VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Ecological Momentary Assessment for Assessing Depression in Advanced Dementia: A Pilot Study

Barriers to assessing depression in advanced dementia include overlapping symptoms, informant recall bias and challenges with self-reports. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) provides a novel approach in assessing depressive symptoms by collecting informant measures throughout the day, decreasing recall bias and increasing ecological validity. The study objectives evaluated the feasibility, reliability and validity of an observer-rated EMA tool to assess depression in dementia. Twelve participants with advanced dementia were enrolled and assessed for clinical outcomes of depression at admission and discharge. Observations in the EMA tool were completed by research and nursing staff. Follow-up interviews and the Systems Usability Scale were completed to demonstrate feasibility. Variance partitioning, inter-rater reliability, construct and predictive validity were examined. The EMA approach showed good feasibility and most items showed moderate reliability and validity for assessing depression in dementia. Repeated and real-time depression assessment in advanced dementia holds promise to identify depression and depressive symptoms.

Keywords: Dementia
Depression
Ecological momentary assessment
Mental health
Mood
Psychometrics
Advisor: Iaboni, Andrea
A Neurocomputational Investigation of the Other-race Effect

Perception of own and other-races have been the focus of extensive research to investigate both the mechanisms of face processing, as well as the advantage of recognizing faces of one own’s race relative to faces of a different race, termed the other-race effect (ORE). However, the underlying neural and computational nature of this phenomenon remains unclear. The current study examines the ORE using two different approaches: facial image reconstruction, and deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs). Asian and Caucasian participants were recruited for this study. Significant features underlying the perception of face representation were first derived, and then used to reconstruct face images that were presented as visual stimuli. Reconstructions of perceived faces were all above chance level for all participants. In addition, DCNNs were utilized, as well as trained to further explain the ORE at a computational level. The present work shows potential in examining a classical effect in vision research with an unprecedented level of detail, as well as revealing the practicality of DCNNs in investigating race-oriented phenomena.

Keywords: Computer Vision
Neural Networks
Other-Race Effect
Reconstruction
Advisor: Nestor, Adrian
Disruption of the FK506 Binding Protein 5 and Glucocorticoid Receptor Protein Complex with an Intravenous Therapeutic Peptide Decreases Fear-like Freezing Behavior in an Animal Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health disorder provoked in response to a wide range of traumatic events where patients experience recurrent physical and psychological stress responses to specific stimuli. The morbidity of this disease is poorly improved through available therapies, and management remains a challenge. Our lab has established that a protein complex, formed between the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) and FK506 Binding Protein 5 (FKBP51), is elevated in PTSD patients and in a classically fear-conditioned mouse model of PTSD. Our lab created and tested the effects of a small interfering peptide (TAT-GRpep) to disrupt the FKBP51-GR complex and reduce behavioural and molecular effects of PTSD in an animal model. We found a significant reduction in freezing behaviour following direct amygdala and intraperitoneal injections. The current project assessed the viability and function of TAT-GRpep following a single intravenous injection to significantly reduce fear-like freezing behaviour in fear-conditioned mice.

Keywords: FKBP51
Glucocorticoid Receptor
Interfering Peptide
PTSD
Advisor: Liu, Fang
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptors in Alcohol Self-administration and Relapse in Rats: Role of Alcohol Dependence and Sex

Women are more vulnerable to the impacts of Alcohol Use Disorders and also to stress induced relapse. However, sex differences in alcohol dependence in the pre-clinical literature is relatively unexplored. The present thesis examines the sex differences in alcohol self-administration and relapse behavior in alcohol dependent rats using both operant self-administration and reinstatement induced by yohimbine an α-2 adrenoreceptor antagonist in male and female alcohol dependent and non-dependent rats. In a separate experiment, the effect of both guanfacine, an α-2 adrenoreceptor agonist and a greater degree of dependence on alcohol intake were examined. The two main findings of this thesis are: (1) alcohol dependence modestly increased alcohol intake in males, in contrast to no increases in females, (2) alcohol dependence attenuates yohimbine induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in female rats.

