VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Is Well-being Illusory? Examining the Benefits of Positive Illusions for Relationship Quality and Well-being

Previous research has shown that positive illusions about a romantic partner are related to higher levels of relationship quality (Murray, Holmes Griffin, 1996). Using model comparison, and a sample of 458 families (one student with two biological parents, N=1374), the direction of this effect was examined. Model fit favored partner-illusions predicting relationship satisfaction. With this model, several additional hypotheses about personality, self-enhancement, partner-enhancement, well-being and relationship quality were tested. Results revealed that personality had an effect on relationship quality, but this effect was fully mediated by partner-perceptions. This result suggesting that positive perceptions lead to better relationships, regardless of the perception being based on reality or illusions. Personality also significantly predicted well-being, with the effect being partially mediated by relationship quality. The model also allowed us to examine self-enhancement in personality ratings, which were found to be unrelated to the shared variance in well-being ratings.

Keywords: Other-enhancement
Positive illusions
relationship satisfaction
Self-enhancement
structural equation modeling
well-being
Advisor: Schimmack, Ulrich
The Role of the Notch Signaling Pathway during Postembryonic Retinal Neurogenesis in Danio rerio

The retina of teleost fish, such as zebrafish (Danio rerio), exhibits remarkable capacity for continuous neurogenesis throughout life – unlike mammalian retina. Postembryonic retinogenesis in zebrafish is mainly contributed by active stem/progenitor cells in ciliary marginal zone (CMZ). Notch signaling has been reported to regulate embryonic retinogenesis and Notch pathway components are expressed in adult zebrafish CMZ. Here I address the functions of Notch signaling during postembryonic retinogenesis in zebrafish. My research revealed that: (1) Notch signaling is activated in the transition zone of CMZ and differentiated retina; (2) CMZ cells do not exhibit Notch activity and do not require Notch signaling for maintenance; and (3) Notch signaling is required and sufficient for proper differentiation of Müller glia, cone photoreceptor and bipolar cells. These studies demonstrate how different levels of Notch activity regulate retinal stem cell behavior and provide insight into how to reactivate mammalian adult retinal stem cells in vivo.

Keywords: Notch
retinal stem cell
zebrafish
Advisor: Tropepe, Vincent
Discovery of Problematic Probes in Illumina DNA Methylation Microarrays

In humans, there are hundreds of cell types, each with specialized functions that make up different tissues and organs. All these cells share the same genetic makeup but exhibit different patterns of gene expression contributing to their specialized functions. It is now known that such varying gene expression patterns are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, one of which is DNA methylation where a methyl group is covalently added to cytosine. The Illumina DNA methylation microarrays are the most widely used platforms for genome-wide DNA methylation study in humans. Significant findings regarding human developments and disease mechanisms have been reported using the Illumina microarrays. This thesis describes the discovery of problematic probes in the Illumina microarrays. These probes generate unreliable array signals that, when misinterpreted, can lead to false discoveries. By recognizing the existence of problematic probes, data generated by the Illumina microarrays can be more reliably interpreted for biological meaning.

Advisor: Weksberg, Rosanna
The Role of Niche Stiffness on Muscle Stem Cell Symmetric Self-renewal

Reconstruction of the adult muscle tissue relies on stem cells situated in a niche between the basal lamina and sarcolemma, but the molecular mechanisms of cell fate decisions, especially self-renewal, during muscle regeneration remains unclear. We report that the local extracellular matrix surrounding the muscle stem cell in healthy, uninjured tissue is permissive for planar and apical-basal division orientations that lead to either symmetric or asymmetric cell fates, but that the increased extracellular matrix deposition during injury physically alters the niche architecture to significantly favour symmetric divisions in the planar orientation. We demonstrate that the addition of soluble ligands such as Wnt7a leads to a significant increase of self-renewal divisions instead of differentiation, but only when coupled with 3D culture in a stiff environment. Together, these results suggest that biophysical cues such as niche stiffness work synergistically with biochemical cues like Wnt7a signaling to regulate muscle stem cell self-renewal.

