title: Evaluating the relationships between cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness over time in children and youth with obesity enrolled in a weight management program

title: Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness in children and youth with obesity

contributor:
Morrison, Katherine
Medical Sciences

abstract: INTRODUCTION: The high prevalence of obesity in Canadian children and youth predicts an increased burden of cardiometabolic disease across the life course. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a surrogate marker of ATH and detects subclinical arterial wall abnormalities. However, relationships between modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and cIMT progression in children and youth with obesity, remain understudied. PURPOSE: The study objective was to characterize cIMT progression and to identify CVRFs associated with baseline cIMT and change in cIMT, over time. HYPOTHESIS: It is hypothesized that measures of adiposity, BP, glycemia and lipid profile will be related to cIMT progression in children and youth with obesity and that cIMT progression will vary across carotid segments. METHODS: This longitudinal study included 125 children and youth with obesity (5-17y), enrolled in a Canadian Pediatric Weight Management Registry sub-study. B-mode ultrasonography was utilized to assess cIMT at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Measures of adiposity, BP, glycemia and lipid profile were acquired from clinical chart review. Potential relationships between CVRFs and cIMT progression were evaluated using univariable and multivariable regression. RESULTS: Carotid IMT (mm) changed significantly (p<0.001) at the carotid bulb, common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA), from baseline to 1-year, and cIMT progressed more rapidly than reported in children with diabetes/FH. Furthermore, cIMT progression was greatest at the carotid bulb, followed by the CCA and ICA. Baseline cIMT was positively related to SBP, TC/HDL-C, FPG and negatively related to HDL-C (corrected for age, sex, height).  Change in cIMT at 1-year was positively related to BMI, non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C and negatively related to HDL-C (corrected for age, sex, height, baseline cIMT). CONCLUSIONS: In children and youth with obesity, IMT progression was greater at the carotid bulb than at the CCA and ICA. Measures of adiposity, BP, glycemia and lipid profile were related to baseline cIMT and cIMT progression.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: Approximately one third of Canadian children and youth have been classified as having overweight or obesity, and these individuals have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries, in adulthood. The measurement of intima and media layer thickness in the carotid artery wall (cIMT) is a dependable marker of atherosclerosis. However, relationships between cardiovascular risk factors and change in cIMT, over time, are not well studied in children and youth with obesity. This study evaluates relationships between change in cIMT, over time, and risk factors such as body composition, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose in this population. Ultrasound scans were conducted to measure cIMT, and fasting blood samples were collected to detect cardiovascular risk factor levels. The findings of this study inform us on how cIMT progresses in children and youth with obesity and identify the factors that predict change in cIMT over time.


title: Maternal History of Childhood Adversity and Emotion Regulation: Associations with Cortisol Reactivity, Attention Bias, and Offspring Behaviour Problems

contributor:
Gonzalez, Andrea
Neuroscience

abstract: Using cross-sectional data from two larger longitudinal research projects, this dissertation seeks to examine the enduring influence of childhood experiences on maternal emotion regulation capacity, and the implications of this association for maternal responsivity profiles and offspring behaviour. The first cross-sectional design included 140 mothers who were recruited as part of a larger longitudinal study examining the associations between postpartum mood and biological factors.  During a home-visit at 6-months postpartum, mothers completed questionnaires which assessed their self-report of childhood trauma, postpartum depressive symptomology, emotion regulation, and sociodemographic variables.  Additionally, women completed a challenging Emotional Stroop task, and provided three (baseline, 20-minutes post challenge, and 40-minutes post challenge) salivary samples which were anchored around this task. The salivary samples were later assayed for cortisol and the Emotional Stroop paradigm was scored for attention bias.  Structural equation models were constructed to examine if a latent variable of maternal emotion regulation capacity served as a moderating variable in the associations between maternal history of childhood trauma and i) cortisol reactivity, and ii) attention bias.  The results revealed that maternal difficulties with emotion regulation significantly moderated the aforementioned associations, such that mothers reporting greater exposure to childhood trauma and more difficulties with emotion regulation displayed i) decreased cortisol reactivity, and ii) attentional avoidance of negative and attachment-related emotional stimuli.  The second cross-sectional design included 105 mothers who were recruited as part of a longitudinal study examining the associations between maternal executive processes and parenting.  During a home-visit at 38-months postpartum, mothers completed questionnaires which assessed their self-report of childhood adversity, depressive symptomology, emotion regulation, and child behaviour problems.  Latent variable mediated structural equation models were constructed to examine if maternal emotion regulation capacity served as a mediating variable in the association between maternal history of childhood adversity and offspring i) internalizing behaviour problems, and ii) externalizing behaviour problems.  The results indicated that the latent variable of maternal difficulties with emotion regulation fully mediated the associations between maternal exposure to childhood adversity and offspring behaviour problems.  Specifically, mothers reporting greater exposure to childhood adversity and more difficulties with emotion regulation had young children with greater i) internalizing behaviour problems, and ii) externalizing behaviour problems.  These collective results indicate that difficulties with emotion regulation are likely to manifest in mothers as a long-term sequelae of greater exposure to childhood adversity, and demonstrate the need for research evaluating the effectiveness of interventions targeting emotion regulation for families exposed to early adversity.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: TEMPORAL TRENDS IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CANNABIS USE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN A NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF CANADIAN YOUNG AND OLDER ADULTS

contributor: Clinical Epidemiology/Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics

subject:
cannabis
suicide
depression
psychological distress
marijuana
substance use
epidemiology
population health

abstract:
Background
With the impending legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, it is
important to examine the strength of association between cannabis use and
common mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, and suicide and
the extent to which these associations have changed over time. It is also important
to examine the moderating effects of developmental age and biological sex on
these associations.
Methods
This study uses Statistics Canada data from the 2002 and 2012 Canadian
Community Health Survey’s Mental Health Component (CCHS-MH) which
represent repeated cross-sectional surveys from nationally representative samples
of Canadians 15 years of age and older (2002 n=36,984; 2012 n=25,113). Stepwise
multivariate analyses were performed using linear regression for
psychological distress and binary logistic regression for Major Depressive
Episode (MDE) and suicidal thoughts and attempts. Time was accounted for as a
binary indicator (2002 vs. 2012) and an interaction term between cannabis use and
time was added to all the models. Additional interaction terms were added to the
models to test the moderating effects of cannabis frequency, developmental age,
and biological sex. Sensitivity analyses were performed to adjust for other
substance use and socioeconomic covariates. Weighting and bootstrapping was
utilized to present results reflective of the Canadian population.
Results
Cannabis use was positively associated with emotional problems, and this
association strengthened over time, particularly for depression and suicidal
thoughts and attempts. These temporal associations were similar across age
groups and for males and females, and remained after controlling for other
substance use and socioeconomic status.
Conclusions
Findings provide a baseline assessment of the Canadian population prior
to legalization and direction for health promotion and prevention campaigns.
Results highlight the need for awareness and regular monitoring of the cooccurrence of cannabis use and emotional problems and offer guidance for future research.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Health Sciences (MSc)

abstract:
Using Statistics Canada data from the 2002 and 2012 Canadian
Community Health Survey’s Mental Health Component, this dissertation
determines the strength of association between cannabis use and common mental
health concerns including depression, anxiety, and suicide and the extent to which
these associations have changed over time. Cannabis use was positively
associated with emotional problems, and this association strengthened over time,
particularly for depression and suicidal thoughts and attempts. These temporal
associations were similar across age groups and for males and females, and
remained after controlling for other substance use and socioeconomic status.
These results add novel insights to the existing literature about the changing relationship between cannabis use and emotional problems over time and potential mechanisms of this change are discussed. Given the impending legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, clinical and research implications of results are discussed at length.


title: Determination of the Spectrum of ETS Genes Expressed in Her2/Neu-Induced Mouse Mammary Tumors

title: Spectrum of ETS Genes Expressed in Her2/Neu-Induced Tumors

contributor:
Hassell, J. A.
Biology

subject:
ets
gene
spectrum
HER2
Neu
mouse
mammary tumor

abstract: The ets gene family of transcription factors has been widely implicated in a variety of human tumors. PEA3, the founding member of the PEA3 subfamily of ets genes is overexpressed in a mouse model of mammary tumorigenesis as well as in primary human breast tumors. PEA3 deregulation in these tumors is thought to increase the metastatic potential of mammary tumors by increasing the expression of various matrix metalloproteinases. The identification of other ets gene's expression using a mouse model of HER2/Neu-induced mammary tumorigenesis would provide insight into the mechanisms behind these mammary tumors. Degenerate RT-PCR analysis was used to screen for expression of all known ets genes in these tumors. A large spectrum of ets genes was identified as being expressed in these tumors. Quantitative analyses including semi-quantitative RT-PCR and ribonuclease protection assays, indicate that the PEA3 subfamily of ets genes, including PEA3, ERM and ER81, as being overexpressed in these tumors, while other ets genes, Ets-1, Ets-2 and GABP(alpha) were not. These results imply a specific role for the PEA3 subfamily in this model of mammary tumorigenesis and isolate this subfamily of ets genes as a possible therapeutic target.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: UNHEARD VOICES: EXPLORING PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY IN EMERGING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE WITH MEN TRANSITIONING TO THE COMMUNITY POST-INCARCERATION

contributor:
Letts, Lori
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
autoethnography
qualitative
community based participatory research
photovoice

