VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
How does the organizational culture of two teachersâ unions working in one community influence their relationship with district school boards, union members and the public?
Keywords: Catholic Education
District School Board
Organizational Culture
Public Education
Secondary School Teachers
Teacher Union

Abstract Organizational culture: we often hear about an organizationâ s culture - either positive or negative, and sometimes identify an organizations success or failure to that culture. But what is organizational culture? How is it created and sustained? What factors contribute most significantly to its development? This research is a result of my interest in the variations in organizational culture that I experienced while working in Canadian secondary schools, where different teacher unions represented teaching staffs. As a result of these experiences I wondered, could each unionâ s organizational culture be the reason for the differences in approach that the unions assume when interacting with school boards, their membership and the public? As a result of this research, my original contribution to knowledge is the identification of five factors that contribute significantly to the creation and maintenance of strong organizational culture. These include: The ability of an organization to develop, articulate and implement a set of a few core non-negotiable values, which provide a framework for all of their work; an organizationâ s use of a shared language; a personal system of clear and concise communications that flows directly from the leadership team through to the membership; the presence of trusting relationships within the organization; strong organizational memory fostered by the sharing of stories. This study focused on two teacher unions who represented teachers in one community in Ontario. The research was conducted through a case study of each organization, which included 8 interviews and a review of documents, over a 4-month time frame. This work is important to union executives, educators, administrators, and policy makers who function in unionized environments. But, ultimately, the objective of educational research is to determine those processes and practices that help to create effective schools in order to support the educational needs of all students. It is my hope that this research can further the development of collaborative union and district school board organizational cultures so that together they place student achievement at the forefront of their agendas.
Parallel Radiofrequency Transmission for the Reduction of Heating in Deep Brain Stimulation Leads at 3T
Keywords: Deep Brain Stimulation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Parallel Radiofrequency Transmit

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is increasingly used to treat a variety of brain diseases by sending electrical impulses to deep brain nuclei through long, electrically conductive leads. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients pre- and post-implantation is desirable to target and position the implant, to evaluate possible side-effects and to examine DBS patients who have other health conditions. Although MRI is the preferred modality for pre-operative planning, MRI post-implantation is limited due to the risk of high local power deposition, and therefore tissue heating, at the tip of the lead. The localized power deposition arises from currents induced in the leads caused by coupling with the radiofrequency (RF) transmission field during imaging. In this thesis, parallel RF transmission (pTx) is used to tailor the RF electric field to suppress coupling effects. Three pTx coil configurations with 2-elements, 4-elements, and 8-elements, respectively, were investigated. Optimal input voltages to minimize coupling, while maintaining RF magnetic field homogeneity, were determined using a Nelder-Mead optimization algorithm. Resulting electric and magnetic fields were compared to that of a 16-rung birdcage coil. Experimental validation was performed with a custom-built 4-element pTx coil. Three cases were investigated to develop and evaluate this technique. First, a Proof-of-Concept study was performed to investigate the case of a simple, uniform cylindrical phantom with a straight, perfectly conducting wire. Second, a heterogeneous subject with bilateral, curved implanted wires was investigated. Finally, the third case investigated realistic patient lead-trajectories obtained from intra-operative CT scans. In all three cases, specific absorption rate (SAR), a metric used to quantify power deposition which results in heating, was reduced by over 90%. Maximal reduction in SAR was obtained with the 8-element pTx coil. Magnetic field homogeneity was comparable to the birdcage coil for the 4- and 8-element pTx configurations. Although further research is required before clinical implementation, these initial results suggest that the concept of optimizing pTx to reduce DBS heating effects holds considerable promise.
Living Leadership: Exploring the Leadership Values and Practices of Independent-School Principals in Ontario
Keywords: Canada
independent schools
leadership
practices
principal
values

