YorkSpace

YorkSpace is York University's Institutional Repository. It supports York University's Senate Policy on Open Access by providing York community members with a place to preserve their research online in an institutional context.

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Recent Submissions

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    DYA 7.3 PROD UPG research paper
    (2026) Leong, Jack Hang-tat; Jon, Genny
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    DYA 7.3 PROD UPG presentation
    (2026-11) Quail, Stephanie; Leong, Jack Hang-tat
    Test presentation with 2 authors
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    DYA 7.3 PROD UPG article (Nov 2026)
    (YorkU, 2026) Leong, Jack Hang-tat
    This is a test article for Nov PROD upg.
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    Synthesis and Characterization of Composite Textured Surfaces with Enhanced Tribological Responses on Icy Surfaces
    (2026-11-06) Zahmatkesh, Sara; Reza Rizvi
    Slips and falls on icy surfaces remain a major safety concern, highlighting the need for elastomeric materials that combine ice traction with abrasion durability. This dissertation investigates the development, characterization, and prediction of textured polymer composites through experimental tribology, interfacial engineering, and machine learning. First, a novel laboratory-scale high-velocity ice tribotesting method was developed using a modified Bruker UMT Tribolab to evaluate small rubber composite specimens under walking-relevant conditions. Rotational sliding provided more reliable friction measurements than reciprocating motion, establishing a practical approach for high-throughput materials screening. Second, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites reinforced with pristine and acid-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were developed to improve ice traction and abrasion resistance. GNP functionalization enhanced filler dispersion, interfacial adhesion, and mechanical performance. Bioinspired surface texturing and abrasion-induced surface evolution generated functional micro-asperities and channels that supported ice traction after wear. TPU containing 20 phr functionalized GNPs demonstrated the best balance between abrasion resistance and retained ice traction. Finally, machine learning models were developed to predict TPU abrasion resistance from mechanical and viscoelastic properties, with decision tree and gradient boosting regressors demonstrating promising predictive performance. An additional industrial study extended data-driven modeling to automotive polymer composites, including predictive model development and graphical user interface implementation. Overall, this research establishes an integrated experimental and computational approach for developing durable, wear-adaptive elastomeric composites with enhanced ice traction and predictive material design capabilities.
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    The function of the fission yeast LARP1 ortholog Slr1p in the regulation of mRNA translation and decay
    (2026-11-06) Kanaan, Joudi; Mark Bayfield
    Gene expression is the process by which information encoded in DNA is used to produce functional products. Protein-coding genes are transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is translated into proteins. Translation is highly regulated, with initiation, elongation, and termination influenced by cellular conditions and regulatory proteins. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the LARP1 ortholog Slr1p binds mRNAs and regulates translation, although its molecular functions remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the role of Slr1p in translation regulation and translation-associated mRNA decay under stressed and unstressed conditions. Using dual-luciferase assays, and co-immunoprecipitation, we examined the effects of Slr1p on translation initiation, elongation, programmed ribosomal frameshifting, and its interaction with the 5′–3′exonuclease Exo2p. We hypothesized that Slr1p promotes translation while coordinating mRNA decay through Exo2p, thereby linking protein synthesis with mRNA turnover. Understanding Slr1p function may reveal conserved regulatory mechanisms and provide insight into the roles of LARP1 proteins in disease, including cancer.