VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
THE TRANSITION OF ADSORBED WATER VAPOUR ON SILICA TO ADSORBED WATER

An apparatus was constructed to house finely polished fused silica substrate in order to determine the steady-state amount adsorbed per unit area in thermal dis-equilibrium conditions. Moreover, the conditions under which adsorbed vapour transitions into adsorbed liquid were determined. The apparatus was configured to measure the steady-state energy transport during this transition. The thermo-kinetic approach predicts the formation of an adsorbed water vapour film on top of the fused silica substrate with no required sub-cooling. This prediction is seen to be confirmed by our experimental measurements using a UV-visible interferometer. From the equilibrium data published previously, the number of molecules contained in a cluster for thermal equilibrium conditions was calculated to be 82. The maximum number of molecules that a cluster can have for thermal dis-equilibrium conditions was determined to be 154 by using the UV-visible interferometer’s data.

Keywords: Adsorption
Adsorption Isotherm
Condensation
Phase Transition
Silica
Water
Advisor: Ward, Charles A
A Vehicle Routing Problem with Movement Synchronization of Drones, Sidewalk Robots, or Foot-Walkers

The vehicle routing problem (VRP) and its variants have many city logistics applications, such as goods delivery, mail service, and people movement. The VRP extension with movement synchronization (VRPMS) has potential applications of drone and robot technologies to assist with the delivery of parcels. VRPMS seeks the optimal route for a set of composite resources, e.g. delivery van with drones, or delivery van with sidewalk robots. This paper proposes an exact formulation of the problem, and a metaheuristic approach to solve larger instances of the VRPMS in order to assess the economic benefits of the different technologies. A numerical analysis demonstrates that the sidewalk robot and the foot-walker technology alternatives have greater cost saving potentials than the drone technology alternative. However, depending on future development of the technology, drones can still be a viable solution to assist the delivery of parcels.

Keywords: delivery
freight
genetic algorithm
optimization
transportation
vehicle routing
Advisor: Roorda, Matthew J
Gold Nanoclusters as Upconversion Sensitizers via Triplet-Triplet Annihilation

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have been gaining attention in the field of nanoscience for their optical properties, photostability, and low toxicity. Compared to larger gold nanoparticles, AuNCs are smaller in diameter—usually on the size regime of 1–2 nm. Their atomically precise structures give rise to pseudo–molecular properties, including emissivity and long–lived excited states, which form the focus of this work. We explore the possibility of exploiting emissive AuNCs as sensitizers for optical upconversion, by triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA). This is a nonlinear process involving a triplet sensitizer and a fluorescent acceptor (annihilator), which is measured by an anti–Stokes shift. We successfully synthesize emissive AuNCs and demonstrate that they can be paired with a coumarin–based fluorophore in a common solution, although challenges remain in observing AuNC–sensitized TTA upconversion. We identify further research directions to realize the promise of this new technique for biomedical imaging applications.

Keywords: Coumarin
Gold Nanoclusters
Spectroscopy
TCSPC
Triplet-Triplet Annihilation
Upconversion
Advisor: Wilson, Mark W.B.
Reactive stepping ability of individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury

Up to 75% of individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) experience at least one fall each year. Reactive stepping is one strategy used to prevent falls. Our objective was to describe reactive stepping ability of individuals with incomplete SCI compared to able-bodied adults. Forty-two individuals participated (17 with incomplete SCI). Participants adopted a forward lean position whilst attached to a rigid structure through a horizontal cable positioned at waist height. The release mechanism was unexpectedly triggered to elicit reactive stepping. Behavioural responses (i.e. single step, multi-step, fall) were significantly different between groups whereas movement timing of the stepping leg (i.e. step-off, step contact) was not significantly different. The onset of muscle activation was significantly slower for two lower extremity muscles in participants with SCI compared to able-bodied adults. Reactive stepping ability is likely impaired in individuals with incomplete SCI suggesting reactive balance control should be targeted in SCI rehabilitation.

