VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Discrete Event Simulation in the Preliminary Estimation Phase of Mega Projects: A Case Study of the Central Waterfront Revitalization Project

The methodology of discrete-event simulation provides a promising alternative to solving complicated construction systems. Given the level of uncertainty that exists in the early estimation phase of mega-projects regarding cost and risk, project simulations have become a central part of decision-making and planning. In this paper, an attempt is made to compare the output generated by a model constructed under the Monte Carlo framework with that of Discrete-Event Simulation to determine the similarities and difference between the two methods. To achieve this, the Simphony modeling (DES) environment is used. The result is then compared to a Monte Carlo simulation conducted by Golder Associates.

Keywords: Simulation
Discrete Event
Monte Carlo
Estimation
Advisor: McCabe, Brenda
Isolation of ABA Insensitive Mutants using a Sensitized Screen

ABA insensitive mutants (abi1 - abi5) have been isolated in germination screens that use high concentrations of exogenous ABA, and this method is believed to be saturated. To overcome this problem, a sensitized screen that used much lower concentration of exogenous ABA was performed to isolate new ABA insensitive mutants. Some of the isolated mutants had defects in light or retrograde signalling. One particular mutant (18-11) developed long hypocotyls under normal light condition. Based on its response to blue, red and far-red light conditions, this mutant is likely a novel hy mutant. Genetic analysis revealed that while ABA insensitivity in this mutant is recessive, the long hypocotyl phenotype is dominant. Positional cloning is currently being carried out to identify the gene. Findings from this study supports that ABA signalling interacts with light signalling networks.

Keywords: Arabidopsis
Abscisic Acid
ABA
Glucose
Retrograde
Hypocotyl
Light
Signaling
hy
gun
Post-Germination Growth
Advisor: McCourt, Peter
Nature vs Nurture: Effects of Learning on Evolution

In the field of Evolutionary Robotics, the design, development and application of artificial neural networks as controllers have derived their inspiration from biology. Biologists and artificial intelligence researchers are trying to understand the effects of neural network learning during the lifetime of the individuals on evolution of these individuals by qualitative and quantitative analyses. The conclusion of these analyses can help develop optimized artificial neural networks to perform any given task. The purpose of this thesis is to study the effects of learning on evolution. This has been done by applying Temporal Difference Reinforcement Learning methods to the evolution of Artificial Neural Tissue controller. The controller has been assigned the task to collect resources in a designated area in a simulated environment. The performance of the individuals is measured by the amount of resources collected. A comparison has been made between the results obtained by incorporating learning in evolution and evolution alone. The effects of learning parameters: learning rate, training period, discount rate, and policy on evolution have also been studied. It was observed that learning delays the performance of the evolving individuals over the generations. However, the non zero learning rate throughout the evolution process signifies natural selection preferring individuals possessing plasticity.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence
Robotics
Advisor: D'Eleuterio, Gabriele M. T.
Characterization of Myopathy in Mice Overexpressing Androgen Receptor in Skeletal Muscle

Although androgens are known to exert anabolic effects in skeletal muscle, overexpression of androgen receptor (AR) selectively in this tissue causes androgen dependent motor deficits and muscular atrophy. The cellular and subcellular changes underlying this phenotype are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the ultrastructural and histologic changes accompanying myopathy and to determine the importance of androgens and overexpression level for myopathic features. Transmission electron microscopy revealed augmented mitochondrial content and reduced myofibril width in androgen exposed transgenics. Additionally, male transgenics demonstrated increased glycogen content. Histochemical analyses confirmed sex-specific changes in glycogen content and revealed a surprising loss in the proportion of oxidative fibers in symptomatic animals. However, increased mitochondrial content was confirmed by the presence of ragged red fibers. Overexpression of AR in muscle fiber results in mitochondrial pathology and dysregulation of glycogen metabolism, possibly reflecting normal but exaggerated function of androgens in skeletal muscle fibers.

