VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Ghanaian Indigenous Health Practices: The Use of Herbs
Keywords: Ghana
Herbal Medicine
Herbal Healing
Indigenous medicine
Traditional medicine
Indigenous health practices
Alternative medicine
African medicine
orthodox and traditional medicine
spirituality
Ghanaian Indigenous spirituality
Traditional healing
Mampong center for scientific research into plant medicine
Plant healing

Herbal medicines remain integral part of indigenous health care system in Ghana. Most conventional health medicines are directly or indirectly derived from plants or herbs. Despite its significant role in modern medicine indigenous herbal practices has been on the low light for some time due to perceived antagonistic relationship that exists between practitioners of herbal medicine and their counterpart in the conventional system. Using an indigenous knowledge discursive framework, the thesis examined the relevance of herbal medicine to the contemporary Ghanaian society. The thesis also examined the tension between the indigenous herbal practitioners and their orthodox counterparts. The thesis noted that for health care system in Ghana to be effective, there is a need for collaborate relations between these two practitioners. Also, it was noted that for health care system to be effective in Ghana, spirituality has to be central in the works of the herbal practitioners.
Food Democracy and The Construction of Risk in The Canadian and U.K. Media
Keywords: media
journalism
food democracy
Genetically Modified Organisms
genetically engineered foods
risk
agribusiness
sociology
critical discourse analysis

Using a critical discourse analysis (CDA), this thesis examines how risks and food security, in relation to Genetically Modified (GM) foods, are constructed within the media context. The project analyzes news articles that appeared in two Canadian newspapers, The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star, and two British newspapers, The London Times and the Guardian, during three particular time periods between 1997 and 2005. I evaluate whether or not the selected articles contribute to the public’s understanding of science, and how journalism constructs risk and uncertainty. I also evaluate the use of expert knowledge by journalists. Using the theory of Risk Society, as proposed by sociologist Ulrich Beck, the project explores the connections between political, social, and economic issues connected to globalization. This thesis concludes that journalism in both Canada and Britain does not appear to adequately inform their citizens on matters of food security and the risks of GMOs.
Walking Through a Wavering With-itness: An Exploration of Disability Pride and Shame
Keywords: disability
identity

This is a thesis about disability pride and shame. Here, I explore how these two characters appear in theoretical texts, personal stories and my experience of disability on the streets as an identity which connects me to others and the world as an interpretative being. This project begins by demonstrating how the popular imagination of disability pride describes the prideful person as one who relates to their embodiment with constant satisfaction. I trouble this version of pride, a version that requires one to turn away from shame, for being exclusive of disabled people who, like me, experience their disability through a wavering bodily relation. I conclude by crafting out a pride that remains with us in troubling times rather than in the abandonment of shame. This pride is accessible to us all and the never-steady stories of disability we tell.
Constructing Whiteness: Regulating Aboriginal Identity
Keywords: education
aboriginality

Curricula in classrooms facilitate a national amnesia of colonialism that renders inconceivable the possibility of Aboriginal heritage or mixed-blood presence in national subjects. This thesis examines my own family history alongside the Indian Act and discourses of multiculturalism. I provide a personal account for the ways in which Aboriginal identities are regulated in Canada. I examine how glorified white settler narratives - reproduced through both formal and informal schooling - work to displace Aboriginal peoples as the original inhabitants of the land. I argue that this facilitates ongoing Canadian colonialism that continues to circumvent the possibility of particular mixed-blood Aboriginal identities within the confines of national belonging. Citizenship education in the Toronto District School Board is situated as a mechanism of formal schooling that continues to negate the ongoing colonization of Aboriginal people so that mixed-race Aboriginal students may continue to assume themselves as white subjects within the nation.
Whose Education? Whose Nation? Exploring the Role of Government Primary School Textbooks of Bangladesh in Colonialist Forms of Marginalization and Exclusion of Poor and Ethnic Minority Children
Keywords: Sociology of Education
Ethnic and Racial Studies
Bilingual and Multicultural education