Keywords: Alcohol Dependence
Alpha-2
Sex
Advisor: Lê, Anh D
Creep Rupture Phenomenon of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars in Severe Environmental Conditions

Glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars are becoming popular as a non-corroding alternative to steel reinforcement in concrete structures. This research investigates the long-term performance of two different sized GFRP bars under sustained stress in a highly alkaline solution at room temperature and at 60 oC with the aim of estimating safe stress for 100-year service life through the creep-rupture phenomenon. Under the most severe combination of temperature and environment, the safe stresses of the two bars were 28% and 18% of their ultimate tensile strength of about 1000 MPa. For room temperature tests, the safe stress was in the range of 43% to 45% of the ultimate strength. A supplementary creep rupture test series on a third bar type was conducted at a manufacturer’s facility in Dubai on straight and bent GFRP bars. The data from the supplementary tests are analyzed and discussed in comparison with the Toronto tests.

Keywords: Creep Rupture
GFRP
Advisor: Sheikh, Shamim A.
Wiring Harness Design Methodologies and Assembly Integration and Test for a Modular Microsatellite Platform

With the rise of microsatellite constellations, the SFL DEFIANT bus aims to satisfy the need for a spacecraft bus capable of supporting a wide variety of payloads all using almost identical structure, powerarchitecture, computing systems and wiring harness. This thesis explores the development of the DEFIANT bus wiring harness that achieves the goal of modularity through iteration and consistent consideration of assembly and highlights the multidisciplinary nature of the harness as it impacts all major subsystems. The author’s work extends to the testing and iteration of the new DEFIANT battery pack and the flight builds for the upcoming DEFIANT missions. This variety of work on two separate DEFIANT bus missions allows the author’s contribution to be balanced in both design, and assembly, integration, and test. Supporting the wiring harness and structure design for the DEFIANT bus is instrumental in future constellation missions for SFL.

Keywords: Constellation
Microsatellite
Satellite design
Space systems engineering
Spacecraft engineering
Wiring harness
Advisor: Zee, Robert
Evaluation of Mussel Control Strategies in Drinking Water Treatment Plants: Peracetic Acid, Earthtec QZ, and Preclorination

Mussel macrofouling is a major concern for water treatment plants in the Great Lakes region. This research evaluated peracetic acid (PAA) and EarthTec QZ for mussel control by conducting batch and flow-through tests. Peracetic acid doses ≥ 5 mg/L and a dose of 60 μg/L EarthTec QZ were effective for adult mussel control. This research also explored potential impacts of applying PAA for mussel control on chlorine disinfection by developing a mathematical model running multiple simulations at different pHs. It was concluded that chlorine consumes the hydrogen peroxide in a few minutes, whereas PAA and AA concentrations were largely unaffected. A final component of the research was a multi-year monitoring program at two plants in Ontario to explore settlement rates as a function of temperature. The evidence suggested that temperature alone is not a reliable indicator of settlement activity, and that a calendar-based prechlorination program may be more effective.

Advisor: Hofmann, Ronald
Machine Learning-driven Patient-specific Early Seizure Detection for Neuromodulation Devices

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain that predisposes individuals to experiencing recurrent and unprovoked seizures affecting 50 million people worldwide. Recent advances in fundamental neuroscience and implantable electronics have enabled the development of neuromodulation devices for the treatment of epilepsy. Modern neuromodulation devices detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain associated with seizures and activate electrical stimulation to prevent seizures from occurring. Today, there is a growing trend towards integrating machine learning for seizure detection on such devices to improve their efficacy. This thesis assesses the suitability of current machine learning models for neuromodulation devices by evaluating their seizure detection performance and efficiency in resource-constrained environments. Particular emphasis is placed on comparing traditional machine learning to modern deep learning models. This thesis will show that, in the seizure detection context, deep learning models can be implemented in a compact and resource-efficient way despite their computational complexity.