abstract:
There is a call for occupational therapists to extend their practice from correctional institutions to community settings with people who have been incarcerated; an emerging area of occupational therapy (OT) practice. However, with no published studies from the perspective of therapists in emerging settings, understanding the nature of emerging OT practice with people who have been incarcerated becomes problematic. Limited information about community integration makes it difficult to fill practice gaps and adhere to principles of evidence-based practice (EBP). Simultaneously, men with a criminal record experience stigma and exclusion from participation in everyday life extending well-beyond the completion of their sentence. Often denied a voice by people who control the media, correctional policies or political discussion about crime in the community, overcoming stereotypes of deviant, violent or aggressive criminals is difficult. The results of a participatory action research (PAR) project completed by men with a criminal record and a critical, first-person account about emerging OT practice from the perspective of a registered occupational therapist are presented.
Through Photovoice, co-researchers collected and analyzed photographs during group sessions that were audio recorded, transcribed, analyzed and summarized by the primary author. Summaries contributed to critical dialogue with the co-researchers throughout the collection, analysis and, writing stages. ‘The cards you are dealt’ emerged as a metaphor depicting everyday life as a strategic game played with cards specific to a person’s social location. Co-researchers shared their individual and collective narratives through various knowledge dissemination methods. Documenting narratives from the perspective of men with a criminal record counteracts status quo understandings of community re-entry, creating space for marginalized populations to share stories that might otherwise be lost.
Autoethnography, a post-modern, interpretive approach to research explores the meaning of emerging OT practice with criminalized men. Data were collected through reflective journaling and clinical process notes that upon review, guided systematic reflections required to write and re-write an analytical narrative of key experiences. Role-emerging placements were found to influence the chosen emerging setting. Preliminary insights about the role of evidence-based practice and advocacy work in supporting emerging OT practice is presented. Where occupation-focused research and regulatory body support remains limited, autoethnography contributes to professional development and the identification of knowledge gaps.
Together, this thesis contributes to knowledge about: (1) emerging OT practice with men transitioning to the community post-incarceration; (2) daily life/community integration from the perspective of criminalized men in the community; (3) tensions in emerging OT practice; and (4) insights about the nature of anti-oppressive OT practice.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science Rehabilitation Science (MSc)

abstract: This master’s thesis focuses on role-emerging occupational therapy (OT) practice with men with a criminal record. As a registered occupational therapist working with co-researchers with lived experience of incarceration, we completed a research project using photography to create and share narratives about community reintegration. The men generated a research question, collected data (photographs), completed data analysis as a group, disseminated knowledge and contributed to the publishing process as co-authors. A shared metaphor increased understanding about socio-political factors that impact community integration for men with a criminal record. Because emerging settings have been primarily explored as an educational tool for OT students, the role of evidence-based practice, advocacy and the potential of emerging OT practice with criminalized men adds a critical narrative from the perspective of a registered occupational therapist. Autoethnography is used as a method of research and professional development. Therefore, this thesis adds to the limited information about emerging OT practice with men transitioning to the community post-incarceration, tensions in emerging practice, community integration from the perspective of men with lived experience of incarceration and provides preliminary insights into the concepts of anti-oppressive OT practice.


title: A Problem-Based Course for Grade 13 Biology

contributor:
Westermann, J. E. M.
Ferrier, B.
Biology

subject:
biology
grade 13
problem
course

abstract: The students of the Self-Reliant Learning Program of the Halton Board of Education participate in an alternative secondary school program. They work on individualized, student-centered programs and proceed at a self-determined rate. The students range in age from 17 to 70 years, have a greater sense of their educational needs and direction and may bring to the classroom wider experiences than the students of a regular secondary school. A problem-based course has been developed to assist the students in developing skills for dealing with problems while gaining knowledge of biology. The limited field testing that has been carried out indicates that the students in the course are improving their organizational and problem-solving skills and showing improved understanding of biological concepts. The educational rationale and an evaluation of the program are presented along with the materials comprising the seven units of the course.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (Teaching)


title: Droplet migration on conical glass fibers

contributor:
Dalnoki-Veress, Kari
Physics and Astronomy

subject: drop conical fiber

abstract:
This thesis is centered on the study of spontaneous droplet migration along conical
fibers. One of the key motivations for this project was to better understand the
water-harvesting mechanism used by natural organisms like cacti. These desert plants
exploit the conical shape of their spines to make fog condense into small droplets at
the tip of theses spines. Then, droplets will spontaneously move towards the thickest
end of the spines, bringing water to the main body of the plant. The key force behind
drop migration on a conical fiber has been identified as the fluid surface tension by
Lorenceau an Quéré in 2004. These authors also suggested and tested a model
predicting the speed of drops on conical fibers. Here, we explore a larger range of
relative sizes of drops compared to the fiber radius.
The present document describes how an experimental set-up was designed in order
to study droplet migration with conical glass fibers and silicone oil droplets. Using
optical microscopy and data analysis, the droplet speed was measured as well as
the other experimental parameters. Finally, a simple theoretical model has been
developed to predict the droplet speed as a function of geometrical parameters and
fluid characteristics.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Study of Hydroxylpropyl Guar (HPGG) Properties at Solid-Liquid Interface

contributor:
Pelton, Robert
Chemical Engineering

subject:
solid
liquid
solid-liquid
interface
hydroxylpropyl guar
properties

abstract: Hydroxypropyl guar galactomannan (HPGG) properties at solid-liquid interface were studied in this work by investigating adsorption and flocculation behaviors of HPGG with and without borate. Anionic and cationic latex particles were employed to provide the solid-liquid interface. The adsorption densities of HPGG and HPGG/Borate on anionic latex particles surfaces were determined by the difference of HPGG concentrations in solutions before and after adsorption experiments. The adsorption isotherms of HPGG and HPGG/Borate at different conditions were obtained. Hydrophobic interactions were suggested to be the major source of interactions of adsorbed HPGG and anionic latex. According to dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic mobility data, adsorbed HPGG and HPGG/Borate polymer layer on particle surfaces were discussed. The flocculation behavior of HPGG, HPGG/Borate, and HPGG/PBA were compared by studying the residual turbidity change of suspensions added with cationic latex particles. Electrophoretic mobility was used as well to study the electrophoretic behaviors of latex particles covered with HPGG or HPGG/Borate. Flocculation mechanisms of this novel flocculation behavior were discussed in this work. With adding more and more monosaccharide into the flocculation, floes were found to be able to redisperse into the solvent readily. Charge density of HPGG/Borate polymer chain was calculated and the charge density influence on polymer's flocculation behavior was studied.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Influence of Microbial Products on the Developmental Programming of the Enteric Nervous System

contributor:
Ratcliffe, Elyanne
Neuroscience

subject:
Developmental Biology
Biology
Prenatal Development
Gut Microbiota
Enteric Nervous System
Enteric Neural Crest Derived Cells
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Serotonin
Nitric Oxide
Dopamine
Apoptosis
Proliferation
Lipopolysaccharide
Flagellin
Muramyl Dipeptide
iE-DAP

abstract:
Bacterial colonization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract takes place during the perinatal period, thus coinciding with a critical window of enteric nervous system (ENS) development. Previous work has found that the myenteric plexus of germ free (GF) mice exhibits structural and functional aberrancies in the early postnatal period as compared to specific pathogen free (SPF) and altered Schaedler flora (ASF) mice. These early life disruptions in ENS development in GF mice compared to SPF mice, and more specifically ASF mice, support the notion that a simple intestinal flora is sufficient for directing perinatal ENS development.
It has previously been believed that the intrauterine environment during fetal development is sterile. Recent evidence showing successful isolation of microbial communities from embryonic cord blood and newborn meconium that are not of maternal origin suggests that the intrauterine environment is not sterile and is unique to the fetus. Coinciding with this timeline of fetal microbial colonization is the development of the ENS through a population of precursors known as enteric neural crest derived cells (ENCDCs). The prenatal period is characterized by rapid expansion and differentiation of ENCDCs into the many enteric neuron subtypes that comprise the ENS. Terminal differentiation of ENCDCs continues into the early postnatal period.
In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that ENCDCs interact directly with microbial products during ENS development. Further, these ENCDC-bacterial product interactions influence the proliferation, apoptosis, and chemical coding of enteric neuron precursors. These objectives were carried out in an in vitro model of ENCDCs isolated from the prenatal period that was established for the first time in our lab using immunoselection. Further, this model was characterized at key timepoints for proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation.
Our results are suggestive of direct ENCDC interactions with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 ligand, and flagellin, a TLR5 ligand, in stimulating ENCDC proliferation and differentiation into early born neurons of nitrergic and serotonergic subtypes. Peptidoglycan derivatives, muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and ƴ-D-Glu-mDAP (iE-DAP), ligands for NOD2 and NOD1 respectively, appear to mainly stimulate differentiation into nitrergic neurons, and possibly serotonergic neurons. The lack of apoptosis in all conditions is consistent with the notion that apoptosis is not an important characteristic of ENCDC maturation and ENS development. Finally, the lack of significance for differentiation into dopaminergic neurons could be further evidence of their late born nature, which has previously been reported to be stimulated by serotonin after the emergence of serotonergic neurons.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Space, Assemblage, and the Nonhuman in Speculative Fiction

contributor:
Savage, Anne
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
speculative fiction
fantasy
science fiction
urban studies
assemblage theory
new materialisms
spatial theory
posthumanism

