VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Functional Tensor-Train Decomposition models for Regression and Classification

Low-rank tensor decomposition is a popular tool in functional approximation, and is becoming popular in solving supervised learning problems. Recent research has used functional tensor-train (FTT) decomposition for multivariate regression problems, but has left classification unexplored. The contributions of this thesis are two-fold. Firstly, we extend FTT to binary and multi-class classification applications. Secondly, we propose a Bayesian FTT decomposition scheme using stochastic variational inference (SVI). This enables the FTT approach to provide statistical prediction error bars. Results on real and synthetic datasets show that, in some cases, performance gains over baseline methods can be achieved. FTT decomposition is a promising avenue of research on supervised learning problems, and should be explored further in other machine learning applications.

Keywords: Functional Tensor Train
Machine Learning
Stochastic methods
Supervised Learning
Tensor Decomposition
Variational Bayesian
Advisor: Nair, Prasanth B
Analyzing Organizational Processes in Machine Learning Projects: Exploring Modeling Approaches

As Machine Learning (ML) continues its emergence across numerous industries, software teams and organizations face new challenges beyond those found in conventional software projects. While many of these challenges are technical in nature, many organizational issues could jeopardize project success. In this work, we explore conceptual modeling techniques for deepening understanding of organizational problems in ML projects. We studied practices in an empirical case study of three ML software project organizations. We applied i* modeling to uncover and analyze several types of organizational issues and how they have been addressed in practice. This thesis aims to identify how conceptual modeling techniques can be refined and improved to better support ML project organizations and to advance ML maturity.

Keywords: Conceptual modeling
Data Science
Machine Learning
Organizational processes
Advisor: Yu, Eric
A Novel Self-Mineralizing Antibacterial Tissue Repair (SMART) varnish to condition root-end dentin in endodontic microsurgery

Ultrasonic root-end preparation in endodontic microsurgery (EMS) can initiate and propagate cracks on the root-end, which reduce surgical prognosis. This study assessed the effectiveness of a novel varnish containing chitosan-grafted-hydroxyapatite-precursors (CS-HA) to seal the root-end. In phase-1, antibacterial properties and biocompatibility were evaluated utilizing Enterococcus faecalis and human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblast models, respectively. Biomineralization potential was determined using X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform-infrared-spectroscopy. In phase-II the dentin-varnish interface was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the percentage of root-end sealed was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and independent t-test. CS-HA formed a hydroxyapatite layer, reduced bacterial adherence/survival (p

Advisor: Kishen, Anil
Northern Ontario Air Transportation and Remote Community Resilience and Wellbeing

This thesis explores the role air transportation plays in northern Ontario remote community wellbeing and resilience using mixed methods based on a modified resilience framework. Six years of cargo data and flight operations data from one airline in the region are analyzed to first, map how remote communities and their infrastructure systems are dependent on air transportation, and second, to analyze air transportation performance. Air transportation is the only mode of year-round travel in 31 northern Ontario communities and therefore plays an essential role in connecting communities to essential goods and services (e.g. food, healthcare). In terms of infrastructure interdependencies, the main cargo delivered by air is diesel fuel for energy, with a secondary good being construction materials. Performance-wise, air transportation faces both infrastructure challenges (e.g. lack of weather reporting, inadequate de-icing services) and operating challenges (e.g. poor weather) that are exacerbated by climate change effects.

Keywords: Air Transportation
Northern Ontario
Remote Communities
Resilience
Advisor: Saxe, Shoshanna
2 mm Bipolar Cautery Instrument for Robot-assisted Neuroendoscopy

Electrosurgery is used in the operating room as a means to cut tissue and maintain hemostasis. Bipolar cautery can be very useful in helping neurosurgeons treat hydrocephalus by cauterizing the choroid plexus to reduce cerebrospinal fluid production; however, current instrument designs are not well suited to a typical neuroendoscopic working channel due to their rigid structure, limited range of motion, and bulky design. A novel minimally invasive bipolar cautery tool suitable for flexible neuroendoscopy has been developed to solve this issue. The system features bipolar tips that resemble grasping forceps, making it easy for surgeons to hold tissue while performing electrosurgery. The tool is compatible with a concentric tube surgical robot and has preserved the intended function of an electrosurgical tool, making it easier to access to miniature anatomies, increase range of motion, and improve surgical outcomes.

