VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Attitude Determination and Control Hardware Acceptance Testing for Next Generation Microsatellites

In a spacecraft development cycle, components must undergo a rigorous regime of testing, known as acceptance testing, to ensure that they can operate in the required environment and at the required level before being accepted for spaceflight. This thesis discusses the acceptance testing of attitude determination and control hardware using these procedures for four satellite missions currently under development at the time of writing in the Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies. Focus is placed on improvements made to the acceptance testing procedures and analysis methods for the hardware. The key contributions of the thesis are improvements to the magnetometer functional test and calibration, rate sensor calibration, sun sensor calibration, and reaction wheel long-form functional test. This work demonstrates that the hardware integrated into the satellites is reliable, improving confidence in mission success, and in some cases could improve the performance of missions on-orbit.

Keywords: Attitude
Control
Microsatellite
Nanosatellite
Satellite
Small
Advisor: Zee, Robert E
Allocation of Dentists to Canadian Armed Forces Dental Clinics: A Comparison between Two Human Resource Planning Models

Objectives: To compare two methods of allocating general dentists to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) dental detachments: a dentist-to-population ratio model and a needs-based model. Methods: Data obtained from CAF sources were analysed to compare models. Times assigned to treatment plan procedures were used as a proxy for treatment needs. Full-time equivalents (FTEs) were used as an indicator of the number of dentists allocated. Results: Under the current dentist-to-population ratio model, 83.25 FTE general dentists are allocated to CAF detachments compared to 64.71 FTEs that would be allocated using a needs-based model. The average difference between models was 0.71 FTEs. Conclusions: The results should be interpreted with caution since extrapolating treatment needs to the population-level using limited treatment plan data could lead to an over- or underestimation of human resources requirements. If the results are replicated in future research, then changing to a needs-based model may result in cost savings.

Keywords: Canadian Armed Forces
dentistry
human resources
military
personnel
planning models
Advisor: Lawrence, Herenia P
The Political Ecology of Indigenous Territorial Struggles in the Darién, Panama: Land Invasions, Partial State Recognition, and Racialized Discrimination in the Emberá-Wounaan Collective Land Struggle

By studying the case of land invasions on the Collective Land of Arimae and Emberá Puru, this thesis examines the material and symbolic conflicts underpinning the struggle for the recognition of indigenous collective lands in the Darién province of Panama. Data was collected primarily through semi-structured interviews and participant observation over a three-month period in Arimae in 2014. I argue that land invasions on indigenous territories are facilitated by the State’s ambivalence in the recognition of indigenous territorial rights, by discourses that devalue indigenous cultures and practices, and by the corruption of local State institutions. These elements, coupled with land invasions, promote internal rule violation and leadership cooptation in Arimae, which weaken community governance institutions. Yet, many community members retain a strong desire to fight for a legal recognition of their territory in order to halt land invasions, to protect the forest, and to secure the future of their children.

Keywords: Indigenous rights
Land invasions
Political ecology
Resources conflict
Advisor: Abizaid, Christian
Mechanisms Underlying the Prosocial Construction Effect: Detail and Self-referential Processing

There is growing interest in the links between memory and imagination and in their contributions to other cognitive functions. In previous research, imagining oneself helping others increased one’s willingness to help them, and willingness to help correlated with the subjective vividness of imagination (i.e., the prosocial construction effect; PCE). We investigated the degree to which the PCE relies on self-referential processing and on more objectively measured vividness, and the relationship between episodic memory and self-reported trait empathy. We conclude that 1) self-reference is an important but not a necessary component of the PCE; 2) its role may relate to increased feelings of compassion; 3) the PCE is not limited to subjective vividness but can be demonstrated using more objective measures of vividness; and 4) self-reported trait empathy is higher when survey items cue memories of one’s own empathetic behaviour. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.

