VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Extraordinary Military Powers and Right to Self Determination in Kashmir
Keywords: law
military
human rights
kashmir
armed forces
India

This thesis examines the implications of the operation of the Armed Forces (Jammu &amp; Kashmir) Special Powers Act 1990 (&ldquo;Act&rdquo;) on Kashmir from human rights perspective. It draws a comparison between the Act and the existing penal legislations in India. It proposes that the Act should be repealed and actions of the armed forces should be governed by the already existing penal legislations. It suggests amendment of similar state and central legislations conferring immunity to the armed forces. The precondition of approval of the Central Government for instituting a legal proceeding should be removed. It proposes constitution of special grievance cells at district levels to adjudicate cases against the armed forces before being referred to the higher courts. The thesis urges the Indian Government to approach the issue of Kashmir following principles of Ahimsa (&ldquo;non&ndash;violence&rdquo;) and Satyagraha (&ldquo;insistence on truth&rdquo;) adopted by Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian independence struggle.
Redundancy-aware Electromigration Checking for Mesh Power Grids
Keywords: Electromigration Checking
Power Grids
Verification
Redundancy

Electromigration is re-emerging as a significant problem in modern integrated circuits (IC). Especially in power-grids, due to shrinking wire widths and increasing current densities, there is little or no margin left between the predicted EM stress and that allowed by the EM design rules. Statistical Electromigration Budgeting estimates the reliability of the grid by considering it as a series system. However, a power grid with its many parallel paths has much inherent redundancy. In this work, we propose a new model to estimate the MTF and reliability of the power grid under the influence of EM, which accounts for these redundancies. To implement the mesh model, we also develop a framework to estimate the change in statistics of an interconnect as its effective-EM current varies. The results indicate that the series model gives a pessimistic estimate of power grid MTF by a factor of 3-4.
An Analysis of Rapid Response Team Calling Algorithms for Clinical Deficit Evaluation
Keywords: clinical engineering
health science
medicine and surgery
system science

This research examines the activation of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) through the Early Warning Score (EWS) model as a system of predicting adverse event outcomes. Modeling the input parameters of this system concluded that although conventional parameters associated with EWSs were predictive,the most predictive clinical and laboratory parameters are those of hematological and nephritic function, related to the model of multi-organ system decompensation. Upon examining different EWSs, the Modified Early Warning Score exhibited superior operating characteristics, however, it was not statistically different than other common EWSs from literature. Accounting for temporal features of the dataset shows that the International Normalized Ratio is the most predictive parameter, however, the hazard model exhibits poor discriminative ability. Therefore, clinically, parameters outside the EWS models are predictive of the outcomes in question, and their incorporation into future policy would serve to better inform the prevention of adverse events.
Role of Extracellular-signal Regulated Kinase (ERK) and cAMP Response Element Binding Protein (CREB) in the Incubation of Nicotine Craving
Keywords: nicotine addiction
Extracellular-signal Regulated Kinase (ERK)
cAMP Response Element Binding Protein (CREB)
Fos
incubation of nicotine craving

Nicotine Addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder. Relapse risk persists despite years of abstinence. Drug-associated cues have been demonstrated to induce craving and provoke relapse. Surprisingly, in human smokers, craving for nicotine increases or “incubates” with longer abstinence durations, a phenomenon that may explain persistent relapse liability. This incubation phenomenon also presents in animals trained to intravenously self-administer nicotine though the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Two proteins, ERK (Extra-cellular signal Regulated Kinase) and CREB (cAMP Response Element Binding protein) play important roles in learning, memory, and numerous aspects of drug addiction. We therefore examined whether changes in these proteins are associated with incubation of craving for nicotine in rats. We found increased nicotine-seeking behaviour after 14 days of abstinence (compared to 1 day) along with elevated ERK and CREB activity in the Accumbens brain region suggesting that these proteins may be involved in the incubation phenomenon.
Mitigating Risks Associated with Secondary Intravenous Infusions: An Empirical Evaluation of a Technology-based, Training-based, and Practice-based Intervention
Keywords: Human Factors
High-fidelity Simulation
Intravenous Medication Safety
Secondary infusions
Piggyback Infusions
Medication Administration
Multiple Intravenous Infusions
infusion Pumps
Risk Mitigating Strategies

