title: Cicero's Search for Yoga

contributor:
Murty, M. Ram
Philosophy

subject: Yoga

subject: Cicero

subject: Grief

subject: Stoicism

subject: Indian Philosophy

subject: Vivekananda

subject: Bhagavad Gita

subject: Parallels between Eastern and Western Philosophies

subject: Becoming oneself

abstract:
In Books 3 and 4 of the Tusculan Disputations, Cicero presents the ideal of a Stoic sage, free from the emotions of desire, wild gladness, fear, and distress. The sage is described as having a tranquil mind, and is self-controlled, moderate, temperate, consistent and self-contained. However, Cicero himself struggles to reach the ideal, bringing us to an uncomfortable chasm between precept and practice. The primary aim of this project is to examine this division; how is it that we can conceive of ideals that are so pristine, and yet fall short of them without repose?
This project is divisible into two primary parts. The first involves a general examination of sage-ideals. The ideal of the Stoic sage that Cicero presents happens to have much in common with the ideal of the sage of settled intelligence, which is found in the Bhagavad Gita of Indian Philosophy. I argue that these ideals share in common the attributes of having evenness of mind and establishment in intelligence, of being beyond many of the emotions within the typical range of human experience, and of being both self-controlled and able to find contentment within.
The second part of this project examines Cicero’s difficulties embodying his own ideal; although he attempts to cast his own distress away and banish it as a useless emotion, even going so far as calling it “entirely voluntary,” his reflections do not appear sufficient to remove it. In the face of this difficulty, I argue that the Stoic notion that emotions are voluntary is inaccurate. The reason is that although we possess a capacity for voluntary action (made possible through our capacity to reason), we also have beliefs and emotional responses that were acquired in early, pre-rational development. These are deeply rooted, and cannot be changed through reason alone. In the face of this truth, I turn to Bhakti-Yoga, the Yoga of love and devotion, as an opening to alternative approaches to healing the human heart, and becoming oneself.

abstract: M.A.


title: Bringing Politics to the People: Verbatim Theatre as Democratic Participation

rights: Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada

rights: ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement

rights: Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University

rights: This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.

rights: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States

subject:
Theatre Studies
Verbatim theatre
Cultural Studies
Political Studies
Political Theatre
Theatre and Politics
Documentary Theatre
Theatre of the Real
Theatre and Politics

abstract:
This research project examines the state of contemporary verbatim theatre in relation to the genre’s connection to political issues and the overall potential such works have to model and inspire democratic participation. I argue that despite an observed drop in popularity over the past decade, verbatim theatre remains a relevant genre that is uniquely situated to facilitate political discourse, which will in turn foster a sense of democratic participation among audiences through public political discourse.

The project addresses gaps in the literature on verbatim theatre by identifying unique verbatim characteristics, which sets the genre apart from other documentary-based theatre. In terms of verbatim’s connection to politics and democracy, this thesis examines the historical connection between documentary genres and other forms of political theatre, arguing that verbatim has long demonstrated a commitment to grassroots political issues which impact ordinary citizens on an everyday level. This study examines the rise of post-truth, specifically the movement’s impact on political discourse, while considering the role verbatim theatre plays in legitimizing the shift away from singular objective understandings of truth. Finally, the thesis concludes with a consideration of what’s next for verbatim theatre in this context, and the ways I will continue to grapple with these issues both as an academic and a practicing theatre artist.

abstract: M.A.


title: Investigating the impact of intellectual and developmental disability on the stage of colorectal cancer at diagnosis among adults in Ontario

contributor:
Ouellette-Kuntz, Hélène
Mahar, Alyson
Public Health Sciences

subject: colorectal cancer

subject: Intellectual and developmental disability

subject: intellectual disability

subject: disability

subject: cancer stage

abstract:
Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) are vulnerable to cancer care disparities, however, there is currently no published research assessing the association between IDD and colorectal cancer stage at diagnosis.

Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study of adults aged 18 years or older in Ontario with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2019. The study used Ontario health administrative databases held at ICES and linked to the Ontario Cancer Registry. Each adult was assigned as with or without IDD based on an Ontario specific algorithm using captured health service use. The association between IDD status and colorectal cancer stages at diagnosis (unknown and metastatic) were examined using multivariable log-binomial regression models adjusted for age and sex. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of our results.

Results: The main study cohort consisted of 81,501 colorectal cancer cases diagnosed between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2019. Of the 399 cases among adults living with IDD, 98 had an unknown stage (24.6%) compared to 11,703 of the 81,102 cases among adults without IDD (14.4%). Adults living with IDD were 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with unknown stage of colorectal cancer compared to adults without IDD (95% CI: 1.52-2.14). After excluding colorectal cancer cases with an unknown stage, the study cohort consisted of 69,700 colorectal cancer cases. Of the 301 cases among adults living with IDD, 89 had metastatic stage (29.6%) compared to 13,931 of the 69,399 cases among adults without IDD (20.1%). Adults living with IDD were 1.45 times more likely to be diagnosed with metastatic stage colorectal cancer compared to adults without IDD (95% CI: 1.22-1.73).

Conclusion: A higher proportion of adults living with IDD are diagnosed with an unknown stage and metastatic stage of colorectal cancer at diagnosis compared to adults without IDD. Future work needs to understand why these inequities exist for adults living with IDD and identify effective interventions.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Counter-Strike & Wetworks

contributor: Film and Media (Screen Cultures and Curatorial Studies)

rights: Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States

subject:
game studies
fiction
war
formalism
post-cold war
cinema
research creation
curatorial studies

abstract: This research creation project is comprised of a film and essay that investigates what happens to objects when they circulate through real worlds, fictional worlds, personal memory, and public archives. By following the journey of the Kalashnikov assault rifle—an object made notorious through its depiction in news media, movies and video games—as it transits these different phases, we will see how the rifle’s “value” is modified by the different contexts it finds itself in. To better understand these changes in value-state and context, a critical analysis of the first person shooter Counter-Strike will be conducted. What effects do Counter-Strike’s form, logic and relationship to the world as a fictional model of it have on our understanding of the complex, multilayered realities we live in? Can these gamelike models be reclaimed/repurposed via “modding” to navigate the increasingly blurred threshold of real life and fictional worlds, and to put into dialog objects from such seemingly disparate domains such as the military, entertainment, economics and Western art history?

abstract: M.A.


title: Sleep and Dreaming during a Pandemic: A Sample of Young Canadians

contributor:
Dringenberg, Hans C.
Psychology

subject: Pandemic COVID-19 Coronavirus Sleep Dream Well-being

abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to profound changes in personal and professional activities, increased levels of stress, and negatively impacted general well-being. These factors and experiences are often related to lower sleep quality and can influence the emotional tone and content of dreaming. Here, we used an online survey to evaluate subjective changes in well-being, sleep quality and timing, as well as dream tone and content during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results (n = 658) revealed significant changes in sleep timing since the onset of COVID-19, including later bedtimes and later morning waking times. Further, participants reported decreases in well-being and sleep quality, as well as increases in the intensity and negativity of dreams during the pandemic. Interestingly, about half (50.5 %) of the sample reported experiencing specific COVID-related content during dreaming with about a quarter (27.1%) experiencing this content as frequently as once a month or more. Together, our findings document the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on general well-being, sleep, and dream content. Given the well-documented benefits of sleep, the changes in sleep patterns and quality noted here constitute a potential target to improve functioning and health status during periods of elevated stress (e.g., during the pandemic).

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Practical Considerations for Effective Markerless Motion Capture Research

contributor:
Deluzio, Kevin
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Biomechanics
Deep learning
Markerless motion capture
Theia3D
Clothing
Yoga
Motion capture

abstract: In any successful research endeavour, the data collection protocol is a crucial element to consider in experiments. Tools appropriate for data collection are borne out of need, and new tools emerge as previous limitations become identified. Consequently, novel instruments and techniques undergo necessary processes of validation and testing before reaching widespread adoption. In the field of biomechanics, the most widely accepted method for analysing whole-body movements is marker-based motion capture. Limitations of marker-based motion capture, however, include marker placement errors, soft tissue artefacts, inter-operator variability, and lack of accessibility. To address these limitations, markerless motion capture technology utilizing standard video cameras and computer vision techniques offer a viable alternative for human pose estimation. This thesis examines practical considerations of markerless motion capture technology and its implications for biomechanical research. Two studies were undertaken: (i) a comparison of segment lengths, joint kinematics, and gait spatiotemporal parameter outcomes between two clothing conditions, and (ii) a pilot investigation on the impact of camera configuration, clothing color, and environment on the ability to track complex movements performed during yoga. The results of these examinations indicate that markerless motion capture is robust to changes in clothing condition and camera configuration and feasible for capturing complex movements in varied environments. Compared to marker-based motion capture systems, markerless motion capture enables high-throughput data collection in an ecologically valid manner with lower costs. It is time to challenge marker-based motion capture systems as the accepted standard of technology for collecting biomechanical information; markerless motion capture lies at the cusp of democratizing motion capture acquisition for all.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: The Role of GM2 Activator Protein in Breast Cancer Metastasis and the EGFR Signaling Pathway

contributor:
Walia, Jagdeep
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
GM2A
GM2 activator
Breast cancer
breast cancer metastasis
EGFR
GM2A breast cancer EGFR
gm2 activator protein
siRNA
cancer
breast

