VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Peripheral and central influences on cortical representation of somatic input measured using FMRI

The activity of the human brain is altered to meet changing demands of ongoing behaviour. This thesis investigates response dynamism in cortical loci during altered peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) states. The two goals of the thesis were to examine response processing in somatic loci and to identify how these regions reflect changes in sensory input as a function of the behavioural context. Responses in somatic loci were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during; (1) passive CNS states, (2) when sensory input becomes task-relevant, (3) when task-relevant sensory input can or cannot be predicted, and (4) when task-relevant sensory input, predicted or not, is carried in two separate sensory modalities. From a series of four interconnected studies, there were several important findings. First, an ideal vibrotactile stimulus to evoke systematic stimulus-response relationships in SI was identified. Second, responses in primary but not secondary (SII) somatosensory cortex were related to changing vibrotactile intensity, and this was also the case when the stimulus became relevant to ongoing behaviour. Third, responses in both somatic loci are enhanced when vibrotactile input becomes task-relevant. Fourth, the ability to predict sensory cues alters performance and is associated with altered cortical responses in some loci. The overall theme that has emerged from the data is that representations in somatosensory and other cortical loci are dynamically altered to reflect ongoing behavioral demands. Importantly, responses in primary somatic cortex are modified to suit both the peripheral and central demands of ongoing behavior.
Neuromagnetic correlates of fMRI signals in human primary somatosensory cortex

Techniques that more directly measure neural activity can contribute substantially to such investigations. Electroencephalography (EEG) resolves electrical neural activity on the millisecond time-scale, and its relatively new magnetic counterpart, magnetoencephalography (MEG), provides equally fine temporal resolution with improved spatial localization. Brain regions near the cortical surface are excellent candidates for investigation with both MEG and EEG. Results from such investigations can then be compared with their fMRI counterparts. This thesis focuses on human primary somatosensory cortex (SI), a brain region that receives incoming touch stimuli, with the aim of understanding SI fMRI signals in terms of the underlying MEG activity in response to vibrotactile stimulation. A preliminary fMRI experiment is performed using a range of stimulus durations (2--20 s) and SI fMRI data are mathematically modelled based on postulated neural activity functions. Next, MEG is used to characterize the temporal features of the neuromagnetic activity to experimentally support the postulates of the previous fMRI study. Lastly, an fMRI experiment is designed using the same stimulus delivery over short stimulus durations ( le; 1 s). The mathematical modelling is extended to include experimentally-derived MEG waveforms, improving on the standard approach that relies on the envelope of the stimulus waveform to predict fMRI signals. The implications of this work for future MEG/fMRI investigations, and open questions about vibrotactile information processing in SI are discussed. The emergence of new imaging technology towards the end of the last century has allowed unprecedented noninvasive access to the brain, revolutionizing the field of neuroscience and motivating applications in clinical care. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), now used in hundreds of centres worldwide, is leading the way. The sensitivity of fMRI allows it to probe the entire brain volume for hemodynamic changes that occur as an indirect result of neural activity. The mechanisms by which neural activity induces a hemodynamic response and shapes fMRI signals are actively researched areas essential for understanding the neurophysiological basis of fMRI and for using the method with understanding.
Exploring the potential of preventive approaches to converge business interests with environmental sustainability