Keywords: empathy
episodic memory
imagination
memory
prosociality
self-referential processing
Advisor: Moscovitch, Morris
McAndrews, Mary Pat
Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Efficiency of Concrete Materials

Many materials have been proposed as ‘green’ alternatives to conventional concrete constituents. A life cycle assessment (LCA) approach is adopted to model the processes included in the life cycle of concrete. Five LCA software packages are evaluated to select a tool for use in this work. The sensitivity of LCA results to the composition of Ontario’s electricity grid is analyzed. Allocation of environmental impact to by-product materials, namely fly ash, is investigated. Six functional units representing various levels of complexity and incorporating strength and durability performance are developed. Finally, a methodology for calculating Environmental Efficiency Indicators (EEIs) for concrete is presented. EEIs are calculated for eight mix designs containing varying amounts of alternative concrete materials. The results show that supplementary cementitious materials and limestone cement improve EEI. The EEI of photocatalytic cement concrete is improved if SCMs are incorporated. Recycled aggregate concrete has a lower EEI compared to conventional concrete.

Keywords: concrete
environmental efficiency
green concrete
life cycle assessment
Advisor: Panesar, Daman K
Churchill, Cameron J
Heat Transfer Analysis for Preliminary Design of Gas Turbine Combustion Chamber Liners

The objective of this thesis was to assess numerical techniques that can be utilized to predict gas turbine combustion chamber liner temperature in preliminary design. There are three main aspects of liner temperature prediction that were explored: (1) hot gas temperature prediction; (2) radiation modelling; and (3) cooling technology modelling. Reactor networks, zonal method along with simple one/two-dimensional models were picked for the these three factors. Preliminary tests for zonal method very low run time with results showing accurate trends. Reactor Networks provided valid trends for combustor outlet temperatures; further validation would be required to assess its capability to predict local temperature. One/two-dimensional models for cooling technologies were tested potential benefits over empirical correlations were discussed. Additional validation would be required for all the sub modules to be integrated into a larger Preliminary Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (PMDO) tool for gas turbine combustion chambers.

Keywords: Combustion Chamber
Heat Transfer
Numerical Analysis
Preliminary Design
Radiation
Zonal Method
Advisor: Groth, Clinton P.
Sampath, Parthasarthy
Atomistic Modelling and Prediction of Glass Forming Ability in Bulk Metallic Glasses

Atomistic modeling (via molecular dynamics with EAM interaction potentials) was conducted for the detailed investigation of kinetics, thermodynamics, structure, and bonding in Ni-Al and Cu-Zr metallic glasses. This work correlates GFA with the nature of atomic-level bonding and vibrational properties, with results potentially extensible to the Transition Metal – Transition Metal and Transition Metal – Metalloid alloy classes in general. As a first step in the development of a liquid-only GFA tuning approach, an automated tool has also been created for the broad compositional sampling of liquid and glassy phase properties in multicomponent (binary, ternary, quaternary) alloy systems. Its application to the Cu-Zr alloy system shows promising results, including the successful identification of the two highest GFA compositions, Cu50Zr50 and Cu64Zr36. Combined, the findings of this work highlight the critical importance of incorporating more complex alloy-specific information regarding the nature of bonding and ordering at the atomic level into such an approach.

Keywords: Glass Forming Ability
Kinetics
Metallic Glass
Molecular Dynamics
Structure
Thermodynamics
Advisor: Singh, Chandra Veer
Thorpe, Steven J
Experimental Evolution of Pseudomonas syringae pathovar phaseolicola 1448A in the Non-host Plant Arabidopsis thaliana

Plants use their innate immune system to recognize conserved molecular elicitors of microbes to contain most microbial infections. Successful microbes may evolve to overcome resistance by suppressing the immune system or avoiding recognition. In plant-pathogen systems, microbes that are not able to overcome the innate immune response are said to have non-host interactions. For example, in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 the bacterial phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pathovar phaseolicola 1448A (Pph1448A) exhibits a non-host resistance response. Here, an experimental evolution approach was used to track the adaptation of Pph1448A to the non-host Arabidopsis. After 30 serial passages, population whole genome sequencing was used to identify candidate mutations linked with the early stages of Pph1448A’s adaptation to Arabdopsis. With continued passaging, mutations will likely continue to accumulate in Pph1448A that may, in future, be linked with a change in virulence.