abstract: Breast cancer afflicts many individuals worldwide, however, survival rates diminish greatly when this disease becomes metastatic. Despite medical advances of therapies for breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer has high mortality and morbidity rates. Recently, gangliosides, a type of lipid, have been found to be correlated to the progression of metastatic disease. The role of GM2 Activator Protein (GM2A), an important transport molecule in ganglioside breakdown, however, has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we investigated the role of GM2A protein in metastatic characteristics such as cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion. By knockdown of GM2A protein in a breast cancer cell line, we observed a decrease in cell invasion, while cell proliferation and cell migration were mostly unaffected. In addition, we demonstrated using a Western Blot that these changes may be correlated to decreases in a commonly altered pathway called Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) protein signalling pathway. Together, these results demonstrate that with further research, GM2A may serve as a therapeutic target to halt breast cancer metastasis.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Effects of an Accused’s Previous Experience in the  Canadian Bail System

contributor:
Myers, Nicole
Sociology

subject:
Bail
Remand
Canadian Criminal Justice System
Accused
Criminal Justice Experience

abstract: The Canadian bail system is complex and multifaceted, encompassing remand incarceration, bail court, and bail release into the community. Accused who are charged with a criminal offence, and must endure the bail process, are subject to experiencing punishment without a finding of guilt. Utilizing qualitative interview data, I argue that throughout the bail process, an accused person’s previous experience within the criminal justice system works to mitigate the hardships caused by the bail and remand system. An accused person’s previous experience contributes to their knowledge and understanding, their stress and uncertainty, and alters the relationships they have with criminal justice actors during the bail process. Previous experience contributes to an increase in the familiarity and power that an accused person possesses while navigating the bail process. This power impacts an accused person’s relative bail and remand experience and decreases the state’s ability to adequately control people who are more experienced with the bail system. This research points to the need for further research, as well as alterations to the current Canadian bail and remand system.

abstract: M.A.


title: Antecedents and Functional Outcomes of Motivation to Expend Physical and Cognitive Effort in Early Psychosis

contributor:
Bowie, Christopher
Psychology

subject:
Psychosis
Motivation
Effort
Functioning
Negative symptoms
Cognitive control

abstract: Individuals experiencing chronic psychotic illness face immense functional burden, signaling the public health need to understand and address barriers to recovery for early psychosis patients. By the first episode of psychosis, individuals exhibit more difficulties with making decisions to allocate effort for physical and cognitive tasks than their healthy peers. Research has yet to elucidate how these effort allocation difficulties interact with illness factors and environment systems to bring about functional impairments in the real-world. This dissertation administered a biobehavioral paradigm examining decisions to expend physical effort for reward and a novel, structurally parallel paradigm on cognitive effort to an early psychosis outpatient sample. The overall research objective was to understand the etiological mechanisms of dysfunctional effort allocation in early psychosis, from antecedent predictors to its concurrent and 3-month prospective functional consequences. The chapters herein describe different analyses performed on one sample. Chapter 2 distinguished the degree to which parameters of a task’s reinforcement context, cognitive control, and negative symptom dimensions, predicted physical versus cognitive effort. Probability of pay-out advertised by the task disproportionately drove decisions to expend cognitive effort, whereas expected value (probability and reward) and cognitive control, in combination with mild levels of expressive negative symptoms, positively predicted physical effort-based decision-making. Chapter 3 tested an adapted schizophrenia model of functioning in early psychosis, whereby impaired cognition is posited to predict poor life functioning via effort expenditure motivation. While cognition shared a very small relationship with functional outcomes, the study findings highlighted that cognitive, but not physical, effort expenditure and modulation have implications for functioning. Chapter 4 explored a novel mechanism of functional status. The study found that more severe motivation and pleasure negative symptoms partially accounted for the indirect effect of reduced cognitive effort on poor functional status. Greater expressive negative symptom severity was the key mediator of the physical effort and functional status relationship. Findings collectively inform a working model of functioning in early psychosis where impaired cognitive control, dysfunctional expenditure of different types of effort, and severe negative symptom dimensions, in this order, may translate to poor life functioning.

abstract: PhD


title: Dissecting the role of mitochondrial fusion in maintaining breast cancer growth and survival

contributor:
Chan, Edmond
Abraham, Sheela
Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

subject:
mitochondria
mitochondrial dynamics
breast cancer

abstract: Mitochondria are dynamic organelles which serve a wide range of cellular functions such as energy production through oxidative phosphorylation, serving as a calcium storage pool controlling ionic balance and overall support of cell survival. Inter-related with their function, mitochondria engage in interconnected pathways of fission and fusion which maintain overall mitochondrial quality control within the cell. As a hallmark of cancer biology, cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to enable high energy production and increased metabolic biosynthetic flux to fuel cell proliferation. This has been understood to be achieved by a switch towards aerobic glycolysis as the main source of energy production and incorporation of bioavailable carbon. Here, we aimed to show that the mitochondrial fusion protein, optic atrophy 1 (Opa1), is involved in cancer cell metabolic reprogramming for the maintenance of plasticity and resilience of cancer cells. Database analyses suggested that Opa1 expression elevation across breast cancer patients correlate with decreased patient survival. Experimentally, we found that silencing of Opa1 led to metabolic reprogramming in which mechanistic target of rapamycin 1 (MTORC1) signaling was inhibited while the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway was activated. Genetic and pharmacological Opa1 inhibition resulted in growth impairments of both the 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. Finally, in vivo xenograft studies confirmed metabolic reprogramming in tumours derived from Opa1-silenced 4T1 cells including the re-activation of MTORC1 proliferative signaling to drive tumour growth. We carried out metabolomic studies of 4T1 cell media samples and cellular extracts following Opa1 silencing. Resulting metabolic profiling data suggested that cells following Opa1 silencing showed reprogrammed signaling with a block in glutaminolysis and increased reliance on aerobic glycolysis for efficient cell growth. Overall, Opa1 is required for breast cancer cell growth and survival via the maintenance of mitochondria-dependent metabolic capacity. Through gene targeting approaches, we have concluded that Opa1 function is a requirement for in vitro cell growth in both mouse and human TNBC cell models. These findings further support that mitochondrial fusion and overall maintenance are important processes required for the progression of breast cancer growth thereby proposing a potential therapeutic target for future studies.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Systems Analysis of Trace Element Cycling in the Great Lakes

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
Great Lakes
Water Quality
Hydrodynamics
Trace Elements
Mass-Balance
Environmental System

abstract: The Great Lakes are a globally unique freshwater resource, comprising six lakes (Ontario, Erie, Huron, Superior, Michigan, Lake St. Clair) containing 20% of global surface freshwater resources. The region is known for manufacturing and agriculture; anthropogenic waste steams (industrial effluents, agriculture runoff) impact occurrence patterns and natural cycles of various chemical elements, however current baseline concentrations remain unknown and biogeochemical controls underlying their sources, mobility, and fate remain unknown. This thesis utilizes an environmental systems approach to investigate three topics: 1) accumulation dynamics in trace element loads across the hydrological components of the Great Lakes system, 2) investigating the Great Lakes system as a ‘black-box‘ system for analyzing conservative and more biogeochemically reactive element budgets, and 3) anthropogenic controls on trace element budgets via geospatial and speciation analysis. Quantitative long-term mass-balances were constructed for a selection of important metals (Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) and conservative elements (Na, Cl), the latter of which achieved >90% closure. Dynamic simulations and potential element sources/sinks were assessed, and historical water quality trends reproduced. Future water quality trends were simulated to year 2100 under varying environmental scenarios, and differing degrees of accumulation or reduction were observed. Novel trace element data was subsequently interpreted using mass-balance assessments. Different trace elements displayed significant accumulation upstream-to downstream, however trace elements Li, As, Se, V, Cr, Ce, and Gd displayed varying patterns of accumulation. These elements displayed differing sources and transport: connecting channels dominate trace elements budgets of the lower lakes, whereas atmospheric inputs are significant in the upper lakes. Spatial heterogeneity in trace element concentrations was observed, and speciation analysis revealed consistent proportions of trace element species upstream-to-downstream. Overall trace elements dynamics across the basin are spatiotemporally variable, accumulation patterns vary between elemental groups, and elemental controls differ in the upper versus lower lakes. The ‘black-box’ methodology proved effective for determining quantitative mass-balance dynamics for conservative trace elements, and high uncertainty in concentrations for other trace elements produced higher spatiotemporally variability and mass-imbalances. As such, further long-term basin-scale monitoring is required to properly constrain the relative magnitudes of the factors affecting these trace element budgets (e.g., tributaries, sedimentation).

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Effects of a Medically Supervised Ketogenic Diet on Major Depressive Disorder: A Pilot Study

contributor:
Brietzke, Elisa
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
Major Depressive Disorder
Ketogenic Diet
Neuropsychiatry
Nutritional Psychiatry

abstract:
Major depressive disorder is a potentially severe mental illness characterized by two core symptoms, the presence of a despondent mood and anhedonia. The first mainline treatment option, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is ineffective in relieving the core symptoms of depression in 33% of participants, with residual symptoms also persisting in approximately a third of all patients post-therapy. Studies conducted on humans and animals have identified the role of the ketogenic diet in eliciting potent neuromodulatory effects throughout the brain. However, this intervention has not been systematically investigated in individuals with major depressive disorder.