This thesis identifies and organizes preventive engineering and business approaches that claim to converge business interests with environmental sustainability. It then assesses the two preventive approaches with the greatest expected environmental benefits---selling services instead of products and product take-back---in terms of their throughput advantages and environmental advantages. The approach of product take-back can be broken down into two engineering and business choices that companies can consider: (1a) fabricating materials from virgin resources or (1b) fabricating them from recovered materials and (2a) fabricating components from virgin materials or (2b) remanufacturing them from components retrieved from disassembled, worn out products. Options a (the conventional approaches) and b (the alternative approaches) within the two sets of choices are compared. The comparison between option 2a and 2b is undertaken using case studies of German end-of-life vehicles, Xerox photocopiers and IBM computers. Here the data are limited and scattered, but suggest that the throughput advantages and environmental advantages are considerable. The additional benefits to be expected from selling services instead of products, above and beyond what can be expected from the product take-back approach, could not be assessed due to the unavailability of data. The thesis identifies barriers to the implementation of the preventive approaches and concludes that research into how to overcome these is worthwhile given the considerable throughput advantages and environmental advantages. A comparative analysis of options 1a and 1b is undertaken for three materials: aluminum, steel and plastic. It consists of presenting life cycle inventories that indicate the throughput of matter and energy involved in each of the options based on data in the literature. Because of throughput advantages (lower waste treatment and disposal costs, fewer non-saleable products flowing through the facility leading to reduced capital, maintenance and energy costs and lower risks), the option with lower throughputs is likely to reduce costs. The life cycle inventories are used to calculate environmental impact indicators. These indicators are a measure of contribution to specific environmental problems. In general, it is found that option 1b has throughput advantages and environmental advantages over option 1a.
Investigation of effect of head-slaved camera motion on image tracking in uninhabited air vehicles

This report presents the results of a research program designed to compare the use of head-slaved cameras with fixed vision systems. In particular the effect of these systems on ground target acquisition was examined. In this experiment, subjects piloted a simulated UAV past a large ground target and then tried to turn around and line up with the ground target in the shortest time possible. Turns were initiated at a variety of distances ranging from 100 to 500 metres, with turn time being the primary experimental measurement. The results of this experiment indicated that performance was significantly better with the HMD than the fixed display, particularly at shorter ranges (<200m) where subjects succeeded in completing their turns twice as often with the HMD. In interviews conducted after the experiment, subjects indicated the HMD was significantly superior with respect to performance, but tiring to use.

Keywords: Intelligent control systems
Target acquisition, Equipment and supplies
Drone aircraft
New laboratory automation system architectures for biotechnology applications

Development of high-throughput instrumentation for biotechnology laboratories has attracted tremendous attention recently as biotech discoveries can only be established by performing a very large number of experiments. Furthermore, biotech research is highlighted by the contribution of a sizeable community of small-to-medium size research labs. The main thesis objective is to introduce high-throughput laboratory automation architectures that are suitable to such laboratories. This research provides a system level study on new concepts of high-throughput automation for both, upstream (sample preparation) and downstream (sample analysis) protocols in aforementioned laboratories. Regarding the downstream stage, high-throughput production of CD-based biochips was studied. The CD-based technology detects molecular properties of a sample deposited on a CD based on data reading error. The biochip is prepared through integration of molecule-attached granules to a CD's surface. We have introduced a new automation-friendly production method for CD-based biochip that is high-throughput and low-cost, and have performed proof-of-concept experiments. The method is based on granules being thermally melted and pressed onto the surface of CD's. Regarding the upstream stage, scalability, footprint and flexibility, the most important parameters of laboratory automation systems, were considered. Axiomatic Theory was adapted for the first time for laboratory automation concept development and evaluation. A new concept called "Tower-based Automation" that provides scalable automation with higher throughput-to-footprint ratio in comparison with conventional concepts of automation for a variety of upstream batch protocols was introduced. As a case study, a Tower-based Automation system for protein complex purification protocol was conceptually designed and evaluated. Hardware flexibility (system components adaptability to protocol variations) of automation systems was addressed through the introduction of three parametric flexibility measures: Functional, Structural, Throughput. We have introduced new quantitative measurements of these parameters within the realm of the Axiomatic Theory for flexibility evaluation of laboratory automation systems. Two new laboratory automation architectures were proposed: (i) Total Modular: a laboratory automation system with modular arms which improves Structural and Throughput flexibility measures of Robotic-based laboratory automation systems; and (ii) Distributed Operation: in this approach, liquid handling and transportation end-effectors are moving on transportation rails. This improves Functional flexibility measure of Track-based laboratory automation systems.
Examining the role of SNAREs in mammalian cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the terminal step in cell division and likely requires membrane trafficking and fusion events. To investigate the possible role of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) in mammalian cytokinesis, I acutely inhibited the function of NSF. The transient overexpression of dominant negative NSF or the addition of an NSF inhibitor did not affect cleavage furrow ingression but NSF may be needed for abscission. Also, the ubiquitously expressed SNAREs, syntaxin 2 and VAMP8, relocalized during cell division and trafficked to the midbody. The inhibition of these SNAREs did not affect cytokinesis, suggesting that other SNAREs may be important for the division process. Additionally, mouse adult fibroblasts from VAMP8 knockout mice were able to divide and the cleavage of VAMP3 by tetanus toxin light chain did not block cytokinesis. Overall, the role of SNAREs in mammalian cytokinesis requires further examination.
Activated sludge bacterial community composition responses to temperature fluctuations

