VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Facilitating Real-Time Sketch-Based Storyboards for Stereoscopic and Virtual Reality Environments

Recently, we have seen a resurgence in stereoscopic movies, and an explosion of interest with stories for virtual reality (VR). Though these art forms share many similarities with traditional film, there are numerous differences. Some differences result in aspects that are more challenging to discuss, and are therefore often ignored, frequently resulting in bad decisions. This latest resurgence with stereoscopic cinema has resulted in a better understanding of the artistic challenges and opportunities provided by this form of storytelling. There has been a realization that creating stereoscopic movies does not mean simply adding depth, but rather involves a complex set of considerations to lead the audience through a pleasant viewing experience; one that engages them as consumers of the visual story, rather than using stereopsis as a gimmick that disconnects the viewer from the show. To facilitate these differences, the stereoscopic community encourages directors and producers to think of projects in stereo as early as possible, to make good design decisions. However, there are few early stage design tools to help support this design process. Likewise, with the consumerization of VR through devices such as Oculus Rift, Samsung GearVR, and Google Cardboard, directors have the ability to connect with audiences in new ways, and have started creating stories for virtual reality. However, directors are unsure how to direct a VR movie, or plan for these experiences. Due to factors such as the stereoscopic nature, 360Ë surrounding view, and uncertainty of how to perform transitions, directors have difficulty planning for this environment using traditional means. This work explores different approaches, and feedback to allow artists to sketch on tablets, leveraging existing drawing skills, yet allowing for quick creation of stereoscopic and virtual reality storyboards in real-time. The presented approaches allow artists to create stereoscopic and VR storyboards with minimal pre-planning, and almost no increase to the exerted effort by the artist. These techniques when applied to VR, allow artists to work in more immersive environments, and collaborate more easily. These techniques can help directors and producers plan films more effectively and easily with these new, unexplored stereoscopic and virtual sketched worlds.

Keywords: 3D
Anaglyph
Sketching
Stereoscopic
Storyboard
Virtual Reality
Advisor: Balakrishnan, Ravin
Quantitative Analysis and Comparison of Cerebrovasculature in Common Mouse Strains: C57BL/6, CD-1, CBA, and 129/Sv using Imaging, Automatic Segmentation and Labelling of the Cerebral Vessels

The study of cerebral vascular development can broaden our understanding of underlying variations such as pathologies that lead to cerebrovascular disorders. The development of high resolution 3D imaging modalities such as computed tomography angiography, has provided us with a great means of visualizing vasculature anatomy. However, the high complexity and 3D nature of the cerebral vasculature make comparison and analysis difficult, and time-consuming. I present a novel optimization of an imaging method for visualizing the complete cerebrovasculature in mouse models using micro Computed Tomography. I present an algorithm for automated segmentation and recognition of the cerebral vessels of mouse brain. The automatic vessel segmentation method is based on extracting a network of tubular objects from the background using the intensity contrast information of the images. The segmented vasculature is represented as an attributed graph where each vessel segment is an edge in the graph with local attributes such as diameter, length and direction of that vessel, as well as global features such as connectivity of vessel segments. Each vessel is annotated manually with its corresponding anatomical label in ``Brain-view2", an interactive visualization software that I have helped develop, to form a training set. The segmented network of vessels are labelled automatically using Bayesian inference on the training set and the local and global features of the cerebrovasculatures. Currently, no other fully-automated recognition tool for identification of each vessel in the cerebral vascular system is available. I have used this automatic recognition method to study the differences in the cerebrovasculature of four common mouse strains, C57BL/6 (n=10), CD-1 (n=8), CBA (n=9), and 129/Sv (n=8). The known variations in the circle of Willis and the perfusion territories of main cortical arteries were confirmed. I also quantified previously unknown inter-strain variations in the venous circulatory tree and the posterior arterial circulation tree of these four common mouse strains. The automatic recognition of the cerebral vascular system enables us to study the vascular variations among individuals. Also, this tool can be employed to study cerebrovascular development and can contribute to understanding of the vascular adaptation in response to pathology or treatment.

Keywords: 129/Sv
Automatic Labelling
C57BL/6
CD-1
Cerebrovasculature
Mouse brain
Advisor: Sled, John G
Lerch, Jason P
Discovery and Characterization of Novel Tetrodecamycins