Participants will be recruited to participate in a 12-week open-label study assessing the feasibility of implementing a medically supervised ketogenic diet as an adjunctive therapy to treat individuals with major depressive disorder. Feasibility assessment included analysis of participant adherence and tolerability to the ketogenic diet. This study will consist of a 2-week induction phase, whereby participants are safely introduced to the ketogenic diet, followed by a subsequent 10-week maintenance phase. Feasibility and clinical data will be collected on a weekly basis from start to study endpoint.

A total of thirty-one participants approached to participate in the study, though only seven met the appropriate criteria for inclusion. Four have successfully enrolled in the study and are currently consuming the medically supervised ketogenic diet. Twenty-nine of the thirty-one (93.5%) participants to approach the study were female, with zero males successfully enrolling in the study. Analysis of participant recruitment strategies revealed that self-referrals via social media were most effective. Additionally, physician referrals were unsuccessful, as only a single
participant was directed to the study via a physician despite direct contact with thirty doctors.

The feasibility data collection is still ongoing and was significantly delayed due to COVID-19. Four participants are currently enrolled in the study and consuming the medically supervised ketogenic diet. Data will be analyzed and disseminated at the study endpoint.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Effect of Biased Training Regimes on the Calibration of Deep Neural Networks

contributor:
Zhu, Xiaodan
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Machine Learning
Calibration
Deep Learning
AI
Classification

abstract: Deep learning has advanced significantly in the past decade. Being well-calibrated remains a key property that a model must possess for safe and practical deployment in many high-stakes domains. The confidence of a model's predictions must be representative of its predictive performance so that it is possible to conduct accurate failure prediction and downstream decision-making. Many recent high performing deep learning architectures suffer from undesirable levels of miscalibration, which necessitates adequately measuring and reducing this miscalibration across many potential scenarios. In this thesis, we critically examine the calibration issue from a novel perspective; namely how calibration properties are affected when the training regime prioritizes performance on certain subsets of the data distribution. A biased learning regime is commonly encountered and/or utilized in training classifiers, and leads to significant changes in how models learn a data distribution, and thus where they focus their performance and confidence. We look into this effect through two lenses where this occurs implicitly, with imbalanced data distributions, and explicitly, with curriculum learning. We show that for imbalanced data, current popular metrics hide a high degree of miscalibration on important minority classes. As a result we develop new metrics, chiefly contraharmonic expected calibration (CECE), that penalize high levels of miscalibration on minority classes. In addition we create a novel calibration method called weighted temperature scaling that prioritizes calibration on minority classes and empirically show its effectiveness compared to other calibration methods and imbalance techniques. Furthermore, we detail the factors affecting calibration on imbalanced data. In the case of curriculum learning, we find limited effects on calibration when utilizing it in standard training scenarios, but under label noise we show that can it can provide a strong benefit at better calibrating models while maintaining competitive predictive performance. We analyze the various factors that parameterize curriculum learning on their effect on model calibration, and demonstrate how their careful tuning is required to avoid miscalibration. Ultimately, we provide insights as to understanding how classifiers and their calibration properties function under different learning regimes, which we hope can be foundational in teaching machines to have more inherently calibrated learning processes.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Where the Willow Meets the Moon: Lessons in Settler Curation Through Indigenous Storytelling

subject:
Alanis Obomsawin
Settler Curation
Indigenous Storytelling

abstract: This major research project (MRP) recounts the experience of assistant curating a collection of Indigenous master filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin’s film posters for the purposes of a case study. Chapter 1 will detail both the Indigenous (mis)representations that inspired this project and how the assistant curator has come to understand Indigenous methodologies. Chapter 2 will explore the Indigenous methodologies of storytelling, resurgence, and relationality as they appear in the work of Alanis Obomsawin. Following a walk-through of the exhibition itself, readers can expect a moment of self-critique in Chapter 3 before the assistant curator embarks on the lessons that she has learned along the way. This MRP will make many revelations, including the trials and triumphs of the assistant curator’s process, and the possible employment of Indigenous storytelling, resurgence, and relationality as curatorial processes. It is important to note that this questioning will not be done with cultural appropriation, but rather through appreciation, developing relationships, and a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and practices.

abstract: M.A.


title: Optimizing PHB Bioplastic Accumulation in Sinorhizobium meliloti grown on CO2-derived Formate and Bicarbonate

contributor:
diCenzo, George
Biology

subject:
Bioplastic
CO2
Sinorhizobium
Sinorhizobium meliloti
Plastic
Bioplastics
Green plastic
Polyhydroxybutyrate

abstract: Reducing global carbon expenditure requires dedication to innovation and problem-solving at every level, including a rapid divestment from fossil-based fuels and materials. Fossil fuel-based feedstocks can be replaced with carbon-sequestering alternatives that are microbially converted into value-added products, and renewable energy can be used to power these processes. In this work, we aimed to develop an electro-biohybrid system for the conversion of CO2 to the bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). This system involves the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate, which would serve as a feedstock for a PHB-producing microbe. For the microbe, we chose S. meliloti due to its natural ability to grow on a wide range of carbon substrates including formate, its genetic tractability, and its ability to naturally synthesize valuable bioproducts such as PHB. When carbon availability exceeds the supply of critical nutrients, S. meliloti accumulates PHB to store surplus reductive power and carbon. The bacterium then degrades the polymer in times of starvation or physical stress in order to achieve long-term survival under difficult conditions. Our tests revealed that although S. meliloti can use formate as a carbon source, formate concentrations above 20 mM are toxic and inhibit the growth of S. meliloti. There was no significant difference in the growth of S. meliloti when provided 20 mM of commercially available formate compared to electrochemically generated formate. This confirmed that the electrochemical process did not generate toxic by-products that would inhibit growth. In an effort to increase PHB yield, we used a S. meliloti mutant lacking the PHB depolymerase gene. We observed the mutant accumulating more PHB than the wild type in balanced growth conditions. Overall, this work contributes to the development of a fossil fuel-independent chemical industry that can sequester waste CO2 into value-added products while mitigating climate change and closing the carbon loop.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Scanning Probe Study of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Self-Assembly on Coinage Metal Surfaces

contributor: Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy

subject:
STM
SAMs
NHCs
Coinage metals

abstract:
The autonomous process of molecular level organization into self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as a method to functionalize surfaces is suitable to a wide range of applications.  Since the inception of SAMs, alkanethiols have been the standard surface anchor. More recently, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have gained interest due to their increased oxidative and thermal robustness relative to the thiol. Since the emergence of NHCs in surface science, several key insights into how their structure relates to their adsorption motif have become apparent. These investigations have centred around the exo-cyclic nitrogen groups called 'wingtips’. However, several areas remain unaddressed, particularly how backbone modifications of the NHC or differing substrates impact the self-assembly of NHCs. By modifying NHC structures and depositing NHCs onto different surfaces, this thesis addresses these gaps in the cause of forming a general theory of NHC self-assembly. Using a low-temperature ultra-high vacuum scanning tunnelling microscope (STM), this work provides a molecular-level study of NHC self-assembly on several surfaces.

The work contained in this thesis begins with a study of NHC-IiPr on Au(111), the imidazole analogue of NHC-iPr. It was found that the removal of the benzene backbone from NHC-iPr led to a tighter packed structure and inhibits bis-complexation which may be indicative of stable upright self-assembly on platinum group metals. Next, an investigation of pro-chiral self-assemblies of NHC-Bz and NHC-iPr on Cu(111); where it was found that a trimer configuration of the NHC was the preferred coordination motif. The next chapter demonstrates the structural isomorphism of NHC-iPr on Cu(100) to Au(111). A theory as to why structural isomorphism arises in this case is presented. More generally, the concept of structural isomorphism as it relates to NHC self-assembly is discussed. Finally, the results of an attempt to drive upright self-assembly via a gain in entropy are presented. Modifications of NHC-Et by alkylating the backbone introduced geometric isomerization into the system, which precipitated a decrease in order relative to the non-alkylated NHC-Et.