Secondary infusions is a common method to deliver short infusions of intravenous (IV) drugs and fluids. Errors associated with this infusion method have led to patient safety concerns. This study's objective was to empirically evaluate interventions to mitigate secondary infusion risks. Three interventions, including a technology-based intervention (clamp detector on a smart pump), a training-based intervention (educational module), and a practice-based intervention (use of a separate pump for short infusions), were tested in a simulated inpatient unit. The technology-based intervention significantly decreased secondary clamp errors whereas the training-based intervention reduced complex pressure differential errors. The practice-based intervention was the only intervention that significantly decreased both secondary clamp errors and pressure differential errors, but introduced new risks due to mismanagement of residual volume in IV tubing. Study results highlight the need for a combination of mitigation strategies and can help guide the selection of interventions to reduce secondary infusion errors.
Validation of Candidate Biomarkers for the Development of a Multi-Parametric Panel for Early Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
Keywords: pancreatic cancer
early diagnosis
pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
biomarker
validation

High-throughput mass spectrometry has discovered a plethora of candidates in the biomarker field, however, subsequent verification and validation studies are urgently needed to assess the potential of novel biomarkers in the detection of pancreatic cancer. We have conducted extensive verification and validation studies on two of our most promising biomarkers CUZD1 and LAMC2 with a total of 715 blood samples. In our study, both markers demonstrated consistent diagnostic ability of early- and CA19.9 negative-PDAC cases. When used in combination with CA19.9, CUZD1 and LAMC2 were shown to significantly improve the performance of CA19.9 alone in the diagnosis of PDAC patients. We speculate that CUZD1 and LAMC2 may be good candidates to be used in a panel for monitoring PDAC patients who do not express CA19.9 levels as well as for an aid in screening high risk populations. Further validation of these two proteins is warranted.
Janus: A Post-processor for VecTor Analysis Software
Keywords: Finite Element Method
VecTor
Reinforced Concrete
Civil Engineering
Post-Processor
Structural Analysis

VecTor is a suite of computer programs developed for the nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete structures. Due to the substantial nature of output data produced by the programs, accessing pertinent analysis information is not easily accomplished. A graphics-based post-processor would greatly improve the overall utility of the VecTor programs by allowing the multitude of information to be visually displayed and manipulated for the purposes of data synthesis and rapid verification of results. The intent of this manual is to demonstrate a post-processor program which reads and displays the results of VecTor-based analyses in a robust and straightforward manner. The proposed post-processor program, named Janus, will provide the user with the capability to display both local and global response characteristics. Janus will allow the user to comprehensively recall and manipulate structural analysis results on a model-wide basis as well as display pertinent information for individually specified elements of interest.
The Multi-Ligament Quality of Life Questionnaire (ML-QOL): Development and Preliminary Testing of Measurement Properties in Patients with Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries
Keywords: Multi-ligament Knee Injury
Quality of Life
Disease-specific
outcome instrument

Despite the existence of numerous knee-joint specific patient-reported outcome measures, the content contained within such instruments does not completely capture the spectrum of injury and impairments experienced by multi-ligament knee injured patients. Based on this shortcoming, the overall objective of the current study was to develop, and to test the reliability and validity of a novel disease-specific quality of life instrument for patients with multi-ligament knee injuries. The World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health was used to guide content development. Using a mixed methods approach (surveys, patient focus groups, expert interviews), the final Multi-ligament Quality of Life (MLQOL) instrument was comprised of 52 items distributed over 4 domains. This instrument demonstrated excellent content validity, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. Future work will evaluate the responsiveness of the MLQOL and will implement its use in randomized trials.
Thermo-acoustic Velocity Coupling in a Swirl-stabilized Gas Turbine Model Combustor
Keywords: Thermo-acoustic coupling
Combustion

The research presented herein describes the coupling of acoustic and heat release fluctuations in a perfectly-premixed swirl-stabilized combustor by analysis of simultaneous high-repetition-rate laser diagnostics data. Nine cases are studied, varying the thermal power and the equivalence ratio. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of the velocity data shows that cases with higher amplitude thermoacoustic oscillations have flow fields containing helical vortex cores (HVC); these cases are further analysed to determine the driving mechanisms of the oscillations. Flow and flame statistics are compiled as a function of both the phase in the thermoacoustic cycle and a phase representing the azimuthal position of the HVC relative to the measurement plane. These data are used to spatially map the thermoacoustic energy transfer field, as described by the Rayleigh integral. It is found that periodic deformations of the HVC cause large-scale flame motions, resulting in regions of positive and negative energy transfer.
Conceiving a Feminist Legal Approach to Frozen Embryos: Exploring the Limitations of Canadian Responses to Disposition Disputes and Donor Anonymity
Keywords: In Vitro Fertilization
Embryo Donation
Family Law
Health Law
Feminist Theory
Donor Anonymity
Assisted Reproductive Technologies