Keywords: balance
reactive
spinal cord injury
Advisor: Musselman, Kristin E
A quality improvement program to standardize and improve the perioperative management of total knee arthroplasty patients at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada

We undertook a quality improvement program designed to improve patient outcomes, decrease costs and improve the efficiency of care, and to improve patient experience for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Using the model for improvement, we decreased knee buckling (from 45% to 5%), decreased knee immobilizer use (from 7% to

Keywords: clinical pathway
orthopaedic surgery
process improvement
quality improvement
total knee arthroplasty
Advisor: Baker, Ross
Hydrosilylation of Ketones Catalyzed by Reactive Fe and Co Complexes Constructed from Isolated Picolyl-Functionalized N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

Silanes are commonly used reducing agents due to their reactive nature and the high earth-abundance of silicon. Many metal complexes are known to catalyze the hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds with high turnover frequencies (TOFs) using reactive hydrosilanes, such as phenylsilane and diphenylsilane. However, when the inexpensive and less reactive polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) is used as the reductant, the reported catalysts have shown low TOFs. Herein, the syntheses of reactive Fe and Co complexes constructed from isolated free picolyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are presented, and their good activities in hydrosilylation of ketones are discussed.

Keywords: free picolyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes
hydrosilylation of ketones
polymethylhydrosiloxane
Advisor: Song, Datong
Patched Domain-containing 4 (PTCH53) Identified in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Patient-derived Cells

Germline TP53 mutations are the primary underlying etiologic cause of Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Lack of predictability in age-of-onset, cancer phenotypes, and likelihood of subsequent malignancies, highlights the need to understand secondary modifiers beyond germline TP53 status. This study examines the expression profile of PTCH53, a newly reported downstream target of p53, in primary LFS patient-derived fibroblasts. PTCH53 mRNA expression correlates with TP53 status. Overall, lower levels of PTCH53 were observed in TP53 mutant cells. However, PTCH53 can be upregulated upon DNA damage in cells producing wildtype p53 protein. Furthermore, differential expression profiles of four PTCH53 splice variants were detected. Alternative splicing in PTCH53 may result in protein isoforms with a truncated Sterol Sensing Domain. Our results further suggest that DNA damage-induced p53 may activate a signalling cascade involving upregulation of specific PTCH53 variant(s). PTCH53 appears to provide a direct molecular link between the p53 and Hedgehog signalling pathways.

Keywords: Alternative splicing
Hedgehog signalling
Li-Fraumeni syndrome
p53
Patched
PTCH53
Advisor: Malkin, David
Man's Best Friend is a Therapist's Best Friend: How the Presence of a Dog Influences Therapists and Others' Perceptions of Them

Research shows that others perceive therapists who are accompanied by a dog more positively, compared to when they are alone. However, it is not known whether it is the presence of the dog that causes this, or whether the dog positively influences the affect of the therapist. The purpose of this study is to improve our understanding of how the presence of a dog influences others’ perceptions. Therapists were videotaped with and without their dog present. The videos were edited to show the therapists’ faces only. Therefore, even in the dog-present videos, the dogs are not visible. Participants watched the videos online, after which they responded to questionnaires assessing perceptions of the therapist, and willingness to self-disclose to the therapist they saw. Participants provided more positive ratings, and indicated greater willingness to disclose to therapists when therapists were in the presence of their dog compared to when they were not.

Keywords: human-animal interaction
perception
therapeutic alliance
therapist
therapy
Advisor: Schneider, Margaret
Design of an Integrated Curriculum of Online Learning Modules to Facilitate Delivery of Safety Education within Existing University Programs

The need for better safety education of university students has been a critical issue for health and safety associations and industry representatives as far back as the 1980s. In this project, an industry-inspired methodology to address this gap was designed and tested. The proposed integrated curriculum was developed in partnership with subject matter experts external to the university to guide students from low- to high-level learning outcomes defined by the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy. This curriculum is intended to be implemented using online learning modules spread throughout undergraduate studies in Sciences, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics. A sample eLearning module was developed using this method and tested on students within a university program. The program successfully increased the students’ knowledge in safety and risk management and demonstrated that partnership with subject matter experts can accelerate development and implementation of such programs to maximize impact.