Keywords: arabidopsis
bacteria
evolution
experimental
Pseudomonas
syringae
Advisor: Guttman, David S
Desveaux, Darrell
Mandibular Growth in Class II Patients with Severe Skeletal Dysplasia, After the Pubertal Growth Peak

Background. Treatment of Class II malocclusion depends on the etiology and on skeletal maturation. Objectives. To evaluate the extent of mandibular growth in Class II patients with severe skeletal dysplasia, after the pubertal growth peak. Materials and Methods. 27 subjects with Class II malocclusion (13m, 14f; ANB ≥ 6° and unit length difference ≤ 19.5) and 27 Class I controls (matched for age, gender, and skeletal maturation) had lateral cephalograms studied at: (T1) after the pubertal growth spurt (CVM stages 4, 5, or 6) and (T2) minimum 2 years after T1. Results. No statistically significant difference (p=0.5) was seen between mandibular growth in the study group (2.7 ± 2.4 mm) and the control group (2.6 ± 3.2 mm). Age and gender were significant predictors of growth (p

Keywords: Class II
growth
mandible
orthodontics
Advisor: Tompson, Bryan
Networks of Power and Privilege: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the US Next Generation Science Standards

Science holds significant power in shaping many of our everyday choices. Thus, it is important for science education to foster the development of scientific literacy for all students, so that they can navigate science-related issues in their daily lives. This study carries out a critical discourse analysis of the US Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) through an actor network theory framework to explore how the NGSS document is shaping the discourse of science education. The findings of this study show that the NGSS delivers a highly technocratic document that leaves little room for democratic engagement. It seems to place an emphasis on science education that is necessary for entry into STEM fields. The NGSS appears to have co-opted the notion of a “science for all” approach to push a neoliberal agenda of science education that serves to fuel the economic market and privileges a select few.

Keywords: actor network theory
critical discourse analysis
next generation science standards
science education
scientific literacy
STEM
Advisor: Bencze, John L
Inhibition of the FKBP Family of Peptidyl Prolyl Isomerases Induces Abortive Translocation and Degradation of the Cellular Prion Protein

Prion disorders are a class of neurodegenerative diseases that feature a structural change of the prion protein from its cellular form (PrPC) into its scrapie form (PrPSc). As these disorders are currently incurable, there is a crucial need for novel therapeutic agents. Here, the FDA-approved immunosuppressive drug FK506 was shown to cause an attenuation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) translocation of PrPC by exacerbating an intrinsic inefficiency of PrP’s ER-targeting signal sequence, effectively causing the proteasomal degradation of PrPC. Furthermore, the depletion of FKBP10 also caused the degradation of PrPC but at a later stage following translocation into the ER. Additionally, novel FK506 analogues with reduced immunosuppressive properties were shown to be as efficacious as FK506 in downregulating PrPC. Finally, both FK506 treatment and FKBP10 depletion were shown to reduce the levels of PrPSc in chronically infected cell models. These findings offer a new insight into the development of treatments against prion disorders.

Advisor: Williams, David B
Unintentional Injury in the Rural Setting – the Development of an Instrument to Determine the Attitudes and Beliefs of Rural Community Members Towards Unintentional Injury

Rural Canada is home to at least 19 percent of Canadians. However, compared to people who live in urban areas, rural Canadians experience lower life expectancy and higher mortality rates and report less healthy behaviours. Unintentional injury is a particular problem. Health promotion initiatives in rural communities should be based on an understanding of the attitudes and beliefs of rural community members towards unintentional injury. The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to measure these attitudes and beliefs. The instrument was validated for use with this population by experts in various fields and pilot tested with a sample of the intended respondents. A survey is now available for use with the rural population on a larger scale to assist in the design of a rural specific health promotion initiative that reflects the attitudes of the people it is intended to support.

