Ontario, by monitoring and analyzing the fish assemblage – environment relationship of pre-monitoring data conducted for a Before-After-Control-Impact study evaluating the effectiveness of the project.

Keywords: Biodiversity
Conservation
Freshwater
Restoration
Species at Risk
Advisor: Mandrak, Nicholas E.
Interference Mitigation In Integrated Access And Backhaul Networks Using Layered-Division Multiplexing And Multiple-Transmission-And-Reception Point

Integrated access and backhaul (IAB) is a promising 5G technology that was introduced by The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) that provides the functionality that allows for the use of 5G radio access technology for both access links and wireless backhaul links. It can be used for cost-effective cellular network densification. However, interference between closely deployed IAB nodes remains a challenge. Existing research have shown that non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and base station cooperation can effectively mitigate the interference. Meanwhile, people have interests in employing layered-division multiplexing (LDM), which is a special type of NOMA, in cellular networks of 5G and beyond. This thesis explores the possibility of mitigating interference in IAB networks using multiple-transmission-and-reception point (mTRP), which is an advanced 5G technology for base station cooperation, and LDM by proposing a novel IAB network architecture. Theoretical analyses are provided to identify the key factors of IAB, mTRP and LDM influencing system performance. To evaluate the proposed architecture's effectiveness, simulation programs are developed using MATLAB 5G Toolbox with modifications to study IAB, mTRP and LDM separately. The simulation results validate the developed simulation program for IAB networks and demonstrate that the proposed architecture has the potential to mitigate interference and also improve system reliability. By combining these technologies, the research contributes to enhancing the performance of IAB networks, paving the way for future improvements in cellular communication systems.

Keywords: integrated access and backhaul
layered-division multiplexing
MATLAB 5G Toolbox
multiple-transmission-and-reception point
Advisor: Sousa, Elvino S
The Role of Sterile Inflammation in Modulating Myometrial Progesterone Activity

Parturition is a physiologic inflammatory process. Progesterone (P4) maintains pregnancy, and its local and functional withdrawal in uterine smooth muscle (SM) occurs prior to term (TL) and preterm labour (PTL). It was shown that pathogenic stimuli (i.e. Lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) induces P4-metabolizing enzyme 20-alphahydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD) in myometrium through NFкB and AP-1 transcription, inducing PTL. This study examines whether “sterile inflammation” similarly activates 20α-HSD and other downstream events known to occur during the parturition cascade. My study demonstrates that proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1α induces 1) 20α-HSD levels in myocytes, 2) contraction-associated protein (CAP) Cx43, and 3) myometrial contractility. It was further shown that the selective P4 receptor modulator (SPRM) Promegestone (R-5020), which is nonmetabolizable by 20α-HSD, mitigates IL-1α’s effects on myocyte connectivity and contractility, highlighting its relevance for future clinical application in the prevention of PTL. Finally, it was shown that IL-1α is able to facilitate these processes via NFкB and AP-1 pathways.

Keywords: Inflammation
Labour
Parturition
Preterm
Progesterone
Therapeutics
Advisor: Lye, Dr. Stephen J
Shynlova, Dr. Oksana
Deposition Patterns of Non-Exhaust Emissions on Taraxacum Officinale as a Potential Urban Biomonitor

This study explores the potential of the common dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, to function as a biomonitor for non-exhaust emissions from brake pads and tire wear across 43 city parks in Mississauga, Ontario. The main objectives are to analyze the relationship between the length of different road classes (local, major and express) in a 1km buffer around each sampling site. As well as, explore the relationship between the distance to the closest road class from each study site and their relation to the deposition of trace metals on the surrounding flowers and seeds of the collected dandelions. To achieve these objectives, a trace metal analysis is conducted to determine the elemental concentrations on the dandelion samples in micrograms per gram of collected plant material. The mean trace metal concentrations are calculated for Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd and Pb and their mean concentrations are 31.84 μg/g, 0.05 μg/g, 0.15 μg/g, 17.47 μg/g, 0.05 μg/g, and 0.27 μg/g, respectively. There is a statistically significant relationship between Zn and Pb concentrations on the seed samples for the length of local, major and express roads within a 1km buffer around each study site. The relationship between Sr on seed samples and Zn on flower samples with the closest local, major, and express roads is also statistically significant. However, the remaining relationships do not present a statistically significant association as there is not sufficient and consistent evidence to validate the effective use of dandelions as biomonitors for trace metals in Mississauga, Ontario.

Advisor: Adams, Matthew
Exploring the Effects of Seasonality on the Gut of a Top Predator Fish, Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

The gut is a dynamic organ that is important for obtaining nutrients for growth. Due to the high energetic costs associated with maintaining the gut, it may be expected that fish in temporal environments change their gut size to deal with seasonal changes like temperature, light and prey availability. Using intestine length as a unit of measure for the gut, we investigated if lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) varied the size of their intestine seasonally, across two lakes with different food webs. We found that lake trout in the lake without pelagic forage fish displayed seasonal changes in their intestine length, while lake trout in the lake with pelagic forage fish had relatively consistent size intestine lengths seasonally. Our findings deepen our understanding of how lake trout intestines respond to seasonal changes, which will be important in the future due to shifts in seasonal lengths (i.e. an earlier spring) caused by warming global temperatures.