Through an analysis of Social Studies textbooks of the government primary school curriculum of Bangladesh, this thesis highlights the role of the education system in pushing poor and ethnic minority children out of school. The texts and graphics are analyzed in order to examine the ways in which they oppress and exclude these children by perpetuating dominant ideologies of nationhood, constructing a notion of the “ideal citizen,” and criminalizing those who do not fit this category. Using an anti-colonial and post-colonial theoretical framework, the study situates the education system of Bangladesh within its histories of colonial domination and argues that the discourses present in these textbooks reflect colonial forms of racism and oppression, and reproduce class and ethnic hierarchies characteristic of the larger Bangladeshi society. Most importantly, this study advocates the need for a just and equitable education system that respects all children of Bangladesh as citizens of the country.
The Impact of E-Health Adoption and Investment on Health Outcomes: A Study using Secondary Analysis
Keywords: e-Health
Return on Investment
health outcomes
CPOE

The overall goal of this research study is to determine if there is a correlation between electronic health (e-Health) adoption, e-Health investment and better health outcomes in a hospital setting. To carry out this research, data with respect to e-Health spending, e-Health adoption and relevant health outcome indicator results for Ontario hospitals were analyzed to determine if there is a correlation between the variables. There were significant positive correlations between e-Health adoption and investment variables; indicating that higher e-Health investment is associated with greater e-Health adoption. There were significant correlations between variables related to e-Health adoption, investment and certain health outcomes. For example, increased e-Health adoption was significantly and negatively correlated with variables related to Length of Stay (LOS), which suggests that increased e-Health adoption is associated with lower LOS. This study attempts to create a foundation upon which Return On Investment (ROI) may be calculated for e-Health technology.
Synthesis of Fluorine-18 Labelled Radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography
Keywords: Fluorine-18
PET
Neuroimaging
Muscarinic Receptors
TZTP
Aziridines
Ring-opening

This work improved the radiosynthesis of a known M2 muscarinic receptor imaging agent, [18F]FP-TZTP, and subsequent syntheses and in vitro evaluation of several novel TZTP derivatives highlighted a lead compound which exhibited M4 potency and selectivity, the thioether fluoro-polyethyleneglycol, which was then adapted for radiolabelling (23% radiochemical yield (uncorrected), >99% radiochemical purity, reaction time of 37 minutes). The present study also seeked to utilize aziridines as intermediates in [18F]-radiolabelling chemistry for the facile radiosynthesis of [18F]-labelled beta-blockers. Novel [18F]-labelled amines were synthesized via ring-opening and deprotection to yield the [18F]-1-fluoro-2-propanamine moiety (85%) favourably over the regioisomer [18F]-2-fluoro-1-propanamine (15%). Subsequent attempts to use these amine synthons in the synthesis of the beta-blocker [18F]Exaprolol resulted in poor radiochemical yields (1-3%). The chemistry of aziridine ring-opening with 19F-fluoride sources was thoroughly explored in order to understand the fundamentals of this chemistry, and the 1-fluoro-2-propanamine moiety was characterized by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy.
Subwavelength Focusing via Holographic Metallic Screens
Keywords: Electromagnetics
Antenna
Focusing
Holography

In this work we investigated a new class of subwavelength focusing device, termed the holographic metallic screen. We first proposed a generalized procedure which takes a holographic record of a subwavelength electromagnetic field distribution. Subsequently we synthesized this record using two types of holographic metallic screen – the slot antenna hologram (SAH) and the resonant slot antenna hologram (RSAH). We designed both holograms and evaluated their performances through full-wave simulations, and experimentally demonstrated subwavelength focusing for the RSAH. Simulations and experiments illustrated various attractive properties of the subwavelength focusing RSAH, which included (a) a tighter focal width than a single subwavelength aperture; (b) a focal field amplitude surpassing the incident field amplitude; and (c) a simple design scalable to a wide range of frequencies from microwave to optical. These properties should serve to motivate further development on the holographic metallic screen towards potential applications such as sensing, imaging and lithography.
BTB Domain Dimerization:Development of a Protein-protein Interaction Assay
Keywords: BTB domain
protein-protein interaction
domain dimerziation
assay development
fluorescent protein
high throughput assay