Gaining insight into the transferability of self-assembly principles and outcomes is impactful for the continued development of NHCs as anchors for SAMs.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Black Student Mental Health: An Analysis of Accessibility of Mental Health Resources at Queen’s University

contributor:
Rosenberg, Mark
Geography and Planning

subject:
Mental Health
Health Equity
Black Students
Black Mental Health
Black Geographies
Health Geography
Mental Health Geography
Queen's Students
Racism
Discrimination

abstract:
This study seeks to answer four primary questions: first, how/why does being Black impact a student’s mental health? Second, how does race impact how Black students seek care? Third, what are the barriers to care that Black students face? Fourth, what can ideally be done to improve the mental healthcare system?
A recruitment letter was distributed on Facebook and Instagram advertising a $25 Amazon gift card for a 30-minute interview. 30 students were interviewed. Interviewees are self-identified Black students at all levels of study, from undergraduate to professional studies and recently graduated from Queen’s University (Canada). All participants were asked the same questions. Interviews were analyzed using a constant comparative method to examine the barriers to care and ways to improve the system.
Participants identified several barriers to care, such as a lack of racially representative advertisements, financial and insurance barriers; long wait times; a lack of mental health education; negative perception of mental healthcare; a fear of being misunderstood due to a lack of culturally competent mental health professionals; and a lack of racially diverse counsellors. However, participants also provided hope for the mental health system by recommending that university administration and provincial and federal governments take many measures to improve the mental healthcare system, including implementing cultural competence training; establishing online booking systems; building inclusive mental health education programs; collaborating with lawmakers and politicians to integrate mental healthcare into primary care, and prioritizing mental healthcare in Canadian healthcare funding models. While there are several barriers to care, there are clear and tangible ways to make mental healthcare more accessible for Black students. This study contributes to current scholarship by adding to the field of critical Black geographies. It has not only identified barriers Black students face but provides valuable ways forward for institutions of higher learning and government to increase access to mental healthcare.

abstract: M.A.


title: Modifying the Minority Strengths Model for Binary Trans and Nonbinary Individuals: An Examination of the Relationships among Strength-Promoting Factors, Mental Health, and Health-Promoting Behaviours

contributor:
Pukall, Caroline
Psychology

subject:
Gender Diverse
Trangender
Nonbinary
Mental Health
Social Support
Community Connectivity
Identity Pride

abstract: Trans is an umbrella term used to describe people with sex/gender identities and expressions that do not align with their sex/gender assigned at birth (American Psychological Association, 2015). Historically, very little mental health scholarship has focused on trans individuals. Instead, models (e.g., Minority Stress Model; Meyer, 1995) have examined vulnerability to mental and physical health problems among LGBTQ+ individuals more broadly. Such work has served to conflate sexual and gender identity and reinforce a deficit-based approach in research with minority individuals, largely ignoring strength promoting factors. Furthermore, trans folks are often subsumed into a single group, which fails to acknowledge the variability in experiences and strengths that exist among people with different gender identities (Kichler, 2021; Tatum et al., 2020). Using a sample of binary trans (N = 196) and nonbinary (N = 232) participants, I adapted and tested a series of models based on the newly developed Minority Strengths Model (MSM; Perrin et al., 2020) to examine how strength-promoting factors uniquely operate among both groups. Prior to analyses, the factor structure of all variables was explored, and invariance testing was conducted to determine whether direct comparisons between groups could be made. Findings were threefold: first, confirmatory factor analyses highlighted a two-factor structure for social support and identity pride contrary to initial assumptions. Second, significant differences in community connectedness, internal and external identity pride, anxiety, and health promoting behaviours emerged for binary trans and nonbinary participants, with all factors except for health promoting behaviours emerging as significantly higher for nonbinary individuals, contrary to initial hypotheses. Lastly, in direct opposition to the Minority Strength Model, the relationships among strength-promoting factors were best explained via direct relationships only, with results showing no indirect effects. Such findings promote the need to uniquely explore people with different gender identities and to use a strength-promotion model to examine factors that promote adaptive outcomes, rather than highlight deficits. Findings from the current study could provide the foundation upon which to build future studies to explore individual and collective strengths for people with diverse gender identities.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Action and Context Influence Memory for Objects

contributor:
Kuhlmeier, Valerie
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
Infancy
Goal Attribution
Context
Object Cognition
Attention
Object Memory

abstract:
Goal attribution, the process by which infants form expectations or make predictions about the nature and target of another’s ongoing action (usually an object-directed action), is one of the earliest developing examples of human social learning, and one that remains important throughout the lifespan. Chapter 2 is an in-depth review of how infant goal attribution is shaped by contextual factors, including the infant’s own experience and development, the nature and actions of the agent they are observing, the way the object is approached by the agent, the nature of object being acted upon, and the environment in which the action occurs.  This review highlights the richness of the information embedded in even a relatively simple action, such as a reach for an item, and how these actions exist at the center of many different areas of study, including social cognition, object cognition, and brain development.
In some contexts, however, infants seemingly do not attribute goals to others, and this contrast has led researchers to posit certain underlying cognitive mechanisms supporting goal attribution.  In Chapter 3, I demonstrate that the selectivity of an action can prompt infants to encode the features of a target object.   I propose that infants use social information to flexibly allocate their limited cognitive resources to maintain feature bound representations of objects based on contextual information. This proposal represents a more parsimonious alternative to explanations based on infant mentalizing abilities, such as the preference theory of goal attribution.  Finally, in Chapter 4, I study the influence of object-directed action and context on how adult observers recognize previously observed objects. I demonstrate that observation of a hand grasping objects influences memory for those objects.  Combined, this work highlights the importance of the contextual information, from both the social and physical context, on both how we interpret action and how we think about objects, from infancy into adulthood.

abstract: PhD


title: Aspects of the Bed Geometry and Flow in Meandering Streams at Incipient and Later Stages

contributor:
Ana Maria, da Silva
Civil Engineering

subject:
Alternate bar length and height
River dynamics
Meandering streams
OpenFOAM CFD
Energy balance equation

abstract:
This thesis consists of two parts. In the first part (Chapter 2 and 3), two new empirical equations for the length and height of alternate bars at the fully developed (or equilibrium) state are introduced. The equations are developed on the basis of dimensional considerations and all available laboratory data; the formulations incorporate also findings by stability analyses of the phenomenon. The equations correlate bar height normalized by flow depth and bar length normalized by flow width to the excess width-to-depth ratio with regard to the threshold, or critical, value of width-to-depth ratio at which alternate bars occur as well as the relative depth and the grain size Reynolds number. It is shown that when compared with previous empirical equations, the present equations produce a considerably improved alignment of the data with the perfect agreement line and a significantly larger percentage of data falling within the 20% error range (nearly twice more data in the case of the height equation, and 1.5 times more in the case of the length equation). In contrast to previous methods, the present equations were found to produce realistic estimates of bar height and length when extrapolated to field conditions.
	In the second part of the thesis (Chapter 4), one of the most fundamental questions related to meandering streams is addressed and shed light on, namely ‘Where and why is more energy lost in a meandering stream when compared to a straight stream?’ Answering this question involves a work/energy analysis founded on the equations of motion, and facilitated by a series of numerical simulations of meandering flows carried out with a three-dimensional (3D) solver of the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. The laboratory experiments carried out by da Silva et al. (2006) in five sine-generated meandering streams with q0 = 30°, 50°, 70°, 90° and 110°, were used as basis for the analysis. The energy/work terms were quantified throughout the flow domain on the basis of the simulated flows and then presented and analyzed in their vertical- and channel- averaged values. Particular attention was paid to the following aspects:1- how much more energy is dissipated in meandering streams when compared to their equivalent straight channel counterparts; and 2- what are the mechanisms determining the additional losses and what are their individual contributions.

abstract: PhD


title: Mindfulness as a potential self-esteem booster: Can mindfulness help those low in self-esteem to cope with negative feedback?

contributor:
MacDonald, Tara K.
Psychology

subject: self-esteem mindfulness feedback

abstract: Individuals tend to experience drops in self-esteem in response to negative feedback, whether it be in an evaluative or social context (Brown, 2010). Several strategies can be utilized to buffer one’s self-esteem, however those with low self-esteem are less likely to, and have more trouble recovering from negative feedback than those with high self-esteem. The former tend to ruminate and fixate on negative thoughts about the self, which consequently exacerbates negative self-views and prevents them from feeling motivated. One tool that may boost one’s self-esteem after threat is mindfulness, which involves adopting a non-judgmental self-view. Individuals higher in mindfulness tend to have greater self- and emotion-regulation skills, which enables them to be less reactive to stressful threats in their environment (e.g., Barnes et al., 2007). I hypothesized that participants with low self-esteem who received negative evaluative feedback would report higher levels of self-esteem after listening to a mindfulness meditation than those who listened to a control audio clip, and would be more motivated to persevere on a task under these circumstances. I conducted two studies to examine this hypothesis: both were online studies including an internally-focused meditation recording and fabricated evaluative feedback in response to different tasks. In Study 1, I found some support that a brief mindfulness exposure was beneficial for participants with low self-esteem in the face of negative evaluative feedback. For individuals with low self-esteem, there was a trend such that those in the mindfulness condition reported greater post-feedback self-esteem than those in the control condition. In contrast, amongst those with high self-esteem, there was an unexpected reversal such that those in the mindfulness condition reported lower post-feedback self-esteem than those in the  control condition. Study 2 was underpowered and I did not find evidence to support my main hypotheses. I discuss limitations of the studies and implications of the findings, as well as the application of mindfulness meditation in enhancing positive responses in stressful contexts.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Towards a Global Environment Trust: Determination of the General Principle of Trust Under International Law and Its Application to the Global Environment

contributor:
Weisbord, Noah
Law

rights: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States

subject: International law

subject: International environmental law

subject: Anthropocene

subject: Environmental Crisis

subject: General Principles of Law

subject: General Principle of Trust

subject: Global Environment Trust

subject: States as Trustees

subject: Humankind as Beneficiary

subject: Global Environment as the Corpus of the Trust

abstract: The current international environmental legal framework has been insufficient to avert the ecological crisis of the Anthropocene. Despite some progress in the fields of treaty law and customary law, States generally have been reluctant to agree to new rules that may further limit their sovereignty. As far as States are concerned, there is no legally binding duty to protect, restore and improve the global environment for the benefit of humankind (proactive duty). The customary obligation not to cause harm (reactive duty) and fragmented treaty obligations have been insufficient to protect the global environment. Through doctrinal and comparative legal research, this thesis shows that the missing duty can be found in the global environment trust, which has been implied in the language of the Stockholm Declaration and supported by the operation of general principles of law. This trust signifies that Governments are trustees of the global environment and owe fiduciary duties to humankind as the beneficiary. The fiduciary nature means that any State that harms the global environment or uses it contrary to the trust may be in breach of trust and liable for the damage caused. Since the general principles do not require express consent to be legally binding, the global environment trust may be enforceable against States, jointly or severally. While scholars have previously formulated trust-based concepts for the environment, those theories either remain ambiguous or depend on the express consent of States. Justifications for the existence of the general principle of trust have also been limited and underexplored. This dissertation contributes to scholarship by grounding the global environment trust in the general principles of law, systematically determining the existence, content, and implications of the trust, and situating it in the evolution of international environmental law. This thesis does not claim that the global environment trust can solve the ecological crisis, but it may assist the international community in strengthening global environmental governance.

abstract: PhD


title: Privacy and Regulatory Compliance for Central Bank Digital Currency

contributor:
Ni, Jianbing
Zulkernine, Mohammad
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Central Bank Digital Currency
Privacy
Regulation

abstract:
Digital payment is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the context of the rapid decline in cash transactions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some mobile payment methods, which are also known as mobile wallets such as WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay make online purchases straight from an app or website. Mobile payment methods manage user wallet balances by using existing commercial bank-based accounting, based on cash exchange or lines of credit and loans.