abstract: Ongoing scholarship on the impact of speculative fiction demonstrates how science fiction and fantasy are fundamentally concerned with interrogating the socio-political networks that define contemporary life, and in constructing alternative environments that both critique and offer solutions to present-day inequalities. This project contributes to this scholarship by focusing on the ways in which recent speculative fiction re-envisions space—including urban sites, new architectural forms, and natural landscapes—to theorize innovative forms of socio-political organization. This work draws from the spatial turn in cultural studies and critical theory that has gained popularity since the 1970s, and which takes on assumption that space and politics are always intertwined. Drawing predominantly from assemblage theory, assemblage urban theory, and new materialist theory, this project examines how human and nonhuman agents—including space itself—interact to create new spaces and relations that resist hegemonic neoliberal modes of spatial, political, and social organization. Chapter Two analyzes utopian assemblages and spaces in Bruce Sterling’s novel Distraction, deploying Noah De Lissovoy’s concept of “emergency time” and David M. Bell’s theories of place-based and affective utopias. Chapter Three examines place-making tactics in Lauren Beukes’ novel Zoo City through the lens of Abdou-Maliq Simone's concept of people as infrastructure, Deleuze and Guattari's theory of nomadology, and Jane Bennett's theory of “thing power.” Chapter Four uses the work of Bruno Latour and Jane Bennett to explore the thing power of the non-human and nature in China Mieville’s Kraken and Jeff Vandermeer’s Southern Reach trilogy. In sum, this work attempts to demonstrate how examining speculative spaces through the lens of assemblage theory can illuminate new paths for political resistance.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Skeletal muscle adaptations to chronic exercise in a pre-clinical model of myotonic dystrophy type 1

contributor:
Ljubicic, Vladimir
Kinesiology

subject:
exercise
myotonic dystrophy

abstract: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the second most common muscular dystrophy and most prevalent adult form. A microsatellite expansion comprised of CTG repetitions in the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene, DM1 is characterized by muscle weakness, wasting, and myotonia. The expanded nucleotide sequence of the DMPK mRNA results in the misregulation of important RNA-binding proteins (RNABPs), Muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1) in particular. MBNL1 becomes trapped in myonuclei within the repeating CUG transcript, which reduces the RNABPs ability to process newly synthesized mRNAs that are important for the maintenance of healthy muscle function. Recent studies with DM1 participants demonstrate that exercise is safe, enjoyable, and elicits benefits in muscle strength and function. However, the molecular mechanisms of exercise adaptation in DM1 are largely unknown. Understanding the cellular processes that drive exercise-induced remodelling may assist in the discovery of effective lifestyle interventions to mitigate DM1. In this thesis, three groups of mice were utilized: i) sedentary DM1 animals (SED-DM1), ii) DM1 mice who volitionally exercised daily on a home cage running wheel (EX-DM1), and iii) sedentary healthy, wild-type mice (WT). EX-DM1 animals ran 5.6 km/day during the 7-week experimental time course, a volume of volitional physical activity that is lower than that observed in WT animals. Post-exercise functional tests demonstrated that chronic exercise significantly improved motor performance, muscle strength and endurance. Electromyography revealed that chronic exercise mitigated myotonia. At the cellular and molecular levels, we found that chronic physical activity attenuated RNA toxicity, liberated MBNL1 from myonuclear sequestration, and selectively normalized the spliceopathy of bridging integrator 1 and muscle-specific chloride channel mRNAs. Collectively, our data indicate that chronic exercise improves DM1 at the molecular, cellular and physiological levels.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the second most common muscular dystrophy and most prevalent adult form. Muscle weakness, wasting, and myotonia most prominently characterize DM1. A microsatellite repeat expansion mutation in the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase gene, which results in RNA toxicity and dysregulation of mRNA processing, are the root causes of the disorder. Recent studies with DM1 participants demonstrate that exercise is safe, enjoyable, and elicits benefits in muscle strength and function. However, the molecular mechanisms of exercise adaptation in DM1 are largely unknown. Understanding the cellular processes that drive exercise-induced remodelling may assist in the discovery of effective lifestyle interventions to mitigate DM1. In this thesis, three groups of mice were utilized: i) sedentary DM1 animals (SED-DM1), ii) DM1 mice who volitionally exercised daily on a home cage running wheel for 7 weeks (EX-DM1), and iii) sedentary healthy, wild-type mice (WT). Post-exercise functional tests demonstrated that chronic exercise significantly improved motor performance, muscle strength and endurance, as well as reduced myotonia. At the cellular level, we found that chronic physical activity attenuated RNA toxicity and improved mRNA processing. Our data indicate that physical activity improves DM1 at the molecular and physiological levels and lays the foundation for future work to optimize the exercise prescription.


title: Lens Epithelial Cell Migrational Model: Understanding Motile Behaviour During Posterior Capsule Opacification on Natural and Synthetic Substrates

contributor:
Sheardown, H.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
epithelial cell
migration
opacity
lens
behaviour
motile behaviour
natural substrate
synthetic substrate

abstract:
Cataract surgery is currently the most common surgical procedure done in the world. However, within 5 years, approximately half of these patients will develop posterior capsule opacification (PCO). In cataract surgery, the biological lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). PCO is caused by migration and transformation of residual lens epithelial cells (LEC) that remain in the capsule following the surgery. LECs which have migrated to the posterior capsule within the first month of surgery are thought to be the major contributors to PCO since after this time, the capsule completely seals.
A mathematical model has been developed in order to better understand the process of LEC migration during PCO. The model addresses the impact of substrate and substrate modification as well as the presence and absence of the growth factors transforming growth factor beta (TGF(beta)) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF2). It was developed from a first order rate of decay model taken from process control. If the cell speed is divided by the distance travelled by the cell up to the point of posterior capsule breach, the time for the LECs to breach the capsule posterior can be calculated. The model was tested with literature data and was able to predict the effects of cell speed on the presence of various extracellular matrix components and growth factors. It was determined that potentially modification with fibronectin may be useful for the prevention of PCO Preliminary experimental validation of the model was performed by modifying silicone substrates with various extracellular matrix derived peptides. Results demonstrate that peptide modified surfaces may be more resistant to EMT by increasing cell adhesion and decreasing cell migration. Therefore, this LEC migrational model will be a useful tool in the development of superior IOLs and materials.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: The In Vitro Effects of Biomaterials on Lymphocyte Responses to an Allogeneic Challenge

contributor:
Jones, Kim
Chemical Engineering

subject:
in vitro
lymphocyte
allogeneic challenge
biomaterial

abstract: It has been shown that when implanted individually, both cells and biomaterials elicit biological responses. Implanted cells are often destroyed by the host's immune system, while biomaterials activate foreign body reactions which can result in inflammation and fibrotic encapsulation. However, when implanted simultaneously, the inflammatory responses to the biomaterial component can alter the immune responses to the cellular component. The experiments described in this thesis were designed to characterize the effect of different biomaterials on adaptive immune responses towards an allogeneic challenge. Balb/c splenocytes were challenged with irradiated allogeneic L929 cells, and treated with different biomaterials. Alterations in adaptive immune responses were quantified by T cell proliferation and cytokine release (i.e. IL-1(beta), IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-(gamma)). The roles various cell types played in first set responses were investigated. Experimental results indicated that biomaterials had a significant influence on nonspecific proliferation of splenocytes. In particular, analysis of the degree to which biomaterials affected specific proliferation indicated that the soluble alginate treatment significantly increased proliferation differences when compared to the control. However, biomaterials neither significantly affected specific splenocyte proliferation to an allogeneic challenge, nor the profile of secreted cytokines. To elucidate this response, alginate-treated splenocytes were depleted of adherent macrophages, CD4+ cells or CD8+ cells. Within non-challenged mixtures, CD4+ depletion had the most obvious effect. These results were supported by the non-depleted challenges, and indicated the direct influence biomaterials on CD4+ T cell proliferation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: This is Her Body: The Embodiment and Disembodiment of Middle Eastern Women in the Poetry of Suheir Hammad and Solmaz Sharif

contributor:
Coleman, Daniel
Goellnicht, Donald
Hirji, Faiza
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
embodiment
disembodiment
double consciousness
Middle East
women
America
intimacy
poetry
Muslim
violence
diaspora
displacement
gender
West

abstract: This thesis examines the embodiment and disembodiment of Middle Eastern women in Suheir Hammad’s Breaking Poems (2008) and Solmaz Sharif’s Look (2016) to better understand how war, diasporicity, violence, and intimacy affect the socio-political subjection of Middle Eastern women in the United States. Through analyzing poetry, this thesis posits that Middle Eastern women’s subjection to racism and sexism as diasporic subjects in the United States leads to their disembodiment, resulting in feelings of displacement, loss, and uncertainty regarding their identities, which parallels the disembodiment they experience in the Middle East as a result of war. The Introduction Chapter answers why this thesis focuses on diasporic Middle Eastern women and the poetry of Suheir Hammad and Solmaz Sharif. Chapter One provides a theoretical framework of the major themes discussed throughout the thesis, such as embodiment, disembodiment, precarity, and double consciousness. Chapter Two discusses Suheir Hammad’s Breaking Poems with an emphasis on a hyper-individualized account of disembodiment. Chapter Three addresses Solmaz Sharif’s Look, focusing on poetry’s movement between different geographical spaces and time frames to present a wide range of disembodiment(s) experienced by not only Solmaz Sharif, but also by other Middle Eastern subjects. The Conclusion Chapter demonstrates that the theme of embodiment and disembodiment supports Hammad and Sharif’s efforts to give voice to the silenced experiences of diasporic Middle Eastern women.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Mechanisms of Innate Immune Responses Caused by Sodium Alginate

