VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
High Performance Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based Attitude Determination and Control System for Autonomous Terrestrial Target Tracking using Small Satellites

This thesis provides an engineering framework for designing an advanced Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem (ADCS) for small satellite-enabled autonomous target tracking applications from low-Earth orbit requiring a pointing accuracy of ±0.1° (2-σ) and stability of ±0.05 °/s or better. Current Earth-observation satellites designed and built at the University of Toronto Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) are capable of constraining the satellite's fine-pointing accuracy to ±0.3° (2-σ) during terrestrial-target tracking maneuvers. Leveraging high-grade miniaturized and commercially-accessible fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs), an advanced ADCS compatible with SFL's Next-generation Earth Monitoring and Observation (NEMO) bus and similar micro-satellite platforms, is being developed at the Space Flight Laboratory. High-frequency gyro measurements are used to augment lower-cadence star tracker solutions in an extended Kalman filter, providing superior attitude and rate estimates. To assess the absolute pointing performance of this FOG-based control system, high-fidelity ground-based target tracking simulations were conducted for fixed and moving targets.

Keywords: Fiber Optic Gyroscopes
Kalman Filter
Satellites
Space Exploration
Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
State Estimation
Advisor: Zee, Robert E
Closing the Gap: Comparing Reconciliation and Indigenismo Policies in Higher Education

Education is a critical human right, yet Indigenous groups globally face a crisis in higher education (HE) systems. Colonial processes have intentionally and systematically used HE for assimilation which has disrupted cultural connection and economic benefits to Indigenous communities. Drawing on Postcolonial Theory (Loomba, 2002) and the Theory of Justice (Fraser, 2003), this policy review explores factors that have contributed to the pattern of HE exclusion and comparatively poorer outcomes for Indigenous groups in Canada and Mexico. These frameworks will be used to evaluate a range of policies that aim to remedy these gaps. The results indicate that there was a considerable attempt to adopt the principles of Reconciliation and Indigenismo when responding to the needs of Indigenous students. However, the policies do little to redress the racist constructs that are inherent to colonial education, impacting chances for transformative change for Indigenous students.

Keywords: access and success
canada
higher education
indigenous students
mexico
policy
Advisor: Waterman, Stephanie
Investigating the Role of alx-3 in Neuronal Specification in the Freshwater Planarian Schmidtea mediterranea

The freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea is capable of producing new neurons to regenerate the brain following loss or injury. This amazing feat of neurogenesis transpiring in an adult organism is in stark contrast to the devastating impact and minimal recovery occurring following damage to the human brain. This thesis aimed to investigate mechanisms governing the specification of stem cells towards a neuronal identity. Here I investigated the expression and function of the paired-like homeobox transcription factor alx-3, whose expression is enriched in planarian stem cells with neuronal character. My results provide support to the hypothesis that alx-3 functions to commit stem cells towards the neural lineage.

Keywords: neurogenesis
planarian
regeneration
stem cells
Advisor: Pearson, Bret J
Similar Patterns of Spatial Learning as a Result of Individual Differences In Navigational Strategy and Map Use Attributed to The Role of Scene-independent Relational Processing

Background: Map study (MS) and perspective-taking (PT) can result in differences in scene-independent (SI) or scene-dependent (SD) knowledge, and a tendency to rely on either SI or SD relations can result in more rapid learning or more accurate knowledge, respectively. This work studies effects of strategy on spatial learning, comparing effects of map display design. Method: Part 1 comprised a MS task and Part 2, a PT task in virtual reality. In Part 2, participants assigned to one of three map display conditions viewed the MS objects from Part 1, learning the locations of two new objects. Study blocks were followed by judgements of relative direction and map drawing from memory. Conclusions: Findings suggest that differences in strategy determined by the Navigational Strategies Questionnaire can predict differences in spatial learning, and that PT with a track-up map results in a similar learning trend as MS when using a SI strategy.