Keywords: androgen
skeletal muscle
kennedy disease
sbma
overexpression
mitochondria
androgen receptor
oxidative metabolism
glycogen
Advisor: Monks, D. Ashley
Examining Two Elementary-Intermediate Teachers' Understandings and Pedagogical Practices About Global Citizenship Education

In this qualitative study, I examine two elementary-intermediate teachers’ understandings and pedagogical practices of global citizenship education in the Ontario and British Columbia classroom contexts. Key findings reveal contrasting portrayals of global citizenship education that foreground particular themes and practices found in the literature and curriculum guidelines. One teachers’ understandings and goals highlight an environmental global justice angle whereas the other teacher focuses on critical thinking. Three broad themes appeared to underpin their pedagogical practices – child-centred learning, critical thinking, and authentic performance tasks – although each theme is portrayed in distinctive ways. Both teachers identified factors such as the departmental and school culture, a collaborative learning community, and suitable resources as either encouraging or hindering their ability to transform their preferred learning goals into practice. These findings reveal a level of ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the teacher participants’ understandings and practice, which is complicated by varying levels of support.

Keywords: Global Citizenship Education
Curriculum
Elementary-Intermediate
Teachers
Advisor: Evans, Mark
Bennett, Barrie
Compensatory Responses to Copulatory Organ Damage in the Western Black Widow

Experimental alterations of morphological traits during development can reveal life history tactics and resource allocation patterns. I examined effects of amputation of a structure directly involved with mating compared to one that is less associated with fitness. I amputated one of the paired external copulatory organs (palps) of juvenile male black widow spiders Latrodectus hesperus), and compared changes in life history traits and fitness to males with amputated legs and controls. I show that palps are more likely to be regenerated than legs, smaller juveniles are more likely to regenerate, and mating success is adversely affected in all adults that suffered early amputation. The pre-existing relationship between juvenile size and development was a critical determinant of regeneration, however no life history costs of regeneration were evident. I conclude that plasticity in life history facilitates regeneration, and that this may mask trade-offs involved in compensatory effects at the population level.

Keywords: regeneration
black widow
Advisor: Andrade, Maydianne
Structural Integrity is Essential for the Replication of the Virusoid RNA of Lucerne Transient Streak Sobemovirus

Lucerne transient streak sobemovirus (LTSV) supports the replication of a small, 322-nucleotide, untranslated virusoid (vLTSV) that has an extensively base-paired, viroid-like structure. Since vLTSV does not code for its own proteins or share sequence homology with its helper virus (LTSV), it is presumed that it uses structural motifs to signal the helper virus (and host) machinery for its replication. In order to elucidate these structural domains, insertion-deletion mutations were introduced to disrupt the secondary structure. Infectivity assays of these mutants showed that they were all lethal, except a 9-nucleotide, palindromic insertion, which preserved the overall rod-like structure of the virusoid. Sequence analysis of cDNA clones prepared from progeny virusoid RNA revealed that the palindromic sequence was replicated up to twelve days of infection but discarded afterwards. Results indicate that vLTSV has an optimum size and secondary structure for replication and packaging within the LTSV helper virus.

Keywords: LTSV
Virusoid
Advisor: AbouHaidar, Mounir
The Social Democratic Future of Saskatchewan: An Analysis of the Electoral Geography of Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan in 2003 and 2007

In November 2007 the right of centre Saskatchewan Party defeated Saskatchewan’s social democratic party, which had been in government for seventeen years. Unlike previous defeats, the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) loss in 2007 clearly showed that a new intra-urban political polarization in Saskatoon and Regina had emerged with the outer suburbs abandoning the NDP and the core areas maintaining previous levels of support. This study employs correlation analysis and logistic and linear regression analysis, using survey data from the 2003 and 2007 general election campaigns from Saskatchewan. Urban zones are constructed based on the morphological (urban form) hypothesis in order to create categories for spatial analysis. The different types of urban places are analyzed incorporating survey and Statscan data. Statistically significant differences between the urban zones are discussed in light of possible mechanisms found in the literature in order to explain recent political turns in Saskatchewan.