Antibiotics are one of the most important groups of drugs ever discovered. In addition to their clinical use, these small molecules have also been essential for understanding the molecular details of numerous fundamental biological processes. As a result, the discovery and characterization of novel small molecules is of extraordinary value to both society and science. Streptomyces sp. strain WAC04657 is a wild-isolate bacterium that produces an antibiotic activity against multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus. I purified the responsible molecule and characterized it as 13-deoxytetrodecamycin, a new antibiotic belonging to the tetrodecamycin-group of molecules. To study the biosynthesis of this molecule, I sequenced the genome of WAC04657 and, using bioinformatic methods, identified the biosynthetic gene cluster. I named this cluster the ted cluster. To confirm that these genes were responsible for producing 13-deoxytetrodecamycin, I genetically manipulated genes within the cluster with the goal of making an overproducer strain and a non-producer strain. In addition to affecting the expression of 13-deoxytetrodecamycin, these mutants show alterations in the expression of four other molecules. I purified two of these and solved their structures. One I identified as the known molecule tetrodecamycin, while the second was a novel molecule that I named W5.9. A search of public genome sequences revealed that the ted cluster was also found in three other bacteria: Streptomyces atroolivaceus, Streptomyces globisporus, and Streptomyces sp. LaPpAH-202. By genetically manipulating the ted cluster in S. atroolivaceus and S. globisporus, I was able to confirm that these bacteria were also producers of tetrodecamycin â group molecules. Specifically, they produced tetrodecamycin and dihydrotetrodecamycin. In summary, the work reported in this thesis describes the discovery of a novel antibiotic as well the biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for producing it. Future work will focus on assessing the therapeutic potential of the tetrodecamycin-group molecules and identifying their mechanism of action.

Keywords: 13-deoxytetrodecamycin
antibiotics
MRSA
Streptomyces
tetrodecamycin
tetronate
Advisor: Nodwell, Justin R
A Bridge to Where? An Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Bridging Programs for Internationally Trained Professionals in Toronto

The biggest hurdle for new immigrants in Canada is their integration into the economic system. These immigrants have higher levels of education but their earnings have been lower and falling in comparison to the native-born Canadians (Akter et al., 2013; Block and Galabuzzi, 2011; Reitz, 2011). The issue of integrating Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) into the labour market in Canada is complex and multifaceted. In its effort to ease this gap of integration, the provincial government has invested millions of dollars to establish numerous â bridging programsâ in Ontario. These bridging programs that are supposed to integrate IEPs quickly into the labour market vary depending on the profession, service providers, their length and structure. Utilizing qualitative research and an interpretivist lens, with the help of IEPs (n=20) who have completed the bridging programs and service providers (n=8) for primary data, it has become apparent that although these programs were of benefit to some participants, they do not live up to expectations for many IEPs who continue to struggle to get employed in their profession. This thesis identifies neoliberalism, as not only an economic and political force but also a potent ideology that fosters self-blame.The bridging programs are short-term courses of varying lengths that are supposed to help IEPs address and overcome the challenges of economic integration. They may help in certain ways but are neither equipped to address, nor capable of addressing, the systemic issues of discrimination or racism, with issues of inconsistencies, instability and short sidedness surrounding them. An overall change in attitude to embrace social responsibility and renewed commitment to social justice is required by all stakeholders, if we are to address the ongoing plight of the so many IEPs who are qualified and skilled, but cannot practice in their professions.

Keywords: Bridging Programs
Discrimination
Immigrants
Neoliberalism
Racism
Advisor: Mirchandani, Kiran
Investigation of tropospheric pollutants and stratospheric ozone using infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometers from the ground, space and balloons

This thesis focusses on transport and composition of boreal fire plumes, evolution of trace gases in the Arctic, multi-year comparisons of ground-based and satellite-borne instruments, and depletion of Arctic ozone. Two similar Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) instruments were utilized: (1) the ground-based and balloon-borne Portable Atmospheric Research Interferometric Spectrometer for the InfraRed (PARIS-IR) and (2) the space-borne Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) FTS. Additional datasets, from other satellite and ground-based instruments, as well as Chemical Transport Models (CTMs) complemented the analysis. Transport and composition of boreal fire plumes were analysed with PARIS-IR measurements taken in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This study analysed the retrievals of different FTSs and investigated transport and composition of a smoke plume utilizing various models. The CO retrievals of three different FTSs (PARIS-IR, DA8, and IASI) were consistent and detected a smoke plume between 19 and 21 July 2011. These measurements were similar to the concentrations computed by GEOS-Chem (~3% for CO and ~8% for C2H6). Multi-year comparisons (2006-2013) of ground-based and satellite-borne FTSs near Eureka, Nunavut were carried out utilizing measurements from PARIS-IR, the Bruker 125HR and ACEFTS. The mean and interannual differences between the datasets were investigated for eight species (ozone, HCl, HNO3, HF, CH4, N2O, CO, and C2H6) and good agreement between these instruments was found. Furthermore, the evolution of the eight gases was investigated and increasing ozone, HCl, HF, CH4 and C2H6 were found. Springtime Arctic ozone depletion was studied, where six different methods to estimate ozone depletion were evaluated using the ACE-FTS dataset. It was shown that CH4, N2O, HF, and CCl2F2 are suitable tracers to estimate the ozone loss. The loss estimates (mixing ratioand partial column) are consistent for all six methods. Finally, PARIS-IR was prepared for a balloon-borne measurement campaign and a new suntracker for these measurements was designed and tested. The balloon was launched in September 2015. The suntracker performed with a Âą0.04Â° accuracy. From the balloon-borne sunset spectra, an ozone profile was retrieved and is consistent with measurements from a nearby ozonesonde within approximately 10 %.