Central bank digital currency (CBDC) is a national digital currency issued by the central bank which has national credit and is equivalent to fiat money. Besides, CBDC is expected to be designed as an alternative peer-to-peer model that provides similar mechanisms for exchanging money between senders and receivers offline, which has a similar function to fiat money. CBDC has strong regulation due to the supervision of the government or the central bank, which leads to the emergence of research and developments on CBDC. Despite the appealing benefits, however, privacy in CBDC becomes a major concern for lawmakers and potential users, which may block its development. Due to the regulation, user privacy is being put at risk, which may disclose the spending habits or transaction information of the users. Therefore, how to realize user anonymity and protect user privacy in CBDC is an urgent problem to be solved.

In this thesis, we conduct our research with a focus on privacy and regulatory compliance in CBDC based on the architecture of the digital payment system and existing CBDC. Specifically, the main contributions are: i) We proposed an anonymous and traceable CBDC system based on a two-tier architecture to improve the traditional bank-user electronic cash architecture. This system realized the user anonymity against commercial banks while enabling the central bank to support user tracking and prevent double-spending. As a trusted party, the central bank is responsible for currency issuance and financial regulation. ii) We proposed an anonymous and regulatory compliant CBDC system, which is also based on a two-tier architecture but more closely related to the everyday banking system. This system in mind to support strong anonymity and complete accountability in CBDC. The central bank is responsible for verification of transactions and identification of coins for double-spending. The blockchain in this system allows commercial banks to modify transactions recorded on the blockchain shared by the central bank and commercial banks.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Information Bottleneck Methods for Fairness and Privacy in Machine Learning

contributor:
Alajaji, Fady
Gharesifard, Bahman
Mathematics and Statistics

subject:
machine learning
artificial intelligence
deep learning
machine learning fairness
information bottleneck
Rényi divergence

abstract:
Designing machine learning algorithms that are accurate yet fair, not discriminating based on any sensitive attribute, and also private, not revealing users’ personal information, has become of paramount importance for society to accept the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) for critical applications. In this thesis, we investigate the use of variational Information Bottleneck (IB) methods for fair and private machine learning.
We present a novel fair representation learning method termed Rényi Fair Information Bottleneck (RFIB) which incorporates constraints for utility, fairness, and compactness of representation. In contrast to prior work, we consider both demographic parity and equalized odds as fairness constraints, allowing for a more nuanced satisfaction of both criteria. We use the Rényi divergence in developing a loss function involving classical IB measures and show that its parameter α provides an extra degree of freedom that results in performance benefits. Applying the method to image classification, we study the influence of the α parameter and two other tunable IB parameters on achieving utility/fairness trade-off goals, and evaluate it using various utility, fairness, and compound utility/fairness metrics on three different image datasets (EyePACS, CelebA, and FairFace), showing that RFIB outperforms current state-of-the-art approaches.
Furthermore, we investigate how the problem of privacy relates to the problem of fairness and present a related method to jointly improve fairness and privacy termed Rényi Fair and Private Information Bottleneck (RFPIB). Using the Rényi divergence and IB measures, we develop a loss function designed to improve both privacy and multiple fairness metrics while also ensuring utility. Experimenting on the CelebA and EyePACS datasets, we study trade-offs between fairness, privacy, and utility. We significantly outperform a baseline ResNet50 network and show that tuning the Rényi divergence’s α parameter can be used to simultaneously achieve these three desired criteria.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Imperial Crisis Management: The Humanitarian-Development Nexus in Jordan and Lebanon

contributor:
Soederberg, Susanne
Political Studies

subject:
humanitarian-development nexus
refugee
aid
development
capitalism
middle east
neoliberalization
neoliberalism
jordan
lebanon
EBRD
World Bank

abstract:
In 2016, and in the wake of the Syrian refugee influx into neighboring countries like Jordan and Lebanon, Western donors shifted from a strictly humanitarian emergency response to forced displacement to a humanitarian-development nexus (HDN) that incorporates development donors and activities to respond to the needs of both refugees and host populations. Promising to address the root causes of host countries’ challenges and promote longer-term and more sustainable development, the HDN focuses on offering support to host countries in coping with the surge in their populations and improving their public services and infrastructure. In this dissertation, I problematize the emergence of the HDN, and donor narratives surrounding it, focusing on the politics and power relations underlying it, its impact on access to basic services in host states and its primary beneficiaries.
Historically situating the HDN within global capitalism, I trace its emergence to the Syrian refugee influx in the Middle East and draw on the cases of Jordan and Lebanon to highlight its inherently political nature and the interests driving it. I argue that the HDN is an expression of imperial development, extending and deepening imperial relations in MENA to provide fixes for global capitalism’s overaccumulation and legitimacy crises. HDN development projects in hosts’ public services (specifically water), jointly formulated and promoted by donors and host states, promote accumulation in the public sector and entrench neoliberalization. They advance the material and political interests of donors, host states as well as private actors, whilst commodifying the basic survival needs of marginalized populations, including refugees themselves. The HDN, and its underlying imperial relations, unfolds along multiple interrelated scales and in relation to local social relations, including state institutions and protest movements.

abstract: PhD


title: Behaviour of Timber-Steel Connections With Slotted-In Plates and Steel Dowels Reinforced With Self-Tapping Screws

contributor:
MacDougall, Colin
Woods, Josh
Civil Engineering

subject:
timber
structural engineering
braced frames
dowelled connections
timber-steel connections
seismic force resisting systems

abstract:
Construction with mass timber is increasing in both size and number of projects across Canada. With developments to CSA O86-19 allowing an increase to the maximum building height of mass timber structures to twelve storeys, designers need improved lateral load resisting systems that can provide ductile behaviour for these tall timber structures. In this thesis, the mechanics of a common connection for braced timber frames are studied through two experimental campaigns.
	Research was first conducted on the performance of single and double-dowel connections with one or two steel slotted-in plates. These small-scale dowelled connections were tested with and without reinforcing screws under parallel-to-grain monotonic and cyclic loads. Screws changed the failure mode of the connection, improving ductility and energy dissipation capacity by up to 3.6 and 3.5 times respectively from unreinforced specimens. When tested under cyclic loads, peak loads of specimens decreased by around 8% and some cyclic tests exhibited a pinched hysteretic response, as well as strength and stiffness degradation.
	Another set of experiments were conducted on full-scale connections. Four connections with double steel slotted-in plates and six dowels were tested monotonically in tension parallel to grain until failure. Unreinforced specimens failed in a brittle manner governed by row shear and specimen splitting. Reinforcement through self-tapping screws introduced ductility in the brittle specimens, and improved energy dissipation capacity by an average of 6.5 times. Overall, it was determined that dowels with a reduced slenderness ratio of 5.0 was more prone to brittle row shear failure.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Predicting Long term survival after de novo cardioverter defibrillator implantation for primary prevention

contributor:
Tranmer, Joan
Lee, Douglas
Public Health Sciences

subject:
Pacemaker
Heart failure
Defibrillator
Long-term outcomes
Health services research
Prediction model

