VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Where health meets illness: health-promoting behaviours for women with fibromyalgia

In-depth, semi-structured interviews with six women with Fibromyalgia (FM) explored their health and health-promoting behaviours in the context of their illness experience. The purposes of this qualitative study were: (1) to further understand the subjective experience of women with FM with respect to their participation in health-promoting behaviours; and (2) to examine how health is conceptualized, perceived, and made meaningful by women with FM. Grounded theory analysis allowed themes and categories to emerge from the data and to identify the core process of the women's illness experience. Analysis of the data continued simultaneously to model development, which further emphasized the relationship between emergent concepts, illustrating how the women's experience with FM was defined by "Trying to Regain One's Normal Life." Implications of the research findings were addressed with respect to perspectives of health and illness as well as consideration for future program and research initiatives.
Antiangiogenic and antineoplastic effects of verotoxin 1: in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of ECV304 cells

Binding of VT1 via Gb3 to endothelial/tumour cell subsets suggests both antiangiogenic/antineoplastic potential. This potential was investigated using ECV304 cells, which are bladder carcinoma derived (not endothelial, as originally thought), but display some endothelial characteristics, including tubule formation (differentiation). VT1 binding/internalization were maintained after differentiation. Intratumoural VT1 reduced xenograft growth/enhanced host survival. Xenografts were poorly vascularized, with anti-vWF staining mainly atypical structures. VT1 bound throughout xenograft sections, without coincidence with anti-vWF. Human bladder carcinoma samples were, in contrast, highly vascular, with VT1 binding only to vasculature, and 100% co-labelling by anti-vWF. We conclude that ECV304 xenografts are not an appropriate in vivo model of tumour angiogenesis/bladder carcinoma. Nevertheless, in vivo antineoplastic potential of VT1 was further demonstrated, and Gb3 expression shown in cells undergoing in vitro ‘vascular’ differentiation, and in neovasculature of human bladder carcinomas. VT1 may also have utility as a marker of neoangiogenesis.
Capturing the chimera: designing trade law and policy for economic development in the Caribbean

This thesis aims to explore the interface between trade and development for the small island and islanded states in the Caribbean Basin that make up the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It is argued that the optimal trade policy for these states must promote development. The content of such a policy is explored and discovered to consist of two criteria; economic efficiency and social efficiency criterion. With this in mind, the legal regime established by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas 2001 is then examined. The substantive provisions of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy is analysed and while minor deficiencies exist, it is argued that they are indeed supportive of development. Their efficacy however depends on the provision made for their enforcement, and with that in mind the final portion of this thesis examines the remit of the Caribbean Court of justice to determine its role in this development enterprise.

Keywords: Economic policy
Commercial law, Caribbean Area
Novel micro electrostatic actuators with applications

Conventional out-of-plane micro electrostatic actuators use attractive force and suffer from the "pull-in" effect, which leads to small stroke and low reliability. A rotation micromirror based on the two-layer repulsive force actuator was developed and fabricated. The rotation micromirror has a mirror size of 312 mum x 312 mum and achieves a mechanical rotation of 2.2°. A conventional design of the same size can only rotate 0.2° because of the "pull-in" effect. Two RF MEMS tunable capacitors driven by the two-layer repulsive force actuator were designed, i.e., a stand-alone tunable capacitor and an above-IC tunable capacitor. Model predictions indicate that the stand-alone tunable capacitor can achieve a tuning ratio from 5:1 to 30:1 with a stiffness varying from 5 N/m to 80 N/m, and that the above-IC tunable capacitor can achieve a tuning ratio of 5.8:1 with a stiffness of 2 N/m and a tuning ratio of 4.8:1 with a stiffness of 5 N/m. Conventional MEMS tunable capacitors can only achieve a tuning ratio of 1.5:1 due to the "pull-in" effect. In this thesis, two novel micro electrostatic actuators are developed: a three-layer repulsive force actuator and a two-layer repulsive force actuator. Both actuators are able to overcome the "pull-in" effect associated with conventional electrostatic actuators by generating a repulsive force instead of an attractive force to achieve large stroke and high reliability. Both novel actuators are compatible with surface micromachining technology. A translation micromirror driven by the three-layer repulsive force actuator was designed for application in adaptive optics. The predicted stroke for a mirror size of 400 mum x 400 mupm is 6 mum. A translation micromirror driven by the two-layer repulsive force actuator was also designed and fabricated. The translation micromirror has a mirror size of 250 mum x 250 mum and provides a translation of 1.8 mum, which is three times that of conventional designs. Theoretical models of the novel actuators are developed to be used as design and optimization tools. Prototypes are developed to experimentally verify and assess the performance of the novel actuators.
An analysis of marketing strategies for the recruitmen of students into baccalaureate nursing programs in Ontario