Transient conditions are common and result in negative impacts on the performances of activated sludge treatment systems. However, there is limited understanding on the relationship between transient conditions, microbial population dynamics and system performances. In this research, the effects of temperature shifts from 30°C to 45°C on activated sludge bacterial community composition and reactor performances were evaluated. Long-term (over a period of three months) continuous experiments were carried out by operating four parallel laboratory scale sequencing batch reactors (triplicate transient reactors and a control reactor) treating hardwood bleached kraft pulp and paper mill effluent under transient temperature conditions. Temperature increases resulted in 11+/-6% decrease in soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) removal and increased turbidity. Canonical correspondence analyses (CCA) confirmed the links between bacterial community composition and temperature, SCOD removal and batch settling flux. A number of significant Spearman R rank correlations observed between bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and reactor performance parameters were confirmed by CCA as well. Thirteen OTUs that were significantly correlated with reactor performance parameters were isolated, cloned and identified based on their partial sequence by comparison with the GenBank database. According to the database, four of the sequences were affiliated with beta proteobacteria, one with gamma proteobacteria, one with y proteobacteria, two with high G+C Gram positive, one with Verrucomicrobia and four as unidentified bacteria isolated from environmental samples. Temperature shifts from 30°C to 45°C resulted in divergence of bacterial community composition, evaluated via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and reactor performances from the control as well as from one another in triplicate transient reactors. Multi-response permutation procedure analysis confirmed that the community differences between transient reactors and the control were significantly greater than the variability among the transient reactors. Activated sludge settled and unsettled bacterial community compositions were 47+/-10% different in the reactors. In addition, a positive correlation between sludge compressibility measured by sludge volume index and settled-unsettled community composition similarity was observed. This observation was consistent with the notion that deflocculation occurs due to dispersal of normally settling bacteria from settled aggregates rather than the dominant outgrowth of a non-settling bacteria.
Modelling activity generation processes

Any operational activity-based travel demand model can be divided into two major components: activity generation and activity scheduling. Although considerable progress in behavioural theory and modelling techniques has been achieved for the activity scheduling component, activity generation in many ways is an overlooked or under researched area. This thesis concentrates on this critical issue from the theoretical perspective as well as empirical model development. Based on a comprehensive literature review this thesis develops a conceptual framework for modelling activity generation, considering it as a process. The consideration of the activity generation as a process is to ensure the dynamic interrelationship with the activity scheduling process as well as meaningful integration with other medium- to long-term household decisions (employment, housing, automobile ownership etc.) processes. For modelling the non-skeletal activity-agenda, this thesis adopts the concept of activity utility and proposes a large scale demand system modelling technique. It is demonstrated that a multi-day modelling framework is necessary to ensure both within-day as well as day-to-day dynamics in activity-agenda formation. At the same time it is also necessary to ensure that the activity classification is sufficiently disaggregate so that the trade-offs involved in time allocation to different activities during activity generation process is properly addressed. Long-term development will require operationalization of the proposed activity generation models to improve the policy sensitivity of activity-based travel demand model as well as allow better integration of the travel demand model within an Integrated Land Use Transportation and Environment (ILUTE) framework. The conceptual framework leads to a step by step procedure for investigating behavioural hypotheses and developing empirical models. Use of week-long activity diary survey (CHASE: Computerized Household Activity Scheduling Elicitor) data allows the investigation of behavioural elements within an econometric modelling frameworks of activity generation. The classification of activities into skeletal versus non-skeletal types allows adoption of different modelling techniques consistent with the dynamics and behavioural linkages between short-term travel demands with the medium-to long-term household decisions. Investigation of non-skeletal activities reveals that activity sequencing is more the job of activity scheduling than activity generation.
A profiler for a heterogeneous multi-core multi-FPGA system