abstract:
BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy is the main intervention to reduce risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with reduced ejection fraction cardiomyopathy for primary prevention. While the mortality benefit of ICD insertion has been established in landmark randomized controlled trials, little is known about the long-term outcomes of patients with ICDs in clinical practice.
OBJECTIVES: (1) Describe long-term survival of patients undergoing ICD implantation for primary prevention in the real world. (2) Develop risk prediction model for 10-year survival after ICD implant using baseline clinical and demographic factors.
METHODS: In a multicenter, population-based registry of all ICD patients across 18 centers in Ontario, 5097 patients receiving ICD implant for primary prevention from February 2007 to March 2011 were followed 10 years after device implant.  Patients were randomly split 2:1 into derivation and internal validation cohorts to develop and validate a prognostic model using Cox regression and predictors measured at initial ICD evaluation.
RESULTS: In the derivation cohort, mean age was 65.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 11.0), 664 patients were female (19.5%) and 2344 patients (69.0%) had ischemic cardiomyopathy for primary disease indication. 10-year survival was 45.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 44.0% to 47.4%). The final prediction model included age, sex, ischemic vs. non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, urgency of procedure, New York Heart Association classification, left ventricular ejection fraction, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, stroke, smoking, peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive lung disease and dialysis), and biomarkers at time of ICD assessment (sodium, hemoglobin, renal function, QRS on electrocardiogram). This model had good discrimination in derivation (AUC 0.80; 95% CI 0.78, 0.81) and validation samples (AUC 0.79, 95% CI 0.77, 0.81). Sensitivity analyses showed that the addition of device type, provider factors (implantation site, implanter volume, physician main specialty), sex-related interaction terms, and frailty scores did not significantly improve the prediction model.
CONCLUSION: A combination of demographic and patient factors determined at baseline evaluation for device therapy enabled the prediction of 10-year survival in patients undergoing ICD for primary prevention in the clinical practice. These findings may be useful in monitoring and targeting future prevention strategies to enhance longevity in this high-risk population.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: False News: A Digital Conceptualization and Potential Mitigation Using  Algorithmic Advice

contributor:
Brohman, Kathryn
Business

subject:
Misinformation
Disinformation
Algorithmic Advice
Algorithm Appreciation

abstract:
Across three conceptual and empirical studies, we respond to urgent calls from all corners of society to address the wicked and universal problem of false messages circulating on the Internet, better known as “fake news”. In the first paper, we problematize the use of the term “fake news”, highlighting issues around its different meanings in prior academic research, its current meaning in the vernacular, and its adequacy to cover the entirety of the phenomena of online falsehoods. Building on existing attempts at addressing the conceptualization problem, we offer our own solution based on the literature on the ontology of digital objects, proposing the concept of “false messages”, of which “false news” is a subset. We also situate this new concept in its broader technical and social context.
In the second paper, we shift our attention to mitigating the problem of false news and compare the effects of two algorithmic advisors on individuals’ judgment about news facticity. A large number of algorithms are being developed to identify false news based on the content of news articles (content-based algorithms) or social reaction to news articles (social-based algorithms), which we argue, can act as algorithmic advisors to humans about news facticity. Based on the theory of technology dominance (TTD), Judge-Advisor System (JAS) studies, and computers are social actors (CASA) paradigm, we hypothesize and find some empirical evidence that content-based and social-based algorithmic advisors differ in their ability to influence individuals’ judgments about news facticity.
In the final paper, we compare two algorithmic advisors that differ in their source of training data, with one advisor trained using data from a fact-checker with liberal political attitudes and the other trained with data from a fact-checker with conservative political attitudes. Extending the TTD by linking it to similarity-attraction studies, we find different patterns of advice taking from the two algorithmic advisors among US-based Democrats, Republicans, and independents, with Democrats utilizing advice from the algorithmic advisor with liberal training data and Republicans not utilizing advice from either algorithmic advisor, while independents utilized advice from the liberal algorithmic advisor with more nuances compared to the Democrats.

abstract: PhD


title: Identifying Clinical Factors Associated with Postpartum Hemorrhage in Women with Inherited Bleeding Disorders: A Population-based Cohort Study of Women in Ontario

contributor:
Tranmer, Joan
Galica, Jacqueline
Nursing

subject:
postpartum hemorrhage
pregnancy
blood disorders, inherited
hemophilia
von Willebrand Disease

abstract:
Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency. Inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) can increase PPH risk, however the impact of other risk factors (including anemia, parity) on this association remains unclear. Women with IBD may be anemic due to increased bleeding tendencies; however, the pathways linking IBD, anemia and PPH have not been fully characterized. This thesis aimed to identify maternal, clinical, and delivery characteristics associated with PPH among women with, and without, IBDs.
Objectives: 1) To determine and compare PPH incidence among women with and without IBDs; 2) to determine the effect of IBD on PPH; 3) to determine if anemia at admission for delivery mediates the relationship between an IBD and PPH.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data housed within ICES (formerly: the Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences). Women with an in-hospital, live or stillborn delivery between 2014-2019 were included. To address Objective 1, PPH incidence proportions were calculated. Objective 2 was addressed using block-analysis regression. Objective 3 was addressed using mediation analysis. Analysis was restricted to the first delivery in the accrual period and stratified by parity.
Results: 601,773 women were included; 2,002 (0.33%) had an IBD. PPH incidence was 1.5x higher (7.30 vs. 4.93 cases/100 deliveries, std. difference 0.1) among women with an IBD compared to unaffected women. Women with IBDs were slightly older, and more frequently diagnosed with chronic hypertension, anemia, and prior PPH. Among the total cohort, an IBD was associated with increased risk of PPH (adjusted RR [aRR] = 1.26; 95% CI 1.08, 1.46). Among multiparous women, prior PPH was associated with increased PPH risk, while IBD had no effect (aRR = 1.10; 95% CI 0.86, 1.40). Anemia, placental conditions, multifetal gestation, and induction were associated with increased PPH risk among all cohorts. Despite significant associations between each of IBD, PPH and anemia at admission for delivery, the latter did not mediate the IBD-PPH relationship.
Conclusions: Optimal maternal outcomes require identification of maternal risks. Study findings can be used to inform guideline development and healthcare provider education and will contribute to improved health and quality of life of women with bleeding disorders.

abstract: PhD


title: Water-Evaporation-Induced Electric Generators Built from Electrospun Carbon Nanofiber Mats

contributor:
Liu, Guojun
Chemistry

subject:
Hydrovoltaics
Electrospinning
Carbon Nanofiber
Electrokinetic Effect

abstract:
Electricity generation from evaporation-driven water flow in porous nanomaterials is a promising approach for harvesting renewable energy. Driven by capillary action and continuous water evaporation, water flow in the pores of a partially submerged porous film is sustained and the flow carries along ions dissociated from pore walls, giving rise to a streaming potential and current. Water-evaporation-induced generators (WEIGs) are constructed to harness these currents and electricity. However, past WEIGs suffer from poor mechanical robustness, handling limitations, and low output power. A novel material is developed and used to construct powerful and easy-to-handle WEIGs.
Herein, the progress towards the fabrication of a novel free-standing porous carbon nanofiber mat (CNM) for the construction of powerful WEIGs is described. CNMs are prepared from carbonizing electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofiber mats and then treating them with oxygen plasma. Chapter 2 systematically investigates how the generated short-circuit current (Is) and open-circuit voltage (Vo) of WEIGs change with the structural parameters of CNMs. Under optimized conditions, these WEIGs generate a maximum aerial power density of 83 nW.cm-2, which exceeds that of existing WEIGs by almost 10-fold.
Next, in search of WEIGs that would operate in seawater, the performance of devices with different electrode combinations operating in NaCl solutions is investigated. Traditionally, inert graphite (C) electrodes are used to construct WEIGs. However, we report on C/metal and metal/metal WEIGs that feature either a carbon or a corroding metal [Cu, St (steel), Al] as the top/bottom electrodes. The asymmetric environments and potential differences between the top and bottom electrodes of a WEIG facilitate metal corrosion in NaCl solution. While the WEIG configuration facilitates metal corrosion, the metal corrosion empowers the WEIG. These Galvanic WEIGs outperform traditional WEIGs by thousands of times in power outputs.
High output power is essential for the entry of WEIGs into the renewable energy market. The voltage, current, and output power of Galvanic WEIGs can be further increased by adding series and parallel connections to multiple devices. This research brings WEIGs one step closer to practical utilization.

abstract: PhD


title: Demanding a safer supply: Stories from the frontlines of the drug poisoning crisis in the context of the housing crisis and COVID-19 pandemic

contributor:
Wilson, Rosemary
Nursing

subject:
drug poisoning crisis
COVID-19
socio-narratology
housing crisis
harm reduction
safer supply program

abstract: Hearing and understanding stories by people who use drugs is paramount in addressing the drug poisoning crisis on this land we call Canada. The purpose of this research was to explore the stories that people in safer supply programs (SSP) tell about their experiences navigating the drug poisoning crisis in the context of the housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Socio-narratology was used to understand the dialogical nature of the story and the storyteller. The thesis begins with an autobiographical reflection and a look at the history of the drug poisoning crisis, with special interest in how it relates to colonization as Indigenous peoples have been disproportionately affected by the racist and colonial war on people who use drugs. The importance of this lens is evident as the research study includes the stories and experiences of three Indigenous peoples who have stabilized in an SSP. The participants each had two interviews/dialogues, and the data was analyzed using hermeneutic dialogical narrative analysis. Analytic interests that resonated through the narratives included experiencing pain, seeking support, sense of belonging, finding purpose, creating meaning, and blaming the system and calling for change. The study demonstrates the importance of equipping people who use drugs with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to alter their lifestyle in ways they deem important. The study highlights the importance of including the voices of people with lived and living experience of drug use when designing, implementing, and evaluating SSPs. While COVID-19 impacted the participant’s ability to connect, we learned that this was not their biggest concern. Instead, what they wanted to see was (1) an end to the unnecessary drug poisoning deaths due to the toxic street supply of drugs, (2) the addition of appropriate and affordable housing, and (3) the incorporation of Indigenous ways of knowing and being to enhance Western models of care. The findings and recommendations of this socio-narratology study offer new insights and understandings related to the role we can play in abating the drug poisoning crisis in a way that witnesses, respects, and values the voices, stories, and lives of people who use drugs.