Advisor: Drake, James M
I Hate it Here: A Critical-creative inquiry into Notions of Freedom, Safety, and Privilege

My research examines how Black critical thinkers theorize notions of freedom, safety and privilege. The research asks, how do Black radical understandings of these concepts overlap with, contradict, and challenge the ways in which freedom, safety and privilege are operationalized in liberal discourses? What are the implications and potentialities of Black radical notions of freedom, safety, and privilege for Black life in good relation with Indigenous Peoples? Building on Lisa William-White’s (2011) work of expanding the potentials of qualitative research methodology through evocative performance narratives that are created from journal entries, document analysis, music, poetics, spoken word performance, and sociological introspection; I situate Black critical-creative praxis as one that challenges whiteness, liberal multiculturalism, settler colonialism, patriarchy, transatlantic slavery, racial capitalism and high-education investment in perpetuating imperialism. I comment on “academic freedom”, “safe space”, and the “privilege” of entering the academy through an engagement with poetics, as I grapple with belonging, unbelonging, love, music, and aesthetics.

Keywords: Black global Diaspora
Black Studies
Freedom
Liberalism
Privilege
Safety
Advisor: hampton, rosalind
Sztainbok, Vannina
Elucidating Memory Specificity by Exploring Parvalbumin Interneuron Modulation of Perineuronal Nets

Infantile generalization, a unique type of generalization seen during early development, has not been widely studied in the ontogeny of memory. However, understanding this phenomenon is important for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the emergence of memory specificity. Preliminary studies form our lab have identified the ability of hippocampal perineuronal nets (PNNs) to bidirectionally modulate memory specificity. Other recent studies have determined that parvalbumin (PV) interneuron activity could modulate PNN assemblies in the visual cortex. Taken together, we predicted that PNN formations could be bidirectionally modulated by hippocampal CA1 PV interneuron activity, and in turn affect the emergence of memory specificity. Instead, only chemogenetic excitation of PV interneurons increased PNN intensities, while PV inhibition had no affect on PNN assemblies. It remains inconclusive whether these molecular changes impact the emergence of memory specificity, as only memory specificity was exhibited from both PV manipulations.

Keywords: Hippocampus
Interneuron
Memory
Parvalbumin
Perineuronal Nets
Specificity
Advisor: Frankland, Paul W
Awe and Perspective taking

Understanding another’s perspective is an essential component of a healthy social interaction. However, the motivation to empathize with others can often be low. My thesis investigated whether the emotion of awe may motivate perspective taking. I found that dispositional awe was positively correlated with multiple trait measures of perspective taking. However across a variety of analyses inducing awe did not consistently promote greater accuracy and reduce reaction time in a visual perspective taking task compared to neutral and amusement control conditions. I found evidence that awe improved overall cognitive flexibility, but it is not clear that this flexibility is specific to taking another’s visual perspective. These results suggest that awe may be related to dispositional perspective taking or perspective taking at a higher social cognitive level, but it does not affect other-focused visual attention or perspective taking.

Keywords: Awe
Emotion
Perspective taking
Advisor: Stellar, Jennifer
Effectiveness of Software-enhanced CBCT-image Artifact Reduction Software

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to quantify the degree of BH artifact production and evaluate the effectiveness of AR software in two CBCT systems. Materials and Methods: Palatal roots of Dent-Alike™ model teeth were prepared, root-filled and imaged with or without AR software applied using the ProMax3D and the Pax-i3D systems. “Light” and “Dark” components of the BH artifact were quantified two-dimensionally and, three-dimensionally. Results: Significant reductions observed in the “light” artifact with the Planmeca system (p

Keywords: Artifact Reduction
Artifacts
Beam Hardening
CBCT
Cone Beam CT
root fillings
Advisor: Lam, Ernest W.N
Innovation in Workplace Learning: Perceptions of the Value of Game-based Learning among Training and Development Professionals

Games are a fundamental part of the fabric of human existence. Their utility extend beyond the sole purpose of entertainment and transcends to the realm of games for learning. The impetus of this study was to examine the perceptions of game-based learning (GBL) through the lens of training and development professionals in Canada. Employing a mixed-method approach, a survey questionnaire was used to explore experience using GBL, intention to use GBL and barriers to adoption. A descriptive analysis of frequencies was performed on the quantitative data and content analysis for the open-ended qualitative survey responses. Based on the results of 172 respondents, only 43.6 percent were using GBL. Majority of respondents lacked GBL knowledge and experienced low self-efficacy for GBL design and application. This was exacerbated by social, organizational and systems-wide barriers. Increased GBL knowledge and support from leadership and peers were among the factors to mitigate GBL adoption barriers.

Keywords: Game-Based Learning
Learning Innovation
Training and Development
Workplace Learning
Advisor: Ryan, Sherida
Control, Planning, and Learning for Multi-UAV Cooperative Hunting

This thesis presents a model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for solving the cooperative hunting problem with multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in obstacle rich and moving obstacle environments and builds upon the MPC algorithm using a reinforcement learning method called Guided Policy Search (GPS). The cooperative hunting problem deals with surrounding a target while navigating around obstacles and avoiding collisions, and the MPC algorithm combines the cooperative hunting objective with planning and obstacle avoidance. Simulation results show that the MPC algorithm successfully surrounds the target in both scenarios. Local minima are avoided for obstacle rich environments and the obstacle interaction is minimized in moving obstacle environments. Furthermore, the MPC algorithm was validated with physical quadrotors. Finally, the GPS algorithm improves upon the MPC solutions by reducing the trajectory length and capture time, and then uses the improved trajectories to train a global neural network policy.