subject:
immune
immune response
sodium alginate
sodium
alginate

abstract: Alginate is a well-known naturally-derived biomaterial that has been widely used in preparing microparticles for drug delivery and in preparing scaffolds for tissue engineering. Despite desirable properties, alginate has been shown to activate inflammatory cells in vivo. The mechanisms are still unclear. In this thesis, the mechanism by which alginate caused innate immune responses was investigated in vitro by using RAW264.7 cells, a macrophage-like cell line. The NF-(kappa)B pathway, an important signaling pathway in macrophages, has been tracked to identify cellular responses. The secretion of cytokines IL-1(beta), IL-6, IL-12(p40) and TNF-(alpha) was quantified to determine the activation outcomes. Also the interaction between alginate and serum was studied. Experimental results indicated that alginate induced the activation of RAW264.7 cells with a time and dose dependent behavior. Like lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial product and known activator of innate immunity, alginate induced macrophage activation through the NF-(kappa)B pathway and eventually led to detectable IL-1(beta), IL-6 and TNF-(alpha) cytokine secretion. Serum influenced alginate recognition by macrophages in an unknown mechanism. Also, alginate promoted cell survival in a nutrition starvation condition. These results revealed in vitro alginate stimulation, and provided much information for further research.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: EFFECTS OF MENTAL FATIGUE ON EXERCISE DECISION-MAKING

contributor:
Bray, Steven R
Kinesiology

subject:
Mental fatigue
Decision-making
Exercise
Physical Activity
Effort
Behavioural economics
Cognitive control

abstract: People’s decisions regarding effort-based tasks such as engaging in physical activity depend on the subjective value of the activity: weighing the costs against the benefits (Chong et al., 2016).  Exerting cognitive effort while performing one task negatively biases people's decisions to exert effort on subsequent cognitive tasks, suggesting a shift in their subjective valuation of the task due to mental fatigue (Kool & Botvinick, 2014).  Similarly, exerting physical effort negatively biases decisions to further exert effort on a future physical task (Iodice et al., 2017a, Iodice et al., 2017b).  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of mental fatigue on people's decisions to engage in an acute bout of exercise and whether the effect of mental fatigue on decision-making was mediated by a benefit-cost analysis.  Among those who decided to exercise, the study also aimed to investigate the relationship between mental fatigue and exercise behaviours during a self-selected, self-paced, bout of exercise.  Recreationally active participants (N = 55, Mage = 19.04 ± 1.04 years) completed either a 10-minute, high cognitive demand (Stroop) task or low cognitive demand (documentary viewing) task to manipulate levels of mental fatigue.  Participants then made a choice between engaging in a 20-minute self-paced moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise task or a 20-minute non-exercise task.  Prior to choosing, participants rated their mental fatigue and their perceived benefits and costs of the exercise task.  The cognitive task had a strong effect on mental fatigue (p < .001, Cohen's d = 1.40).  The mediation analysis showed no direct effect of mental fatigue on choice; however, there was a significant indirect effect indicating the benefit-cost score mediated the effect of mental fatigue on choice (95% C.I. = -.02 to -.0004).  Higher levels of mental fatigue were associated with a lower benefit-cost score (r = -.33, p = .01) which, in turn, was associated with a decreased likelihood of choosing the exercise task (r  = .31, p = .02).  For those who chose to engage in the exercise task (N = 28), higher levels of mental fatigue were associated with higher ratings of perceived exertion (r = .38, p = .05).  Findings provide insight into the effects of mental fatigue on people's exercise behaviours, illustrating a rational decision-making process that is dependent upon the subjective evaluation of the costs and benefits of engaging in physical activity or sedentary alternatives.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Justifying the Use of Foreign Precedent in Constitutional Cases

contributor:
Waluchow, Wil
Philosophy

subject:
Philosophy of Law
Constitutional Democracy
Judicial Review
Foreign Precedent
Comparative Constitutional Law

abstract:
In this thesis, I attempt to justify the use of foreign precedent in Supreme Court constitutional cases and respond to various criticisms that have been brought forth. There are many critics of this process, as it is typically thought that Supreme Court Justices ought to look to their own domestic constitution and history of precedent when deciding cases. One of the critiques that I highlight is that the process is undemocratic and I respond to this by showcasing a distinction between procedural and constitutional conceptions of democracy.
As well, I attempt to justify the process by showing how the utilization of foreign precedent can actually help judges uphold important values that we cherish in a constitutional democracy. I also attempt to do this for those who do not endorse the constitutional conception of democracy, by distinguishing between a community’s moral opinions and true moral commitments.
I also examine two landmark cases Roper v. Simmons and Lawrence v. Texas, in order to establish the reasons that judges utilize foreign precedent; namely, as a source of further legal information and not due to any binding requirement.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: BIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF PERINATAL ANXIETY EXACERBATION

contributor:
Frey, Benicio N.
Van Lieshout, Ryan J.
Neuroscience

abstract: This thesis presents research investigating the association between numerous sociodemographic, obstetrical and delivery, psychological, and biological factors with postpartum anxiety worsening in women with pre-existing anxiety disorders. First, a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the risk factors associated with perinatal anxiety in women with and without pre-existing anxiety disorders was conducted. This investigation highlighted the lack of information pertaining to risk factors of anxiety occurring during the perinatal period, specifically in women with pre-existing anxiety disorders who are at increased risk of symptom worsening. Next, we conducted a study in which risk factors of postpartum anxiety worsening were assessed, specifically in women with pre-existing anxiety disorders. In this study, numerous sociodemographic, obstetrical and delivery, psychological, and biological factors were examined. We demonstrate that psychological factors, particularly intolerance of uncertainty, depressive symptom severity, and obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms, are significantly associated to postpartum anxiety worsening. That is, women with pre-existing anxiety disorders who exhibit heightened levels of these psychological domains during their third trimester of pregnancy are at increased risk of experiencing a relapse, or worsening, of their pre- existing anxiety symptoms during the postpartum period. This study provides a basis for future research to be conducted at investigating the associations between these risk factors and postpartum anxiety worsening. Study replication and continued research investigating the risk factors of postpartum anxiety worsening has the potential to provide valuable information in determining which women are at increased risk of worsening postpartum, with the hopes of decreasing the associated negative effects with postpartum anxiety.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Industrial Batch Data Analysis Using Latent Variable Methods

contributor:
MacGregor, John
Kourti, Theodora
Chemical Engineering

subject:
industrial
data analysis
latent variable
batch data analysis

abstract: Currently most batch processes run in an open loop manner with respect to final product quality, regardless of the performance obtained. This fact, allied with the increased industrial importance of batch processes, indicates that there is a pressing need for the development and dissemination of automated batch quality control techniques that suit present industrial needs. Within this context, the main objective of the current work is to exemplify the use of empirical latent variable methods to reduce product quality variability in batch processes. These methods are also known as multiway principal component analysis (MPCA) and partial least squares (MPLS) and were originally introduced by Nomikos and MacGregor (1992, 1994, 1995a and 1995b ). Their use is tied with the concepts of statistical process control (SPC) and lead to incremental process improvements. Throughout this thesis three different sets of industrial sets of data, originating from different batch process were analyzed. The first section of this thesis (Chapter 3) demonstrates how MPCA and multi-block, multiway, partial least squares (MB-MPLS) methods can be successfully used to troubleshoot an industrial batch unit in order to identify optimal process conditions with respect to quality. Additionally, approaches to batch data laundering are proposed. The second section (Chapter 4) elaborates on the use of a MPCA model to build a single, all-encompassing, on-line monitoring scheme for the heating phase of a multi-grade batch annealing process. Additionally, this same data set is used to present a simple alignment technique for batch data when on-line monitoring is intended (Chapter 5). This technique is referred to as pre-alignment and it relies on the use of a PLS model to predict the duration of new batches. Also, various methods for dealing with matrices containing different sized observations are proposed and evaluated. Finally, the last section (Chapter 6) deals with end-point prediction of a condensation polymerization process.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Capillary levelling of immiscible bilayer films

subject:
Soft Matter Physics
Fluid Dynamics

abstract:
This is a ‘sandwich thesis’ consisting of a publication that I contributed to during my M.Sc. work. The thesis begins with an introduction section in Chapter 1 that discusses the relevant physical concepts to the work performed in the publication. These topics include, polymers in section 1.1, fluid dynamics in section 1.2, and capillary effects in section 1.3. Chapter 2 contains an experimental technique section that maps out the experiments performed in the manuscript.
The manuscript, Chapter 3, details the capillary driven levelling of thin polymer step that is supported by an immiscible polymer film and the dissipation of the capillary energy of the system. We find that the dissipation mechanism depends strongly on the viscosity ratio between the top and the bottom films. We developed a model of the energy dissipation that agrees well with the experimental results.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Robust Distributed Compression of Symmetrically Correlated Gaussian Sources

contributor:
Chen, Jun
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject: Distributed compression, Gaussian source, Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions, mean squared error, rate-distortion

abstract:
Consider a lossy compression system with l distributed encoders and a centralized decoder. Each encoder compresses its observed source and forwards the compressed data to the decoder for joint reconstruction of the target signals under the mean squared error distortion constraint. It is assumed that the observed sources can be expressed as the sum of the target signals and the corruptive noises, which are generated independently from two (possibly di erent) symmetric multivariate Gaussian
distributions. Depending on the parameters of such Gaussian distributions, the rate-distortion limit of this lossy compression system is characterized either completely or for a subset of distortions (including, but not necessarily limited to, those su fficiently close to the minimum distortion achievable when the observed sources are directly available at the decoder). The results are further extended to the robust distributed
compression setting, where the outputs of a subset of encoders may also be used to produce a non-trivial reconstruction of the corresponding target signals. In particular,  we obtain in the high-resolution regime a precise characterization of the minimum achievable reconstruction distortion based on the outputs of k + 1 or more encoders when every k out of all l encoders are operated collectively in the same mode that is greedy in the sense of minimizing the distortion incurred by the reconstruction of the
corresponding k target signals with respect to the average rate of these k encoders.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Sensitivity to interaural onset time differences of high frequency stimuli in the inferior colliculus of Eptesicus fuscus