Keywords: Curriculum Development
eLearning
Engineering Education
Risk Management
Safety Education
Teaching Effectiveness
Advisor: Norval, Graeme
Placebo Controlled Double Blind Crossover Trial of Metformin for Brain Repair in Children Treated with Cranial Radiation for Brain Tumours

OBJECTIVES: Cranial radiation results in neuronal insult and cognitive impairment in brain tumour survivors (BTS). Metformin increases neurogenesis and improves memory in mice. We conducted a pilot double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial to examine the effects of metformin versus placebo on hippocampal and white matter (WM) volume, and cognitive processes in BTS. METHODS: Twenty four participants were randomly assigned to complete 12-week cycles of Metformin (A) and Placebo (B) in either an AB or BA sequence. Assessment at baseline and immediately following treatment included: (a) structural MRI to obtain hippocampal subfield and WM volume, and (b) cognitive testing. Linear mixed modelling was used to measure changes in outcome measures with respect to treatment, cycle, and carryover. FINDINGS: Treatment and carryover effects were observed, suggesting ongoing effects up to 22 weeks following treatment. CONCLUSION: Metformin may be effective for normalizing brain structure and cognitive processes in BTS.

Keywords: Brain repair
Hippocampus
Metformin
White matter
Advisor: Mabbott, Donald
Nieman, Brian
Validation of Stroke-Specific Protocols to Enhance the Clinical Utility of the 10-Metre and 6-Minute Walk Tests in People with Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Stroke

Background: Standardized stroke-specific 10-metre walk test (10mWT) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) protocols have been developed, but reliability, measurement error, and validity have yet to be evaluated. Objectives: To estimate the 1) test-retest reliability, 2) measurement error, and 3) construct validity of stroke-specific protocols for the 10mWT and 6MWT using 15 and 30-metre walkway lengths in people post-stroke. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. Results: 17 individuals participated. Two evaluations, 2-3 days apart, were completed. Estimates of test-retest reliability for all tests were high (ICC2, 1=0.75-0.97). Minimal detectable change (MDC95) values were similar to the literature for the 6MWT, but larger for the 10mWT. Correlations were high between walk tests (r=0.70-0.93, p

Keywords: Gait speed
Reliability
Stroke
Validity
Walking capacity
Walk test
Advisor: Salbach, Nancy M
Effects of Argon on Deuterium Retention in Polycrystalline Tungsten under Sequential and Simultaneous Ion Irradiation

Argon is one of the candidates for impurity seeding in the ITER divertor; however, few studies exist on its effect on deuterium retention in tungsten. The thesis investigates the effects of simultaneous (SIM) and sequential (SEQ) irradiation of D-2.5% Ar on polycrystalline tungsten at 300-700 K, with ion energies of 500 eV/D+ and 1.5 keV/Ar+, and compares the findings with a similar previous study on D+/Ne+ irradiation. Trapped D and Ar in irradiated specimens was measured using thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). Ar was found to be similar to Ne in its effectiveness in reducing D retention in W. Similar to Ne, Ar appears to block D from migrating to higher energy traps beyond the surface layer, leading to enhanced re-emission of D at the near-surface. Ar irradiation is thought to remove implanted D at the near surface by sputtering and to create additional diffusion pathways to the W surface.

Keywords: Argon
Deuterium
Fusion
Neon
Retention
Tungsten
Advisor: Davis, Jim W
Developing a System for High-Resolution Detection of Driver Drowsiness Using Physiological Signals

Background: This research aims to develop a high-resolution, reliable, and efficient drowsiness detection system. Existing systems for detecting drowsiness are of low-resolution, expensive, dependent on external parameters, or are inconvenient for the driver. Method: Two studies were conducted: First, we analyzed electroencephalogram (EEG) data collected during a sleep study to develop a high-resolution drowsiness detection algorithm. This algorithm was then tested in a second study that actively engaged participants in a reaction time task. Results: In the sleep study, a sigmoid wake probability model yielded high drowsiness detection rates. In the reaction time study, however, the same method showed low sensitivity. Instead, a time-domain feature based algorithm performed best with high accuracy, high sensitivity, and high specificity. Significance: Upon successful validation of the developed algorithm in a driving study, this research will help to develop a reliable, wearable, and convenient device to detect drowsy driving that could increase road safety.