Keywords: biomaterials
extracellular matrix
niche
skeletal muscle
stem cell
tissue engineering
Advisor: Gilbert, Penney M
Operational Performance Improvements to BRIght Target Explorer Constellation

The BRIght Target Explorer (BRITE)-Constellation is composed of six nano-satellites funded by Austria, Canada, and Poland, and each of them is equipped with an optical telescope that observes stars with visual magnitude +3.5 or brighter. BRITE-Constellation has provided numerous images of bright stars from Low Earth Orbit, which will eventually lead to investigation of origin of the Universe. This thesis presents the contribution of the author to BRITE mission, especially in BRITE Operations. The author performed antenna steering experiments on UniBRITE and BRITE-Toronto, to improve data downlink. To improve scientific data collection from BRITE satellites, the author computed available observation time for multiple targets every orbit, which resulted in collection of twice the amount of scientific data. Also, the author increased the available observation time for each target from 32 minutes to 48 minutes by improving the performance of the star tracker on-board BRITE-Toronto.

Advisor: Zee, Robert E
Rucinski, Slavek
Eye Tracking for Evaluating Esthetics in Treatment of Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors

Agenesis of permanent maxillary lateral incisors may be addressed by one of two treatment options including space closure, known as canine substitution, or prosthetic replacement. We aim to determine whether the esthetic outcome differs between canine substitution or implant replacement. Raters consisted of forty (n=40) orthodontists and thirty-five (n=35) laypersons, who viewed twenty-four photographs of orthodontically treated smiles, consisting of three treatment groups: controls with no missing teeth, patients who had bilateral canine substitution, patients with bilateral lateral incisor implants. Raters provided an esthetic rating (scale 0-10) and eye tracking measures recorded fixations and scan paths during the course of viewing the photographs. Control photos received the highest esthetic ratings, on average, by both orthodontists and laypersons. Orthodontists rated the implants as more esthetic than canine substitution. There was no significant difference in esthetic ratings given by laypersons between these two treatment groups. Laypersons looked at the photos of patients with missing MLI in the same way as demonstrated by the AOI fixation count and AOI percent dwell time. Orthodontists were keen to notice canine substitution and spent a greater percentage of time looking at the second and third teeth from the midline for canine substitution photos compared to control photos. When comparing the esthetic ratings and eye-tracking measures, it was found that staring at the photo for a longer time (quantified by viewing duration or fixation count) was correlated with lower esthetic ratings. The esthetics of canine substitution and implants for treatment of missing maxillary lateral incisors is comparable as viewed by laypersons.

Keywords: Canine Substitution
Eye Tracking
Lateral Incisor Agenesis
Laypersons
Orthodontics
Smile Esthetics
Advisor: Daskalogiannakis, John
Lead Isotopes as Particulate Contaminant Tracers and Chronostratigraphic Markers in Lake Sediments in Northeastern North America

The utility of lead isotopes as particulate contaminant tracers and chronostratigraphic markers was assessed in six lakes from the Great Lakes region. The geographic range of the 19th century Upper Mississippi Valley ore smelting marker was expanded into southern and central Ontario and its northwestern extent was reached within Lake Superior. This marker is useful for dating sediments deposited 100-200 years ago when other dating techniques are problematic. Leaded gasoline was dominant in one lake in the 20th century; its signal was absent elsewhere because the other lakes were affected by regional industrial output or were too remote to receive the leaded gasoline signal. Lead isotopes and trace metals identified a coal combustion marker in the 20th century in southern Ontario, where coal combustion was important enough to outweigh leaded gasoline input. This thesis demonstrates the usefulness of lead isotopes for identifying contamination sources where several pollution sources exist.