Keywords: Electoral Geography
Voting Behaviour and Space
Advisor: Walks, R. Alan
The Effect of Scale Centredness on Patient Satisfaction Responses

High satisfaction rates and the lack of response variability are problematic areas in survey research. An important area of methodological concern for self-report survey is the sensitivity and reliability of the instrument. This research examines the effects of a positive (right) centred scale on the distribution and reliability of satisfaction responses in a positive respondent population. A total of 216 participants were randomly assigned to one of the following three experimental Likert scale conditions: 5–point equal interval balanced scale; 5–point positive (right) packed scale; 5–point positive (right) centred scale. The distribution of responses occurred in the direction hypothesized. Comparable discrimination was found across the three conditions. Although, the study findings did not prove to be significant, the equal interval balanced scale produced the lowest mean score, contrary to previous research findings.

Keywords: Likert Scale
Rating Scale Options
Advisor: Lam, Tony C. M.
A Survey of Functional Retroposed Genes: H. sapiens, M. musculus, D. melanogaster, and C. elegans

Retrogenes are functional genes that are created through retroposition, whereby mature mRNA is reverse-transcribed and re-integrated into the genome. In this study, the following objectives were accomplished: (i) intrachromosomal- and interchromosomal-retroposed genes were located in H. sapiens, (ii) interchromosomal-retroposed genes were located in M. musculus, D. melanogaster, and C. elegans. To date, this is the first assay for intrachromosomal-retroposed genes in H. sapiens and interchromosomal-retroposed genes in C. elegans. Biases discovered include excess interchromosomal generation of retrogenes by chromosome X in H. sapiens, M. musculus, and D. melanogaster. Selection pressure created by the inactivation of the X chromosome during male meiosis appears to be at least partially responsible for this phenomenon. In addition, excess interchromosomal recruitment of retrogenes by chromosome X was observed in H. sapiens. The driving force appears to be an interplay between selection for female-beneficial genes and selection for male-beneficial genes. No other chromosome biases were discovered.

Keywords: Retrogene
Chromosome X
Homo sapiens
Mus musculus
Drosophila melanogaster
Caenorhabditis elegans
MSCI
Selection
Intrachromosomal
Interchromosomal
Advisor: Zhang, Zhaolei
Identifying Protein Partners of the Neuronal Transmembrane Protein NETO2

The neuronal transmembrane proteins Neto1 and Neto2, along with different protein partners, perform multiple roles in diverse processes including axon guidance in the developing nervous system and synaptic plasticity in the adult brain. My project focuses on identifying the membrane bound interacting partners of Neto2 using Membrane Yeast Two Hybrid (MYTH). By performing MYTH screens for the Neto2 molecule using human adult and embryonic whole brain cDNA libraries, I have identified several novel membrane bound putative interacting partners including, VAMP associated protein B (VAPB) and Glutamate transporter EAAT3-associated protein (GTRAP3-18), which play diverse functions during the glutamatergic neurotransmission. Initial studies to validate these interactions in vivo are currently underway by co-immunoprecipitation approach using mouse brain tissue. If these two candidate proteins are confirmed to be true interactors, it will open important avenues of research for the Neto2 protein during excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system.

Keywords: Neuroscience
Advisor: McInnes, Roderick
A Hierarchical Description Language and Packing Algorithm for Heterogenous FPGAs

The complexity of Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGAs) logic blocks have undergone constant evolution to the point where both the basic soft logic blocks that implement combinational logic and the fixed-function hard blocks contain complex interconnects, hierarchy and modes. The goal of this thesis is to both support that complexity and enable future architecture exploration of even increased complexity and new kinds of hard functionality. To accomplish this, a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) flow that can map a user circuit to an FPGA with these complex blocks is needed. We propose a new language that can describe these complex blocks and a new area-driven tool for the packing stage of that CAD flow. The packing stage groups components of a user circuit into the complex blocks available on the FPGA. We conduct experiments to illustrate the quality of the packing tool and to demonstrate the newly-enabled architecture exploration capabilities.