title: Interaural onset time differences in the bat

contributor:
Faure, Paul
Psychology

subject:
inferior colliculus
big brown bat
interaural time difference
high frequency sound

abstract: Many neurons in the auditory midbrain are tuned to binaural cues. Two prominent binaural cues are the interaural intensity difference (IID) and the interaural time difference (ITD). The ITD cue can further be classified as either an ongoing ITD, which compares the phase difference in the waveform of low frequency stimuli present at either ear, or an onset ITD, which compares the onset time of arrival of two stimuli at either ear. Little research has been done on the sensitivity of single neurons to onset ITDs in the auditory system, particularly in bats. The current study examines the response properties of neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) of the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus, to onset ITDs in response to high frequency pure tones. Measures of neurons’ dynamic response—the segment of the ITD function exhibiting the highest rate of change in activity—revealed an average change of 36% of its maximum response within the estimated behaviorally relevant range of ITDs. Time-intensity trading describes the ability of the brain to compensate the binaural time cue (ITD) cue for the binaural intensity cue (IID) and can be measured as the horizontal shift of an ITD function at various IIDs. Across all IC neurons, an average time-intensity trading ratio of 30 μs/dB was calculated to measure the sensitivity of IC neurons’ ITD response to changing IIDs. Minimum and maximum ITD responses were found to be clustered within a narrow range of ITDs. The average peak ITD response occurred at 268 μs and is consistent with findings in other mammals. All results in ITD tuning, time-intensity trading, and response maximum were invariant to stimulus frequency, confirming that IC neurons responded to onset ITDs and not ongoing ITDs. These results suggest the potential for high frequency onset cues to assist in the azimuthal localization of sound in echolocating bats.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Dynamic Optimization of Multi-Unit Systems Under Failure Conditions

contributor:
Swartz, C. L. E.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
optimize
system
failure
failure condition
multi-unit
dynamic

abstract: Shutdowns in a chemical processing plant are detrimental both to plant economics and critical product characteristics. These situations can be due to routine maintenance, or due to the more extreme case of equipment failure due to wear. Nevertheless, both are cases of non-normal plant operation, and are often unavoidable. These situations are complicated further when many units are linked, and subjected to a high degree of integration. In this case, the shutdown of any unit within the plant can have immediate and potentially severe impacts on other areas of the operation. Since these events are unavoidable, the challenge is to minimize their economic impact through careful design of operating practices, and potentially plant design retrofits. This thesis focuses on developing generic and systematic methods of determining economically optimal operating policies and plant designs in the face of failures in multi-unit operations. This includes determining the optimal trajectory of critical plant variables (flows through units, flows between units, buffer tank levels, etc.), as well as determining whether plant design changes would improve plant economics during such events. Such ventures lead to mixed-integer dynamic optimization (MIDO) problems. A dynamic model of the process is presented, accounting for the major flows of process materials through units, between units, as well as the accumulation of these in the intermediate buffer capacities. The approach used was to assume that the processing units operated at pseudo-steady-state, with dynamics confined to the intermediate buffer capacities. All models developed were based on a combination of empirical and fundamental elements. For use of the model in an optimization study, a simultaneous approach, in which the differential equations are discretized and included as equality constraints, was employed. This yielded a nonlinear optimization problem involving only algebraic equations. Optimal responses to scenarios involving planned maintenance shutdowns, as well as unplanned shutdowns (unit failures) were computed, with plant economics used as the merit function. Sensitivity to parameters such as preparation time, shutdown length, and restoration time were studied. In all cases, it was desired to maximize plant economics, while maintaining a smooth operation. While several methods are available for use in a multi-criterion optimization problem, a two-tiered approach was developed and applied in which the plant economics were maximized first, and input usage subsequently minimized as a secondary objective. After identifying key failure scenarios through a review of industrial data and downtime reports, a multiple-model formulation was developed involving the probability distribution of failure scenarios. Optimal steady-state operating levels for the buffer capacities were computed. This formulation is then extended to a mixed-integer programming problem in which the addition of extra buffer capacity is included as a decision variable.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase Gene Expression Under Control of a Late Viral Promoter

title: Post-Transcriptional Regulation of HSV Thymidine Kinase Expression

contributor:
Smiley, J. R.
Biology

subject:
herpes simplex virus
herpes
thymidine
gene
gene expression
viral promoter
control

abstract:
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) genes are expressed as at least three coordinately regulated gene classes during lytic infection. The delayed-early (DE) and late (L) genes require previous expression of one or more immediate-early (IE) genes for their own expression. The DE genes achieve maximal expression prior to viral DNA synthesis, while the L genes are maximally expressed after DNA replication (Honess and Roizman, 1974). A recombinant strain of HSV-1, X1N17, was used in this study to examine the effect of the gene promoter on the temporal expression of HSV genes. This virus carries a late viral promoter upstream from the coding sequences of a DE gene (thymidine kinase; TK). S1-mapping studies showed that X1N17-TK transcripts initiated under the control of the late promoter and accumulated with L class kinetics. However, the TK activity levels in X1N17-infected cells were not consistent with HSV late gene expression. Western blot analysis of infected cell proteins revealed that despite the high levels of X1N17-TK mRNA present in the cytoplasm late after infection, little TK polypeptide was being synthesized. This suggested that HSV genes are subject to post-transcriptional control mechanisms that modulate the efficiency of translation of viral transcripts. More specifically, it appears as though HSV-TK transcripts are not efficiently translated at
late times in infected cells.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Protein Rejecting Hyaluronic Acid-Containing Hydrogel Materials

contributor:
Sheardown, H.
Jones, Lyndon
Chemical Engineering

subject: reject protein hyaluronic acid hydrogel

abstract: Recently new contact lens materials have been introduced which are said to improve comfort by incorporating wetting agents either in a releasable or nonreleasable form. However, there is little information in the literature to demonstrate whether these claims are indeed true. In the present work, model lens materials based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) and methacryloxypropyltris (trimethylsiloxy) silane(TRIS) were developed which incorporate releasable or crosslinked and therefore physically entrapped hyaluronic acid (HA) of various molecular weights as a wetting agent. Studies showed that uncrosslinked high molecular weight HA exhibited burst release kinetics with 80% release in less than 20 hours. While applicable for use in daily wear cycles, releasable wetting agents certainly would have very little effect on extended wear cycles, a common mode of wear. Protein adsorption results suggest however that the wetting agent resulted in no statistical change over the control material. Crosslinked and therefore physically entrapped HA, despite being only present in very small amounts, showed consistently lower water contact angles over four hours in comparison to controls, indicating that HA is present at the interface and was not being released over time. The presence of HA in the material was further confirmed by increases in the glass transition temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry, increases in the stiffness as measured by Instron testing, and slight changes observed m both x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectra. This crosslinking procedure appeared to have no effect on optical transparency using 35 kDa HA whereas small decreases in optical transparency at higher wavelength were noted for the 169 kDa HA crosslinked material as measured by UV spectrophotometry. Most importantly, protein adsorption results indicated that the adsorption of all proteins studied was considerably decreased by the presence of the small amount of crosslinked HA. It is hypothesized that HA acts in a similar manner as PEO protein repulsion, where free HA chains are able to produce an environment which highly rejects protein adsorption. Significant decreases in lysozyme adsorption were also observed on model silicone hydrogel materials. The results suggest that these materials have significant potential for application in contact lens applications.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(Lactic Acid) Blends

contributor:
Hrymak, Andrew
Chemical Engineering

subject:
thermoplastic
starch
lactic acid
properties

abstract: High amylose cornstarch, normal cornstarch and waxy cornstarch were plasticized using water and glycerol as plasticizers in a Haake Rheomix 3000 batch mixer. A two-level factorial experiment design was used to investigate the effects of processing conditions and the water/glycerol ratio on the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic starches. The significances of factors (processing temperature, time, roller rolling rate and ratio of water to glycerol) on the mechanical properties were evaluated. The morphology, thermal properties, average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the thermoplastic starches were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). The mechanical properties and rheological properties of the materials were measured using an Instron tensile testing machine and a Rosand capillary rheometer. The thermoplastic starches were further blended with poly(lactic acid)(PLA) at different composition ratios. The morphology, thermal properties, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the thermoplastic starch/PLA blends were analyzed using SEM, DSC, HPSEC. Mechanical and rheological properties of the blends were investigated using the same methods as those used in the investigation of thermoplastic starches. The effects of amylose content in the starches, composition (starch/plasticizer ratio, water/glycerol ratio, starch/PLA ratio), molding methods and molding temperature on structure and properties of thermoplastic starches and thermoplastic starch/PLA blends were also investigated and compared. A power law model and a cross model were used to fit the experimental rheological data of the thermoplastic starches and the thermoplastic starch/PLA blends. The thermoplastic normal starch with starch/plasticizer ratio of 2/1 (wt/wt%) shows a tensile strength of 2.81 MPa, a modulus of 55.09MPa and an elongation at break of 76.0%. The post-extruded thermoplastic normal starch/PLA blend with the starch/PLA ratio of 50/50 (wt/wt) and the starch/plasticizer ratio of 2/1(wt/wt) exhibits a tensile strength of 15 MPa, a modulus of 926 MPa and an elongation at break of 6%.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: The Initial Development and Evaluation of iGeriCare Lessons

