VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Group Delay and Detection Latency in the Presence of Noise for Communication Systems

Although it has been well established that abnormal group delay is a real physical phenomenon and is not in violation of Einstein causality, there has been little investigation into whether or not such abnormal behaviour can be used to reduce signal latency in practical communication systems in the presence of noise. In this thesis, we use time-varying probability of error to determine if abnormal group delay “channels” can offer reduced signal latency. Since the detection system plays a critical role in the analysis, three important detection systems are considered: the correlation, matched filter and envelope detection systems. Our analysis shows that for both spatially negligible microelectronic systems and spatially extended microwave systems, negative group delay “channels” offer reduced signal latency as compared to conventional “channels”. The results presented in the thesis can be used to design a new generation of electronic and microwave interconnects with reduced or eliminated signal latency.

Keywords: electrical engineering
Einstein causality
causality
communication systems
abnormal group delay
abnormal group velocity
superluminal group delay
superluminal group velocity
time-varying error probability
signal latency
detection system
detection latency
pulse advancement
spatially extended systems
negative group delay
negative group velocity
spatially negligible systems
microwave circuits
microelectronic interconnects
channel
relativistic causality
electromagnetic
dispersion
physics
signals
Advisor: Mojahedi, Mohammad
Contested Streets: A Case-study Approach to Understanding Bicycle and Car Politics in Toronto, Canada

Using qualitative interviews, this thesis examines bicycle and car politics in Toronto, Canada to understand: i) how automobility affects those engaged in contesting and supporting cycling initiatives; ii) why the installation of cycling infrastructure has been politicized; and iii) whether strategies used by cycling activists are effective. The paper concludes that contemporary cultural and economic values surrounding automobility are visible in those engaged in bicycle and car politics. Findings suggest that the politicization of efforts to install cycling infrastructure arise due to how these values manifest themselves in the political realm, and the interrelationship between a lack of coherent transportation policy, the institutionalization of automobiles in planning and a ward-based decision-making system that entrenches suburban and urban biases. Activist strategies could be more effective by moving away from a focus on cycling lanes to address cultural norms associated with automobiles and bicycles and by focusing on a ‘complete streets’ approach.

Keywords: bicycling
automobility
urban politics
social movements
Advisor: Sorensen, Andre
Investigations in Transition Metal Catalysis: Development of a Palladium Catalyzed Carboesterification of Olefins and Synthesis of Chiral Sulfoxide Pincer Ligands

The development of a palladium-catalyzed intramolecular carboesterification of unactivated olefins is described. Olefin difunctionalization is a powerful tool for adding complexity to a molecule, and this formal [3+2] cycloaddition generates highly functionalized fused ring systems. Initially discovered by Dr. Yang Li in our group, it was found that when propiolic acids with a pendant terminal olefin were treated with 1 mol % Pd(MeCN)2Cl2, 3 equivalents of copper (II) chloride, and 3 equivalents of lithium chloride in acetonitrile at 50 °C, cyclization occurred in up to 90% yield. The optimization of this reaction and the extension to propiolamides and propargyl alcohols is described in this thesis. A mechanism involving a novel palladium-carboxylate species is proposed. Preliminary investigations into the synthesis of chiral sulfoxide pincer ligands are also described. The nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 1,3-dibromobenzene and 2,6-dichloropyridine with various thiols, followed by oxidation of the sulfides to sulfoxides is investigated as a route to the desired proligands.

Keywords: Transition Metal Catalysis
Pincer ligands
Carboesterification
Advisor: Dong, Vy Maria
Coaches' Perspectives on Athlete-centred Coaching

The purpose of this study was to explore elite coaches' perspectives on the athlete-centred approach to coaching. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten (five male and five female) current coaches of female athletes on Canadian national team sports. The data were analyzed qualitatively using inductive and deductive analyses. Data revealed that coaches attached divergent meanings to the term "athlete-centred" sport. They referred to a holistic philosophy of the athlete, coaching practices that involve athletes within the coach-athlete partnership, specific values as essential components of athlete-centred coaching, and a philosophy of success that extends beyond athletic performance. The coaches also identified barriers to implementing athlete-centred coaching behaviours. The findings of this study have implications for our understanding of athlete-centred coaching and holistic athlete development, as well as policy revisions, coach education, and future coaching research.

