VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The Final Flow: Istanbul's Fountains in Nineteenth-century European Narratives

This thesis explores how developments in hydraulic technology and mentalities in Europe and the Ottoman Empire affected European depictions of Istanbul’s water system, particularly the fountain. This study advances our understanding of how the fountain came to be recognized by the late nineteenth century primarily for its artistic merit, and decontextualized from its role in the greater water network of the city. By comparing and analysing early nineteenth-century travelogues and news articles on fountains and water-systems to those from later on in the century, within the greater context of water history, we can uncover how these narratives were driven not only by “orientalizing” tendencies, but also a new, more hygienic focused “hydromentality.” This contextualization of European narratives lies less in asserting their reliability as testimony to the changes in Istanbul’s water system, but rather how their writings were a reflection of the changing attitudes and predilections of Europeans.

Keywords: Istanbul
Ottoman History
Sanitation
Travelogues
Urban History
Water Systems
Advisor: Ostapchuk, Victor
Ultrafast Laser Formed Fiber Cladding Photonics for Evanescent Refractometry

Miniature-sized optical fibers with long-term chemical and mechanical stability have revolutionized sensor technology, establishing a new generation of all-passive, light-weight optical sensors. Developments in the field of femtosecond laser material processing have enabled numerous sensing devices to be directly written inside optical fibers without post-trimming process. This thesis extends fiber photonics to the cladding surface, presenting a surface evanescent sensor based on Bragg gratings for refractometry that is reliable, mechanically robust, and bio-compatible. Precise laser and fiber alignment techniques along with the real-time device monitoring of grating resonances provided sub-micron positional precision to the sub-ablation exposure threshold without generating surface degradation. Refractive index responses of Bragg wavelength shifts were measured to the cut-off limit of 1.446 refractive index, yielding a peak 203nm/RIU sensitivity. The data closely followed simulated results, while further predicting a strong birefringence. The near-surface Bragg grating waveguide may open further applications in polarization-dependent sensing attractive in biomedicine.

Advisor: Herman, Peter R
Melt-stretched Thermoplastic Honeycomb Sandwich Panels

Melt-stretched honeycombs were developed as a novel polymer honeycomb for structural applications. A fabrication process was devised in which a molten polymer is expanded between two flat platens, one of which is perforated with a pattern of holes. The resulting honeycomb structures show predictable internal architecture based on the locations of holes (air ingress sites) during manufacture. The process has been successfully applied to several grades of both polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC). Honeycombs have been created with hexagonal, square, triangular, and mixed cell geometries at cell sizes ranging from 5 - 40 mm. Despite the architectural differences as compared to their PC counterparts, low melt flow rate PP was found to produce the strongest structures in out-of-plane compression. Some honeycombs manufactured in this study demonstrate significantly better out-of-plane specific compressive strength than commercially-available thermoplastic honeycombs or structural foams, while maintaining a higher degree of recyclability.

Keywords: Honeycomb
Thermoplastic
Advisor: Hibbard, Glenn
Time-dependent Trajectory of Behavioural Emotionality in the Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Rodent Model of Depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental illness. Translational animal models of the human pathophysiology are limited. Sex and genetic differences contribute to the risk for developing MDD. Further, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies describe volumetric changes in limbic regions in MDD patients and preclinical studies have attributed these to synaptic changes. However, a link between these features has yet to be determined. To help bridge this gap, behavioural, volumetric and synaptic changes were investigated in mice exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress. Using a novel paradigm, behavioural emotionality was detected repeatedly across sex and strain (Balb/c and C57Bl/6) and was comparable to classical tests. Behavioural emotionality in male Balb/c mice negatively correlated with MRI amygdalar volumes and was associated with an increase in the postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) marker. Altogether these results provided a translational perspective on the biological mechanisms involved in MDD.

Keywords: Animal Models
Chronic Stress
Depression
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Strain Differences
Synaptic Proteins
Advisor: Sibille, Etienne
Who Needs Hybridity? The Political Limits of Mixed Race Identity

This thesis examines how non-white, mixed race women with Asian heritage understand, participate in, and resist colonialism, anti-blackness and anti-Indigeneity. The study finds that mixed race identification is contextual and shifts according to the racial make-up of spaces. Participants performed their identities in white spaces differently than in communities of colour. Although all participants could name whiteness, their awareness of the racial and colonial basis of citizenship was situated on a spectrum. The thesis explores how race is understood through multiple axes of identity such as disability, gender, and sexuality. Although the family is often a good space to learn about race, multiracial families sometimes reproduced ableism, queer-phobia, anti-blackness and shadism. Lastly, I focus on how hybridity is a sexualized discourse that contributes to the fetishization of multiraciality. I highlight the sexualized forms of violence that multiracial women encounter.