title: iGeriCare Usability

contributor:
Archer, Norman
eHealth

subject:
iGeriCare
Usability
Caregivers
Dementia
People with Dementia
Alzheimer's
Multimedia Tool
Education

abstract:
Informal caregivers (CGs) of people with dementia (PwD) in Ontario may provide upwards
of 90 hours or more of caregiving (CG) or assistance to a loved one, per week. CGs of PwD
often face increased social isolation, disrupted routines, and experience adverse health
effects as this work is incredibly difficult and overwhelming, requiring knowledge,
education, resources, and support. eHealth interventions can help to respond to the dynamic
and changing needs of these CGs. To respond to these needs, Dr. Richard Sztramko
conceptualized iGeriCare, an educational multimedia tool. 10 iGeriCare lessons were
created and developed by Dr. Sztramko and Dr. Anthony J. Levinson and his team at the
Division of e-Learning and Innovation.
The objective of this thesis is to review psychoeducational interventions aimed at CGs of
patients with dementia and to evaluate the usability of iGeriCare learning modules. This
thesis is comprised of two phases, a systematic literature review and an evaluation of the
iGeriCare lessons. A systematic search was performed on MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL,
and EMBASE. 31 articles and 23 prospective interventions were included in the final
analysis. These interventions were generally perceived positively by CGs. Despite CG-perceived
value, there is not enough evidence in the literature to clearly state whether online
interventions improve CG stress, self-efficacy, or burden.
The Quality in Use Integrated Measurement Framework (QUIM) informs usability. Two
experienced CGs agreed to participate. After they viewed the iGeriCare lessons on the
eLearning management system (through the web-based system 360 Articulate), they were
interviewed via telephone to gather their opinions of the usability of the iGeriCare modules.
Qualitative interview data were analyzed, resulting in the following themes: relevance of
content and information, slide design, ease of navigation, forward learning, educational
tools, and accessibility. They perceived iGeriCare as an effective tool with online
convenience and relished the thought of an online community whereby CGs can interact in
a spirit of comradery and togetherness.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract:
Informal caregivers (CGs) of people with dementia (PwD) in Ontario may provide upwards
of 90 hours or more of caregiving (CG) or assistance to a loved one, per week. CG is incredibly difficult and overwhelming, requiring knowledge, education, resources, and support. Online learning tools can help to respond to the unique needs of CGs. To respond to these needs, Dr. Richard Sztramko conceptualized iGeriCare, an educational multimedia tool. 10 iGeriCare lessons were created and developed by Dr. Sztramko and Dr. Anthony J. Levinson and his team at the
Division of e-Learning and Innovation. Two experienced CGs evaluated the usability of the lessons. After they viewed each iGeriCare lesson online, they were interviewed to gather their opinions of the lesson. The feedback was analyzed, resulting in the following themes: relevance of content and information, slide design, ease of navigation, forward learning, educational
tools, and accessibility. The CGs perceived iGeriCare as an effective tool with online
convenience and relished the thought of an online community whereby CGs can interact in
a spirit of comradery and togetherness.


title: Design and Implementation of Broadband Circuits & Systems for Fiber Optic Communication Applications

contributor:
Deen, M. J.
Kumar, Shiva
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
fiber optic
communication
design
implementation
broadband
circuit
system

abstract: The bandwidth requirements for global communication networks are increasing each year due to the rapid growth of multimedia (broadband) applications. To accommodate this growth, an increasing number of wide-area and local-area networks are converting the transmission medium from copper wire to fiber. As such, the deployment of optical fiber communication systems for emerging high-speed networks (10 - 40 gigabits-per-second) mandates integrated and low-cost designs for optical transceivers. CMOS, with its low-cost, system-on-chip, and mixed-signal capabilities, is a suitable alternative to other more expensive technologies, such as silicon germanium or gallium arsenide. On the other hand, limitations of sub-micron CMOS technology, namely the higher parasitic capacitances, higher noise, and low-quality integrated passive elements, make the design of an integrated optical transceiver in CMOS technology a challenging task. The design, fabrication and characterization of a broadband transimpedance amplifier in an analog front-end of an optical receiver will be presented in this thesis. The chip was designed and fabricated using a TSMC 0.18 (mu)m CMOS technology. It was measured and characterized, achieving a -3dB bandwidth of 1.5 GHz and 37 dB(omega) of transimpedance gain, with less than -7 dB input and output reflections to a 50 (omega) measurement interface, while consuming 23.8 mW from a 1.8 V supply and using 1 x 0.781 mm^2 of silicon chip area. The strengths and limitations of this design will be discussed and its performance will be compared to published results. Conclusions will be drawn and recommendations will be proposed to demonstrate the utility of this design in future work on fully integrated optical receiver systems. Next, an optical transmitter prototype circuit, built by using low-cost, off-the-shelf photonic and microelectronic components, was fabricated and tested in order to assess the performance of directly modulated lasers for use in low-cost multi-gigabit-per-second optical transmitter modules. The performance of the transmitter was assessed for a fiber link spanning 10 km of standard single-mode optical fiber. This work illustrates how the non-idealities and imperfections of low-cost components can significantly degrade the overall system performance in high-speed applications; therefore, recommendations will be proposed so as to improve the performance in spite of these limitations.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: DICHOTIC RESPONSE PROPERTIES OF DURATION-TUNED NEURONS IN THE BAT

title: Response Properties of Ipsilateral Inputs in Duration Tuned Neurons

contributor:
Faure, Paul
Neuroscience

abstract: Inhibitory synaptic inputs are necessary for the formation of duration tuned neurons (DTNs) in the mammalian inferior colliculus (IC). These neurons may help to differentiate the temporal aspects of sound. Much more is known about the characteristics of the monaural contralateral inputs that create DTNs compared to their ipsilateral inputs. The current study used paired-tone stimulation and single-unit extracellular recording to measure the frequency tuning of the neural inhibition evoked from stimulating the ipsilateral ear in the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). The stimulus consisted of a short duration, excitatory probe tone set to the cell’s best duration (BD) and varying in onset time relative to a longer duration, non-excitatory (NE) suppression tone. In the monotic condition, both tones were presented to the contralateral ear and when they were close in time the NE tone always suppressed spikes evoked by the BD tone. In the dichotic condition, the BD tone was presented to the contralateral ear and the NE tone was presented to the ipsilateral ear (i.e. the same side as the IC hemisphere being recorded), but now the NE tone suppressed BD tone evoked spiking in a smaller proportion of cells. Frequency tuning, latency, and duration of the ipsilaterally-evoked inhibition was investigated by varying the NE tone frequency both within and outside a cell’s 50% excitatory bandwidth (eBW) that was measured by stimulating the contralateral ear only. The inhibition evoked contralaterally differed from that evoked ipsilaterally in three respects: 1) the contralateral inhibition led contralateral excitation whereas ipsilateral inhibition usually lagged contralateral excitation; 2) the duration of contralateral inhibition persisted as long or longer than the duration of the NE tone, whereas the duration of ipsilateral inhibition was usually shorter than the NE tone duration; and 3) the bandwidth of contralateral inhibition was broader than the cell’s eBW, while the bandwidth of ipsilateral inhibition was more variable compared to the eBW. There were some similarities between the contralateral and ipsilateral evoked inhibitions: 1) the best inhibitory frequency (BIF) and best excitatory frequency (BEF) matched in both conditions; 2) the duration of inhibition decreased as the NE tone frequency departed from the cell’s BEF; and 3) the onset of inhibition was frequency independent both in the monotic and dichotic conditions. These data suggest the temporal selectivity of midbrain DTNs is created by monaural auditory inputs, with ipsilateral inputs playing a lesser role in shaping the cell’s duration selectivity. Ipsilateral inhibition, when present, may play a role in shaping the response of DTNs to sounds presented in different locations rather than creating duration-selectivity like the monaural pathway.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: "Giving Dignity to Suffering": 'Dirty Work' and Emotion Management among Frontline Caseworkers

contributor:
Hooks, Dr. Greg
McLaughlin, Dr. Neil
Shaffir, Dr. William
Sociology

subject: Dirty Work, Emotion Management, Qualitative Research, Homelessness, Case Management

abstract: Grounded theory research was conducted with twenty-four male and female emergency shelter operators (alternatively known as caseworkers) from three different shelters in a large Canadian city: The Open Arms, Good Samaritan and Rescue Mission. Drawing on the experiences of those working in non-profit ‘homeless’ shelters, and based on the sociological concept of ‘dirty work,’ this study describes why caseworkers take on this kind of work, how they make sense of it, and what they themselves get out of it. This research reveals a complex picture of frontline emergency casework that others see as objectionable, dangerous and tainted is described by informants with a sense of job satisfaction, dignity, collective esteem and pride. Moreover, it illuminates the ways in which individuals and occupational groups reframe and subjectively construct meanings about what it means to be involved in ‘dirty work’ such that it is regarded positively and as ‘good work’. Because caseworkers deal in difficult emotions, they must learn to perform a balancing act between professional decorum and expressed concern. The ways that caseworkers are supposed to perceive their roles are governed by a set of unwritten norms and rules that normalize and renarrate disruptive and abnormal situations of a caseworker being humiliated, berated, verbally and physically attacked and by which they accept this as normal and therefore morally acceptable. It was typical for frontline caseworkers, working in non-profit shelters, to emphasize the relational and affectual rewards of the job as a compensation for its low pay and dirty ‘particulars,’ which meets the expectations, self-conceptions and values they hold themselves to be as caring and compassionate workers. They accomplish this by redirecting attention to the more dignifying aspects of their jobs and by identifying strongly with both their occupations and the collective identity of their occupational culture. This research further underscores both the importance of understanding the interpretive processes of meaning-making and the social construction of ‘dirt’.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Investigating the Use of Convolutional Neural Networks for Prenatal Hydronephrosis Ultrasound Image Classification