Keywords: Biomedical Signal Processing
Classification
Drowsiness
EEG
Machine Learning
Road Safety
Advisor: Yadollahi, Azadeh
Functional and Structural Characterization Reveals Novel FBXW7 Biology

This thesis aims to examine aspects of FBXW7 biology, a protein that is frequently mutated in a variety of cancers. The first part of this thesis describes the characterization of FBXW7 isoform and mutant substrate profiles using a proximity-dependent biotinylation assay. Isoform-specific substrates were validated, revealing the involvement of FBXW7 in the regulation of several protein complexes. Characterization of FBXW7 mutants also revealed site- and residue-specific consequences on the binding of substrates and, surprisingly, possible neo-substrates. In the second part of this thesis, we utilize high-throughput peptide binding assays and statistical modelling to discover novel features of the FBXW7-binding phosphodegron. In contrast to the canonical motif, a possible preference of FBXW7 for arginine residues at the +4 position was discovered. I then attempted to validate this feature in vivo and in vitro on a novel substrate discovered through BioID.

Advisor: Raught, Brian
Measurement and Modelling of Primary Sex Ratios for Species with Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination

For many oviparous animals, incubation temperature influences primary sex ratios through temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Currently, few reliable methods are available to estimate sex ratios under natural incubation conditions using a temperature proxy. This study proposes a new, semi-mechanistic approach for estimating sex ratios under TSD in natural nests, based on a nest's probability of masculinization (PM). I test the PM approach against existing approaches using two experiments in snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) from Algonquin Park. I show that the PM method is overwhelmingly supported as the best method for estimating primary sex ratios, and is effective under a wide range of thermal conditions. My findings also suggest that the PM approach is universally applicable to all types of TSD. Finally, my data suggest that the Algonquin Park population of snapping turtles possesses resilience to climate-driven biased sex ratios.

Keywords: incubation
oviparous reptiles
physiological modelling
temperature-dependent sex determination
Advisor: Rollinson, Njal
An Examination of Participatory Design Framework in a Class Project in Higher Education

This study seeks to describe and examine the experiences of persons in a participatory design project between a university and a not-for-profit charitable organization in a large urban center in Canada. In many design programs in higher education, the pedagogies of participatory design create experiential learning for, and with a community to produce mutual, beneficial outcomes. The data was collected by interview, visual research of course work and observations conducted with university students, leader of a women’s sewing collective, a course instructor, and a staff of a not-for-profit organization. At the conclusion of this study, a revised framework for participatory design is proposed. This study suggests that at the intersection of design for social innovation is where power dynamics can be challenged to imagine new ways of thinking to solve complex problems through participatory design.

Keywords: Complex Problems
Design Pedagogy
Industrial Design
Participatory Design
Poverty Reduction Strategy
Power Dynamics
Advisor: Rose, Leslie S
A Cost-Utility Analysis of Biosimilar Infliximab Compared to Reference Infliximab in Adult Switch Patients with Crohn’s Disease: A Canadian Analysis

BACKGROUND: Lower-cost biosimilar infliximab may address affordability concerns in the treatment of adults with Crohn’s Disease (CD), however evidence regarding the costeffectiveness of switching from reference infliximab to biosimilar is warranted. PURPOSE: Assess the incremental cost of switching from treatment with reference infliximab to biosimilar compared with those who have been maintained on reference for adults with CD per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained. METHODS: A probabilistic Markov model was constructed to estimate the incremental costs and effects over five-years. Clinical inputs were obtained from NOR-SWITCH. Costs were obtained from Canadian sources. RESULTS: Switching to biosimilar infliximab was associated with incremental costs of -$46,194 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -$42,420, -$50,455) and a loss in QALYs of -0.13 (95% CI: -0.16, -0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Switching to biosimilar infliximab is associated with incremental cost savings for adult patients with CD, however, decision makers must account for an incremental loss in effect.