Keywords: Athlete-Centred
Coach
Athlete
Advisor: Kerr, Gretchen
Enhancing Interfacial Bonding of a Biodegradable Calcium Polyphosphate/Polyvinyl-urethane Carbonate Interpenetrating Phase Composite for Load Bearing Fracture Fixation Applications

This thesis describe methods to improve the interfacial stability of an interpenetrating phase composite (IPC) polyvinylurethanecarbonate), and to increase the hydrophobicity of the polymer phase. The current IPCs introduce covalent bonding between the phases via silanizing agents to enhance the interfacial stability. Incorporation of the silanizing agents was also intended to reduce the IPC’s sensitivity to interfacial hydration, thereby enhancing the IPC’s resistance to degradation during aging. Lysine diisocyanate was used to increase the hydrophobic character in the polyvinylurethanecarbonate resin. The polymer resins were infiltrated into porous CPP blocks with 25 volume% interconnected porosity and polymerized to produce the IPCs. After mechanical testing following a aging study it was found that the silanizing agents contributed to stability of the mechanical properties under aqueous conditions. It was concluded that the mechanical properties and stability were comparable to available biodegradable composites, as well as being biocompatible to a preosteoblast model cell line.

Keywords: Orthopaedic
Interpenetrating Phase Composite
Calcium Polyphosphate
Polyvinylurethane
Fracture Fixation
Load Bearing Bones
Biodegradable Composite
Mechanical Testing
silanizing agents
silane
Advisor: Pilliar, Robert M.
Santerre, J. Paul
The Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Filtration Optimization in Drinking Water Treatment

Filtration is an important process in drinking water treatment to ensure the adequate removal of particle-bound pathogens (i.e. Giardia and Cryptosporidium). Filtration performance is typically monitored in terms of filtered water turbidity. However, particle counts may provide further insight into treatment efficiency, as they have a greater sensitivity for detecting small changes in filtration operation. To optimize the filtration process at the Elgin Area WTP in terms of post-filtration particle counts, artificial neural network (ANN) models were applied. Process models were successfully developed to predict settled water turbidity and particle counts. Additionally, two inverse process models were developed to predict the optimal coagulant dosage required to attain target particle counts. Upon testing each model, a high correlation was observed between the actual and predicted data sets. The ANNs were then integrated into an optimization application to allow for the transfer of real-time data between the models and the SCADA system.

Keywords: Filtration
alum dosage
artificial neural networks
optimization
prediction
water treatment
Advisor: Andrews, Robert C.
Networks of Power. Water, Infrastructure and Territory in the West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territories

This thesis investigates the relationship between water resources, networks and territory under changing relations of rule in the West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territories. It focuses on the creation of uneven patterns of water infrastructure development since Israeli occupation of the territory in 1967, and on their perpetration following the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority in 1995. This is produced by the interplay of three different imperatives of water resource development: a military-strategic and territorial one, represented by the Israeli Civil Administration, one based on national sovereignty over resources and universal water rights, represented by the Palestinian National Authority, and one based on technical efficiency of the sector, promoted by some international development institutions. The relative strength of these three actors in relation to each other, which in turn is influenced by the political history of the region, determines the physical outcome of water resource development.

Keywords: water
infrastructure
colonialism
Palestine
Israel
Advisor: Prudham, W. Scott
Effect of Slope and Aspect on Litter Layer Moisture Content of Lodgepole Pine Stands in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains of Alberta

For two fire seasons in Nordegg, Alberta, a system of in-stand weather stations were arranged along a north and south aligned valley and combined with collection of destructive fine fuel moisture content data in order to quantify variations due to differences in slope and aspect. South-facing sites were found to be slightly warmer (1.5°C), less humid (5%) and received on average 20% more solar radiation than the north-facing sites during the peak burning period of the day. Based on these weather observations a difference of 1 or 2 % moisture content between north and south sites was predicted using existing theoretical relationships. A corresponding difference in observed moisture content was not identified, due to the low transmittance recorded at the in-stand sites (<10% of open solar radiation measurements), variation amongst destructive samples and logistical limits on the number of replicates collected.

