VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Fuel Properties on Combustion Performance and Emissions of Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Liquid-ethanol Blends in a Swirl Burner

Biomass fast pyrolysis liquid, also known as bio-oil, is a promising renewable fuel for heat and power generation; however, implementing crude bio-oil in some current combustion systems can degrade combustion performance and emissions. In this study, optimizing fuel properties to improve combustion is considered. Various bio-oils with different fuel properties are tested in a pilot stabilized spray burner under very close flow conditions. Effects of solids, ash and water content of bio-oil as well as ethanol blending were examined. The results show the amount of solids and ash fractions of the fuel were correlated with combustion efficiency. The CO and unburned hydrocarbon emissions decreased with both water and ethanol content. Increasing the fuel’s volatile content by blending in ethanol has been shown to improve flame stability. Also, the organic fraction of particulate matter emissions was found to be a strong function of the thermogravimetric analysis residue of the fuel.

Keywords: combustion
biomass
pyrolysis
fuel
bio-oil
thermogravimetric analysis
emissions
ethanol
burner
particulate matter
biofuel
Advisor: Thomson, Murray J.
Decisionmakers' Allocation of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Services in Ontario Homecare

Hospital stays have grown increasingly shorter with a corresponding increase in the use of homecare services. However, we have a limited understanding of how homecare services are allocated in Ontario, particularly homecare rehabilitation services. The primary objective of this research is to explore the current decision-making processes for the allocation of occupational and physical therapy services in homecare for the long stay clients. To address this objective a exploratory study using key informant interviews was conducted. The results indicate that the process of decision making for the allocation of therapy services is comprised of a series of stages called intake, assessment, referral to service provider and reassessment. Amongst these the process of determining the volume of therapy services varies widely across different region. These variations are primarily due to the regional contextual (e.g. financial constraints) factors of the individual CCACs.

Keywords: Homecare
Home
Care
Physiotherapy
Occupational
Therapy
physical
Therapy
health
Service
rehabilitation
decision
making
senior
geriatric
Advisor: Berg, Katherine
Rappolt, Susan
Assessment of Cell Penetrating Peptides as a Vehicle for Delivering Transcription Factors for Stem Cell Reprogramming and Controlling Fate Decisions

Conjugation of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transactivator of Transcription (TAT) to active proteins allows transport into the intracellular environment. This feature can be harnessed to deliver combinations of reprogramming factors (RFs) such as c-Myc, Oct4, Klf4 and Sox2 into somatic cells to derive induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). For this project, TAT-fusion proteins including four TAT-conjugated RFs (TAT-RFs) have been produced and purified. All four TAT-RFs can bind specific DNA sequences. Bioactivity was tested in live cells using a novel assay based on an engineered fibroblast cell line that can be induced to express RFs by doxycycline and subsequently generate iPSCs. To test each TAT-RF, reprogramming was blocked by transient silencing of a single RF by siRNA and rescued by the corresponding TAT-RF. The results of this assay suggested that TAT-Klf4 was bioactive in cells; however, definitive evidence could not be obtained for other RFs.

Keywords: Cell Penetrating Peptides
Induced pluripotent stem cells
Transcription Factor Delivery
Advisor: Audet, Julie
Zandstra, Peter W.
Evaluating Customer Service Representative Staff Allocation and Meeting Customer Satisfaction Benchmarks: DEA Bank Branch Analysis

This research employs a non-parametric, fractional, linear programming method, Data Envelopment Analysis to examine the Customer Service Representative resource allocation efficiency of a major Canadian bank’s model. Two DEA models are proposed, (1) to evaluate the Bank’s national branch network in the context of employment only, by minimizing Full Time Equivalent (FTE) while maximizing over-the-counter (OTC) transaction volume; and (2) to evaluate the efficacy of the Bank’s own model in meeting the desired customer satisfaction benchmarks by maximizing fraction of transactions completed under management’s target time. Non-controllable constant-returns-to-scale and variable-returns to-scale model results are presented and further broken down into branch size segments and geographical regions for analysis. A comparison is conducted between the DEA model results and the Bank’s performance ratios and benchmarks, validating the use of the proposed DEA models for resource allocation efficiency analysis in the banking industry.