Keywords: FPGA
CAD
Packing
Clustering
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays
Computer-Aided Design
Architecture
Advisor: Rose, Jonathan S.
Anderson, Jason
CyborGlogger: A Computational Framework for Real-time CyborGlogging

CyborGlogs are lifelong log files of personal experiences that are captured without conscious thought or effort. By creating cyborglogs on a continuous basis, we can enable various novel applications where the lifelong records are used as memory aids or for personal safety. This thesis presents the development of a mobile application that provides the tools to instantly capture, archive, recall, and share our personal experiences on widely available cameraphones. To achieve this goal, a client-server computational framework is designed and implemented to support real-time interaction among the users. Three fully functional prototypes supporting three major mobile platforms (J2ME, Symbian, and iPhone) are presented to show the feasibility and flexibility of this framework. Finally, this thesis shows an early prototype which demonstrates the idea of mediated reality on cameraphones using various integrated sensors. This prototype explores the possibilities of developing truly intelligent wearable applications on mobile devices in the future.

Keywords: CyborGlogger
cameraphone
Glogger
Lifelong
lifelong experience capture
j2me
symbian
iphone
mobile phones
sift
wearable
passive capture
sousveillance
equiveillance
Advisor: Mann, Steve
Developmental Change in Frontal Neuronal Oscillations during Response Inhibition

The present study was designed to investigate developmental effects on cortical oscillations during response inhibition. EEG data were collected from 42 normally developing children (8 - 18 years old) while they performed Go/No-go tasks. We examined EEG power in alpha (8 - 12Hz) and theta (4 - 7Hz) frequency bands during No-go trials. Results showed that alpha and theta power decreased during baseline, and theta power enhancement during response inhibition (200 – 400ms post-stimulus) increased, with age. Also, baseline power was found to be negatively, and theta power enhancement during inhibition positively, correlated with behavioral performance. Importantly, when the effects of brain measures on behavioral performance were considered, age effects on performance became non-significant, suggesting a mediator role for brain activation. These findings indicate that, as children age, the brain cortex becomes less activated before inhibitory tasks but more activated during tasks, suggesting a more efficient allocation of neural resources.

Keywords: Neuroscience
Child development
Advisor: Lewis, Marc D.
Interproximal Papillae Adjacent to Single Implant Crowns in the Aesthetic Zone: Clinical and Radiographic Findings from a Multi-private Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) and Post-graduate Prosthodontics/Periodontology Residency Programs

This study was designed to determine if the following two variables influence the predictability of the presence of the interproximal papilla between single implant supported crown adjacent to a natural tooth: a) the vertical measurement from the crest of bone on the natural tooth to the contact point, and b) the horizontal measurement from the platform of the implant to the adjacent tooth root. Retrospective data from a multi-private practice based research network (PBRN) and from a graduate teaching institution were analyzed specific to the maxillary anterior aesthetic zones. 116 patients who had 139 dental implants restored for at least 6 months, with mesial and/or distal sites (N= 253) were included in the analysis. Assessments of the implant position based on osseous crestal topography were conducted using standardized radiographs which were digitized and interpreted with “Access” software. The gingival papilla morphology was assessed using the Jemt Papillary Index from calibrated digital clinical photographs. Contrary to previously published data, our results indicate that the presence of interproximal papillae is independent of the vertical and horizontal measurements investigated.