Keywords: Anticolonial
Asian Studies
Canadian Studies
Critical Race
Feminism
Mixed-race
Advisor: Razack, Sherene
Mahtani, Minelle
Human Neutrophil Peptide: Diagnostic and Prognostic Properties in Critically Ill Patients

Background: Neutrophil activation is a hallmark of the inflammatory process and human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) are the most abundant proteins released from neutrophils. We hypothesized that HNP concentrations are associated with: (a) the presence of infection, (b) high blood neutrophil activity, (c) organ dysfunction and (d) mortality in critically ill patients. Methods: Plasma samples, demographic, resuscitative and biochemical data were obtained from 100 patients admitted to the intensive care unit with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scores of 22â 29. Nine healthy volunteers served as controls. Results: Plasma HNP concentrations were higher in critically ill patients than in healthy controls. Organ dysfunction was more common in noninfected than in infected patients, specifically among cardiothoracic patients. Higher plasma HNP concentrations were associated with higher mortality. Summary: The inflammatory process contributes to higher plasma HNP concentrations, which correlate with organ dysfunction and mortality in critically ill patients.

Keywords: Critical Care Patients
Human Neutrophil Peptide
Neutrophils
Sepsis
Systemic Inflammatory Response
Advisor: Zhang, Haibo
Marshall, John
Impacts of Contracted Endodontic Cavities on Instrumentation Efficacy and Biomechanical Responses in Maxillary Molars

This study assessed impacts of contracted (CEC) and traditional (TEC) cavities on instrumentation efficacy and biomechanical responses in maxillary molars. Eighteen extracted intact maxillary molars were imaged with micro-CT and accessed through CEC or TEC (n=9/group). Canals were instrumented, re-imaged and proportion of modified canal wall (MCW) determined. Another 28 molars (n=14/group) with strain gauges were subjected to load cycles and microstrain recorded before access and after cavity restoration. These 28 molars and additional 11 intact molars were fatigued and loaded to failure. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon rank sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Mean proportion MCW did not differ significantly between CEC (49.7±12.0%) and TEC (44.7±9.0%). Changes in microstrain displayed no specific pattern in both groups. Mean load-at-failure for CEC (1703±558N) did not differ significantly from TEC (1384±377N); both were lower (p

Keywords: endodontic cavity
fracture strength
instrumentation efficacy
minimally invasive
root strain
Advisor: Friedman, Shimon
BinPro: A Tool for Binary Backdoor Accountability in Code Audits

Highly security sensitive organizations often perform source code audits on software they use. However, after the audit is performed, they must still perform a binary code audit to ensure the binary provided to them matches the source code that was audited. BinPro seeks to reduce the manual effort required to perform the binary audit by accounting for the binary versions of functions in a given source code. To do this, BinPro combines static analysis, graph matching and machine learning. Over a corpus of 10 applications, BinPro is able to match 74% of binary functions with their source code counterparts, and thus determine that they are free of malicious backdoors if their source code version is. When evaluated on applications that backdoors inserted into their binaries, BinPro detects that they do not match any function in the source code.

Keywords: Backdoor
Computer Security
Graph Matching
Program Analysis
Static Analysis
Advisor: Lie, David
The Effect of Two Wattages of Low-level Laser Therapy on Orthodontic Tooth Movement

The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) has generated mixed outcomes due to the variability of parameters used. The aims of this study were to test for differences in OTM, gene expression using RT-qPCR, and histological changes of molars exposed to two different wattages at the same energy density. A 10g force was applied to molars of three rat groups: CT (no laser), EX-500 (500 mW)and EX-1000 (1000 mW). There were statistically significant differences in OTM between EX-500 and CT groups and RANKL and MMP-13 expression levels between CT and laser groups. Histologically, 56% of the EX-1000 revealed early dysplastic changes. Both wattages of laser therapy increased remodeling in the PDL that may or may not translate into increased OTM. Future studies should focus on elucidating possible biphasic responses of LLLT before it can be offered as a consistent modality for accelerating OTM.

Keywords: Arndt-Schultz
histology
LLLT
low-level laser
orthodontic tooth movement
rats
Advisor: Gong, Siew-Ging
Mammalian Kidney Development in the Context of GLI3R

Mammalian kidney development is dependent on molecular signalling mechanisms between multiple embryonic cell lineages. Dysregulated Hedgehog (HH) signalling is implicated in kidney development and truncating mutations in the HH transcriptional effector GLI3 causes renal hypoplasia, dysplasia, or urinary tract malformations. Using the

Keywords: Development
GLI3R
Hedgehog
Kidney
Advisor: Rosenblum, Norman
A Surface Admittance Approach For Fast Calculation of the Series Impedance of Cables Including Skin, Proximity, and Ground Return Effects

The accurate calculation of broadband series impedance of power cables is required to predict transients induced in power systems. Since modern power cables have complex geometries with hundreds of tightly packed conductors, existing techniques to compute their series impedance are either inaccurate or very slow. This thesis presents MoM-SO, a fast and accurate technique to compute the per-unit length impedance of cables made up of solid and hollow round conductors placed inside a tunnel in a multilayer ground environment. MoM-SO employs a surface-approach to solve for the impedance. In this approach, only fields on the boundaries of the conductors are discretized and calculated. As shown in the examples, this discretization scheme makes MoM-SO over 1000 times faster than existing volumetric-based methods like finite-element tools. MoM-SO is also accurate because it includes skin, proximity, and ground return effects which govern the behaviour of fields inside a cable.