In the human genome, 43 BTB (Bric-à-brac, Tramtrack, and Broad Complex) containing BTB-Zinc Finger proteins have been identified, many of which are transcription factors involved in cancer and development. These BTB domains have been shown to form homodimers and heterodimers which raise DNA binding affinity and specificity for transcription factors. This project was to develop an efficient assay to systematically identify interactions between BTB domains. It combined a co-expression system, fluorescent protein tagging and Ni-NTA plate retention. It was concluded that fourteen analyzed BTB domains formed homodimers, but only certain BTB pairs formed heterodimers, such as BCL6 with Miz1 and Miz1 with RP58. To further understand the specificity of BTB domain interactions, more structural and sequence information is still needed. In conclusion, this assay provided a comprehensive detection method for BTB domain interaction mapping. The information generated provides candidates for further functional and structural studies.
Cooperative UAV Search and Intercept
Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Multi-Agent
Cooperation
Coordination
Diffusion
Search
UAV
Intercept
Pursuit
Evasion

In this thesis, a solution to the multi-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) search and intercept problem for a moving target is presented. For the search phase, an adapted diffusion-based algorithm is used to manage the target uncertainty while individual UAVs are controlled with a hybrid receding horizon / potential method. The coordinated search is made possible by an uncertainty weighting process. The team intercept phase algorithm is a behavioural approach based on the analytical solution of Isaac's Single-Pursuer/Single-Evader (SPSE) homicidal chau ffeur problem. In this formulation, the intercepting control is taken to be a linear combination of the individual SPSE controls that would exist for each of the evader/pursuer pairs. A particle swarm optimizer is applied to find approximate optimal weighting coefficients for discretized intervals of the game time. Simulations for the team search, team intercept and combined search and intercept problem are presented.
An In Vivo Neurophysiological Model of Cortical Ischemia in the Rat
Keywords: Ischemia
In vivo
Rat
Cortex
Tat-NR2B9c
Microelectrodes
Potentials

Spontaneous and evoked potentials (EPs) were recorded with cross-cortical microelectrode arrays following partial occlusion of the MCA and ACA in urethane-anaesthetised rats. The control group received no occlusion, while the treatment group was injected with anti-stroke peptide Tat-NR2B9c 5min before ischemia. Spontaneous EEG power significantly decreased in the stroke-only group when compared to controls (p<0.001). A greater loss of EEG power was observed on anterior electrodes closer to the occluded area versus posterior contacts in stroke-only rats (p<0.05). The Tat-NR2B9c+stroke group lost significantly less power when compared to stroke-only animals (p<0.05). EP amplitude in the stroke-only group was significantly reduced following ischemia when compared to control and Tat-NR2B9c+stroke animals (p<0.001). Epileptiform discharges were observed in 8/10 untreated stroke rats and 3/5 stroke rats treated with Tat-NR2B9c. The characteristic features of spontaneous and evoked potentials validate this rat focal stroke model for in vivo testing of pharmacological agents.
Behavioral and Electrographic Abnormalities due to Repeated Hypoglycemic Episodes in Mice
Keywords: Hypoglycemia
Physiology
Electroencephalography
Diabetes

Severe hypoglycemia poses the greatest challenge to glycemic control in diabetic patients, especially children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Although in vivo animal models exist for investigating the effects of hypoglycemia, few studies examine repeated hypoglycemia and none investigate within the context of a juvenile animal model. The main objective of this thesis was to examine electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral abnormalities manifesting as a result of repeated hypoglycemia in juvenile diabetic and non-diabetic mouse models. Using a novel implantation technique, the hippocampal and cortical EEG were recorded during repeated insulin-induced hypoglycemia. It was discovered that repeated hypoglycemia exacerbated behavioral convulsion severity and promoted epileptiform EEG activity within the hippocampus and cortex of both diabetic and non-diabetic animals. Furthermore, sustained hypoglycemia caused a significant decrease in hippocampal EEG activity in diabetic animals compared with non-diabetics. These results suggest recurrent hypoglycemia may promote and worsen seizures associated with hypoglycemia in diabetic children.
Understanding the Biochemical Basis of Drosophila Fat Function
Keywords: Fat, Cadherins, Drosophila, PCP