Keywords: Fourier Transform Spectrometers
instrument comparison
ozone depletion
remote sensing
tropospheric chemistry
Advisor: Walker, Kaley A
Numerical Solution to Phase Change Problem: Application to Suspension Plasma Spray Coatings

A study of flight, impact, and solidification of molten ceramic droplets generated by suspension plasma spraying (SPS) is conducted. A three-dimensional model is developed for predicting behavior of droplets generated by SPS impacting a solid substrate. The model combines Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) integral interpolations with enthalpy formulations to capture the phase change process (solidification/melting). Surface tension is modeled as an internal force between all particles, that will be canceled in the bulk of fluid and generate unbalanced surface tension forces near the free surface. A Finite-Volume solver is also used to predict properties of the droplets at the time of reaching the substrate, i.e. temperature, velocity, and diameter. This solver uses discrete phase models to track flight, evaporation, and atomization of suspension droplets injected into plasma flow. Effects of high temperature gradients and non-continuum on solid particles in plasma flow are taken into account. Results are presented here in three steps. First, the newly developed numerical models for capturing solidification/melting in SPH are validated among various experimental, analytical, and numerical results from literature. These phase change models mainly fall into two main categories: (1) inclusion of latent heat as a source term in the enthalpy equation, (2) inclusion of latent heat by modifying the effective heat capacity in the enthalpy equation. Results confirm accuracy and robustness of the new methods. Secondly, results for droplet generation in SPS are presented. Effects of different parameters on droplets flight and impact are investigated. The goal here is to find suitable operating conditions for the plasma torch and injection process that guarantee impact of high quality droplets on the surface. Effects of injector parameters like injection location, flow rate, and angle along with effects of change in physical properties of droplets are studied. Finally, the newly improved SPH model is used to predict impact of molten ceramic droplets that are collected on the substrate. These cases include predictions for the spread factor and droplet behavior based on their impact velocity and temperature. Results are used to explain different scenarios happening in substrate coating using SPS.

Keywords: Numerical Modelling
Particle Trajectory
Phase Change (Solidification and Melting)
Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)
Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS)
Suspension Viscosity
Advisor: Mostaghimi, Javad
Who Mentors the Mentors? Curriculum and Development for Mentors of New Teachers in Israel

Excellent teachers of children are not automatically excellent mentors to new teachers. To effectively mentor new teachers, experienced teachers must understand new teachers’ needs and acquire mentoring skills. However, few teachers receive adequate preparation for mentoring, and few programs offer extended courses in mentor development. In Israel, mentor development courses are coordinated by the Ministry of Education and are taught by teacher educators in universities and teachers’ colleges throughout the country. This study investigates how the Israeli mentor development program prepares experienced teachers to mentor new teachers. Using case study methodology, the research included semi-structured interviews with 20 directors, coordinators, instructors, and mentors in the program, document analysis, and observation of the mentor coordinator training and the Israeli culture. The findings highlight the following curriculum themes: (a) Mentor identity, (b) New teacher’s world, (c) Mentor guidance and communication skills, (d) New teacher assessment, (e) Mentor course activities, and (f) Mentor course assignments. The research also reveals three principles of the Israeli mentor development program, including their challenges and strengths: (1) Mentor courses should benefit all mentors and new teachers, (2) Mentor courses’ curriculum should be both practical and professional, and (3) Mentors should build supportive, trusting mentoring relationships with new teachers. The study also discusses Israeli contextual issues and how they relate to the program. Consideration of the Israeli program in light of other mentor development programs provides insights for creating mentor development programs in other contexts. Despite the challenges, the curriculum and practice of Israel’s development program for mentors of new teachers can serve as a model for initiating and conducting mentor development in Canada and other countries. Where implemented in context-specific, culturally sensitive ways, the insights from this study could improve new teacher induction, teacher retention and development, and student education.

Keywords: Curriculum
Israel
Mentor Development
Mentoring
Teacher Induction
Teacher Professional Development
Advisor: Hayhoe, Ruth
The Attentive Mind

When theorists are engaged in the study of attention, they should not ask questions about “attention” simpliciter. They should instead always specify whether perceptual attention or what William James called “intellectual attention” is under discussion. James distinguished between the two varieties of attention with reference to their objects. He said that perceptual attention can be directed at “sensorial objects”, by which he means “object that an agent is perceiving, or could be perceiving”, and that intellectual attention can be directed at “ideal or represented objects” (James 1890 p. 416). In this dissertation, I develop a sufficient condition for intellectual attention and put my sufficient condition to two philosophical uses. On my view, using information from a personal level cognitive representation of that object to guide the performance of some primary task is sufficient for intellectual attention to that object. My sufficient condition is motivated by the practice of scientists studying intellectual attention and is compatible with a pluralistic approach to the metaphysics of attention. I use this sufficient condition to argue that intellectual attention can alter cognitive consciousness, and to argue that intellectual attention is required to comprehend some singular terms.