title: Convolutional Neural Networks for Ultrasound Classification

contributor:
Sonnadara, Ranil
Becker, Suzanna
Psychology

subject:
Machine learning
Medical imaging
Ultrasound

abstract:
Prenatal hydronephrosis is a common condition that involves the accumulation of urine with consequent dilatation of the collecting system in fetal infants. There are several hydronephrosis classifications, however, all grading systems suffer from reliability issues as they contain subjective criteria. The severity of hydronephrosis impacts treatment and follow up times and can therefore directly influence a patient’s well-being and quality of care. Considering the importance of accurate diagnosis, it is concerning that no accurate, reliable or objective grading system exists. We believe that developing a convolutional neural network (CNN) based diagnostic aid for hydronephrosis will improve physicians’ objectivity, inter-rater reliability and accuracy.
Developing CNN based diagnostic aid for ultrasound images has not been done before. Therefore, the current thesis conducted two studies using a database of 4670 renal ultrasound images to investigate two important methodological considerations: ultrasound image preprocessing and model architecture. We first investigated whether image segmentation and textural extraction are beneficial and improve performance when they are applied to CNN input images. Our results showed that neither preprocessing technique improved performance, and therefore might not be required when using CNN for ultrasound image classification. Our search for an optimal architecture resulted in a model with 49% 5-way classification accuracy. Further investigation revealed that images in our database had been mislabelled, and thus impacted model training and testing. Although our current best model is not ready for use as diagnostic aid, it can be used to verify the accuracy of our labels.
Overall, these studies have provided insight into developing a diagnostic aid for hydronephrosis. Once our images and their respective labels have been verified, we can further optimize our model architecture by conducting an exhaustive search. We hypothesize that these two changes will significantly improve model performance and bring our diagnostic aid closer to clinical application.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract:
Prenatal hydronephrosis is a serious condition that affects the kidneys of fetal infants and is graded using renal ultrasound. The severity of hydronephrosis impacts treatment and follow-up times. However, all grading systems suffer from reliability issues. Improving diagnostic reliability is important for patient well-being. We believe that developing a computer-based diagnostic aid is a promising option to do so.
We conducted two studies to investigate how ultrasound images should be processed, and how the algorithm that produces the functionality of the aid should be designed. We found that two common recommendations for ultrasound processing did not improve model performance and therefore need not be applied. Our best performing algorithm had a classification accuracy of 49%. However, we found that several images in our database were mislabelled, which impacted accuracy metrics. Once our images and their labels have been verified, we can further optimize our algorithm’s design to improve its accuracy.


title: MAPPING INTRACORTICAL MYELIN IN HUMANS USING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

contributor:
Bock, Nicholas
Neuroscience

subject:
Myelin
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Cortex
Neurodegeneration

abstract:
Myelin is a protein complex which plays an integral role in developing and maintaining proper brain function. Due to the plasticity of the brain, and the dynamic nature of myelin, it is critical to develop methods that allow for the investigation of changes in myelin in vivo, to further our understanding of the brain. A substantial amount of myelin is found in the grey matter (GM) of the cerebral cortex – the outermost structure of the brain that supports higher order functions including cognition and more fundamental functions, such as sensation and motor control. While in vivo investigations have traditionally used imaging to focus on myelin in the deep white matter (WM) tracts in the brain, advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are now allowing investigations of intracortical myelin (ICM). The research in this thesis presents methodology for investigating intracortical myelin levels using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in humans, with the aim of developing a better understanding of how myelin contributes to healthy cortical function, and how it may be disrupted in disease.
To characterize intracortical myelin, a novel MRI analysis technique was developed early in this work to report the thickness of the heavily myelinated and lightly myelinated layers of the cortex. This measure of myelinated cortical thickness uses a clustering algorithm to separate the layers of the cortex based on voxel intensity in a T1- weighted (T1W) MRI with strong intracortical contrast. The resulting myelinated thickness maps match known myelin profiles of the brain, with cortical regions such as the primary visual and motor cortices displaying proportionally thicker, heavily myelinated layers. The utility of the myelinated cortical thickness for answering clinical questions was tested in bipolar disorder, where a preferential loss of the more myelinated layers in the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex was found. This study provided the first in vivo evidence of ICM disruptions in bipolar disorder.
Later in the thesis work, after surface-based analysis techniques became available, an alternative approach to investigate intracortical myelin was developed that sampled the T1W image intensity at a calculated depth of the cortex as a measure of myelin content. This methodology was used for studying the association of ICM with age in healthy adults ranging from late adolescence to middle-adulthood. It was found that three cortical depths followed a similar trajectory through this age-span, reaching their peak between 35 and 40 years of age. This study contributes to a picture of ICM amounts increasing well into middle age in healthy adults and provides a baseline for studies investigating how this may be disrupted in disease
Up to this point, the analysis in the thesis used a specialized T1W MRI that had been optimized to provide strong intracortical contrast, but a question remained of how useful the technique would be if more commonly collected clinical MRIs were used as inputs. This analysis was thus applied to standard T1W and T2-weighted (T2W) anatomical MRIs to test its clinical applicability. 360 participants were investigated from the TRACK-HD dataset to test if intracortical signal analysis could follow the progression of Huntington’s disease. A significant increase in intracortical T1W/T2W signal was found in the most advanced disease group in several cortical regions. This increase in intracortical signal is likely tracking a known increase in iron and/or myelin levels in the Huntington’s disease brain. However, this work suggests that ICM studies would best be conducted with optimized imaging to better be able to characterize the subtle ICM variations within the GM.
Overall, the work in this thesis presents two techniques for whole-brain mapping of the distribution of intracortical myelin using MRI. The clinical applicability of the techniques was demonstrated in examples of mental and neurodegenerative disorders. The future directions of this work include developing imaging specific to either myelin or iron as well as revisiting these problems while imaging at greater resolution to better characterize the laminar profile across the cortex.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A Defense of Pure Restitution

contributor:
Igneski, Violetta
Philosophy

subject:
pure restitution
punishment
restorative justice
Arthur Ripstein
David Boonin
Randy Barnett
Joel Feinberg

abstract: In this thesis I argue that legal punishment is far from perfect, and that the most common defenses used to justify it prove to be unsuccessful when examined closely. I propose that if there exists an alternative, non-punitive, practice capable of achieving the same benefits, then that practice should be preferred over punishment. I then proceed to introduce one such alternative, the theory of pure restitution, and resolve some problems raised by its critics. I ultimately demonstrate not only that pure restitution is capable of achieving the same benefits as punishment, but that it is capable of achieving even further benefits.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: UNCERTAIN SANCTUARY: NEGOTIATING GENDER, CELEBRITY, AND PERFORMANCE IN THE POETRY OF FELICIA HEMANS AND LETITIA LANDON

contributor:
Zuroski, Eugenia
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
Felicia Hemans
Letitia Landon
Romanticism
feminism
de Staël

abstract: In this thesis, I argue that late-Romantic women writers Felicia Hemans and Letitia Elizabeth Landon were embedded in, and intent on discussing the intersection of gender, celebrity, and performance in their poetry. In Chapter One, I examine Hemans’s and Landon’s public personae to trace how they navigated the commercial society. Each poet crafted a persona which, as was the trend in this period, was often conflated with the characters depicted in their writings. This worked to their pecuniary advantage but had ambivalent social consequences as well. In Chapter Two, I establish how both Hemans and Landon reconfigured Germaine de Staël’s novel Corinne (1807) in their poetry to suit their poetic styles. This retelling of the Improvisatrice profession made room for feminine, public genius in print. It also rendered the character of Corinne more English and drew out the North-South binaries and tensions of the political moment. Through this kind of feminist cross-cultural reading, I conceptualize another way of reading late-Romantic sentimental poetry, and the “poetess” personae that often accompany it, ambivalently engaged in both Continental and colonial politics.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: TREVR: A NEW APPROACH TO RADIATIVE TRANSFER IN ASTROPHYSICS SIMULATIONS

contributor:
Wadsley, James
Hugh, Couchman
Physics and Astronomy

subject:
Astrophysics
Radiative Transfer
Numerical Methods
Simulations
Galaxies
Cosmology

abstract:
In this thesis we present TREVR (Tree-based Reverse Ray Tracing), a general algo-
rithm for computing the radiation field, including absorption, in astrophysical sim-
ulations. TREVR is designed to handle large numbers of sources and absorbers; it
is based on a tree data structure and is thus suited to codes that use trees for their
gravity or hydrodynamics solvers (e.g. Adaptive Mesh Refinement). It achieves com-
putational speed while maintaining a specified accuracy via controlled lowering of
resolution of both sources and rays from each source.
TREVR computes the radiation field in O(N log(N)) time without absorption
and O (Nlog(N)log(N)) time with absorption. These claims are substantiated by
mathematically predicting and testing the algorithm’s general scaling. The scalings
arise from merging sources of radiation according to an opening angle criterion and
walking the tree structure to trace a ray to a depth that gives the chosen accuracy
for absorption. The absorption-depth refinement criterion is unique to TREVR and
is presented here for the first time.
We provide a suite of tests demonstrating the algorithm’s ability to accurately
compute fluxes, ionization fronts and shadows. Two novel test cases are presented
here for the first time as part of this suite.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: In this thesis we present TREVR (Tree-based Reverse Ray Tracing), a general method for computing the effects of of radiation in astrophysical simulations.