Keywords: Hippocampus
Individual Differences
Map
Memory
Spatial Learning
Spatial Navigation
Advisor: Milgram, Paul
Does Pre-cessation Physical Activity Impact Smoking Treatment Outcomes? A Longitudinal Study of Treatment-seeking Smokers in the General Population

Objectives: This study determines whether pre-cessation physical activity behavior is associated with either smoking cessation or tobacco harm reduction. Methods: Data were collected from a longitudinal study of treatment-seeking smokers making a quit attempt after distributing cost-free nicotine replacement therapy. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between pre-cessation physical activity behavior and smoking treatment outcomes. Results: There was no association between pre-cessation physical activity and smoking abstinence. However, smokers that engaged in physical activity for ≥ 3 days were associated with significantly greater odds for achieving significant smoking reduction at 3 months (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.102 – 1.989], p = 0.009), 6-months (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.195 – 2.187], p = 0.002) and 12-months (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI [1.290 – 2.411], p

Keywords: Exercise
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Physical Activity
Smoking Cessation
Advisor: Zawertailo, Laurie
Development, Testing and Optimization of a Pico Hydro Turbine for Pressure Regulation and Energy Harvesting

Pressure control valves (PCVs) are conventional devices used to regulate the downstream pressure of a hydraulic process. However, 34% of the pumped energy is typically lost when the flow is throttled by the PCVs. An Energy Harvester consisting of a pico-scale (

Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics
Design of Experiments
Energy Harvesting
Guide Vanes
Pico Turbine
Pressure Regulation
Advisor: Bilton, Amy M
The Role of Type VIII Collagen in Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability

Type VIII collagen (Col8) expression is significantly elevated in atherosclerosis. To study the role of Col8 in atherosclerosis, plaques from Col8+/+ ;ApoE-/- and Col8-/- ;ApoE-/- mice fed a high fat diet for 24-26 weeks were analyzed. Compared to Col8+/+ ;ApoE-/- mice, brachiocephalic plaques from Col8-/- ;ApoE-/- mice had increased features of plaque vulnerability with a significant increase in intraplaque hemorrhage and trends towards reductions in fibrous cap thickness and increased elastin breaks. Col8-/- ;ApoE-/- brachiocephalic plaques had significantly increased macrophage content and MMP expression. Col8-/- ;ApoE-/- mice had significantly increased circulating monocytes, and monocyte bead-labelling experiments suggest a trend towards increased monocyte recruitment to Col8-/- ;ApoE-/- plaques. This study identified a role for Col8 in vascular calcification. Lesser curvature plaques in Col8-/- ;ApoE-/- mice had significantly reduced calcification and markers of osteochondrogenesis, including type II collagen, BMP-2 and osteopontin. Altogether, this data suggests Col8 is essential to promoting plaque stability.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis
Calcification
Cardiovascular
Inflammation
Type VIII Collagen
Advisor: Bendeck, Michelle
Exploring the Urban Forest: Evidence of Tree Condition Change across Toronto’s Environmental Gradient

Increasing urbanization creates environmental impacts on flora, fauna, and human populations. Urban trees provide mitigating services that may be maximized by understanding environmental stressors that impact tree health. I explored the relationship between tree condition and urban landcover as evidence of urban stressors. Tree morphology, canopy condition, and insect abundance were expected to vary across an urban land cover gradient, at different spatial scales, and between native/exotic species. These responses were explored in Tilia americana, Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides and Acer saccharnium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific spatial scales and environmental variables better explained changes in tree response variables. My results suggest Tilia species were more tolerant of urban conditions. Differences between species were described by genera suggesting species trait similarity may determine environmental suitability. Maximizing service provision requires interspecific stress expression consideration. Further research will explore soil conditions, socio-economic factors, and environmental remote sensing in urban tree condition modelling.