The relationship between what leaders do and what they believe is a topic of increasing interest in educational administration. Despite the considerable work already done, gaps in knowledge about leadership practices and values still exist, especially with regard to independent schools. This study explored how seven independent-school principals in Ontario, Canada, understood and talked about their leadership practices and values. It also investigated alignments and tensions between the practices and values espoused by the principals and those of their schools. Data were derived from 60-90 minute interviews, consisting of both semi-structured and open-ended questions, conducted twice with each principal. Previous experiences were found to be influential on the principalsâ actions and beliefs. Variety and confusion were noted in their remarks about values, and connections were drawn between their knowledge of their schoolsâ values, their thoughts on value alignment, and their roles in shaping their schoolsâ value statements. Values figured prominently in their practice, and tensions between values and practices arose from some of the elements that define independent schools. Using a variety of rhetorical strategies, the principals revealed complexities and paradoxes inherent in their roles. This report adds to the limited knowledge base concerning independent-school leadership in Canada, builds on existing research into leadership practices and values, addresses the need to know more about the contexts in which leadership is practised, and contributes to the conversation about leadership preparation and succession planning. Implications for practice include a greater emphasis on reflective practice, stronger support networks, and values-based training for independent-school leaders. Recommendations for further research include exploring the motivations behind leadership values, the language of leadership in different settings, and the values and practices of other constituents in independent schools.
Application of the Hybrid Finite/Discrete Element Method to the Numerical Simulation of Masonry Structures
Keywords: Finite/Discrete Element Method
Masonry
Numerical modelling
Small scale modelling

Masonry is one of the most common construction techniques around the world. Unfortunately, it is also among the most sensitive to the risk of failure due to exceptional types of loading, such as, but not limited to, earthquakes. In order to properly design new structures and assess the strength of the existing building stock, it is important for the engineering community to have a reliable means of performing numerical simulations of masonry structures. Masonry is characterized by being a composite material, which translates into greatly inhomogeneous and anisotropic behaviour. Typical numerical tools do not account explicitly for these features of the material, and those that do often require a high level of information about the structure in order to properly calibrate some of their many parameters. This research introduces a new numerical tool, the Finite/Discrete Element Method (FDEM), as a possible solution to this problem. In this method the discontinuities between different materials are explicitly accounted for in the simulation. The structure and the materials are explicitly modelled with little to no need for numerical calibration. FDEM, implemented in the software Y-Brick, has been used to replicate the results of experiments on masonry structures of different level of complexity. Some of the experiments were performed at the University of Toronto as part of this research; other have been collected from the technical literature. The software has been shown to be able to reproduce the experimental results from both the quantitative and the qualitative points of view, suggesting that it could become a valid tool for the simulation of the behaviour of complex masonry and structures under the effects of various types of loadings.
A Microsimulation Platform of Firm Evolution Processes
Keywords: Firm growth
Firm microsimulation
Firmography
Firm start-up size
Firm survival
Freight outsourcing

Firmography is a fundamental component of urban systems that has not received much research attention. Firmographic events of entry, exit, growth, and relocation affect economic growth, labour dynamics, and result in a complex system of goods movements. This dissertation develops a firm modelling framework, called the firmographic engine. The goal of the framework is to evaluate the implications of policy on firm evolution over time by simulating and forecasting firm behaviour. The engine is composed of firm generation, market introduction, performance evaluation, and firm evolution modules. Firm generation simulates entrepreneurial decisions of firm entry. Market introduction involves the specification and completion of operational strategies. Performance evaluation assesses the outcomes of the operational strategies. Firm evolution simulates growth/shrinkage and exit decisions depending on performance evaluation results. Three firmographic events are studied in detail: firm start-up size, growth, and survival. Ordered logit models are estimated for firm start-up size in terms of the firmâ s number of employees and tangible assets. Autoregressive Distributed-Lag models (ARDL) are estimated to represent firm growth. Parametric and non-parametric analyses for firm survival are presented. The non-parametric analysis introduces survival and hazard rates characterized by industry class, province, firm age, and firm size. The parametric analysis includes a discrete-time hazard duration model of firm failure. The results show that firm start-up size, growth and survival are influenced by economic growth, industry dynamics, competition, and firm location and characteristics. Models of freight outsourcing decisions by Canadian manufacturers are also presented. Binary logit and multinomial logit models are estimated. The models show that freight outsourcing is driven by firm strategies, supplier locations, government incentives, innovation and technology, industry dynamics, economic conditions, and competition. Models of international versus local outsourcing are also explored. Statistics Canadaâ s T2-LEAP and Survey of Innovation and Business Strategy (SIBS) databases are utilized for this research. The longitudinal T2-LEAP dataset is used to estimate models of firm start-up size, firm growth, and firm failure of Canadian firms for the period of 2001 to 2012. The cross-sectional SIBS dataset, for the years of 2009 and 2012, is used to estimate models of freight outsourcing by Canadian manufacturers.
Constant Observation for Older Adults in Acute Care: A Mixed Methods Study
Keywords: Acute Care
Constant observation
Delirium
Dementia
Elderly
Safety