title: Neuropsychological Functioning, Symptom Dimensions and Cognitive Remediation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

contributor:
McKinnon, Margaret
McCabe, Randi
Neuroscience

subject:
obsessive-compulsive disorder
neuropsychology
symptom dimensions
cognitive remediation
core dimensions

abstract:
Objectives: The first objective of this research was to examine whether symptom dimensions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are associated with unique neuropsychological performance profiles.  The second objective of this research was to further understand the strengths and weaknesses of two models of symptom dimensions in OCD from a quantitative perspective—conventional subtyping by overt symptom, and the core dimensions model.  Finally, the third objective of this research was to investigate the efficacy and treatment acceptability of a cognitive remediation program targeting neurocognitive deficits associated with OCD.
Methods: Study 1 reviewed critically studies describing the assessment of differences in neuropsychological functioning between symptom dimensions of OCD, the results of which informed succeeding studies examining: i)  the characterization of symptom dimensions in OCD and; ii) the remediation of neuropsychological domains commonly affected in OCD. Accordingly, study 2 compared the suitability of two common statistical approaches, factor analysis and cluster analysis, commonly used in the existing literature to define symptom dimensions based on responses collected from the industry-standard symptom questionnaire, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), in characterizing symptom dimensions in OCD. Neuropsychological task data were then used to examine the validity of an alternative model of symptom dimensions in OCD (Study 3). Finally, we conducted a feasibility study (Study 4) examining the use of an established cognitive remediation protocol, Goal Management Training (GMT), to target the deficits in neurocognitive function identified in the preceding studies.
Results: Much of the existing literature on neuropsychological task performance differences between symptom dimensions of OCD is limited by methodological issues, primarily those concerning methods for defining symptom dimensions. Here, a comparison of the two most common methods for defining dimensions revealed that neither cluster analysis nor factor analysis produced conceptually meaningful subgroups. By exemplifying differences in neuropsychological task performance between those with harm avoidance and those with incompleteness symptoms, however, concrete evidence was provided to support the core dimensions model of OCD. Pilot data point towards the feasibility and efficacy of GMT as a cognitive remediation program for OCD.
Conclusions: Pursuing the definition of meaningful, distinct symptom dimensions of OCD is not recommended with the combination of current statistical practices and symptom measures. The early evidence presented here shows promise for the validity of the core dimensions model.  Preliminary evidence suggests that the neuropsychological impairments observed in this population, although subtle, may be effectively addressed using Goal Management Training.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Predicting Bridge Bearing Demands Through a Probabilistic Framework

contributor:
Becker, Tracy
Civil Engineering

abstract: The life expectancy of bridge bearings is not well understood or predicted, and bearing replacement is primarily determined through field inspection and engineering judgement. An improved estimate of the timeline for bearing replacement would aid in maintenance scheduling and budgets. As a first step in determining the age for replacement, the annual and lifetime cyclic demands must be estimated. The bearing displacements are largely caused by temperature fluctuation, seismic events, and traffic cycles. In this dissertation a probabilistic framework is presented to quantify the annual cyclic displacement demands on a bearing from these diverse loadings using an archetype continuous concrete girder bridge. The likelihood of occurrence per annum of cycles of increasing amplitudes are presented. In addition, the mean and cycle periods which are related to the loading scenario and cycle amplitude are discussed, and a suggested loading protocol is presented. Three locations across Canada are considered, Quebec City, Toronto and Vancouver, to investigate the influence of location on the bearing demands. The annual expected demands can be used for future work on fatigue testing of bearings to better relate to replacement schedule projections for bridge bearings.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Modeling and Generation of Soft Data in Kinematic Scenarios for Surveillance Applications

contributor:
Kirubarajan, Thia
Electrical and Computer Engineering

abstract: Recently data generation has become an important research topic. Simulated data are not expensive and can be used immediately after being generated. Unlike simulated data, real data is expensive and time consuming to collect and in many cases real world data need to be cleaned before using. In this work we have developed a software that can generate soft data from events. This software generates output of NLP without using NLP complex technique, which can be used for testing fusion algorithms or using the generated data for testing data quality, as well as data mining algorithms. All the coding part has been done in C++ using Microsoft Visual Studio.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: 139^La NMR Charge Order Study of La_(2-x)Sr_xCuO_4

contributor:
Imai, Takashi
Physics

subject: NMR Superconductivity

abstract: Although charge order was discovered in \lndsco over two decades ago, this elusive state has not been as easily observable in \lsco. \cu NMR experiments demonstrated that \lsco did indeed transition into a charge ordering state, but the lack of evidence in other experiments made many physicists doubtful of its presence. With recent advancements in technology, x-ray scattering experiments have finally been able to measure charge order Bragg peaks in \lsco, proving that charge order anomalies seen by \cu NMR was legitimate. More recent \cu NMR showed that a broad wing-like signal emerges when charge order sets in in \lscoeleven with a much faster relaxation rate than the normal signal. In this thesis, we attempt to revisit the charge ordered state of \lsco by measuring \la NMR on single crystals of x~=~0.13, 0.115 and 0.10. By splitting the relaxation rate into two components, we were able to determine the temperature at which a fast component emerges, corresponding to the same temperature recorded by \cu NMR and x-ray scattering for the same \lscoeleven crystal. Using this method, we measured \la NMR lineshapes and spin-lattice relaxation rates and mapped out the charge order dome of the phase diagram of \lsco.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Relationships between Model Theory and Valuations of Fields

title: Model Theory and Valuations

contributor:
Haskell, Deirdre
Mathematics and Statistics

subject:
Model Theory
Algebra
Valued Fields
Dp-rank

abstract: This thesis explores some of the relationships between model theoretic and algebraic properties of fields, focusing on valuations of fields. We first show that the dp-rank of henselian valued fields admitting relative quantifier elimination is equal to the sum of the dp-ranks of the value group and of the residue field. Moreover, we give a characterization of henselianity of valued fields of finite dp-rank in terms of the dp-rank of definable sets. We also obtain partial results generalizing the work of Johnson in classifying fields of finite dp-rank. Finally, we consider fields with the property that the algebraic closure is an immediate extension with respect to every valuation. We show that under certain conditions these fields are dense in their algebraic closure with respect to every valuation and provide an example that demonstrates that this property does not hold in general.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Because she cares: Re-membering, re-finding, and poetically retelling narratives of HIV caring work with, for and by African women living with HIV

contributor:
Greene, Saara
Social Work

subject:
caring work
HIV/AIDS
social service employment
decolonizing knowing
transnational feminist
arts-based methods
performance narrative
women
people of African descent

abstract:
Research on employment in Canadian AIDS service and allied organizations (AASOs) should recognize the unique experiences of immigrant women workers of African descent given their transnational HIV histories, working roles, relationship and responsibilities, interconnected identities and senses of belonging, and intersecting systems of oppressions they navigate within their working lives. Guided by decolonizing, anti-colonial, and transnational feminist thoughts, the Because She Cares study aims to understand the experiences of African women living with HIV who are employed in the HIV sector in the province of Ontario, Canada. Using performance narrative methodologies, this inquiry explored HIV-related work as agential, cultural and social practices of caring work; and deciphered the local and transnational interconnections to African women’s sensemaking of their work as HIV caring work.
Ten African women with employment histories in Canadian AASOs participated as the Narrators. Using performance narrative methods based on oral traditions, I gathered, interpret and shared their stories of HIV caring work. In collaboration with the Narrators, I poetically “retold” interview narratives to embody the emotive resonance of the original telling and evoke the theoretical and political relevance of the sharing. Study findings illuminate the multiple self, communal and social modes of caring that emerged in women’s HIV-related work, the shifting responsibilization of African women living with HIV as carers, the intersecting systems of oppression African woman navigate in Canadian work spaces and strategies of care-full work that translocates “back home”.
This study documents work experiences of African women whose HIV-related engagement is notable yet, typically overlooked in Canadian research on HIV-related employment and civic engagement. Decolonizing, anti-colonial, and transnational feminist thinking allowed me to use culturally responsive methodologies that highlight how HIV caring work becomes processes of identity and belonging, and its corresponding rights and responsibilities, within and across local and transnational contexts.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract:
Guided by decolonizing, anti-colonial, and transnational feminist thoughts, the Because She Cares study aims to understand the experiences of African women living with HIV who are employed in the HIV sector in Ontario, Canada. Study aims include better understanding HIV-related work as agential, cultural and social practices of caring work and deciphering its local and transnational interconnections.
Ten African women with employment histories in Canadian AIDS service and allied organizations (AASOs) participated as the Narrators. Using performance narrative methods based on oral traditions, I gathered, interpret and shared their stories of HIV caring work and “retold” narratives as poems. Study findings illuminate the multiple self, communal and social modes of caring that emerged in women’s HIV-related work, the shifting responsibilization of African women living with HIV as carers, the intersecting systems of oppression African woman navigate in Canadian work spaces and strategies of care-full work that translocates “back home”.