Keywords: method of moments
power cable modelling
series impedance
Surface method
transients
Advisor: Triverio, Piero
Molecular Characterization of Preeclampsia In Vivo and In Vitro

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by poor placental development. Unfortunately, variations in PE pathogenesis have made management and development of effective intervention agents difficult. An improved understanding of the molecular basis of PE is required to properly classify this complex disease, and determine effects drugs may have on molecular profiles. Here, we sought to characterize the molecular profiles present in PE, and intervention agent heparin's effect on these profiles. Proteomic analysis of placentas from the BPH5 PE mice model revealed differential protein expression and increased Stat3 phosphorylation compared to wild-type mice. Increased Stat3 phosphorylation was also observed in an additional in vivo, and one in vitro PE model. Microarray and phospho-proteomic analysis revealed differential effects of heparin on molecular profiles in in vivo and in vitro PE models. Identifying molecular pathways altered and which pathways heparin targets in PE may aid in designing individualized therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: heterogeneity
preeclampsia
pregnancy
Advisor: Cox, Brian
Auto-tuned Minimum-deviation Digital Controller for LLC Resonant Converters

This thesis presents a practical auto-tuned digital controller for LLC resonant dc-dc converters that results in virtually minimal possible output voltage deviation during transients. During transients the controller applies a two-step frequency change algorithm such that the minimum deviation and seamless transition to the new steady state is achieved. The fast voltage regulation is obtained through the output voltage measurements only and fairly simple calculations of the frequency-changing sequence, eliminating fast current sensors and complex calculations usually existing in other fast controllers for LLC converters. Based on the initial voltage deviation the first frequency step of the controller is determined and adjusted through an auto-tuning process. Smooth transition to the new steady state is achieved through the estimation of the new switching frequency from the ripple amplitude. Experimental results obtained with a 350 W, 400 V to 12 V, isolated LLC converter confirm recovery with practically smallest possible deviation and bump-less transitions to the new steady state.

Advisor: Prodic, Aleksandar
Political Correctness: Social-fiscal Liberalism and Left-wing Authoritarianism

The issue of political correctness (PC) has recently garnered significant attention and created considerable controversy in North America. Nonetheless, the existence, history, purpose, and breadth of this ideology are disputed. This study assessed the conceptualization and measurement of the PC construct. A 203-item PC scale measuring language and beliefs was created on the basis of accounts from news articles, books, and research papers on the topic. 468 participants completed the PC scale along with questionnaires on personality, intelligence, and disgust sensitivity. Exploratory factor analysis determined the structure of PC, while relationships to individual differences, and convergent and divergent validity were assessed with correlational and regression analyses PC is best predicted by trait Agreeableness, and it is a social conservative and liberal construct. A 36-item PC scale was also derived. A comprehensive two-dimensional model of political belief is proposed, and the difference between right and left-wing authoritarianism discussed.

Advisor: Peterson, Jordan B
Rule, Nicholas
Silica Encapsulated Gold Nanoparticles as SERS Labels for the Detection of Lymphoma B-Cells in Tissue Sections

The surface of silica encapsulated gold nanoparticles with trans-1,2-bis (4-pyridyl) ethylene Raman active dye were utilized as SERS labels to target CD20 surface protein on lymphoma B-cells in human tissue sections with CLL or FL. SERS labels were functionalized with various antibody linkers including carboxylic, aldehyde, and heterobifunctional PEG chains with an NHS end, to permit them to bind to tissue section samples. NP samples and tissue sections were characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, XPS, Zeta potential measurements, Dark Field microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, NMR, and AFM. The number of SERS labels present on a tissue sample was estimated using dark field images and a particle counting software. It was found that the heterobifunctional PEG chains linker provided the most specific binding of SERS labels with an estimated NP count of 1.33x106 NPs on the whole tissue and produced the highest Raman scatter intensity of approximately 48600 counts.