This thesis advances a feminist critique of Canadian legal responses to disputes over frozen in vitro embryos and embryo donor anonymity. It argues that current laws that provide spouses or partners with joint control over the use and disposition of embryos created from their genetic materials, that mandate the creation of agreements setting out these parties intentions in the event of a disagreement or divorce and that protect donor anonymity without providing mechanisms to allow donors, recipients and donor offspring to voluntarily exchange information do not adequately account for the lived experiences of women who undergo in vitro fertilization treatment or who serve as embryo donors. This thesis provides recommendations for how Canadian laws and policies might better support the express objectives and intentions of Canadian federal and provincial statutes to protect the rights, interests and health of women who seek to build their families through assisted reproductive technologies.
Behaviour and Analysis of Steel and Macro-synthetic Fibre Reinforced Concrete Subjected to Reversed Cyclic Loading: A Pilot Investigation
Keywords: fibre reinforced concrete
macro-synthetic
polypropylene
steel
behaviour
tension
shear
analysis
reversed cyclic
loading history
constitutive
modelling

The benefits of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) have been thoroughly investigated. Much of this work has focussed on steel FRC subjected to monotonic loads. Data on the structural behaviour of macro-synthetic FRC or FRC under cyclic loads is scarce. A pilot investigation on the shear behaviour of macro-synthetic FRC and on the behaviour of FRC under reversed cyclic in-plane shear loading was carried out. Five in-plane shear panel tests were performed. The parameters under study were the fibre material type (steel or macrosynthetic) and loading protocol. Additionally, a number of compression, direct tension, and flexural tests were performed to determine the material properties of the concretes for comparison. The material response of 2.0% by volume of macro-synthetic FRC matched closely with 1.0% steel FRC. Finally, building upon an existing steel FRC model, a model for macro-synthetic FRC in tension was proposed and a short verification study was undertaken.
Chemical Modeling of Iron(II)/(III) Solutions in Hydrometallurgy Using OLI
Keywords: Chemical Modeling
Hydrometallurgy
Iron
OLI
Thermodynamics

Iron is the most common impurity in hydrometallurgy which is usually removed by precipitation of insoluble iron compounds, such as hematite and jarosite. The knowledge of iron solubility in multicomponent solutions is important for design and optimization of the iron removal steps. The OLI Software package is a chemical modeling tool that incorporates the powerful mixed-solvent electrolyte (MSE) model capable of performing simulations of multicomponent electrolyte solutions from the freezing point up to the limit of fused salt and near the critical temperature of the solution. Literature or experimental solubility data was fitted on the OLI MSE model to improve the performance in simulating multicomponent Fe(II)/Fe(III) solutions. The particular focus of this work aimed at developing simulation capability for the FeCl3-MgCl2-HCl-H2O system through experimental solubility measurement and modeling, relevant to atmospheric processing of saprolites by HCl using MgCl2 brines.
Comparison of Radiofrequency Coil Configurations for Multiple Mouse Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Keywords: Radiofrequency Coil
Mouse MRI

Multiple-mouse MRI (MMMRI) accelerates biomedical research by imaging multiple mice simultaneously. To date, MMMRI has been explored in three ways: shielded transmit-receive coils, shielded transmits coil with separate unshielded receive coils; and finally shielded transmit-receive coils with independent gradient coils. However alternative transmit coil configurations and possible benefits of eliminating shielding have not yet been explored. The goal of this thesis is to test possible radiofrequency configurations with and without shielding for the purpose of improving image quality for MMMRI. Results demonstrate that using an unshielded transmit-receive coil array provided a 20% improvement over an identical shielded coil. A new unshielded 7-coil MMMRI array is presented, minimizing the ghosting between image overlap using mutual inductance minimization and a sensitivity encoding (SENSE) reconstruction. The final array provided high resolution images (90µm) of up to seven live mice simultaneously with appropriate signal-to-noise for automated analysis.
The Effects of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 on Human Megakaryocytes and Platelets
Keywords: GLP-1
platelet function
type 2 diabetes
cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes. Short-term studies of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-targeted therapies suggest potential beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes. The mechanism behind this unexpectedly rapid effect is not known. In this study, full-length human GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) mRNA was cloned and sequenced from a human megakaryocyte cell line. Quantitative RT-PCR results showed that expression levels were comparable to other GLP-1R expressing tissues. Furthermore, incubation with GLP-1 and the GLP-1R agonist exenatide elicited a cAMP response in these cells. As megakaryocytes are the cellular precursors of platelets, the effect of GLP-1 and exenatide were studied in gel-filtered human platelet aggregation, where they were both shown to have an inhibitory effect on thrombin-stimulated platelet aggregation. Platelet inhibition by GLP-1 and GLP-1R agonists presents a potential mechanism for the reduced incidence of atherothrombotic events thought to be associated with GLP-1-targeted therapies.
Nanoporous Carbons: Porous Characterization and Electrical Performance in Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors
Keywords: Supercapacitor
EDLC
Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitor
Microporous Materials
Subnanoporous Materials
Aqueous Electrolyte
Surface Adsorption
Specific Surface Area
Specific Pore Volume
Nanoporous Materials
Average Pore Size