Keywords: Health Education
Health Promotion
Injury Prevention
Rural Health
Unintentional Injury
Advisor: Childs, Ruth
Optimized Data Placement for Real-time Analytics on Semi-structured Data

In this dissertation, we address the emerging demand for extending traditional relational support to semi-structured data, and for real-time data analytics. Semi-structured data (e.g.,JSON) poses new challenges with large numbers of attributes, sparse attributes and dynamic changes in both workload and data set. In this context, we design, implement and evaluate a novel technique for vertical partitioning of data for optimizing performance of main memory databases. Our partitioning algorithm enables JSON data storage in main memory relational databases by intelligently decomposing JSON objects into different tables. It also adapts to changes in workload and dataset by dynamically refining the current layout. Using the Nobench dataset for JSON data, we outperform Argo, a state-of-the-art data model that maps JSON into relational databases, by 15-30x. We also outperform Hyrise, a state-of-the-art vertical partitioning algorithm, by 1.6x for hybrid workloads with sparse data and perform as well as Hyrise for other workloads.

Keywords: JSON
Vertical Partitioning
Advisor: Amza, Cristiana
Investigating the Putative Mechanism and Functional Role of RGS5 Upregulation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Following Statin Treatment

RGS5 within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is capable of inhibiting G-protein signaling involved in VSMC recruitment. Based on the suggested ability of statin to upregulate RGS5, we investigated whether RGS5 could mediate the pleiotropic effects of statins in VSMCs. Fluvastatin treatment of isolated VSMCs significantly increased the expression of RGS5, while downregulating RGS2, RGS3, and RGS16. However, these results were not observed ex vivo or in vivo within the aorta following fluvastatin treatment. Fluvastatin also upregulated PPARδ and PPARγ, demonstrated transcriptional regulators of RGS5 expression, in VSMCs. However, PPARδ and PPARγ antagonists did not block fluvastatin-induced RGS5 upregulation and their agonists did not increase RGS5 expression. Lastly, fluvastatin did not significantly reduce neointimal hyperplasia following femoral artery injury in RGS5 WT and KO mice. These results suggest that statins robustly upregulate RGS5 only in cultured synthetic VSMCs, with the physiological role of this pleiotropic effect remaining to be elucidated.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis
G-Protein Signaling
Neointimal Hyperplasia
Pleiotropic
Statins
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell
Advisor: Heximer, Scott P.
Design and Synthesis of Small Molecule Agonists Targeting Type I Interferon and Vitamin D Receptors

Small molecule agonists were designed and synthesized for two receptor systems: (i) type I interferon-α/β-receptor (IFNAR), a heterodimeric cell-surface transmembrane receptor; and (ii) the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear membrane bound receptor. As part of the first project, 18 compounds were designed, carrying specific functionalities, and were synthesized targeting IFNAR. A candidate compound exhibited antiviral activities and induced interferon-inducible genes, implying their agonist-like interactions at the receptor. As part of the second project, synthetic strategies were investigated for the synthesis of three hit compounds as potential agonists of VDR to enable accessibility to target compounds. Three hit molecules belonging to the class of pyrimidines were synthesized. This thesis outlines the functional group modifications for exploring agonist activities using rational approaches.

Keywords: Agonist
IFNAR
Interferon
vitamin D
Vitamin D receptor
Advisor: Kotra, Lakshmi P
Examining the Therapeutic Potential of Deep Brain Stimulation in a Preclinical Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Considerable progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, up to 30% of patients fail to achieve meaningful relief despite multiple treatment attempts. Animal models play an important role in the development of new treatment strategies. This thesis describes a preclinical model of PTSD in which animals displaying impaired fear extinction also exhibit behavioural and endocrine abnormalities similar to those described in PTSD. The model is then implemented to examine the translational potential of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of PTSD. A frontline pharmacological intervention, Fluoxetine, is also tested using the model. Chronic DBS of the infralimbic cortex, but not acute DBS or chronic Fluoxetine, was shown to attenuate fear expression to a conditioned aversive cue and reduce anxiety behaviours in PTSD-like rats. These findings demonstrate the translational potential of DBS for the treatment of severe, intractable PTSD.