Keywords: Deep Brain Stimulation
Machine Learning
Neuromodulation Devices
Seizure Detection
Advisor: Genov, Roman
Valiante, Taufik A
Spatial Agency: A Temporal and Physical Museological Exploration

This research paper presents the observation of spatial agencies by exploring three different archaeological sites and their museums; the Toniná Site Museum in Mexico, the Archaeological Museum and Roman Fish Salting Factory in Spain, and L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site in Canada. Spatial agency is understood as the power that space exercises in humans and non-humans. This thesis demonstrates that it is possible to understand space through museological observation and data collection. This analysis examines the factors that make spatial relations unique and compares them from one museum to another. Spatial agencies are found to be expressed through human and non-human interactions that differ locationally. Spatial Agency: A Temporal and Physical Museological Exploration argues that value can be found in questioning space though its own rules. This thesis offers an approach to how spaces should be critically examined according to the lived experiences of inhabiting them.  

Keywords: agency
archeology
museology
non-human
space
time
Advisor: McLaughlin, Hooley
Ratto, Matt
A Data-driven Method to Estimate the On-site GHG Emissions of Construction Activities in the Planning Phase

The construction industry is a major contributor to global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Most of the studies in the literature focused on the embodied emissions of construction activities with little attention to the on-site emissions. This thesis demonstrates a method to estimate the on-site GHG emissions of construction activities in the planning phase. The method is then applied to 974 earthwork activities that are obtained from RS Means and the GHG emission per unit of output is estimated for each. Since during the planning phase detailed data about the construction activities is usually not available, this study has also developed statistical relationships between on-site GHG emissions and other better-known quantities (cost). In the case of the earthwork activities that are analyzed, I found that there is a strong correlation (R2 = 0.9) between the cost and on-site GHG emissions with a correlation factor of 0.31 (kg CO2 eq/$).

Keywords: Construction planning
GHG vs Cost
On-site GHG
Advisor: Posen, Daniel
Panesar, Daman
Tunable Tensile Properties of Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Fibrillar Blend Through Micro-/Nano-layered Extrusion Technology

In this study, we demonstrate the use of micro-/nano-layer (MNL) extrusion technology to tune the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibrillar blends. Nano-fibril-in-microfiber composites, with 3, 7, and 15 wt.% PET, are prepared using a spunbond system, and then fed into an MNL extrusion system to be subjected to strong shear and extensional flow fields in the multipliers. Preferential alignment of the PET nano-fibrils is confirmed via morphological observations using scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, increasing the mass flow rate is shown to further increase the degree of fibril orientation along the machine direction (MD). Tensile tests revealed that for each PET loading, the elastic modulus and yield strength of the composites are significantly enhanced with increasing number of multipliers and mass flow rate, while such mechanical enhancement is accompanied by a slight sacrifice in ductility. Overall, MNL extrusion is a promising technology to further enhance mechanical properties of nano-fibril composites.

Keywords: Coextrusion
Micro-/nano-layer
Nano-fibrils
Orientation
Advisor: Lee, Patrick C.
Functional Impairment and Presentations of Anhedonia in Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with staggering global burden, largely due to impairments in occupational function. Evidence suggests that low motivation and effort levels, which are facets of anhedonia, significantly impact work quality. Despite anhedonia being a core MDD symptom, its relationship with functional impairment remains unclear. Anhedonia may manifest at a clinical, behavioural, and neurobiological level. Therefore, the goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of the link between occupational function and anhedonia in MDD using self-report measures, behavioural-tasks, and neuroimaging. Occupational impairment was significantly correlated with anhedonia severity on self-report measures and reward-tasks measuring effort, but not motivation. No significant correlation between resting-state connectivity and occupational function or anhedonia were found. These findings provide important insight into the complex relationship between function and anhedonia across multiple modes of analysis, which suggests that anhedonia is a potential treatment target to alleviate functional burden in MDD.