Keywords: Data Envelopment Analysis
Branch analysis
Efficiency analysis
Performance evaluation
Frontier approach
linear programming
resource allocation
DEA
staff allocation
non controllable variables
Operations Research
Advisor: Paradi, Joseph C.
Developmental Consequences of N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Hypofunction

NMDA receptor signaling is required for proper synapse formation, maintenance, plasticity and function. Dysregulation of the NMDA receptor has been implicated in pathophysiology of schizophrenia, which has an adult onset of symptoms. NMDA receptor deficient mice were utilized to assess the developmental consequences of NMDA receptor hypofunction. Locomotor activity was elevated throughout development; however, deficits in social interaction and working memory only manifest in adulthood and did not progress with age. Age-dependent deficits in neuron synapse biology were also detected; postsynaptic spine number was normal in juveniles, decreased post-adolescence, and progressively declined in adulthood. To investigate possible molecular mechanisms underlying the observed changes in spine number, protein levels of RhoGTPases and their downstream effectors were examined. Significant changes in Rac1 and downstream effectors were detected at different developmental stages. These studies provide clarification of the temporal sequence of events and mechanisms by which NMDA receptor dysfunction affects neurodevelopment.

Keywords: development
schizophrenia
glutamate
NMDA receptor
Advisor: Ramsey, Amy J.
Grant, Denis M.
The Efficacy of a Professional Development Program to Enhance Preschool Educators’ Ability to Facilitate Conversation During Shared Book Reading

This study investigated the effects of a shared book reading professional development program on preschool educators’ ability to engage children in book-related conversations and promote word learning. 20 preschool educators were video-recorded reading two books to a small group of children at pre- and posttest eight weeks apart. Educators in the experimental group (n = 10) participated in professional development that included classroom instruction and individualized coaching. The control group remained on the waitlist. All video-recordings were transcribed and coded. Results indicated that educators in the experimental group included significantly more questions, responsive statements, and lexical diversity in their book-related talk compared to the control group. Further, they facilitated longer book-related conversations and had more long conversations (i.e., five turns or longer). Finally, conversations that included inferential talk resulted in the longest conversations. These findings suggest that professional development can enhance educators’ responsiveness during shared book reading.

Keywords: preschool
shared book reading
language
conversation
Advisor: Girolametto, Luigi
Development of Analytical Probabilistic Models for the Estimation of Rainfall Derived Inflow/Infiltration Frequency

Rainfall derived inflow and infiltration (RDII) is a cause of sanitary sewer overflows and sewers exceeding capacity before the end of their design lives, but it is not well understood. Several methods exist to model RDII in existing sanitary sewers. These models are not applicable for design, which is frequently accomplished by applying constant unit rates. Two analytical probabilistic models are developed to estimate the contribution of RDII to peak flow and volume. The analytical models have been tested against computer simulations using long-term rainfall records and parameters calibrated using actual field data. One model relies on calibrated parameters from the RTK method; a commonly used method requiring a time-consuming calibration process. The second model relies on the R-value parameter of the RTK method, and a time of concentration parameter. By providing better information to designers, these analytical models aim to improve engineering decision-making in the design of sewer systems.

Keywords: Rainfall derived inflow/infiltration
Probabilistic methods
sanitary sewer
Stormwater management
RDII
stormwater
Advisor: Adams, Barry J.
Guo, Yiping
Visual Teach and Repeat Using Appearance-based Lidar - A Method For Planetary Exploration

Future missions to Mars will place heavy emphasis on scientific sample and return operations, which will require a rover to revisit sites of interest. Visual Teach and Repeat (VT&R) has proven to be an effective method to enable autonomous repeating of any previously driven route without a global positioning system. However, one of the major challenges in recognizing previously visited locations is lighting change, as this can drastically change the appearance of the scene. In an effort to achieve lighting invariance, this thesis details the design of a VT&R system that uses a laser scanner as the primary sensor. The key novelty is to apply appearance-based vision techniques traditionally used with camera systems to laser intensity images for motion estimation. Field tests were conducted in an outdoor environment over an entire diurnal cycle, covering more than 11km with an autonomy rate of 99.7% by distance.