Keywords: Chronostratigraphic Markers
Contaminant Tracers
Lake Sediments
Lead Isotopes
North America
Trace Metals
Advisor: Bergquist, Bridget A
Genesis: A Language for Generating Synthetic Programs

This thesis describes Genesis, a new language used for the expression and generation of synthetic programs. The language allows users to annotate a template program to identify code segments of the program they wish to vary. Users also describe how parameters in each code segment can vary across generated instance programs using statistical distributions. The Genesis preprocessor uses the annotations to generate a set of instance programs whose characteristics or features vary in a statistically controlled fashion. We describe Genesis, its functionalities, its language constructs, a prototype preprocessor for the language, and three case studies that demonstrate the ability of Genesis to express a range of programs in different domains. We evaluate the performance of the preprocessor during the generation of instance programs, and the statistical quality of the samples it generates. We believe that Genesis is a useful tool that eases the expression and creation of large and diverse program sets for a multitude of domains and applications, such as machine learning, image generation, and compiler testing.

Keywords: Design
Experimentation
Languages
Macro languages
Preprocessors
Synthetic program generation
Advisor: Abdelrahman, Tarek S
Thermal Treatment of Pulb and Paper Mill Biosludge and Digestate to Enhance their Anaerobic Digestibility

Anaerobic digestion of pulp and paper mill biosludge has the potential to reduce sludge disposal costs and generate energy through biogas production. Thermal treatment can couple with anaerobic digestion to enhance the sludge digestibility. Conventionally, thermal pretreatment of biosludge is used by the industry. In this study, three possible thermal treatment-assisted anaerobic digestion configurations were compared: 1. Thermal pretreatment of biosludge; 2. Digestate thermal treatment; 3. Digestate thermal treatment and only recycling the hydrolysate. The thermal pretreatment (1) of biosludge at the theoretical optimal conditions (170o C for 1 h) did not extend the ultimate biogas yield. The digestate thermal treatment (2) increased the rate and extent of the biogas production; a synergistic effect on biogas production was observed by co-digesting biosludge and treated digestate. Only recycling the hydrolysate (3) is recommended if the thermal treatment is conducted at high intensities such as the one at 210o C for 30 min.

Keywords: Anaerobic digestion
Biogas
Biosludge
Pulp and paper mill
Thermal treatment
Waste management
Advisor: Farnood, Ramin
Inaccurate or Imprecise? Examining the Positive Illusory Bias in Youth with ADHD's Academic Self-appraisals

Children and youth with ADHD show a positive illusory bias (PIB), where they overestimate their academic competencies (AC) relative to other performance and informant indicators. It is unclear whether the PIB renders self-views inaccurate (i.e., non-predictive of external indicators) or just imprecise (i.e., inflated, but predictive). This study examined the predictive accuracy of academic self-appraisals in 102 adolescents aged 13-17 (51 with ADHD; 51 typically-developing), and whether EFs could predict the PIB size. Youth completed math and EF tests, and self-rated their AC. Parents rated their youth’s AC and EF. Youth with ADHD performed more poorly on the math task (vs. comparison group) but showed a larger AC PIB relative to parents’ ratings, partly accounted for by EFs. However, all youths’ AC-ratings were more predictive of math performance than their parents’ AC-ratings. In all, youth with ADHD appear self-aware despite a modest PIB, but nuanced self-appraisals may depend on EFs.

Keywords: ADHD
Executive functions
Positive illusory bias
Self-appraisals
Advisor: Martinussen, Rhonda
Solar Sail Trajectory Optimization

The present study investigates minimum-time and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) approaches to the solar sail trajectory problem. The system consists of combining the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CRTBP) with a solar radiation pressure model to accurately simulate a real solar sail. Once this is done, the artificial equilibrium points are obtained, which are then used to examine case studies. The Geostorm and polar observer missions have been examined using both methods and practical results have been achieved. Furthermore, a terminal feedback controller has been implemented to ensure that the sail remains at its destination. The time-optimal approach for a given desired trajectory proved to produce much faster trajectories than the LQR method. However, the LQR approach yielded much faster computational times and is also a slightly more accurate representation of a real solar sail.