A convergent parallel mixed methods design study, guided by a conceptual framework focusing on factors influencing constant observation practices, was conducted to describe constant observational practices in two hospitals. Quantitative data, collected through questionnaires and chart review, focused on the characteristics of the nurse, observer, unit and patient as well as the nurses’ perceptions of constant observation use and the quality of communication and coordination of care with observers. Qualitative data, collected through non-participant observation of nurse-observer dyads and interviews with these dyads and managers, focused on describing constant observation practices including benefits of this intervention. Patients receiving constant observation had multiple risk factors, such as the presence of responsive behaviours and risk for falls. On both units, nurses had a positive perception of constant observation use, particularly to prevent falls and the removal of treatment equipment. Nurses also had a positive impression of the quality of communication and coordination of care with the observers; important for good constant observation outcomes to occur. Thematic analysis of the data collected through non-participant observation and interviews, led to the identification of three main themes related to constant observation practices: 1) the observer had a multi-faceted role that included providing direct care, ensuring patient safety and sharing information; 2) the nurse had a supervisory role that involved providing support to the observer, directing patient care and sharing information; 3) constant observation outcomes included the prevention and management of responsive behaviour, in addition to the prevention of adverse events, resulting in “a good shift”. Convergence of the different sources of data in this mixed methods study led to a better understanding of the diversity of constant observation practices in different settings, and how these practices are dependent on various contextual, patient and staff factors. This new knowledge will help clinicians and policy makers optimize constant observation practices in their organizations. Clinicians and policy makers are advised to include the delivery of recreational activities to patients as part of the observer role, as these activities may assist in the prevention and de-escalation of patients’ responsive behaviours, further improving the quality of constant observation provided.
Development and Application of Strategies for Health Impact Assessment of Projects and Policies
Keywords: Environmental Health
Health Assessment
Health Impact Assessment
HIA
Scoping
Screening

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a combination of procedures, methods and tools used to evaluate potential health outcomes associated with proposed projects, programs and policies. An HIA differs from other types of assessments in its consideration of both positive and negative health outcomes, and inclusion of social and economic determinants of health. Although HIA has evolved over the past two decades, it remains underutilized. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that HIA methodology is lacking in clarity, consistency and transparency. This doctoral thesis tackles this issue through development of novel HIA tools that address specific research gaps associated with different steps of the HIA process. The first step is screening, which determines whether or not an HIA should be conducted. A unique screening tool that considers the practicality of conducting an HIA by comparing the value of the process versus the required investment was developed and tested by HIA practitioners around the world. Scoping is the next step, which outlines the details and boundaries of the assessment. A scoping tool was developed to systematically identify and prioritize health determinants to be included in HIA. The assessment step is where the health outcomes scoped into the HIA are evaluated for potential positive and negative effects. A new assessment framework was created to provide a transparent method of evaluation in order to characterize impacts and reach a clear, well-justified conclusion. This framework was tested on an actual oil drilling project, allowing for identification of strengths and weaknesses of the tool. The framework was then revised to addresses issues, and was redeveloped so that it could be applied within the Environmental Assessment process. Each of these tools addresses a specific research need in the field of HIA, and promotes the inclusion of health in assessing impacts of projects and policies.
Application of Real-Time Hybrid Simulation Method in Experimental Identification of Gyromass Dampers
Keywords: Earthquake engineering
Gyromass damper
Inertial damper
Passive control device
Real-time hybrid simulation
Seismic performance