Keywords: Canopy condition
Ecosystem services
Exotic species
Land cover
Urban gradient
Urban tree
Advisor: Cadotte, Marc W
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Based Power-mix Control Strategy for Improved Second-life Battery Performance

Providing degraded Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries with a second-life when they no longer meet vehicle energy and power requirements has the potential to increase the value of the battery and reduce the total cost of ownership for the EV owner. This thesis focuses on increasing the value that can be extracted from second-life lithium-ion EV batteries used in off-grid stationary-storage applications. Battery modeling is performed using impedance data measured using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and a method to perform EIS measurements online is demonstrated. A control strategy is presented to control the power flow between battery modules at different States-ofHealth (SOH) in an off-grid application in order to reduce the total battery degradation rate. Simulations of the off-grid system show that, on average, the proposed strategy results in a 56% increase in battery system lifetime. Operation of the control strategy is demonstrated experimentally using two custom 3.85kWh battery modules.

Keywords: Battery
Electric Vehicle
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Lithium-Ion
Off-Grid
Second-Life
Advisor: Trescases, Olivier
Renewable Monomers for 4D Printing

In the automotive industry, 3D printing has the potential to build low volume parts. Glass fiber reinforced phenolic composites are suitable for electric vehicle battery enclosures, but condensation resins have not been adapted to 3D printing. Step growth condensation polymerization is not compatible with popular photo-curing 3D printing techniques. This research presents a novel lignin-furfural-furfuryl alcohol blend developed specifically for two-component, acid-catalyzed, thermoset gel extrusion 3D printing, which utilizes exothermic heat of crosslinking as the 4th controllable dimension. This material was studied as a bio-based replacement for phenolic resin in the application of battery enclosures. A thermoset with high zero-shear viscosity and shear thinning ability resists sag upon deposition while remaining pumpable and extrudable. Stroke cure and isoconversional kinetics were applied to set the hardening time and calculate printing temperature and rate. Tall structures (>50 layers) can be printed with high viscosity resins (>1000 Pa*s) at low applied temperature (~50°C).

Keywords: 3D Printing
additive manufacturing
furfural
furfuryl alcohol
lignin
renewable
Advisor: Sain, Mohini
Krigstin, Sally
Identification and Functional Analysis of Novel Genes Associated with Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes are multisystem-disorders that affect development of hematopoietic system. One of IBMFSs is Shwachman-Diamond-syndrome and about 80-90% of patients have mutations in the Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond-Syndrome gene. To unravel the genetic cause of the disease in the remaining 10-20% of patients, we performed WES as well as SNP-genotyping in families with SDS-phenotype and no mutations in SBDS. The results showed a region of homozygosity in chromosome 5p-arm DNAJC21 is in this region. Western blotting revealed reduced/null protein in patient. DNAJC21-homolog in yeast has been shown facilitating the release of the Arx1/Alb1 heterodimer from pre-60S.To investigate the cellular functions of DNAJC21 we knocked-down it in HEK293T-cells. We observed a high-level of ROS, which led to reduced cell proliferation. Our data indicate that mutations in DNAJC21 contribute to SDS. We hypothesize that DNAJC21 related ribosomal defects lead to increased levels of ROS therefore altering development and maturation of hematopoietic cells.

Keywords: Bone Marrow Failure
DNAJC21
Genetics
SDS
Advisor: Dror, Yigal
Response of Retinal Ganglion Cells to Electrical Stimulation: From Prosthesis to "Seeing'"

Electric stimulation is a promising method of restoring vision for those suffering from retinal degenerative diseases. To understand how retinal prostheses restore vision, computer models were developed to approximate the visual pathway. First, the electric potential generated by the subretinal implant within the retinal tissue was solved using Maxwell’s equation through finite-element method. Next, the primary neural response was calculated through the implementation of a recently proposed model of the retinal bipolar cell where the Hodgkin-Huxley equations and the cable model were solved for ten ionic currents. Finally, the entropy theory was introduced to calculate the ganglion response using the output of the bipolar response. For the first time, aspects of visual performance such as brightness and temporal response can be estimated for a subretinal implant. While these techniques have been developed to predict the biological response of any subretinal implant, much of the work presented here has been tailored towards a novel, passive implant developed by collaborators at Okayama University called the OUReP.