Keywords: fish
flexibility
gut
intestine
seasonality
winter
Advisor: McMeans, Bailey C
The Effects of Post-Translational Modifications on Repulsive Guidance Molecules

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play an important role in diversifying the role of a single protein. Here, we show how post-translational modification of repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs) can impact their function. Part one evaluates how cleavage of repulsive guidance molecule A is required to alter tight junctions involved in blood brain barrier integrity. We demonstrate that brain endothelial cells treated with cleaved RGMa can increase the expression of matrix metalloproteinases which can degrade the tight junction claudin-5 in the blood brain barrier. In part two we investigate the effects of inhibiting the phosphorylation of repulsive guidance molecule B. We demonstrate the presence of a secondary phosphorylation site on RGMb. Furthermore, we show that inhibition of RGMb phosphorylation remains elusive as Vertebrate Lonesome Kinase is resistant to common inhibitors. In all, we show how post-translational processing is essential for the proper function of repulsive guidance molecules.

Advisor: Monnier, Philippe P
Evolving Electric Vehicle Charging Profiles: A Crucial Consideration for Energy System Models

The imminent widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents new challenges for the electricity sector, requiring careful analysis practices for the design of the future power plant infrastructure. However, previous studies have failed to capture the inter-period evolving nature of EV charging demand, resulting in inaccurate estimations. To address this, a dynamic framework is presented. It involves developing evolving EV charging profiles that consider projections in charging infrastructure accessibility, diffusion of charger types, technical features of EVs, EV adoption trends, and charging strategy adoption. These profiles are then used in an Energy System Optimization Model (ESOM) for analysis. By applying this framework, insights into the future energy sector of the United States by 2050 under a deep light-duty vehicle fleet electrification scenario are gained. The findings reveal considerable differences compared to conventional modeling practices, emphasizing the importance of using evolving EV charging profile assumptions for future energy modeling.

Keywords: capacity expansion
charging behaviour
charging infrastructure
charging strategy
electric vehicles
energy system model
Advisor: MacLean, Heather L.
Posen, I. Daniel
Canadian Bathymetric Gap Analysis and the Comparison of Barometric Pressure Enhanced Predicted Tides to Ellipsoid Referenced Hydrographic Surveys

Highly accurate bathymetric models are paramount for building an understanding within many research fields including climate change, tsunamis and wave propagation, marine and benthic habitat management and marine navigation studies among others. Developing highly accurate bathymetric models begins with nations understanding their bathymetric holdings and identifying where gaps exist which will assist survey planning and policy making. This study investigates the extent of bathymetric coverage within Canada’s Exclusive Economic Zone; additionally, to reduce the uncertainty in hydrographic surveys, this study investigates the influence of the inclusion ERA5 mean sea level pressure (barometric pressure) on harmonic analysis predicted tide for the vertical reduction of hydrographic surveys, comparing the results to ellipsoid referenced surveys to quantify the uncertainty. Using the Canadian Hydrographic Service’s digital bathymetric data, we show that the bathymetry within Canada’s exclusive economic zone is largely unknown with results indicating 84.89% (4,991,873 km2) are void of soundings and 13.45% (790,690 km2) have full bottom coverage. Implications for Lakebed 2030, which is concerned with the Great Lakes region, show 74.31% (67,482 km2) are void of soundings and 14.16% (12,863 km2) have full bottom coverage. At a hydrographic surveying rate of 1.5% increase in seafloor coverage per year (74,873 km2), Canada can achieve full bottom coverage within their exclusive economic zone by 2079; however, seafloor coverage acquired during Ocean’s Protection Plan increased on average of 22,380 km2 per year. Taking this rate of seafloor coverage change, Canada will obtain full seafloor coverage of their Exclusive Economic Zone by 2246. Furthermore, we show that applying barometric pressure data to predicted tide time-series has the potential to improve the vertical reduction and lower the uncertainty. This is especially significant (p < 0.01) in < 2 meter tidal areas. We show that in the Canadian Arctic where Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are susceptible to signal drop out or degradation, the addition of barometric pressure to predicted tide will provide a slightly improved result then using predicted tide only; however, the results seem to be dependent on the geography of the area of study. This study developed a baseline for future seafloor coverage progress comparison, called the Canadian Bathymetric Gap Analysis epoch 2023 (CBGAe2023) and investigated a means to reduce the uncertainty in the vertical component of hydrographic survey solutions, thus increasing the safety to marine navigation.

Keywords: Bathymetry
Hydrographic
Advisor: Brown, Laura