Keywords: mobile robotics
vision systems
visual teach and repeat
Advisor: Barfoot, Timothy D.
Parental Alienation in Ontario: What Is Parental Alienation, and What Should Be Done About It?

This paper explores parental alienation in custody and access litigation in Ontario, examining how parental alienation has been defined by various scholars, arguing in favour of the relevance of the term, and identifying a core definition which can be utilized in court. This paper also evaluates how Ontario courts have dealt with parental alienation claims to date, and identifies areas of weakness. Specifically, identification of, and response to, parental alienation is poor in cases where there are elements suggestive of both alienation and estrangement. Additionally, cases are not generally dealt with in a timely manner. Finally, this paper considers the possible benefits of youth acting as parties in parental alienation cases.

Keywords: family law
custody
parental alienation
Advisor: Cossman, Brenda
Development of a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model for Combustion of Fast Pyrolysis Liquid (Bio-oil)

A study was carried out into the computational fluid dynamic simulation of bio-oil combustion. Measurements were taken in an empirical burner to obtain information regarding the flow behaviour. A surrogate fuel was developed to mimic the unique chemical and physical properties of bio-oil combustion. The resulting computational model of the burner domain and surrogate fuel was compared with empirical data. The bio-oil model displayed a good agreement with the data in terms of the combustion behaviour, but was limited by the uncertain flow solution associated with the burner used.

Keywords: bio-oil
modelling
combustion
fast pyrolysis liquid
CFD
bio-fuel
swirl
Advisor: Thomson, Murray J.
Cranial Anatomy and Variation of Prosaurolophus maximus (Dinosauria: Hadrosauridae)

Prosaurolophus maximus is a crested hadrosaurine known from numerous specimens from the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta. Therefore, it is an ideal taxon to reconstruct patterns of growth and variation in hadrosaurids, and improve our understanding of their evolutionary relationships. This study describes the cranial anatomy of P. maximus, quantitatively examines its range of variation, and provides the first ontogenetic series for this taxon. A second species, P. blackfeetensis, was named based on morphological differences in the characteristic nasal crest; however, morphometric results fail to quantitatively differentiate P. blackfeetensis from P. maximus. A species-level phylogenetic analysis of hadrosaurids recovers P. maximus and P. blackfeetensis as sister taxa. Based on both the morphometric and phylogenetic data, this study supports the previous hypothesis that P. blackfeetensis is a junior synonym of P. maximus thereby substantially increasing its temporal range, and suggests a long period of morphological stasis in this taxon.

Keywords: Vertebrate Paleontology
Dinosauria
Hadrosauridae
Advisor: Evans, David C.
Genetic Determinants of Cilantro Preference

Cilantro, the leaf of the Coriandrum sativum plant, has been documented as being one of the most polarizing and divisive foods known. It has been proposed that extreme disliking of this herb may be explained by genetic variation. The objectives of this thesis were to quantify the prevalence of cilantro disliking in various ethnocultural groups, to identify genetic polymorphisms that are associated with this trait using genome-wide association studies, and to analyze the associations of these polymorphisms within different ethnocultural groups. Prevalence of cilantro disliking was found to range from 3%, among Middle Eastern subjects, to 21% among East Asians. Two polymorphisms, one in the OR4N5 olfactory receptor gene and the other in the TAS2R1 taste receptor gene, were found to be associated with cilantro preference in the Caucasian subset of the study population. No statistically significant associations were observed within other ethnic groups.