Keywords: forest fire management
fuel moisture content
slope
aspect
forest fire danger rating
wildfire
Advisor: Martell, David Lee
Wotton, Brian Michael
Phylogenetic Relationships among the Scolopaci (Aves: Charadriiformes): Implications for the Study of Behavioural Evolution

Unraveling the relationships between organisms and patterns of diversity is a central goal of evolutionary biology, pursuant to the aim of reconstructing the history of life. I constructed a hypothesis for species relationships in the shorebird suborder Scolopaci, and mapped onto this framework behavioural and life-history traits to infer their evolutionary history. Relationships were well-resolved and well-supported, although reliable resolution of certain nodes will require additional, independent sources of information. We estimated the Scolopaci ancestor to be monogamous, and care-giving through fledging, but ancestral breeding location and migration distance reconstructions were equivocal. Tests for correlations between parental care and other traits to explain extant species’ trait diversity show that, contrary to previous reports, evolution of Scolopaci diversity was a complex process that cannot be explained by individual character correlations. This study provides important insights into Scolopaci and shorebird evolutionary history, and the general practice of inferring past processes from phylogenetic hypotheses.

Keywords: shorebirds
evolution
behaviour
phylogenetics
Advisor: Baker, Allan J.
Studies towards Developing Diastereoselective SN1 Reactions of α-Keto Carbocations

Although α-keto carbocations have been demonstrated to be viable intermediates in solvolysis reactions, their applications in synthesis are scarce. These species can be considered to be equivalent to “reversed polarity” enolates and, as such, could be useful for the asymmetric formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. In principle, facial selectivity in additions to α-keto carbocations may be induced using easily removed ester, amide, or imide chiral auxiliaries. Efforts to achieve such diastereoselective SN1 reactions of α-keto carbocations are described herein.

Keywords: diastereoselective SN1 reaction
alpha-keto carbocation
nucleophilic substitution reaction
carbon-carbon bond forming reaction
carbon-heteroatom bond forming reaction
chiral auxiliary
asymmetric synthesis
Lewis acid-mediated
Bronsted acid-mediated
silver-mediated
organic chemistry
leaving group
ester
amide
imide
Advisor: Taylor, Mark S.
Genetic Determinants of the Acute Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms of Caffeine

The mechanisms underlying caffeine’s acute effects and withdrawal symptoms are not entirely understood. The purpose was to determine whether these effects or symptoms co-exist in clusters, and whether they are associated with polymorphisms in β1- and β2-adrenoceptors. Subjects (n=1271) were from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study. The acute effects and withdrawal symptoms clustered into 4 and 6 factors, respectively. Subjects with the ADRβ2 Gly16Arg Gly/Arg genotype were more likely than Gly allele homozygotes to report “fatigue” withdrawal symptoms. Among >200 mg/d caffeine consumers, ADRβ2 Gly allele carriers had a greater risk, compared to Arg allele homozygotes, of reporting ‘flu-like somatic’ withdrawal symptoms. Among subjects with the CYP1A2 -163 A>C A/A genotype and 100-200 mg/d caffeine consumers, ADRβ1 Arg389Gly Gly allele carriers had a greater risk, compared to Arg allele homozygotes, of reporting “dysphoric mood” withdrawal symptoms. The findings suggest that β1- and β2- adrenoceptors play a role in caffeine withdrawal.