Advisor: Damaren, Christopher J
Association between Caregiver’s and Child’s Oral Health Status and Oral Health Related Quality of Life

Objectives: To investigate associations between caregivers and children’s oral health, as well as the perceptions of the impact of oral diseases on oral health. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 149 child-caregiver dyads from a convenience sample in Toronto. Objective and subjective data about oral health and quality of life were collected from both children and caregivers groups. Results: Decay in permanent and primary teeth in children was moderately with missing teeth in caregivers, as well as with most of the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ). Mostly weak associations were observed between the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) scores and missing teeth in caregivers. Conclusion: Significant associations emphasize the influence of caregivers on children’s oral health outcomes and raise awareness about dental care coverage to disadvantaged families. Despite the questionable findings with some subjective measures, policymakers may still consider the use of patient-centered information to analysing disease trends in the population.

Keywords: Caregivers
Children
OHRQOL
Oral Health
Quality of Life
Advisor: Azarpazhooh, Amir
Auditory Perception and Executive Functions in Simultaneous Interpreters

Music and language have been proposed to share processing resources in the brain, an extension of that being expertise in one of these two skills may enhance processing of the other. This study aimed to use an experience-dependent linguistic expert – simultaneous interpreters – to address whether linguistic expertise enhances auditory processing outside of the linguistic domain, particularly in measures where musical expertise has been shown to improve performance. Simultaneous interpreters and non-interpreter controls were compared on several measures, spanning fine temporal and spectral discrimination, speech-in-noise perception, memory for pitch, visual working memory and cognitive flexibility. No significant differences were found between simultaneous interpreters and controls on any of the tested measures. The current findings are discussed in light of previous studies demonstrating advantages in executive function in simultaneous interpreters. Possible causes for the discrepancy between the existing research and this study are also discussed.

Keywords: Audition
Executive function
Simultaneous interpreters
Advisor: Alain, Claude
Analytical and Experimental Investigations of Modified Tuned Liquid Dampers (MTLDs)

Tuned Liquid Dampers (TLDs), as passive control devices, have been used in high-rise buildings for vibration control. A TLD dissipates energy through the sloshing of the water inside the tank. Modified Tuned Liquid Damper (MTLD) utilizes the rotational spring system at the base, therefore the MTLD experiences both horizontal and rotational motions. In this study, MTLD-structure system subjected to sinusoidal excitation and seismic events has been investigated using Lu’s analytical model. This analytical model has been verified experimentally using Real-Time Hybrid Simulation method. The important parameters of the MTLD including the dimensionless rotational stiffness parameter, mass ratio, frequency ratio and damping ratio were studied in detail; and a preliminary design procedure was outlined.

Keywords: Dynamics
Earthquake Engineering
Structural vibration control
TLD
Tuned Liquid Damper
Advisor: Mercan, Oya
Effect of Acoustic Signaling, Metabolic Rate, and Size on Territoriality in Male Cyphoderris monstrosa (Orthoptera: Haglidae)

During territorial interactions, male ensiferan Orthoptera often stridulate before physical combat. Song is correlated with competitive ability; therefore, it is a reliable signal for resource holding power. Size and metabolic rate are also indicators of aggressiveness. Cyphoderris monstrosa (Orthoptera: Haglidae) are relatively insensitive to the frequency content of their own song, however, males use acoustic signals in the context of competition. Here, I examined size, diet, time spent singing, and metabolic rate with C. monstrosa territoriality. Using a round-robin tournament, I compared performance of males fed with a protein-supplemented diet to males fed with a low-protein diet. I measured body structures used for fighting, duty cycle during competition, and metabolic rate at two temperatures (22°C and 10°C). Competition in C. monstrosa is influenced by singing ability, physiological performance, and body and head size where winners have higher duty cycle, lower metabolic rates in cold, larger bodies, and smaller heads.