Keywords: Cilantro
Flavour preference
Genetics
Advisor: El-Sohemy, Ahmed
Photonics-based Multi-gas Sensor

The design of a photonics-based multi-gas sensor is presented. Absorption spectroscopy theory has been analyzed to derive key requirements for effective gas concentration measurements. HITRAN spectral analyses have determined appropriate ranges for single and multi-gas sensing. A discussion of two setups (large-scale setup and portable prototype) outlines relevant results for the development of innovative data processing algorithms (floating-point technique (FPT)). Eight absorption lines were experimentally detected (761 nm range), facilitating the recognition of oxygen spectra with surety. The FPT was used to measure oxygen concentration with an approx. 2.5% error when scanning one absorption line. Strategies to reduce the error to below 0.1% and to improve the prototype are presented. The sensor is expected to operate in an inhomogeneous network. The network utilizes different sensors capable of cross-using information to achieve high reliability and accuracy, in order to predict, prevent, and recognize man-made and natural threats.

Keywords: photonics
optical
gas sensor
inhomogeneous network
multi-gas
data processing
absorption
spectroscopy
HITRAN
oxygen
reliability
accuracy
Advisor: Goldenberg, Andrew A.
Peshko, Igor
Automated Target Detection in Diagnostic Ultrasound based on the CLEAN Algorithm

In this thesis, we present an algorithm for the automated detection of abnormalities (targets) in ultrasound images. The algorithm uses little a priori information and does not require training data. The proposed scheme is a combination of the CLEAN algorithm, originally proposed for radio astronomy, and constant false alarm rate (CFAR) processing, developed for use in radar systems. Neither of these algorithms appears to have been previously used for target detection in ultrasound images. The CLEAN algorithm identifies areas in the ultrasound image that stand out above a threshold in relation to the background; CFAR techniques allow for an automated and adaptive selection of the threshold. The algorithm was tested on simulated B-mode images. Using a contrast-detail analysis, probability of detection curves indicate that, depending on the contrast, the method has considerable promise for the automated detection of abnormalities with diameters greater than a few millimetres.

Keywords: Ultrasound
Medical Imaging
Signal Processing
Detection
Computer Aided Detection
Diagnostics
Advisor: Adve, Raviraj
Cobbold, Richard
Automatic Segmentation of Lung Carcinoma Using 3D Texture Features in Co-registered 18-FDG PET/CT Images

Variability between oncologists in defining the tumor during radiation therapy planning can be as high as 700% by volume. Robust, automated definition of tumor boundaries has the ability to significantly improve treatment accuracy and efficiency. However, the information provided in computed tomography (CT) is not sensitive enough to differences between tumor and healthy tissue and positron emission tomography (PET) is hampered by blurriness and low resolution. The textural characteristics of thoracic tissue was investigated and compared with those of tumors found within 21 patient PET and CT images in order to enhance the differences and the boundary between cancerous and healthy tissue. A pattern recognition approach was used from these samples to learn the textural characteristics of each and classify voxels as being either normal or abnormal. The approach was compared to a number of alternative methods and found to have the highest overlap with that of an oncologist's tumor definition.

Keywords: Segmentation
Machine Learning
Advisor: Caldwell, Curtis
Judicial Corruption in the Peruvian Judicial System: Ways to Resolve the Problem by Applying the Economic Analysis of Law

Judicial Corruption has been one the most serious problems in Latin America and particularly, within the Peruvian state for a long period of time. Accordingly, many judicial reforms were attempted by different governments –democratic and non democratic- in order to definitively resolve the problem. However, none of such attempts succeed and judicial corruption is now chronic in the Peruvian society. Taking into account this scenario, the following investigation proposes the application of the Economic Analysis of Law in order to find concrete ways to fight and end judicial corruption. For that purpose we will mainly apply the economic concepts of incentives and human behavior in order to detect the causes of judicial corruption, the obstacles to achieve a real reform, and principally, to propose concrete measures aimed to address the problem.