Keywords: Biosimilar
Cost-utility analysis
Crohn's Disease
Infliximab
Advisor: Ungar, Wendy
Mechanisms responsible for the activation of maternal peripheral leukocytes during term labour

Infiltration of maternal peripheral leukocytes into the uterine tissues has been demonstrated to be a critical event occurring prior to and during active term labour (TL) in vivo. I hypothesize that the decidua secretes greater levels of cytokines during TL, promoting the activation and infiltration of maternal leukocytes into the uterine tissues. Using an in vitro model I have shown that 1) term not in labour (TNL) decidua secretes higher cytokine levels than TNL myometrium; 2) TL decidua secretes greater levels of multiple cytokines compared to TNL decidua; 3) during TL, decidual-secreted cytokines activate the vascular endothelium and maternal peripheral leukocytes through the upregulation of CAMs; and 4) cytokines secreted from the TL decidua stimulate increased leukocyte migration compared to TNL decidua. These data elucidate the role of decidual-secreted cytokines in the labouring process and may provide insight into the early activation of the inflammatory pathway observed in preterm labour.

Keywords: cytokines
labour
leukocytes
preterm birth
Advisor: Lye, Stephen J
Modelling colorectal cancer tumourigenesis using intestinal organoids

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers leading to death, thus a better understanding of the mechanisms that lead to tumour initiation and progression are required to develop novel therapeutics. Current models for the study of this disease involve two-dimensional cell culture as well as animal studies. These have their advantages, however they do not contain complexity or species-specific implications. Human derived intestinal organoids provide a model that demonstrates the complexity and hierarchy of stem cells to differentiated cells that could allow for further insight into the disease, yet they are not without their own disadvantages. Production of human intestinal organoids is inefficient, and time consuming. I developed a screen to increase the efficiency of production using a small library of tool compounds targeting epigenetic regulators.

Keywords: colorectal cancer
intestinal organoids
Advisor: Wrana, Jeffrey
DNA Demethylating Agents and Interferons As Regulators of Wnt/Beta-Catenin signaling in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is characterized by the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations, leading to aberrant activation of pathways important in self-renewal and apoptosis. Recent reports have discovered that treatment with low doses of the DNA demethylating agent, 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR), can target cancer initiating cells (CICs) through the activation of a viral sensing pathway. In this study, we show a novel intersection between RIG-I/MDA-5 and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways. We found that treatment of CIC enriched cancer cells with both 5-Aza-CdR, synthetic double stranded RNA, or type I and III interferons reduces canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Furthermore, treatment with type I and III interferons reduced CIC frequency in colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. These findings may explain a novel mechanism by which 5-Aza-CdR can specifically target CIC enriched populations in colorectal cancer and highlights the importance of intact innate immune pathways in epigenetic therapy efficacy.

Advisor: De Carvalho, Daniel D
Adsorption and Desorption of Naphthalene in Bioretention Cells

Naphthalene is a toxic contaminant commonly found in urban stormwater. Low impact development stormwater management practices such as bioretention cells are effective in reducing contaminant input into downstream. To this date, the transfer and transformation processes of typical urban runoff trace organic contaminants have not been characterized extensively; particularly in winter conditions. This study investigated the adsorption and desorption of naphthalene in bioretention cells at various temperatures and salinities. In all experiments, more than 70% of the initially added naphthalene was adsorbed on the bioretention soil at equilibrium. Temperature and salinity showed little but inconsistent effects, and the adsorption of naphthalene was partially reversible under some conditions. Despite its reversibility, naphthalene desorption may allow for the regeneration of the sorption capacity of the soil media, and transformation processes to take place. Overall, these results suggest that bioretention cells can store up to 80% of the inflowing naphthalene over short periods.

Keywords: adsorption
bioretention cells
desorption
naphthalene
salt
temperature
Advisor: Passeport, Elodie