Drosophila Fat is a large atypical cadherin molecule. Genetic assays show that Fat has multiple function, however, the mechanism of Fat function is poorly understood. Hence, I undertook a biochemical approach to determine the mechanistic function of Fat. Previous data indicated that Fat might be processed; I further confirmed the precursor-product relationships between these proteins. I then looked at sub cellular localization of Fat. My preliminary data suggests that the smaller 110 kDa forms of Ft goes to the nucleus. To characterize the interaction between Fat and Atro, only known binding partner of Fat, I conducted pull-down assays that indicate Fat has multiple binding sites for Atro. However, the interaction is weak, and different experimental conditions will be needed to characterize the interaction. The only known downstream target of both Fat and Atro in PCP is four-jointed. I provided evidence that fjlacZ1.2kb is regulated by the Ecdysone receptor.
Surface Modification for Digital Microfluidic Devices
Keywords: Digital Microfluidics
Sol-Gel

Digital Microfluidics (DMF) is a new field of science and technology that introduces movement of nanoliter to microliter size droplets on patterned electrodes. Droplets can be moved, dispensed, merged, and split on devices. Sequential chemical reaction, and DNA extraction are examples of biological applications of DMF. In this thesis, sol-gel technology has been used as a coating method for thin film fabrication. Sol-gel is suitable for coating thin films with flexible shapes. BaTiO3 was used as a dielectric material for coating the insulator layer of the device. The material was spin coated on glass substrates. Devices were coated spinning at 500 rpm for 45 s, and annealed at 600 °C for 2hrs. The ceramic layer obtained, had a thickness of ~1 µm and average roughness of 60 nm. Nanoliter size droplets of water of ~400 nl were moved on the surface of the devices applying minimum voltage of 30 Volts.
Hybrid Magnetic Attitude Controller for Low Earth Orbit Satellites using the Time-varying Linear Quadratic Regulator
Keywords: Attitude Control
LQR

The following is a study of an attitude control system (ACS) for a low earth orbit nanosatellite. Control actuation is applied using three reaction wheels and three mutually orthogonal current-driven magnetorquers which produce torques by interacting with the earth’s magnetic field. Control torques are distributed amongst the actuators allowing them to work together in concert. This type of control is referred to as hybrid magnetic attitude control. To account for the nearly periodic behavior of the earth’s magnetic field, control torques are assigned using periodic and optimal control theory. The primary focus is to apply the time-varying Linear Quadratic Regulator controller to test the stability and energy consumption of the ACS when reaction wheels are removed from the control law, or are simulated to be missing. Other situations studied include the effects of control saturation, introducing uncertainty in the orbital inclination, and observing performance as the number of magnetic coils is increased.
Dopaminergic Control of Trigeminal Motor Outflow to Upper Airway Muscles in Anaesthetized Rats
Keywords: dopamine
trigeminal motor nucleus
tensor palatini
obstructive sleep apnea
upper airway patency