Keywords: Judiciary
Economic Analysis of Law
Corruption
Advisor: Yoon, Albert
Serum Estradiol Levels and Mental Health-related Quality of Life in Canadian Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Serum estradiol levels decline after menopause and the effect on mental health-related quality of life (MHR-QOL) is unclear. Objective: To determine if there is an association between endogenous serum estradiol levels and MHR-QOL in healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: This cross-sectional study used baseline Canadian data from the Mammary Prevention.3 trial. Serum estradiol was measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Outcomes for MHR-QOL were the Medical Outcomes 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5), Mental Component Summary (MCS), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL)-psychosocial domain. Results: There were no statistically significant associations between estradiol levels and MHR-QOL in univariate analyses (n=455). Multivariable linear regression predicted statistically significant differences in MCS (R2=0.10, P=0.03) and MENQOL-psychosocial domain (R2=0.10, P=0.04), however estradiol was not a significant predictor. Conclusions: This study did not find a statistically significant association between endogenous serum estradiol levels and MHR-QOL in healthy postmenopausal women.

Keywords: Serum Estradiol
Health-Related Quality of Life
Postmenopause
Advisor: Cheung, Angela M.
Experimental and Analytical Investigations of Rectangular Tuned Liquid Dampers (TLDs)

A TLD (tuned liquid damper) is a passive control devise on top of a structure that dissipates the input excitation energy through the liquid boundary layer friction, the free surface contamination, and wave breaking. In order to design an efficient TLD, using an appropriate model to illustrate the liquid behaviour as well as knowing optimum TLD parameters is of crucial importance. In this study the accuracy of the existing models which are able to capture the liquid motion behaviour are investigated and the effective range of important TLD parameters are introduced through real-time hybrid shaking table tests.

Keywords: Tuned Liquid Damper
Advisor: Mercan, Oya
Raman Characterization of Colloidal Nanoparticles using Hollow-core Photonic Crystal Fibers

This Masters thesis investigates the ligand–particle binding interactions in the thiol–capped CdTe nanoparticles and dye adsorbed gold nanoparticles. In the CdTe nanoparticles, Raman modes corresponding to the CdTe core, thiol ligand and their interfacial layers were observed and correlated to the different nanoparticle properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such strong Raman modes of the thiol-capped nanoparticles in aqueous solution have been reported. In the gold nanoparticle systems, gold–citrate binding interactions were observed as well as adsorption of the Raman dyes and binding with the polyethyleneglycol polymer coating and phospholipid coating. These observations coincided with findings from conventional optical techniques. In addition, gold nanoparticles were found to carbonize at high pump power and prolonged exposure time. In summary, the two nanoparticle characterizations demonstrated the high sensitivity and nondestructive nature of the photonic crystal fiber for Raman spectroscopy.

Keywords: Raman
Nanoparticles
Photonic Crystal Fiber
Sensing
Liquid core fiber
Microstructured fiber
Advisor: Helmy, Amr S.
The Mechanical Effects of Flaming Nickel-titanium Orthodontic Archwires

Objective: To assess the mechanical effects of nickel-titanium orthodontic archwire flaming and their distribution along the wire. Methodology: Two sizes of pre-formed austenitic nickel-titanium archwires were tested (n=10). The terminal 5mm of each wire was heated for five seconds using a butane lighter. Micro-hardness testing was used to determine the heat-affected zone for all wires. Cantilever bending was performed to assess the mechanical properties of heated wires. Results: The heat-affected zone was found to extend less than 2 mm past the flame boundary for all wires. For each wire gauge, the flamed zone was characterized by a lower and flatter super-elastic plateau and an increased tendency for plastic deformation when compared to controls. Conclusions: The limited ability of austenitic nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires to conduct heat past the boundary of the flamed region suggests no need to alter current clinical practice.

Keywords: Dentistry
Orthodontics
Wire
Heat
Advisor: Tompson, Bryan