Keywords: implant
papilla
Advisor: Jokstad, Asbjorn
Study of a Semiconductor Nanowire under a Scanning Probe Tip Gate

Nanowires are sensitive to external influences such as surface charges or external electric fields. An Atomic Force Microsope (AFM) is modified to perform back gating and tip gating measurements in order to understand the interaction between an external field, and surface charge and nanowire conductance. A 2D finite element method (FEM) model is developed to simulate the measured conductance. The model shows that surface states play a critical role in determining nanowire conductance. A 3D FEM model is developed to examine the influence of the AFM tip on the lateral resolution of the AFM tip in the electrostatic measurement. The radius of the AFM tip determines the lateral resolution of the tip. However, carrier concentration in the nanowire establishes a lower limit on the lateral resolution, for small tip radii. These results enable one to optimize Scanning Probe Microscopy experiments as well as inform sample preparation for nanowire characterization.

Keywords: Nanowire
Scanning Probe
Advisor: Ruda, Harry E.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Effect of Low-magnitude, High-frequency Vibration on Bone

An emerging non-pharmacological treatment for bone degenerative diseases is whole body vibration (WBV), a mechanical signal composed of low-magnitude, high-frequency (LMHF) vibrations that when applied to bone, have osteogenic and anti-resorptive effects. Currently, the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying the effect of WBV on bone is unclear. In this study, we investigated the response of osteocytes, the putative mechanosensor in bone, under LMHF vibration. As bone cells differentiate from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), we also studied the osteogenic differentiation of rat MSCs in the presence of vibration loading. We found that vibrated osteocytes show gene and protein expression changes suggestive of an anti-osteoclastogenic response, and secrete soluble factors that inhibit osteoclast formation and activity. In contrast, rat MSCs showed moderate to no response to LMHF vibration during osteogenic differentiation. Our data suggest that in vivo effects of LMHF vibration are mediated through mechanosensing and biochemical responses by osteocytes.

Keywords: bone
mechanotransduction
osteocyte
osteoclast
mesenchymal stromal cell
whole body vibration
low-magnitude, high-frequency vibration
Advisor: You, Lidan
Synthesis of High Purity Silicon from Rice Husks

Impurity optimized silicon is needed for the advancement of terrestrial photovoltaic power generation. In this study the possibility of producing solar grade silicon from rice husks has been pursued. An integrated process flowsheet was developed and practiced that included initial leaching, reduction of Rice husk ash (RHA) and post-reduction purification of silicon. Metallothermic reduction of purified RHA with magnesium was investigated within the temperature range of 500-950 oC. The reduction product was purified by two stage acid leaching sequence. Analysis of the final silicon powder product by XRD and ICP-OES showed crystalline silicon with boron content to be less than 3ppm- corresponding to reduction by a factor greater than 10, whilst the phosphorus content was reduced by a factor of over 20 and reaching less than 73ppm. The effects of temperature, magnesium amount and leaching agents were optimized in this study. A one step test melting was also carried out to convert the silicon powder into silicon chunks.

Keywords: silicon
rice husks
synthesis
reduction
leaching
RHA
high purity
solar grade silicon
magnesium
refining
Quantitative XRD
ICP
Advisor: Barati, Mansoor
McLean, Alexander
Perturbation Evoked Balance Control Reactions in Individuals with Stroke

Individuals with stroke suffer from impaired balance that increases their risk of falling. Controlling reactive balance is essential to maintaining stability. The objective of the first study was to identify the role of pre-perturbation stance asymmetry on limb preference for reactive stepping in healthy young adults. This study demonstrated that steps taken with a pre-loaded limb are short, directed laterally and have a rapid swing time. The objective of the second study was to investigate the challenges of reactive stepping among individuals with stroke. This study demonstrated that participants primarily execute reactive stepping with their non-paretic limb, although those steps are highlighted by delays in timing and increased incidence of multiple stepping compared to healthy controls, even though all participants had very good clinical balance scores. Outcomes from this thesis present the need for improved clinical assessment of reactive balance control to help reduce the incidence of falling following stroke.

Keywords: Balance
Stroke
Posture
Advisor: McIlroy, William E.