Keywords: Anhedonia
Functional Impairment
Major Depressive Disorder
Motivation and Effort
Occupational Function
Reward Processing
Advisor: Rizvi, Sakina J
Bridging the Gap of Scales: A Micro-to Macroscale Study of the Tumor Microenvironment and Quantitative Imaging Features in Pancreatic Cancer

The field of Radiomics aims to extract quantitative features from medical images. To date, hundreds of Radiomics studies have been published, claiming that these quantitative features have clinical merit with the specific claim that a single number derived from medical images can be prognostic or diagnostic. The aim of this research is to investigate what, if any, factors may be influencing these numbers. The underlying hypothesis is that select attenuation based textural features are sensitive to the biological structure of a tumor and its microenvironment. An attempt is made to study whether these features correlate with pathology-based characteristics of pancreatic tumors and how these features translate to much lower-resolution clinical CT images. The approach used digitized pathology images and advanced image analysis techniques. Select features look promising for characterizing underlying pathology however, more comprehensive study is required to rigorously explore the aforementioned research aim. Hence the exploration continues…

Keywords: image texture
pancreatic cancer
pathology
quantitative imaging
radiomics
tumor microenvironment
Advisor: Jaffray, David A
Vitkin, Alex
Animal Bodies in the Climate Crisis: A Visitor Study at the Royal Ontario Museum

This interdisciplinary research project focuses on The Royal Ontario Museum’s (ROM) ‘Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity’. The vast majority of the objects within this gallery's displays are taxidermic animals and models from a wide variety of species. The gallery’s primary thematic concern is climate change, with an emphasis on the impact of human life on animal habitats. The research looks into the relationships of audiences to non-human animals in the gallery. It asks how these relationships may be reinterpreted to include an introspective look at human decisions to display animal bodies, with newfound emphasis on climate and animal advocacy, agency, collaboration and storytelling. Through interviews with museum patrons, this project explores the effectiveness of displaying animal bodies in achieving the gallery’s aims of promoting awareness of human responsibility for the current crisis.

Keywords: Animal Studies
Climate Change
Museum Studies
Natural History
Royal Ontario Museum
Taxidermy
Advisor: Brower, Matthew
Overcoming Aspirin Non-sensitivity Ex Vivo in Patients with Atherosclerosis

Aspirin (ASA) prevents adverse thrombotic events through the inhibition of the arachidonic acid (AA) platelet activation pathway. It is considered the first-line antiplatelet therapy for patients with atherosclerosis. However, 20-30% of patients are “ASA non-sensitive” with a lower than normal ability to inhibit arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation after standard dosing. We evaluated three tests - gold standard light transmission aggregometry (LTA), platelet function analyzer (PFA)-100, and plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2) assay - to determine their ability in detecting ASA non-sensitive patients, as well as LTA’s potential in personalizing ASA therapy. Using LTA, we were able to detect ASA non-sensitivity and establish an algorithm for personalizing ASA dosage. Using PFA-100, the prevalence of ASA non-sensitivity was noted to be 76%; however, when validated with the gold standard LTA, PFA-100 over estimated prevalence by 45%. Plasma TXB2 analysis was unable to detect a statistically significant difference between ASA sensitive and non-sensitive patients.