abstract: MNSc.


title: Characterizing Stem Cell Antigen-1 Positive Trophoblast Cells in the Trophoblast Stem Cell Niche and Placenta Development in the Mouse

contributor:
Natale, David
Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

subject:
Stem cell antigen-1
Trophoblast
Placenta
Stem cells
Hypoxia
Transforming growth factor-beta
Trophoblast stem cells
Lymphocyte activation protein-6A

abstract: Oxygen concentration and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) are important for placenta development and the regulation of trophoblast cell proliferation and differentiation. Stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1) is a cell surface marker commonly used to enrich mouse stem and progenitor cells and is highly expressed in mouse trophoblast stem (TS) cell cultures and increased in a model of placenta insufficiency. Sca-1 positive (POS)  cells from different tissues respond to both hypoxia (state of insufficient oxygen availability for homeostasis maintenance) and TGF-β signals, resulting in altered cellular characteristics and function. We hypothesized that Sca-1POS trophoblasts are undifferentiated and can contribute to the labyrinth and junctional zone placenta layers and that Sca-1 identifies a unique subpopulation of TS cells that could increase their proliferation in response to hypoxia and can suppress the TGF-β signalling pathway. Using mouse models to visualize Sca-1POS cells and their progeny, we confirmed that differentiated trophoblasts do not express Sca-1 and that trophoblasts of Sca-1POS lineage contribute to both placenta layers. Mouse TS cell culture studies identified that Sca-1POS  cells had increased TS cell gene expression, with both populations able to self-renew in normoxia and hypoxia long-term (10-passages). In response to hypoxia (72 hours), Sca-1POS TS cells had increased proliferation and Sca-1 protein expression when compared with Sca-1 negative (NEG) hypoxia and Sca-1POS normoxia groups. In culture, maintaining homogeneous Sca-1NEG TS cells proved challenging, as Sca-1NEG cells gained Sca-1 cell-surface expression, suggesting that Sca-1 may be required for self-renewal and maintenance of TS cell's undifferentiated state. TGF- treatment did not affect cellular proliferation or Sca-1 mRNA or protein expression. Sca-1 downregulated TGF-β pathway activation, as there was greater activation in Sca-1NEG compared to Sca-1POS TS cells. Future work to determine the function of Sca-1 is required. Currently, the role of undifferentiated trophoblast cells in the placenta and their potential to respond and adapt to physiological stress and insults that compromise placental health is unknown. Together, my results highlight the important role of Sca-1 in the TS cell niche and placenta development and provide insight into a population of undifferentiated, multipotent trophoblast cells that appear to confer a unique stress response.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Long-Term Experimental Analysis of Ecological and Evolutionary Processes at a Species’ Range Limit

contributor:
Eckert, Christopher
Biology

subject:
ecology
evolution
range limits
transplant experiment
plants

abstract: Many species’ ranges have remained stable in space through time, but they may shift as climate change and other anthropogenic impacts alter habitats in their historic ranges. Successful range expansion can be prevented by limited dispersal or poor establishment if beyond-range habitat is outside the species’ niche. To conserve species with limited dispersal, they can be planted beyond their ranges in “assisted colonization”, but it is unclear whether central or peripheral populations are best suited to beyond-range habitats, and whether beyond-range populations will adapt after colonization. Restoration efforts to re-plant degraded habitats within species’ ranges often use local genotypes, but long-term comparisons of local vs. multi-source introduced populations are lacking. Here, I review the current state of the field of range limits and provide a novel long-term test of whether a species’ range is limited by its niche. I execute a transplant experiment to examine whether central or edge populations perform best beyond the range, and whether beyond-range populations adapt to their environment over ten generations. Finally, I test whether local or mixed-genotype populations perform best to inform planting efforts for restoration. After ~ 10 generations beyond the range, populations of coastal dune plant Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia had high reproductive fitness and tripled in population size, suggesting that beyond-range habitat is not outside its niche. Peripheral populations had higher fruit production than central populations in beyond-range environments, but this didn’t result in higher rates of population growth. When transplanted back at home and at another beyond-range site, beyond-range populations did not outperform those from within the range, indicating that persistence did not require adaptation to beyond-range conditions. Local vs. genetically mixed populations did not differ in fitness at within-range sites, but genetically mixed populations sometimes had higher plant density after ten generations, indicating possible increased adaptive capacity. My thesis will improve our understanding of the factors preventing range expansion and the eco-evolutionary processes at play during range shifts, and inform population selection for conservation efforts like assisted migration and habitat restoration.

abstract: PhD


title: Precarious Work and COVID-19: A Mixed Methods Analysis

contributor:
Kay, Fiona
Sociology

subject:
precarious work
COVID-19
Canada
wages
mixed methods
linear regression
media framing

abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an unprecedented public health, social and economic crisis that acutely highlights both the precariousness of temporary work and the essential nature of some precariously employed workers. No previous studies have longitudinally examined the trajectories of temporary and permanent workers’ weekly wages during the pandemic or leveraged qualitative analysis to examine workers’ lived experiences of the pandemic’s impacts. To address this research gap, the study employed a mixed methods approach. Quantitative analysis of Labour Force Survey data from January 2019 to September 2021 was conducted to examine weekly wage trajectories of temporary versus permanent Canadian workers during the pandemic as well as the extent to which several factors (e.g., type of occupation, industry, age, gender) influenced these trajectories. Data were also leveraged from the Bank of Canada COVID-19 stringency index, a measure of government policy responses. In addition, qualitative content analysis of 30 print news articles from March 2020 to September 2021 was employed to better understand workers’ lived experiences of wage and employment impacts. Quantitative analyses revealed that temporary workers experienced greater weekly wage losses than permanent workers, particularly in the early months of the pandemic. Surprisingly, among temporary workers, subgroups who would generally be considered more advantaged (male, older, more highly educated and higher-wage workers), experienced greater wage losses in the early months of the pandemic and in association with increasing stringency index values. This suggests that female, younger, less educated and lower-wage temporary workers, were more likely to be concentrated in essential jobs. The various data-driven and theoretically informed frames applied in the qualitative analysis highlighted how workers’ voices shaped the construction of meaning surrounding their lived experiences. Their voices furthered understanding of the impacts and structural causes of their employment precarity as well as solutions needed to address work precarity and the social and economic inequalities worsened by the pandemic. Both the quantitative and qualitative findings highlighted how previously undervalued jobs emerged as essential, leading to a re-valuation (at least temporarily) of these occupations. This study draws attention to the critical need to address employment precarity at both the national and global levels.

abstract: M.A.


title: Relational Geographies of Community Care for Older People  in Urban Beijing, China

contributor:
Rosenberg, Mark W.
Geography and Planning

rights: Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 United States

subject:
Aging in place
Community care
Relational theory
Health geography
China
Older people

abstract:
With the paradigm shift of the place of care for older people from institution to community since the 1990s, the concept of community has re-invigorated aging research. Based on a relational approach, this thesis develops a heuristic framework of two co-constitutive triads. One triad is to unpack how community care manifest in three interdependent processes of policymaking (macro), localization (meso), and experience (micro). The other triad is to unpack community as a three-dimensional concept (material, social, and symbolic) to bridge trans-scaled spaces and places together.
Specifically, this thesis seeks to answer four interrelated research questions: 1) What is the trans-scaled relationality of community in care for older people in the health geography literature? 2) What is the role of community in shaping “macro” policies of care for supporting community-dwelling older people? 3) What is the role of community in “meso” embedding care resources and spaces into local communities? and 4) What is the role of community in shaping “micro” experiences of care at a community-embedded facility?
The findings demonstrate not only the material, social, and symbolic meanings of community at each process but also the trans-scaled relationality of these meanings: 1) Materially, lived experience of a community care facility is shaped not only by that facility (micro) but also by the processes of embedding the facility into the community (meso) and defining spatial units for allocating facility resources (macro); 2) Socially, social interactions of older people within that facility (micro) are shaped by the negotiation between different stakeholders in site-locating and relation-building (meso) that also relates to the negotiation of the state, market, and the voluntary sector (macro) ; and 3) Symbolically, ideas about what community should be like may converge or diverge between older people's affective senses (micro), stakeholders' concerns on the operation (meso), and normative principles to policymakers and wider society (macro).
The thesis joins the recent “relational turn” in health geography by conceptualizing trans-scaled relationality of spaces and places through community. The findings can also inform strategically placing community care in China, Canada, and other countries where new models of community care for older people are being developed.