Keywords: control
motion planning
multi-agent systems
reinforcement learning
unmanned aerial vehicles
Advisor: Liu, Hugh H.T.
A General Method for Analyzing Visual Scanning Behaviour in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

The growing availability of eye-gaze tracking technology has allowed for its employment in a wide variety of applications, one of which is the objective diagnosis and monitoring of neuropsychiatric disorders from biases in visual scanning behaviour (VSB). Current techniques in this field are largely comprised of non-generalizable methodologies that rely on domain expertise and study-specific assumptions. This thesis presents a general, data-driven, end-to-end method that extracts relevant features of attention from biases in VSB and uses these features to classify between subject groups with standard machine learning techniques. The general method is compared to methods developed by domain experts to evaluate attentional biases in two psychiatry studies: eating disorders and depression. The results show that the general method can perform just as well as expert-defined techniques, demonstrating its utility as a standard baseline method for analyzing visual scanning data in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Keywords: eye-gaze tracking
machine learning
objective diagnosis
selective attention
visual saliency
visual scanning bias
Advisor: Eizenman, Moshe
Developing a Patient-reported Outcome Measure for Retinoblastoma

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are self-report instruments measuring health outcomes from the patient perspective. A retinoblastoma PROM could provide important insight into patient outcomes. Objectives: Characterize PROMs currently used in retinoblastoma, pediatric ophthalmology, and pediatric oncology; explore retinoblastoma survivor and parent views on treatment outcomes. Methods: A scoping review identified and analyzed relevant PROMs. Results informed a qualitative study to determine parent and survivor opinions on treatment outcomes. Results: One retinoblastoma-specific, 56 pediatric ophthalmology, and 86 pediatric oncology PROMs were identified and considered for their application to retinoblastoma. Seventeen retinoblastoma survivors and 9 parents, participated in discussions. A need for a PROM measuring psychosocial impact, daily functioning, cosmetic outcomes, and retinoblastoma education was identified. Conclusion: Existing PROMs can be modified for application to retinoblastoma, there are also additional retinoblastoma-specific domains to consider. Next steps include dissemination of results to experts and patients in research to plan further development.

Keywords: Patient Centered Care
Patient-Report Outcome Measures
Pediatric Oncology
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Qualitative Research
Retinoblastoma
Advisor: Dimaras, Helen
Survival Processing Effects in Visual Long-term Memory

Survival processing, where participants are asked to rate words for their relevance in survival scenarios compared to ratings for pleasantness, has been repeatedly shown to be a very effective way of enhancing verbal long-term memory. Given that cues for survival should be driven by visual information, we asked whether or not a similar survival advantage can be found for visual objects in visual long-term memory (VLTM). Participants rated coloured images of real-world objects for sharpness, pleasantness, and relevance to survival. Participants then completed a surprise colour recall test where they were shown greyscale versions of the objects and indicated each object’s previous colour on a colour wheel. Mixture modelling was used to analyze the responses. No survival advantage was found; objects rated for relevance in the survival scenario did not demonstrate greater resolution in comparison to the other conditions.

Advisor: Ferber, Susanne
Pratt, Jay
Impact of Teacher Leadership on Teacher Self-efficacy

Being a teacher leader involves teachers understanding and believing in their ability to influence and lead change, which requires teachers to be self-efficacious. Teacher self-efficacy is an important catalyst for the development of students and schools. This paper explored the connection between teacher leadership and teacher self-efficacy, to highlight the importance of developing teacher leadership to improve the education system. I used previously conducted research and one-on-one interviews with teachers to gather data. An analysis of the interviews indicated that teacher leadership supports teachers beyond the classroom, nurtures collaboration and according to the participants it has the capacity to build teacher self-efficacy. It can also be concluded that both concepts bolster each other and collectively impact teacher practice and thus student achievement. Although there are limitations to this study, it forms the basis for understanding teacher leadership and how it supports teachers’ beliefs of their own practice.

Keywords: challenges
collaboration
qualitative research
teacher leadership
teacher leadership impact
teacher self-efficacy
Advisor: Campbell, Carol
Improving Interprofessional Bedside Rounds in a Paediatric Critical Care Unit

In critical care, communication is essential to patient safety. Patient care rounds are integral to communication and collaboration among interprofessional healthcare providers (HCPs). However, little research has explicitly aligned rounding interventions to HCP needs, which neglects the principle of tailoring interventions to local needs. This study aimed to elucidate HCPs rounding needs, to transform them into interventions within a paediatric critical care unit. First, needs were elucidated from interviews and surveys. Second, interventions were co-designed with HCPs using participatory design. Results uncovered collective and profession-specific needs and associated interventions were identified. To minimize undesirable variability from insufficient clarity on content that should be discussed, HCPs reached consensus regarding the main reasons for rounds. Aligned with these reasons, a rounding structured was created to collaboratively synthesize patient’s problem and develop corresponding care plans. Findings outline how a user-centred design approach can be adapted by institutions to tailor interventions to local needs.