Keywords: Caffeine
Genetics
nutrigenomics
pharmacogenomics
acute effects of caffeine
caffeine withdrawal symptoms
Advisor: El-Sohemy, Ahmed
The Clinical Relevance of Paediatric Access Targets for Elective Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthesia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of access targets for elective dental general anaesthesia (GA) by assessing incremental changes in dental disease burden over wait times at SickKids. A retrospective review of dental records were completed for 378 children who were prioritized by their dental and medical status. A scale was developed to measure cumulative dental disease burden over time. Statistically significant correlations were identified between cumulative disease burden and wait times for priority IV (p = 0.004), the entire sample (p < 0.003), DOSDCADCA (p = 0.005), comorbid (p = 0.036), healthy (p = 0.0002), female (p = 0.014) and male (p = 0.008) groups. The mean cumulative disease burden was not different between matched healthy and cormorbid groups (p = 0.38). A trend of increasing dental disease burden for children with longer wait times for dental GA was found but not clinically significant.

Keywords: relevance
access targets
paediatrics
dentistry
general anaesthesia
Advisor: Casas, Michael
Lyapunov-based Stability Analysis of a One-pump One-signal Co-pumping Raman Amplifier

We consider the boundary control problem to stabilize the power of a signal and a pump propagating down a Raman amplifier. This is essentially an initial-boundary value problem (IBVP) of a hyperbolic system with Lotka-Volterra type nonlinearities. We treat the system as a control problem with states in the function space and use Lyapunov-based analysis to demonstrate asymptotic stability in the C_0 and the L_2-sense. The stability conditions are derived for closed-loop systems with a proportional controller and a dynamic controller, and confirmed by simulations in MATLAB.

Keywords: Control
Raman Amplifier
Stability Analysis
Lotka-Volterra
Advisor: Pavel, Lacra
Characterization of Reductive Dehalogenases in a Chlorinated Ethene-degrading Bioaugmentation Culture

Perchloroethene and trichloroethene are among the most persistent groundwater pollutants, and Dehalococcoides is the only known species that can degrade these compounds completely to non-toxic ethene. Characterization of the reductive dehalogenase (RDase) enzymes responsible for dechlorination is important to understanding this process. A series of dechlorination assays were performed with whole cell suspensions and cell-free extracts of three Dehalococcoides-containing mixed microbial consortia to compare dechlorination kinetics and to characterize co-contaminant inhibition. Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters Vmax and Km, as well as non-competitive inhibition coefficients for 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 1,1-dichloroethane inhibitors are reported. Secondly, blue native gel electrophoresis was developed as a method to isolate active protein complexes containing RDases. Thirdly, sources of variability in the isotopic fractionation of vinyl chloride to ethene reaction step were examined using cell-free extracts and whole-cell suspensions. Understanding the function and range of RDases are goals towards the successful application of Dehalococcoides-containing cultures to remediate contaminated sites.

Keywords: Bioremediation
Trichloroethene
Vinyl chloride
Dehalococcoides
Advisor: Edwards, Elizabeth A.
Nitric Oxide as a Marker of Smoking Abstinence

Introduction: To evaluate the effectiveness of smoking cessation intervention, reliable outcome is essential. Exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) is decreased in smokers, tends to normalize after cessation and might be a good tool to evaluate abstinence. Objective: To evaluate changes in ENO after smoking abstinence of 7 or more days. Methods: 58 smokers in a cessation attempt and 12 non-smokers were recruited: 7 visits for smokers and 2 for non-smokers. Carbon monoxide and cotinine were used to detect smoking status. Results: ENO is decreased in smokers compared to non-smokers (10.8 vs. 20.1 ppb, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in ENO pre and post quitting (p=0.080) although there was a trend to increase as early as 3 days after abstinence (10.78 vs. 15.11, p>0.05). There were no differences in nasal NO measurements (p=0.278). Conclusion: ENO doesn’t seem to be a reliable marker of short-term abstinence.