Nanoporous carbons have become a material of interest in many applications such as electrochemical double layer capacitors (supercapacitors). Supercapacitors are being studied for their potential in storing electrical energy storage from intermittent sources and in use as power sources that can be charged rapidly. However, a lack of understanding of the charge storage mechanism within a supercapacitor makes it difficult to optimize them. Two components of this challenge are the difficulties in experimentally characterizing the sub-nanoporous structure of carbon electrode materials and the electrical performance of the supercapacitors. This work provides a means to accurately characterize the porous structure of sub-nanoporus carbon materials and identifies the current limitations in characterizing the electrical performance of a supercapacitor cell. Future work may focus on the relationship between the sub-nano porous structure of the carbon electrode and the capacitance of supercapacitors, and on the elucidation of charge storage mechanisms.
Regulation of Midwifery in Puerto Rico
Keywords: midwifery
regulation

Scholars and midwives agree that women’s autonomy over decisions related to birth is not being respected in a country where there is mainly one birth setting and one type of provider, in particular, when this setting and provider are often link to the use of unnecessary and excessive medical interventions. This is the case of Puerto Rico. I argue that midwifery could be an answer to this problem. Midwifery in Puerto Rico is not yet regulated, but I claim that in order to promote Puerto Rican women’s autonomy, midwifery regulation has to be well thought. This thesis includes an analysis of a bill proposed in Puerto Rico that pretended to regulate midwifery. Submissions presented to the legislature are also analyzed and criticized in this thesis. Some recommendations are provided on how Puerto Rico can enact a sensible scheme of midwifery regulation that would enhance midwives autonomy and therefore women’s autonomy.
A Preclinical Assessment of Lithium to Enhance Fracture Healing
Keywords: Fracture Healing
Lithium
Wnt Pathway
Design of Experiments
Biomechanics
Torsion Testing
Microcomputed Topography
Stereology
Preclinical
Femur

Delayed or impaired bone healing occurs in 5-10% of all fractures, yet cost effective solutions to enhance the healing process are limited. Lithium, a current treatment for bipolar disorder, is not clinically indicated for use in fracture management, but has been reported to positively influence bone biology. The objective of this study was to identify lithium administration parameters that maximize bone healing in a preclinical, rodent femur fracture model. Using a three factor, two level, design of experiments (DOE) approach, bone healing was assessed through mechanical testing and &mu;CT-image analysis. Significant improvements in healing were found at a low dose, later onset, longer duration treatment combination, with onset identified as the most influential parameter. The positive results from this DOE screening focuses the optimization phase towards further investigation of the onset component of treatment, and forms a crucial foundation for future studies evaluating the role of lithium in fracture healing.
The Regulation of RhoGEF LFC by Dyenin Light Chain Tctex-1
Keywords: Lfc
Tctex-1
GEF
Dynein
Structure

Lfc is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that activates the small GTPase RhoA, and its GEF activity is tightly regulated through protein-protein interactions, phosphorylation, and cellular localization. Lfc is anchored to microtubules through its interaction with the dynein light chain Tctex-1, which results in inhibition of Lfc's GEF activity. Here we present a crystallographic structure of Tctex-1 in complex with Lfc with residues 143-155 of Lfc bound at the Tctex-1 dimer interface. Structural alignment of our structure with Tctex-1 in complex with the dynein intermediate chain (DIC) shows the binding site of the DIC peptide and Lfc substantially overlap. Biochemical evidence, NMR perturbations assays and intrinsic fluorescence provide structural validation and support an extension of the Lfc binding site to the α-helices that may accommodate additional contact points with Tctex-1. We postulate a potential mechanism for Lfc’s recruitment to the microtubules through a tripartite complex with Tctex-1 and DIC.
Public-private Partnerships and Prison Expansion in Ontario: Shifts in Governance 1995 to 2012
Keywords: public-private partnerships
prisons
neoliberalism
Ontario
infrastructure

This research explores the changing role of the private sector in provincial prison infrastructure expansion in Ontario. After contracting out the operations of a new prison and facing much resistance, the provincial government began delivering prisons by maintaining public operations but financing them privately through public-private partnerships. To understand the political and economic impacts of these changes, I analyzed relevant government documents and interviews I conducted with 15 key informants from government agencies, firms and other organizations involved in creating, implementing and resisting prison expansion policies between 1995 and today. I show how changes in infrastructure governance were shaped by contestation between the state, international financial investors, private firms in Canada, labour and others involved in prison systems. Through public-private partnerships, the role of government shifted towards that of market facilitator, and as infrastructure was placed on global debt markets, international financial capital played a new part in prison development.