Keywords: human factors
intensive care
interprofessional collaboration
interprofessional rounds
user-centered design
Advisor: Trbovich, Patricia
Estimating Uncertainty in Neural Networks for Cardiac MRI Segmentation

Convolutional neural networks have shown promising results in automated cardiac MRI segmentation. In this thesis, we performed a systematic study of Bayesian and non-Bayesian methods for estimating uncertainty in these segmentation neural networks. Specifically, we evaluated Bayes by Backprop (BBB), Monte Carlo (MC) Dropout, and Deep Ensembles in terms of segmentation accuracy, probability calibration, uncertainty on out-of-distribution images, and application for segmentation quality control. We found that Deep Ensembles outperformed other methods in most cases. In addition, we identified a limitation of current methods which have low predictive uncertainty on images with heavy distortions. For the problem of segmentation quality control, we showed that the average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) segmentation accuracy metric correlates well with the ASSDWithinSamples uncertainty measure. Uncertainty measures can be used to flag potentially inaccurate segmentation and reduce the number of images that need to be reviewed.

Keywords: Bayesian neural networks
cardiac MRI segmentation
segmentation quality control
uncertainty
Advisor: Wright, Graham A
Three-dimensional Shape of Facial Attractiveness in Patients with Sagittal Skeletal Discrepancy

Many patients with sagittal skeletal discrepancy (SSD) express dissatisfaction with their facial esthetics. Studies have shown that males and females possess distinct recognizable facial features that need to be considered when addressing these concerns. We sought to identify the 3D morphological shape correlates of facial attractiveness (FATT) and sexual dimorphism (SD) using CBCT scans of subjects with SSD. Forty anonymized CBCT images of adult subjects with varying severity of SSD were evaluated for FATT and masculinity/femininity (M/F) by 100 laypeople using Visual Analog Scales (VAS). Using Geometric Morphometric (GM) analysis, we found that more anterior and inferior shape displacement of the chin was significantly associated with increases in FATT (R2=0.46, b=0,0015, P= 0.049). Prominent cheeks and posterior displacement of the tip of the nose were associated with a more feminine facial appearance (R2=0.62, b=0.0013, P=0.192). Our results provide guidance in the treatment planning of subjects with SSD, taking sex into consideration.

Keywords: Attractiveness
Facial Esthetic
Geometric Morphometrics
Sexual Dimorphism
Skeletal Malocclusion
Three-Dimensional
Advisor: Gong, Siew-Ging
Uncertainty Measurement as a Sensor Performance Metric in Adverse Conditions

In autonomous driving, object detection remains an ongoing challenge, as solutions must be reliable and safe to use on the road. Current state-of-the-art solutions provide point estimate predictions, which may be inadequate, as reports of deaths due to autonomous vehicle collisions continue to appear. To increase the safety of these algorithms, uncertainty estimation can be incorporated into traditional object detection pipelines to produce a measure of uncertainty alongside traditional point estimate object predictions. To evaluate uncertainty as a performance metric, signal detection theory is leveraged to generate an uncertainty based classifier. The classifier can be used to track the ratio of false positive to true positive detections, defined as the anomalous detections ratio. Findings from this work indicate that the novel metric is responsive to degraded driving conditions including night time driving and lens obstructions for the RGB camera, while the LiDAR is responsive to snowfall and simulated rain conditions.

Keywords: Adverse
Conditions
Detection
Object
Uncertainty
Advisor: Brown, Stephen
Work-life Balance among Female Dentists In Canada

Work-life balance is increasingly gaining attention as a possible predictive factor in emotional exhaustion and burnout among professionals. While there are studies that point to challenges to work-life balance among female dentists in the United States, there is no study that looks into these issues in Canada, nor has the specific nature of these issues among female dentists been documented anywhere. The first part of our study consisted of secondary statistical analysis of previously collected survey data from a random sample of 3000 dentists practicing in Ontario in 2012 showing significant gender differences, such that female dentists appear to face more obstacles to a well-balanced work and life. In the second part, a qualitative study into what and how female dentists encounter challenges to work-life balance showed nature of the profession of dentistry, dental practice structure, personal life factors, and personal attributes to be contributing factors to such challenges.

Keywords: Dentistry
Female Dentists
Work-life Balance
Advisor: Quiñonez, Carlos