Keywords: Artificial Vision
Electric Stimulation
Mathematical Model
Retinal Bipolar Cells
Advisor: Wong, Willy
Using Assistive Technology To Facilitate Idea Generation in Writing For School Aged Children

The purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of idea generation software as an assistive technology for writing. Idea generation refers to the organization of thoughts into coherent words and sentences. A randomized controlled study was conducted which compared four conditions: no intervention, technology intervention, strategy intervention, and combination of technology and strategy intervention. Thirty-two grade four to seven typical learners completed the study. They were referred by their parents or teachers as they exhibited writing challenges. Each completed five minute paragraph writing exercises. Participants in the technology and strategy groups showed a significant improvement in written expression relative to students with no intervention. Students who used both interventions at the same time did not show the same positive effects relative to the students without support. Areas for future research and applied use in education are discussed.

Keywords: Assistive
Education
Psychology
Technology
Writing
Advisor: Cunningham, Todd
Martinussen, Rhonda
Exploring Pediatric Volition among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in an adapted Robotics Program

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have fewer opportunities to participate in play than typically developing children because of their tendencies for repetitive play behaviour and independent play types. The Holland Bloorview (HB) FIRST® (For Inspiration Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics program embeds technology into a playful activity. This study included one main objective and three exploratory objectives. The main objective was: (1) to measure pediatric volition (i.e., score pediatric volition through a validated measure) among children with ASD participating in an adapted robotics program. The exploratory objectives were: (1) to assess off-task behaviours among children with ASD during an adapted robotics program (i.e., counting number of off-task behaviours during the program); (2) to describe volitional behaviour among children with ASD in an adapted robotics program; and (3) to describe off-task behaviour among children with ASD during an adapted robotics program. This study used a mixed-method design with a pediatric volitional questionnaire, video recordings, and structured observations of 6 consecutive workshops (2 hours each). Analysis of data from the Pediatric Volitional Questionnaire indicated that pediatric volition showed no statistically significant change in the total median score from the beginning to the end of the robotics program. However, observations of children highlighted patterns of showing interest and enjoyment while participating in the robotics program. In addition, the total number of off-task behaviours had a statistically significant decrease from the beginning to the end of the adapted robotics program. Although children demonstrated off-task behaviour, these behaviours were observed less frequently at the end of the program. The findings highlight that participating in a robotics program provides the potential to observe children’s volitional behaviours, and also may reduce their off-task behaviour.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Children
Youth
LEGO® Robotics
Pediatric Volition
Play
Advisor: Lindsay, Sally
Beyond Busfield: Primary Care, Youth Depression and Pharmaceuticalisation

The use of antidepressants in the paediatric population has increased dramatically in recent years, but there are a number of concerns with prescribing antidepressants to the paediatric population. Joan Busfield’s theory of pharmaceuticalisation tries to explain why this is the case; suggesting physician’s roles as “gatekeepers” for pharmaceutical products is weakening. I conducted qualitative interviews with 11 primary care physicians and 2 paediatricians and used Thematic Analysis to analyze my data. The major finding of this study was that Busfield’s theory is inadequate to explain the rise of antidepressant prescribing in adolescent depression. I provide an alternative explanation that primary care physicians and paediatricians prescribed antidepressants when it was decided upon through shared decision-making with the patient. This finding challenges Busfield’s account of pharmaceuticalisation, and indicates that her theory may need to be refined for clinical situations where there is a lack of strong evidence for pharmacotherapy.