Keywords: nitric oxide
smoking
abstinence
Advisor: Chapman, Kenneth
Inclusionary Zoning, Brownfield Development and Urban Governance: Understanding Affordable Housing Production in Concord's City Place and Pacific Place Developments

Maintaining affordable housing in Canadian cities remains a challenge for municipal governments. With few political and financial resources, local governments often turn to zoning bylaws to protect affordable housing opportunities. This research focuses on the development and implementation of inclusionary zoning programs in Toronto and Vancouver. In order to understand the value of these policies, this research asks how planners implemented inclusionary zoning and with what outcomes. Interviews with key actors in the public and private sector form the basis of an account that details the implementation of affordable housing requirements negotiated at two new-build gentrification sites in Toronto and Vancouver. The findings from this research show mixed results and highlight the barriers to the successful implementation of inclusionary zoning. While capable of securing subsidized units in gentrifying neighbourhoods, the poor results of these policies demonstrates the difficulty of managing gentrification unleashed by the state.

Keywords: gentrification
social housing
neoliberalism
social mix
Advisor: Walks, R. Alan
Increased Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Modulates Hippocampal Glutamatergic Synaptic Protein Expression and Synaptic Transmission

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine that orchestrates key events of development, disease and repair in the central nervous system (CNS). To investigate the effects of chronically producing TGF-β1 on synaptic structure and synaptic transmission, I performed immunohistochemistry and immunoblot of brain tissues from transgenic mice (TGF-β1 mice) that over-express active form of TGF-β1 from astrocytes in the CNS. Immunohistochemical assays showed that synaptophysin increased in the CA3 subfield whereas calbindin-D28K decreased in the mossy fibres. Immunoblot analysis revealed that several α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit proteins were up-regulated in the hippocampus of TGF-β1 mice. To examine the direct effect of TGF-β1 alone on glutamatergic synaptic activity, cultured hippocampal neurons were treated with or without TGF-β1. Electrophysiological recordings displayed that TGF-β1 significantly increased the amplitude of glutamate-evoked current (p<0.05). Taken together, these data suggest that TGF-β1 modulates hippocampal glutamatergic synaptic protein expression and regulates synaptic transmission.

Keywords: growth factor
brain
hippocampus
synapse
glutamate receptors
Advisor: Lu, Wei-Yang
Cemento-osseous Dysplasia of the Jaw Bones: A Radiographic Analysis of 118 Cases

Objectives: This project explores the demographic and clinical presentation of cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD), and their pathognomonic radiographic features. Methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected from the charts of 118 subjects with COD from the Oral Radiology archives. Using a systematic objective survey instrument, 3 general dentists (GP) and 3 oral radiologists (RG) reviewed 50 image sets of COD and similarly-appearing entities. Participants were asked to identify radiographic features and to make a diagnosis based on the images provided. Results: The majority of cases occurred in clinically asymptomatic females in their fifth decade. RGs identified a well-defined border, radiolucent periphery, bilateral occurrence, mixed radiolucent/radiopaque internal structure, and association with anterior and posterior teeth as key features, correctly interpreting 79.3% of COD cases. The absence of root resorption and an association with anterior and posterior teeth were the only key features that guided GPs to correctly interpret 38.7% of COD cases.

Keywords: cemento-osseous dysplasia
radiographic analysis
Advisor: Lam, Ernest W.
Role of FANCM in Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) Human Cells

Most immortal human cells maintain their telomeres by up-regulating the enzyme telomerase. Approximately 10-15% of immortal cells maintain their telomere lengths by a recombination-based mechanism termed alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Human ALT cells are characterized by ALT associated promyelocytic bodies (APBs) that contain proteins involved in DNA damage response and repair. Our lab has found significant colocalization of several components of the Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway with telomeres and demonstrated that knockdown of FANCD2 leads to ALT-specific increase in the amount of telomeric DNA as well as increased aneuploidy and cell death. In this study, we examined the role of FANCM in telomere maintenance in ALT cells. We found a significant colocalization of FANCM with telomeres in two ALT cell lines. Knockdown of FANCM was associated with reduced growth, increases in the size of TRF2 foci and in the amount of telomeric DNA. These data suggest that FANCM plays a role in telomere length regulation and maintenance.

Advisor: Meyn, M. Stephen