The TMD is a heterogeneous multi-FPGA system that uses the Message Passing Interface (MPI) programming model to build systems comprised of processors and hardware engines implemented on FPGAs, all interacting using MPI messages. This thesis implements a profiling system that can monitor communication calls and user states. The data is compatible with Jumpshot, a visualizer already used for software-based MPI applications. We demonstrate the capability of the profiler on a number of applications and show that the profiler can be used for multiple FPGAs across multiple boards.
Gene expression during Ustilago maydis diploid filamentous growth: functional and comparative 'expressed sequence tag' analysis

Ustilago maydis is an important model organism for the plant pathogenic smut and rust fungi. These groups of fungi require an in planta growth phase for the completion of their life cycle. The evolution of this growth phase likely involved adaptations in form, physiology and/or timing of developmental processes. In this context it is important to identify genes present in U. maydis and those expressed during a developmental phase associated with in planta growth. I created two cDNA libraries from a forced diploid culture of U. maydis growing as filaments. From a combined library. 7455 ESTs were generated and assembled into 3074 contiguous sequences. This represents as much as 46% of the coding capacity predicted for U. maydis. BLAST similarity searches allowed me to annotate 59% of the contigs. Functional categorization and comparative analyses of the sequences provides gene identities, expression information and a solid base for future research.
A way to awakening: five educators' experiences of integrating contemplative practices into their lives (Ontario)

What are contemplative practices? What do they do? Contemplative practices have been used in various wisdom traditions and more recently in the field of medicine, psychology, social work and education. Educators can benefit from integrating contemplative practices into their lives and these benefits influence their relationship with others, both at work and at home (Gayner, 1999; Mulvayney, 1994; Miller Nozawa, 2002). The author presents an inquiry into experiences and perspectives of five educators' daily contemplative practices. They are used as a way of whole person development emphasized in holistic education (Miller, 1996). We could see teacher development from a more holistic perspective in accordance with already existing need of more planetary-aware and interconnected mindset in our current education. This inquiry provides an insight into how educators' whole-person development occurs through these practices and influences their teaching. It suggests the importance of daily practice such as contemplation for a more holistic teacher education. Educators can teach more from the core of who they are. How we can enhance this "whole-person development" in teacher development becomes increasingly important in our challenging time. Learning can be applied in adult education, transformative learning and holistic education. Sharing educators' experiences in this inquiry will also encourage other educators on a path of whole-person development. This inquiry infused with arts uses qualitative research based on a pilot heuristic study of the author's own experience and interview/dialogue sessions with educators including herself. Participants are colleagues at 01SE/University of Toronto, with various personal and professional backgrounds, who have practiced contemplation including meditation, yoga and Tai Chi for 6 to 15 years. (1) What were their contemplative practices? (2) How contemplative practices were introduced into their lives? (3) What they experienced and learned through integrating contemplative practices into their lives? (4) How their learning took place through their daily contemplative practices? (5) How their learning influenced their perspectives, attitudes and behaviors in their personal and professional lives? (6) What was the role of contemplative practices in their lives? Learning will be synthesized and shared, accompanied by visual arts and poetry to communicate the essence of participants' experiences better.

Keywords: Contemplation
Teaching
Arts
Holistic education
Holism
Vortex based smoke simulation and control

The simulation and control of natural phenomena is an important area of computer graphics that has applications in animation and interactive entertainment. We present a novel method of replicating the physical behaviour of wispy smoke using a computational simulation of the evolution of a vorticity field. We represent this field compactly as multi-resolution closed curves we call filaments. We extend the applicability of our technique with new artistic control mechanisms that operate on filaments. Using these controls, an animator can manipulate the underlying flow fields. Unlike previous techniques, our control framework allows an artist to visualize the effects of different control layouts interactively. We also present a real-time rendering algorithm and shading model for the particles used to represent the smoke in an animation.