Keywords: Animal Models
DBS
Deep Brain Stimulation
Extinction
Fear
PTSD
Advisor: Hamani, Clement
Queering Museums: Questions of Space, Affect, and the (Non)Normative

This thesis proposes and utilizes the theoretical framework of ‘neoliberal museology’ to analyze the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR). Neoliberal museology enacts, what is termed as, ‘neoliberal affective rhetorics’ that seek to manage identitarian selves within a cohesive whole, which is demonstrated within the formation of museology over time, persisting within the contemporary embrace of inclusivity and diversity. Turning to queer-affect theory, the neoliberal affective rhetorics embodied in the Sara Ahmed’s ‘promise of happiness’ and Lauren Berlant’s ‘cruel optimism’ are illustrated within the CMHR’s constructed affective pathway in the institution both as a whole and in individual narratives, focusing specifically on the LGBTQ* identitarian representation. Ultimately, this project calls attention to the normalizing affective rhetorics of a brand new cultural institution, teasing apart one instance of contemporary museology in order to create grounds on which to consider differently than the dominant, than the normative.

Keywords: affect
LGBTQ
museology
museum
neoliberalism
queer
Advisor: Mihalache, Irina
SPARC Inhibits VEGF-mediated VEGFR2 Activation and Downstream Signaling

Angiogenesis is in part mediated by the interaction and cross-talk of endothelial cells with their surrounding extracellular matrix microenvironment. SPARC is a collagen- and growth factor-binding matricellular glycoprotein thought to modulate angiogenesis by binding VEGF. VEGF is a potent pro-angiogenic molecule that signals through two cell surface receptors, VEGF receptor 1 and 2 (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2). While pro-angiogenic properties of SPARC may be explained by its interference with VEGF-mediated activation of VEGFR1, the underlying mechanism behind its anti-angiogenic properties is unknown. My study demonstrates for the first time that SPARC binding to VEGF decreases VEGF-mediated VEGFR2 phosphorylation and activation of downstream effectors ERK, p38, and Akt. Moreover, I show that SPARC inhibits VEGF-mediated cell migration. Overall, my data suggest that SPARC exerts anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting VEGF-induced VEGFR2 signaling. This study supports further investigation of SPARC as a potential therapeutic agent for pathological angiogenesis.

Keywords: HUVEC
SPARC
VEGF
VEGFR2
Advisor: Ringuette, Maurice J
Nano-scale Colloid Particle Transport in Variable-aperture Sandstone Rock Fracture

Fractured rock aquifers are susceptible to contamination from septic tank leakage and municipal landfills due to the high conductivity pathways associated with rock fractures. The transport of virus-sized particles in sandstone fractures has not been previously investigated. Transport tests were conducted in an artificially fractured sandstone rock block with negatively charged carboxylate-modified latex microspheres of three sizes (0.02μm, 0.10μm, 0.50μm ϕ), positively charged amine-modified microspheres (0.05μm ϕ), and a conservative solute (〖Br〗^-). The tests were performed at two specific discharges (0.35mm.s-1, and 0.95mm.s-1), two total ionic strengths (5mM, 15mM), and two ionic compositions (〖Na〗^+and 〖Ca〗^(+2)). The 0.02μm particles were retained the most. The 0.10μm particles were retained the least. The 0.05μm particles were not retained under favorable attachment conditions. Increasing the specific discharge resulted in lower particle retention. Increasing the ionic strength increased particle retention, especially for the smaller colloids. Divalent electrolytes were more effective in retaining the particles permanently.

Keywords: colloid transport
ionic strength
latex microsphere
sandstone fracture
variable aperture
Advisor: Sleep, Brent E
Passeport, Elodie