The role of dopamine in directly modulating somatic motoneuron excitability and hence muscle tone is unknown. We investigated whether dopamine influences the trigeminal motor pool (MoV) that innervates the masseter and tensor palatini muscles, both of which function to maintain upper airway patency. We hypothesized that dopamine facilitates motor outflow at the MoV. We focally applied apomorphine (nonspecific dopamine receptor agonist) at the MoV in anaesthetized rats. We also applied receptor-specific agonists and antagonists to determine the receptor subtype mediating dopaminergic mechanisms of action. We demonstrated that dopaminergic transmission at the MoV potently increased motor outflow via the D1-like receptor and facilitated masseter and tensor palatini muscle tone. It is unknown whether endogenous dopamine release on to airway motoneurons influences their activity to regulate muscle tone in natural sleep-wake behaviours. This issue warrants investigation because the neurochemical basis of upper airway motor dysfunction (e.g. obstructive sleep apnea) remains poorly characterized.
Inhibition of Beta2 Integrin-mediated Leukocyte Adhesion Attenuates the Inflammatory Response and is Neuroprotective Following Global Cerebral Ischemia
Keywords: Global Cerebral Ischemia
Integrins
Cytokines
Neuroprotection

Leukocyte adhesion to cerebral endothelial cells plays a critical role in the inflammatory response following transient global cerebral ischemia but its contribution to delayed neuronal cell death is not completely understood. We compared ischemic mice treated with a monoclonal antibody to β2-integrin adhesion receptors (anti-CD18) or a non-binding control antibody following ischemia. Inflammation was characterized by increased CD18 expression on leukocytes and inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood and brain tissue. Notably, interleukin-1β, which has been shown to mediate cell death in neurons, was elevated in the blood and brain. Anti-CD18 blocked leukocyte adhesion as well as the inflammatory responses, including interleukin-1β expression in neurons. Blocking leukocyte adhesion protected the structural integrity of the hippocampus, cerebral cortex and thalamus, and preserved spatial. Leukocytes adhesion to endothelial cells plays an important role in the evolution of neurological deficit in global cerebral ischemia despite the lack of transmigration of leukocytes across blood-brain-barrier.
Reconfiguration and Recovery of Formation Flying Spacecraft in Eccentric Orbits
Keywords: formation flying
state transition matrix
canx
geometric method

The problem of reference trajectory reconfiguration and long-term uncontrolled recovery of a formation of spacecraft is considered in an eccentric orbit under the influence of the J2 perturbation. Reference trajectories considered are the Projected Circular Orbit, Along-Track Orbit, and their eccentric modifications. Reconfiguration is accomplished using two, finite-pulse thrusts, modeled as impulses. The state transition matrix (STM) is calculated by four methods: (i) analytically from the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire equations, (ii) numerical integration using a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method, (iii) from the fundamental matrix of the linearized equations of motion, and (iv) computing the STM for the relative mean orbital elements, the geometric method. Only the geometric method takes into account J2, and it is shown to perform the transfers most accurately of all the methods. The methods are also applied to the reconfiguration maneuvers of the University of Toronto's CanX 4/5 formation flying mission.
"Collingwood" Strata in South-central Ontario - A Petrophysical Chemostratigraphic Approach to Comparison and Correlation Using Geophysical Borehole Logs
Keywords: Geology

A petrophysical chemostratigraphic comparison and correlation of “Collingwood” strata across central Ontario was conducted using geophysical borehole log data and core produced by the Ontario Oil Shale Assessment Project (OSAP). Outcrop sections were also measured, sampled and described. The resultant geophysical correlation was compared to sections in the Michigan Peninsula. Microfacies analyses and a biostratigraphic review were also conducted. The dark organic rich rocks collectively referred to as the “Collingwood Member, Lindsay Formation”, in Ontario were deposited during the progressive drowning of a mid to late Ordovician carbonate ramp. Due to variability in ramp palaeotopography, condensation intensity (sedimentation stress) varied across the region during drowning. This variability resulted in regional differences in Collingwood section thickness and facies. Less condensed carbonate rich “Collingwood” sections are associated with palaeotopographic highs such as the Algonquin Arch in Ontario and grade upwards and outwards (off-arch) from predominantly deep-shelf carbonates (microfacies type SMF 9, FZ 2 – open sea shelf –deep undatherm below wave base) to more condensed deeper water shale rich strata (microfacies type SMF 3, FZ1- basin fondotherm below oxygen level) – that contain abundant graptolites and Triarthrus trilobites.