Structural control techniques have been extensively explored in the past decades, contributing to substantial safety improvements. Still, recent experience shows that the property damage resulting from even a moderate earthquake is significant. This dissertation studies the design and development of a new mechanical vibration absorber (i.e., gyromass damper or GMD) that uses gear assemblies to generate acceleration-proportional resisting forces. Similar to dynamic vibration absorbers such as tuned mass dampers, GMDs allow the introduction of control forces that are caused by inertial forces. However, unlike tuned mass dampers, they do not require a large additional physical mass. With the aim of incorporating GMDs in real structures, sample configurations are presented that are simple to build, and the effectiveness, robustness, and limitations of these devices for linear systems are investigated. This dissertation has two main foci regarding the application of GMDs for passive control of structures. The first is to improve the current state of the literature by characterizing and modelling the dynamic behaviour of GMDs. While the second is the application of real-time hybrid simulation method as a dynamic testing tool to experimentally examine the effects of GMDs on the performance of SDOF systems. The numerical simulations and experimental results show that GMDs consistently enhances the performance of SDOF systems and it is possible to improve the efficiency of the control system further by employing braces or energy dissipation devices in parallel with the GMD.
Malnutrition, Dysphagia and Tongue Strength in Long Term Care
Keywords: Deglutition
Elderly
Long term care
Nursing home
Nutrition
Swallowing

This dissertation investigated the relationships between malnutrition, dysphagia, tongue strength and mealtime outcomes in elderly residents of long term care (LTC) in three phases: a systematic literature review, prospective collection of data in LTC, and a tongue strengthening intervention. The primary goals were to determine: the prevalence of malnutrition and dysphagia; whether signs of dysphagia and reductions of tongue strength impacted meal consumption, and thereby contributed to malnutrition; and the feasibility of conducting a tongue strengthening intervention to improve mealtime outcomes. The systematic review (Chapter 2) revealed imprecise prevalence estimates for malnutrition and dysphagia due to varying definitions and measures across studies. Pilot data were collected (Chapter 3) to demonstrate the feasibility of collecting tongue strength, dysphagia and mealtime outcome data in this setting. Based on the success of the pilot study, a larger study was conducted with a sample comprising residents from 32 LTC homes (Chapter 4). Through this study, we found evidence of relationships between reduced swallowing pressures and dysphagia, as well as dysphagia and malnutrition. Finally, a tongue strengthening intervention was trialed in LTC, with the goal of improving mealtime outcomes (Chapter 5). The findings of this dissertation make several unique contributions to the dysphagia literature. This dissertation has established that dysphagia and malnutrition co-exist in LTC, and that the odds of malnutrition are increased in the presence of signs of dysphagia. Further, it has demonstrated that reduced swallowing pressures and longer mealtimes are closely linked to signs of dysphagia, and that suspected dysphagia increases almost four-fold in the context of reduced swallowing pressures. This research has shown that tongue strength can be improved in people living in long term care and, these data have contributed the first set of reference values for tongue strength of residents of LTC. Limitations are acknowledged and future work is suggested.
Pertussis Persistence in Ontario
Keywords: DTaP
immunization
modeling
pertussis
vaccination

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a vaccine preventable disease. However, despite having a robust childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization program in Ontario, we continue to see hundreds of reported pertussis cases each year. The goal of this dissertation is to explore the gaps in current immunization programs. By developing a well calibrated transmission model to predict the spread of pertussis in the community, I estimated the underlying burden of pertussis in adolescents and adults and estimated the degree to which pertussis is under-identified in different age groups. I estimated that there are a considerable number of under-identified patients who contribute to the force of infection of pertussis and silently transmit the disease to others. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis, I estimated that the pertussis vaccine, DTaP, is associated with a much shorter duration of immunity than previously thought. This level of waning immunity allows for pertussis to spread amongst previously vaccinated individuals contributing to the persistence of the disease. Finally, using a microsimulation model, I estimated the age- specific costs and health burden associated with pertussis in Ontario. Using these values, I estimated the substantial health and economic impact that pertussis has in both Ontario and Canada. Individually, these findings provide critical insight into the persistence of pertussis in Ontario, but together the results of this dissertation can be integrated into cost-effectiveness analyses to evaluate new immunization schedules and strategies to contain the spread of pertussis.