abstract: PhD


title: Multivariate Simulation Using A Locally Varying Coregionalization Model

contributor:
Ortiz, Julian
Mining Engineering

subject:
Multivariate geostatistical modeling
Nataf transformation
Cholesky decomposition
Geodesics
Riemannian manifold
Symmetric positive definite

abstract:
Multivariate spatial modeling is key to understanding the behavior of materials downstream in a mining operation. However, multivariate spatial modeling is challenging when the variables show complex relationships, posing a problem for resource modeling. The thesis proposes three novel methodologies, based on recent developments in geometry, with the unique motivation of extracting as much information as possible from a given multivariate data set sampled in a geographical domain and improving resource estimates results when the multivariate behavior of the data is complex.
The thesis starting point is the relaxation in the assumption of stationarity in the linear correlation coefficient among the different geological attributes, fixed throughout the domain under study in the conventional case. Instead, we consider a model in which the correlation parameter is locally varying, according to the location considered in the domain. Once we set the basis of the model, we propose three methodologies for classical problems in resource estimation.
The first contribution takes advantage of the interpolation of the correlation matrices to characterize the dependency among variables throughout the geologic domain. Once the correlation is interpolated on a grid, multivariate simulation is performed, honoring complex relationships shown in the data.
A second contribution considers using the inference of correlation between the known and missing variables to apply Bayes' rule for data imputation of missing values. Then, we propose a second imputation methodology by exploiting the Cholesky decomposition properties, considering the spatial auto-correlation on the variable of interest.
One of the most important steps when developing a resource estimation project is the definition of stationary spatial domains. The clustering of geological data using the K-means algorithm adapted to our context is a third development of the presented research, accounting for the non-Euclidean nature of the correlation among attributes.
The value of the research is demonstrated in a case study using real geochemical data. Overall, the results show accuracy in the prediction at unsampled locations, accounting for complex relations between the attributes while adding practical value and theoretical insight to multivariate geostatistical modeling.

abstract: PhD


title: Developing Sweet Prophylactics: Targeting Glycans to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

contributor:
Capicciotti, Chantelle
Chemistry

subject:
Chemistry
COVID-19
Glycans
Dendrimer
Carbohydrate Chemistry

abstract:
The devastating COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 continues to be prolonged by the ability of the virus to evolve into more transmissible and vaccine-resistant variants of concern (VOC). These fast-evolving VOC demonstrate the need for broad-acting antivirals against coronaviruses. As with several other human-infecting viruses, SARS-CoV-2 initiates attachment to host cells by binding to complex cell-surface carbohydrates known as glycans. These glycans are used by the virus to recognize and concentrate virions on the host cell surface and facilitate binding to less abundant entry receptors, like ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2. Due to most viruses using glycans to initiate infection, we therefore hypothesize that glycans are a worthy target for broad-acting antivirals. While monovalent carbohydrate-protein interactions are weak and have a low affinity, virions exploit multivalent interactions and the attachment of viruses to the cell is relatively strong. Therefore, one strategy in building a broad-based antiviral is to develop multivalent prophylactic antivirals that blocks this initial attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to glycans in the upper respiratory tract by targeting these carbohydrate-protein interactions.
This thesis will describe an approach we are developing to synthesize multivalent carbohydrate-based antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 by targeting initial glycan-mediated interactions involved in viral attachment. Four preliminary targets for SARS-CoV-2 have been identified: mannose, galactose, N-acetylneuraminic acid, and gallic acid. These targets are functionalized with linkers bearing an azide functionality to facilitate conjugation to multivalent dendrimers scaffolds comprised of 3-24 alkyne moieties. The azide and alkyne functionalities allow for quick conjugation of the glycan mimetic derivatives through copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), creating multivalent glycan-based dendrimers. The efficacy of these dendrimers as inhibitors will be tested using a SARS-CoV-2 viral entry assay using A549 epithelial cells with and without overexpression of the ACE2 receptor protein and lentivirus pseudo-typed with spike protein, with viral entry being measured by luciferase reporter activity.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Learning to Reason over Natural Language via Accessing Diverse Knowledge Resources

contributor:
Zhu, Xiaodan
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Natural Language Processing
Artificial Intelligence
Deep Learning

abstract:
Reasoning is the capability of drawing new conclusions from existing information or knowledge, and it has been a central topic in artificial intelligence. Developing intelligent systems that are capable of understanding natural language input and reasoning to produce conclusions is highly desirable and can benefit a wide range of real-life applications.

This dissertation is centered on knowledge-grounded natural language reasoning, in which a reasoning system aims to verify whether a natural language hypothesis is supported by a premise. The premise can be either a natural language sentence, a passage of text, or a structured table. In general, systems that succeed in these tasks should be capable of understanding human language and have certain reasoning skills, including but not limited to handling numerical reasoning, acquiring essential world knowledge, and composing multiple pieces of evidence to arrive at conclusions.

Recent years have seen significant progress achieved by deep neural networks across many natural language processing tasks. Deep neural networks are effective at learning from training data, and they can even further benefit from pre-training with large-scale text corpora. In this dissertation, we focus on neural-network approaches and our work targets at several key challenges for existing deep neural networks regarding natural language reasoning tasks: (1) How to handle natural language reasoning that involves numerical inference? (2) How to effectively solve compositionally complex problems that require multistep information aggregation or symbolic operations? (3) Whether and how pre-trained deep neural models can further benefit from human-curated knowledge bases on reasoning tasks? To the end, we propose that incorporating symbolic evidence obtained from symbolic program executions into neural networks can benefit numerical reasoning. Symbolic programs are not only the formal meaning representations of natural language sentences but also reveal the compositional structures of sentences. Thus the programs can guide the automatic complex sentence decomposition. We also propose novel approaches to show that injecting additional lexical knowledge into pre-trained networks can bring extra benefits to reasoning tasks. In addition, we propose to evaluate the advanced neural networks through the lens of causal reasoning and construct a counterfactual reasoning benchmark to support future research.

abstract: PhD


contributor:
Matheson, Ian
Education

subject: Beliefs, language learning, EFL context

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Solar Ultraviolet Radiation's Effect on Prostate Cancer Risk and the Role of being Overweight or Obese: A Canadian Cohort Study

contributor:
King, Will
Public Health Sciences

subject:
prostate cancer
epidemiology
obesity
solar ultraviolet radiation
canadian study

abstract:
Background: While solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is a known cause of melanoma, epidemiologic studies have examined the association between solar UVR exposure and prostate cancer (PCa) risk, depicting a potential protective effect of increased solar UVR exposure. The relationship is potentially modified by obesity as it impacts vitamin D metabolism. Only two previous Canadian studies have investigated solar UVR exposure and PCa risk. This study’s objectives were to investigate the relationship between three different solar UVR exposures and PCa risk in Canada.
Methods: This prospective cohort study used data from three cohorts within the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health, linked to cancer registries or administrative data to identify cancer cases. Questionnaires were completed at baseline to obtain information on sun exposure, occupation, and PCa risk factors. A cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for time spent in the sun and ambient UVR exposure. A nested case-cohort study was created to study occupational UVR, using a weighted cox proportional hazards model. Both models used age as the timescale. Interactions by ambient UVR, sun protection, vitamin D intake, and calcium intake were explored. For further exploration, a combined solar UVR variable was created, comprised of time spent in the sun and occupational UVR.
Results: No statistically significant associations were observed between solar UVR and PCa risk. One statistically significant observation with normal BMI, between time spent in the sun categories of 1 to < 2 hours per day and < 1 hour per day (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.92). No statistically significant interactions were observed with occupational UVR and time spent in the sun with ambient UVR, sun protection, vitamin D and calcium. No association was observed between combined solar UVR and PCa risk.
Conclusion: Overall, results of this study do not support a relationship between solar UVR exposure in Canada to PCa risk. This project adds to the Canadian literature examining the relationship between solar UVR exposure and PCa risk and with three measures of solar UVR exposure. Further research should expand on this study with greater variation within the solar UVR exposure categories.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Democratizing The Internet Of Things Through Platform Virtualization

contributor:
Hassanein, Hossam
Computing

subject:
IoT
Containers
Industry 4.0
Industry 5.0
Internet of Things
IIoT
Industrial Internet of Things
True Plug and Play
PnP
DevOps
Agile
Virtual Development Kit

abstract:
Towards realizing the vision for Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Industry 5.0 (I5.0) rapid research and development in their core enablers is essential. Along with the recent advances in cloud computing, most research efforts focus on the upper layers of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). However, a significant number of challenges remain unresolved in the lower layers. We believe that the key to catalyze the development of IIoT is to focus on accelerating the development of Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. However, software development in the IoT industry is significantly challenged when compared to other industries (e.g. financial services). This disadvantage is primarily due to the diverse number of IoT platforms available, additionally, the lack of cross- platform software compatibility further hinders the ability to apply modern software development methodologies in the IoT sector. In addition, the IoT industry involves a wide diversity of peripherals, each using a different type of interfacing technology. Such diversity creates a wide range of challenges to large-scale IoT development and deployment. Despite the numerous research efforts in current literature, there remains a massive lack of critical features that enable the broad adoption for large-scale applications.
Our theory is to entwine IoT platform development with popular software and project development concepts, specifically, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Deployment (CD), Separation of Concerns (SoCo), and post-deployment operations. The core objective of our thesis is to accelerate and democratize IoT platform develop- ment. Towards this end, we propose Platform Independent Library of Things (PILoT), a platform-agnostic library of architectures and solutions that enable virtualized IoT platforms, peripherals, and an End-to-End (E2E) CI/CD capable IoT development architecture. Furthermore, we present our designs for two of the key enablers of PILoT and assess their viability and performance. HIVE enables virtualization of platforms and peripherals through an IoT containerization engine. While WhiteBus, enables True Plug-and-Play (TPnP) in IoT through a concept we introduced dubbed peripheral phantoms. Before concluding our thesis, we present our journey using PILoT to design and implement an IIoT solution from scratch in less than six calendar months.

abstract: PhD