Keywords: acoustic signals
competition
Cyphoderris monstrosa
metabolic rate
performance capacity
territoriality
Advisor: Mason, Andrew
Living in the Light of Death: A Case for an Education-towards-death

This thesis explores the educational potential of living and learning in the light of death. Through an analysis of Heidegger’s concept of Being, I highlight how our mortality is intimately bound up with care and therefore a potentially powerful place to begin reimagining the classroom. With the help of Noddings theory of caring, I explore how Heidegger’s key concepts of death, care, and authenticity can be integrated into an education-towards-death. Based on insights from those who have worked with individuals near the end of life, I outline four means—mindfulness, emotional engagement, deeper engagement with others, and finding and living personal meaning—of putting an education-towards-death into practice.

Keywords: Care
Death
Education
Heidegger
Noddings
Philosophy
Advisor: Boler, Megan
Assessment of Apical Extrusion of Irrigation in Mandibular Molars during Application of the Novel Gentle Wave System in a Simulated Environment

Aim: This study assessed apical extrusion during treatment with GentleWaveTM (GW), conventional open-ended 30G needle (CN) or EndoVac® (EV) in root canals enlarged to different dimensions with and without apical constriction. Methodology: 16 mandibular molars were mounted in an in vitro apparatus. Roots were immersed in a pressure-regulated chamber containing distilled water with pressure kept at 5.88 ± 0.15 mmHg to simulate periapical back pressure. Mesio-buccal (curved ≤30o) and distal (straight) canals were instrumented to working length (WL) as follows: Minimal instrumentation (MI; #15/.04); traditional instrumentation (TI; #35/.06) or over-instrumentation (OI; #35/.06, to WL+1mm). Canals were tested 5 times each with distilled water using GW, CN (at WL-3mm) or EV and the mass (g) of extruded water recorded. Extrusion frequency and mean extruded mass were compared for each canal, irrigation group and canal instrumentation mode (Wilcoxon t-test; p

Keywords: Apical extrusion
EndoVac
GentleWave
Sodium Hypochlorite accident
Advisor: Basrani, Bettina
Role of FGF Receptors in Rescue of ΔF508-CFTR

ΔF508-CFTR is the most common mutation causing cystic fibrosis (CF), where it exhibits folding defects and is unable to reach the plasma membrane. To identify signaling pathways involved in ΔF508-CFTR rescue, we screened a library of esiRNAs that target over 750 different kinases and associated signaling proteins. We identified 20 novel suppressors of ΔF508-CFTR rescue including FGFR1. The top hits of the screen were validated by various methods: halide exchange assay, immunoblotting and ELISA following shRNA-mediated knockdown. Inhibition of FGFR1 with SU5402 leads to ΔF508-CFTR rescue in CF patient cells and in intestinal organoids from ΔF508/ΔF508 mice. Chaperone array analysis on Human Bronchial Epithelial cells identified altered expression of several chaperones and their effects on ΔF508-CFTR maturation were validated by ELISA. We propose that FGFR signaling regulates specific chaperones that control ΔF508-CFTR maturation, and suggest that FGFRs may serve as important targets for therapeutic intervention for the treatment of CF.

Keywords: cystic fibrosis
FGFR
kinase
ΔF508-CFTR
Advisor: Rotin, Daniela
Understanding the Fundamental Mechanisms of a Dynamic Micro-bubble Generator for Water Processing and Cleaning Applications

The micro-bubble technology in water is widely known and effectively used, but the fundamental mechanisms of the micro-bubble generation and characteristics are not clearly established. To better the understanding, extensive literature survey coupled with theoretical and experimental bubble size estimations and volumetric mass transfer rate calculations were carried out. Observed multitude of increase in the volumetric mass transfer rate is essentially due to the specific interfacial area rather than the liquid mass transfer co-efficient. This signifies the effectiveness of pressurized dissolution type over its counterparts. A second set of experiments were focussed on particle size analysis using Bluewave particle size analyzer. Measurements for bubble size distribution were made alongside two cases of surfactant addition, tween20 at concentrations of 10mM and 1mM. The effect of surfactant on bubble dynamics and stabilization is interpreted and the axial rise distance hence the rise velocity are computed for both experimental and theoretical data.

Advisor: Park, Chul Bun