Keywords: adolescent
antidepressant prescribing
medicalisation
pediatric
pharmaceuticalisation
primary care
Advisor: Thompson, Alison
Exploitation of Stragglers in Hierarchical Coded Matrix Multiplication

In distributed computing systems slow-working nodes, known as stragglers, can greatly extend the finishing time. Coded computing is a technique that enables straggler-resistant computation. This thesis first develops a conceptual framework that unifies existing coded matrix multiplication techniques. In this framework the division of work amongst workers in different coding techniques is presented as a cuboid partitioning problem. Building on this framework, we then propose three methods of hierarchical coded computing: Bit-Interleaved Coded Computing (BICC), Multilevel Coded Computing (MLCC), and Hybrid Hierarchical Coded Computing (HHCC). In hierarchical coding the workers process a sequence (a hierarchy) of ordered subtasks and transmit per-subtask results to the master as they are completed. Such hierarchical design leads to exploit the work of stragglers and allows the fast workers to contribute even more to the overall computation. We prove both theoretically and experimentally that hierarchical coding improves the finishing time when compared with non-hierarchical coding.

Keywords: Coded computing
Distributed computing
Stragglers
Advisor: Draper, Stark C.
Seasonal Variation in the Critical Thermal Maxima and Thermal Safety Margin of Redside Dace at its Northern Range

Understanding seasonal changes in the thermal performance of fishes is necessary to identify optimal thermal habitat, which can provide insight into how species distributions may shift under climate change. Using an experimental thermal chamber in the field, I investigated the effect of short- and long-term acclimation, and body size on the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and thermal safety margin (TSM) of wild-caught Redside Dace (n = 169) in Two Tree River, Ontario. Streamside CTmax trials were used to identify the maximum temperature at which Redside Dace maintain equilibrium, providing a powerful tool for understanding how thermal stress affects individual performance. CTmax and TSM of Redside Dace were sensitive to changes in temperature, regardless of season, suggesting that temperature pulses caused by climate change can impose negative fitness consequences year-round. The results provide insight into the thermal performance of Redside Dace that, to date, has been difficult to assess due to the species’ rarity and lack of suitable streamside protocols.

Keywords: Critical thermal maxima plasticity
Seasonal acclimation
Short-term acclimation
Thermal history
Thermal performance curve
Advisor: Mandrak, Nicholas E
Drake, D. Andrew R
Combination of MRI, Histochemical, and Biochemical Analyses Reveal Specific Structural Changes in the Murine Cervix during Term and Preterm Labor

A better understanding of anatomical and structural changes in the murine cervix throughout gestation may improve detection of preterm birth, which is a leading cause of infant morbidities world-wide. I hypothesized that there are microstructural differences between the upper and lower parts of the cervix (endocervix and ectocervix, respectively) and that they undergo changes to facilitate labor. The hypothesis was tested by investigating the cervix from non-pregnant and pregnant CD-1 mice that delivered at term and preterm by histology, immunohistochemistry, MRI, and RT-qPCR. Our results showed that the endocervix had more muscle cells, smaller amount of hydration, and higher proportion of tense collagen fibers. Three zones of the endocervix were revealed, i.e. an inner longitudinal collagenous layer, a middle circular muscular layer, and an outer longitudinal muscular layer. During labor, structural integrity of the endocervix was lost making it an important marker for impending delivery at term and preterm.

Keywords: cervix
MRI
pregnancy
preterm birth
structure
uterus
Advisor: Lye, Stephen
Shynlova, Oksana
The Role of Attachment Style in Resolution of Self-criticism Process

Clients’ attachment styles have been shown to be a consistent predictor of therapeutic processes. However, how clients’ attachment styles impact the resolution of self-criticism, an important process in emotional-focused therapy (EFT), is not well understood. The main objective of this study was to examine whether the resolution of self-criticism mediates the relationship between clients’ pre and post therapy attachment style. To this end, data from a randomized control trial (RCT) conducted by Watson et al. (2003) was used. Results indicated that clients may engage and successfully complete in-session resolution of self-criticism irrespective of their pre-therapy attachment style. Moreover, although clients’ attachment styles change over the course of therapy, resolution of self-criticism did not contribute to changes in post-attachment style. However, resolution of self-criticism contributes to clients’ self-reported post-session changes and these changes predict improvement at the end of therapy. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords: attachment
depression
emotional focused therapy
outcome
process
resolution of self-criticism
Advisor: Watson, Jeanne C