Advisor: Walker, Gilbert
Wang, Chen
Examining Relationships between Heritage Management and Heritage Information within the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse

This thesis explores central issues of heritage management through frameworks of place identity, collective memory, as well as heritage and information studies to investigate the following two questions: How is the connection between a community and a built space shaped by heritage designation? Which community members, whether individuals or groups, are involved in the production of heritage information, how is that information selected, codified, communicated, and otherwise promoted through heritage management systems including planning and conservation policy frameworks? A case analysis of the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse provides a means of examining the social processes involved in heritage management and designation as they relate to community engagement and urban development. Through analysis of archival materials from the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Foundation and Little Trinity Church Archives, this study found evidence of communication trends, interests and motivations of individuals and groups, as well as differences in the representation of Schoolhouse narratives.

Keywords: Community Heritage
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
Heritage Information
Heritage Management
Living History
Place-identity
Advisor: Krmpotich, Cara
Teneurin C-terminal Associated Peptide (TCAP)-1 Mediates Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) - independent Testosterone Production in Male Mice: Evidence from In vivo and In vitro Models

The teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP) is encoded by the terminal exon of each of the four teneurin genes, the established endogenous ligands of the adhesion G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), ADGRL. Although little is known about the teneurin/TCAP-ADGRL complex activity in non-neural tissues, TCAP-1 has now been implicated in testosterone production in male mice. With the combined application of in vivo and in vitro methods, my work indicated that TCAP-1 has the ability to regulate gonadal testosterone production. Using my in vivo data, TCAP-1 was shown to increase male mouse fecal testosterone concentrations. Furthermore, in vitro studies utilizing immortalized mouse Leydig (TM3) and Sertoli (TM4) cells suggested that TCAP-1 activates these cells differentially. In the TM3 cells, a significant increase in testosterone synthesis was observed upon TCAP-1 stimulation, indicating that this mechanism may be independent of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropin action. Additionally, using siRNA transient transfection, I showed that this mechanism might be dependent upon binding and activation of the ADGRL receptor.

Keywords: GPCRs
Neuroendocrinology
Peptides
Reproduction
Steroidogenesis
Testes
Advisor: Lovejoy, David A.
Decolonizing Every Day: Exploring Relationships, Stories, and Practices for Decolonization

In this thesis I reflect ethnographically on ‘every day’ experiences and stories that have shaped my own transformational learning about colonialism and decolonization to inspire and contribute to ongoing discussions and action on decolonization. The struggle of my close friend Natasha (Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw) to uncover where she is from originally inspired me to ask similar questions of my settler family. In this research I have learned from: family members, Ancestors, friends and mentors, archival online data and importantly, Natasha, and her friends and family in the birth community she found after years of searching. This research in our respective communities shows the relationships of my family; to one another, Indigenous people on Turtle Island, the Land, Spirit and colonialism. It also demonstrates the vitality of life-giving worldviews and relationships with land, Spirit and each other; with emphasis on the importance of supportive and accountable relationships in decolonizing work.

Keywords: Decolonization
Relationships
Repatriation
Spirituality
Storytelling
Transformative Learning
Advisor: Miles, Dr. Angela
Restoule, Dr. Jean-Paul
Delineating a Metabolomic Signature for the Transition from Gestational Diabetes to Type 2 Diabetes

Although gestational diabetes (GDM) is of a transient nature, up to 50% of women with GDM develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) within 5 years. Despite this extremely high risk, post-partum screening remains low. Here, we delineated a predictive metabolomic signature of disease transition. The study patients were part of the SWIFT Cohort, which follows 1010 GDM women, 109 of which developed T2D two years post-partum. Future cases were matched to future controls based on ethnicity, age and pre-pregnancy BMI. Hexoses, specific amino acids, specific sphingomyelin and specific phosphatidylcholine species associated with T2D. Through a J48 decision tree predictive modelling in the training set, future T2D incidence was predicted in an independent testing set with discriminative power 0.769 (P

Keywords: Diabetes
Machine Learning
Metabolomics
Predictive modelling
Pregnancy
System biology
Advisor: Wheeler, Michael B
Osborne, Lucy
Use of Mobile Phone Technology to Support Improved Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Scoping Review

Sub-optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices persist in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), contributing to the burden of malnutrition, morbidity and mortality. Contextualized behavior change communication (BCC) delivered through interpersonal support at the community level is effective for improving IYCF practices, but not widely available in LMIC. This scoping review examined the potential for mobile phone technology to facilitate greater access to quality BCC for IYCF. Four delivery channels were identified through a search of the published and grey literature and consultation with implementers. Direct messaging, voice counseling, job aid applications and interactive media each emphasize different BCC techniques. Four studies reported positive effects on IYCF practices with mobile phone-based BCC delivery, but contexts and designs vary. Further research is needed. The incorporation of mobile phone technology in BCC interventions should be guided by formative research to match both the content and delivery approach to the local context.

Keywords: behaviour change communication
breastfeeding
complementary feeding
mobile phones
Advisor: Sellen, Daniel