Keywords: aggregation
antiplatelet
aspirin
cardiovascular
platelets
resistance
Advisor: Qadura, Mohammad
Mapping the Genetic Determinants of T-cell Cytotoxicity Response in Cancer Cells

Although a major mechanism by which cancer cells evade the immune system is known to be inhibition of direct cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) killing, the genetics underlying this phenotype are poorly understood. To further understand this genetic circuitry, we performed CRISPR-Cas9 screens utilizing CTL-cytotoxicity as a selective pressure across six syngeneic murine cancer models. This led to the identification of 182 core genes that render cancer cells more sensitive or resistant to CTL killing. Follow-up studies comprising correlative analyses’ with TCGA-PanCancer data, secondary verification screens targeting the core set, and in vitro functional assays following knockout of specific core genes, defined the importance of this core set. Specifically, Jmjd6 a jumonji domain-containing bifunctional arginine demethylase and lysl-hydroxylase emerged as a core sensitizer class gene. My observations suggest that Jmjd6 may protect cancer cells from cytokine-mediated toxicity. Additional studies will help to elucidate the precise role of Jmjd6 in cancer intrinsic CTL evasion.

Keywords: Cancer
CRISPR
Functional genomics
Screen
T-Cell
Advisor: Moffat, Jason
A Simplified Protocol for Differentiating iPSC to Airway Epithelium

Induced pluripotent stem cell derived airway epithelial cells are excellent models for personalized drug screens. However, current protocols using various growth factors and small molecules are complex, limiting their feasibility in the clinical setting. By directly culturing definitive endoderm in air-liquid interface for 8 days, we demonstrated the emergence of TP63+ basal cell population. After transitioning into a commercially available media, airway epithelium differentiation was observed. Furthermore, a low amount of CFTR function was seen via voltage sensitive fluorescence dye but not Ussing chamber. Lung derived extracellular matrix coated transwells were utilized to improve differentiation efficiency. However, we did not observe improvements in airway marker transcript expression and CFTR function measurements. Lastly, we compared healthy iPSC with ∆F508 iPSC derived airway epithelial cells using our protocol. Overall, we were successful in inducing airway epithelium differentiation from iPSC with low but observable CFTR function.

Keywords: air-liquid interface
airway epithelium
CFTR
Induced pluripotent stem cells
Advisor: Moraes, Theo
Yeger, Herman
Implementing Digital Student Data Portability: Experiences and Lessons Learned

A number of institutions and government organizations have embraced Digital Student Data Portability (DSDP) to meaningfully support student mobility. This research examines the lived experience of organizations that implemented innovative DSDP projects. Participating institutions shared their experiences and lessons learned. A key commonality is that each of the participating institutions complemented their existing infrastructures with new platforms that helped translate student’s achievements through a portable, interoperable, comparable, authentic, transparent, relevant, encrypted, shareable, and instantly verifiable record. Perceived benefits that surfaced throughout the interviews are access, shareability, employability, fraud prevention, privacy, portability, and micro-learning. Factors that impacted the uptake of DSDP projects are values, priorities, and the leadership capacity of the organization. Finally, the findings of this study take on new significance in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis that erupted in March 2020. Now is a critical time to understand DSDP, its benefits, implications, and challenges.

Keywords: Digital Student Record
Shareable Student Record
Student Data Portability
Student Mobility
Verifiable Student Record
Advisor: Buckner, Elizabeth
Capturing Affect: The Agentic Power of The Colonial Photograph as a Form of Visual Testimony

This thesis explores the affective properties of material representations of the colonial legacies of Indian Residential Schools in Canada. Considering the material and ontological turn that recognises the agency of objects, I argue that these material traces are bestowed with significant agentic, affective and pedagogical power. Specifically, I show how archival photographs act as forms of "visual testimonies" that prompt settlers to consider their responsibility to be ethical witnesses to systemic colonial violence. By examining these material legacies, I explore how agentic visual traces teach settlers to "see" differently; allowing settlers to recognise their habitual blindness towards past and present colonial injustice. I explore how certain pedagogical conditions enables their affective and agentic power, particularly how multi-sensory curatorial approaches blur the binaries of the past/present, Self/Other and subject/object. I argue that disrupting these bifurcations creates new relational ontologies that prompt a collective settler responsibility towards ongoing colonial violence.

Keywords: Affect theory
Archival photographs
Critical curatorship
Indian Residential Schools
Transformative pedagogies
Witnessing
Advisor: Boler, Megan