Keywords: Attention
Philosophy of Cognitive Science
Philosophy of Mind
Advisor: Rattan, Gurpreet
Hummingbird Hovering Energetics and Flight Capacities Across Elevational Gradients

High elevations are characterized by reductions in environmental parameters, including oxygen availability and air density. This can be problematic for volant species, as sustaining flight in hypodense air is more energetically demanding relative to normodensity. Animals meet these challenges by increasing wingbeat kinematics and mechanical power output, necessitating increased metabolic input, while at the same time aerobic metabolism is constrained by hypoxic conditions associated with increasing elevation. These limits may restrict the range of behaviours that can be aerobically sustained. This thesis explores the kinematic and aerobic capacities for exercise across an elevational gradient, and examines possible morphological adaptations associated with life at high elevations. Using hummingbirds, a group of animals with high hovering metabolic rates and wide elevational distributions, I examine the flight capacities and aerobic scopes across an 1800-m elevational gradient, as well as any morphological adaptations that permit high elevation flight. The angular velocity of the wings during hovering flight varies across elevations during hovering flight challenges, with higher elevations associated with higher angular velocities. Subsequently, the mechanical and metabolic power output of the muscles increases with rising elevation and challenge. Nonetheless, there is no relationship between aerobic scope and elevation. Overall, this suggests that hummingbirds are not metabolically limited and maintain the capacity to perform aerobic activities across their native ranges. Examination of morphology has previously indicated that high elevation species may have disproportionately larger wings than their lower elevation counterparts, hypothesized to be compensatory for high elevations. My analysis of hovering metabolic rate scaling has demonstrated that there is no relationship between elevation and morphological characteristics; there does not appear to be a compensatory effect of morphological variation upon hovering flight metabolic rates. However, there is a significant relationship between mass and mechanochemical efficiency of the flight muscles during hovering. Given that larger species tend to be overrepresented at higher elevations, greater efficiency may have permitted larger species to expand upwards because of their capacity to economize oxygen use. Overall, hummingbirds do not vary in flight scope across elevations, and many species are able to maintain large elevational ranges without apparent morphological or functional adaptation.

Keywords: elevation
energetics
flight
hovering
hummingbird
metabolism
Advisor: Welch Jr., Kenneth C
Designing Green Roofs for Low Impact Development: What Matters, and Why?

This thesis assesses the performance of green roofs primarily as hydrologic systems and as components in biogeochemical cycles; asking: What are they made from? Which design parameters are most influential? What are the relative impacts? Can the findings be explained? A multivariate experiment (n = 24) at the Green Roof Innovation Testing laboratory (GRITlab) between May 2013 - April 2015 revealed that irrigation has the greatest effect on annual runoff coefficient, compared to type of planting medium or planting depth (đ ĽĚ = 0.5). Switching between Sedum. or native species planting made no significant difference. NRCS curve numbers (đ ĽĚ = 90) and peak runoff coefficients (đ ĽĚ = 0.1) were considered robust, unchanging with any of the design factors. Water extractable total phosphorus in 3.5-year-old media had been unaffected by irrigation, depth or planting compared to the overall difference between the compost or mineral basis (90 ppm and 46 ppm respectively). Electrical conductivity was higher in water discharged from the mineral media; in situ measurements are highly variable, complicated by the heterogeneity of the materials. Higher concentrations of humic acids were found at in the water discharged from the compost. The water retention curve (WRC) of ten media components and mixtures were used to explore the bi-modal distribution of inter-particle voids and intra-particle pore spaces and to explain why the non-linear storage capacity of the materials. The water retention capacity was inversely related to saturated hydraulic conductivity; both macroscale properties were highly dependent on the size of the lowest decile fraction of particle sizes. Media components with high organic matter content were assessed for wettability using contact angle measurements. Past and current practices in green roof construction were considered by sampling media from thirty-three green roofs. Most planting media were compost based with high organic matter (OM), or mineral based with very low OM. Bulk density, particle density and porosity were all dependent on OM, as were the hydrological properties of water retention capacity and permeability. An average 10% loss of depth was observed across all installations regardless of their age or organic matter content.

Keywords: Ecological Engineering
Green Roofs
Hydrology
Low Impact Development
Sustainable Urban Drainage
Urban Stormwater
Advisor: Drake, Jennifer A
Sleep, Brent