This thesis is a study about marketing strategies for the recruitment of students into baccalaureate nursing programs, within the context of the transition to the degree entry requirement for nursing practice and the new collaborative nursing degree programs in Ontario. Recruitment practices were examined in three Ontario universities that offer baccalaureate nursing education. Study findings pertain to the sequence of recruitment events, nature of participation from the baccalaureate nursing programs, processes for coordination between institutional and program divisions, enrollment objectives of the nursing programs, and some initial perspectives with respect to the impact of collaboration on student recruitment. This research has particular relevance for the nursing profession at the current time. The Canadian Nurses Association expressed concern regarding the future supply of nurses in A Statistical Picture of the Past, Present and Future of Registered Nurses in Canada (1997). Contributing factors to a projected severe shortage are the large number of predicted retirements, the increased health care demand due to an aging population, and the decreased applicant pools in the 1990s. The document Health Human Resources: A Preliminary Analysis of Nursing Personnel in Ontario (1998), prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Health Nursing Task Force, expressed the same concerns after in-depth analysis of the Ontario population, health services utilization, and health human resources. This study contributes to the recruitment literature by discussing issues pertaining to institutional strategy that have received limited scholarly attention and that are also relevant to other academic programs. The findings reveal that institutional promotion and recruitment have an important role in the achievement of qualified applicant pools and influencing applicants' decisions relating to university choice. Recruitment is organized and implemented primarily by the central liaison office, but that office also seeks participation from the academic units to most effectively promote the programs. Likewise, the School of Nursing cooperates with the institutional office by involving its faculty members and students in the recruitment function; however, there appears to be limited promotion that is initiated internally by the School of Nursing. This situation might change, however, if the collaborative degree nursing programs require more joint efforts between the universities and their college partners to attract sufficient numbers of qualified applicants to all program sites.

Keywords: Nursing, Study and teaching
Nursing, Ontario
Nursing services, Marketing
Nursing services, Ontario
Nursing, Marketing
Nursing, Ontario
Nursing, Supply and demand
Nursing, Ontario
Professional socialization
Informed consent and genetic databases: An exploration of the authorization model

In order to identify genes associated with common complex disorders, genetic databases are emerging worldwide and highlight the convergence of the fields of molecular genetics and public health. The nature of the methodology and technology required for this purpose necessitates careful examination of the process of informed consent. This study considered the authorization model as one approach to informed consent in the context of genetic database research. Using a conceptual framework grounded in moral theory, I argue that in order to suit this context, an evolution in the process of informed consent is warranted. A non-experimental, cross-sectional survey design was used to learn about the factors that influence potential research participants' willingness to authorize the use of various types of personal health information (PHI) under a range of conditions. Individuals who had pursued genetic testing for one of four late onset hereditary disorders were invited to participate in a 40 minute interview. Included in the interview guide was a previously piloted tool called the Health Care Information Directive (HCID). Quantitative data were analyzed using logistic regression and text data were analyzed using a content analysis. 199 individuals participated in this study. Key findings include: (1) genotype status, self-reported privacy level, and anonymization level are significant predictors of willingness to authorize use of PHI, (2) type of PHI (genetic, non-genetic, family history information, information gleaned from a blood sample) is not a significant predictor of willingness to share PHI, casting doubt upon the genetic exceptionalism debate, (3) willingness to share health information is not significantly influenced by the nature of a specific research or administrative purpose for which it is requested, (4) the HCID tool can be simplified based upon these findings and still cohere with the principles of the authorization model, and (5) the concepts of trust, safeguards, altruism, and reciprocity are fundamental to understanding the factors that influence authorization and can be used to guide further exploration of the authorization model and the evolution of the informed consent process for the context of genetic database research.
Benchmarking declarative approximate selection predicates

Declarative data quality has been an active research topic. The fundamental principle behind a declarative approach to data quality is the use of declarative statements to realize data quality primitives on top of any relational data source. A primary advantage of such an approach is the ease of use and integration with existing applications. Over the last couple of years several similarity predicates have been proposed for common quality primitives (approximate selections, joins, etc.) and have been fully expressed using declarative SQL staterrrents. In this thesis, new similarity predicates are proposed along with their declarative realization, based on notions of probabilistic information retrieval. Then, full declarative specifications of previously proposed similarity predicates in the literature are presented, grouped into classes according to their primary characteristics. Finally, a thorough performance and accuracy study comparing a large number of similarity predicates for data cleaning operations is performed.
The nature of psychiatric mental health nursing practices within Arab culture

This study was driven by a curiosity related to the utility of using western texts in teaching in Jordan. In these texts, the value of a practice grounded in the NPR is highlighted. Numerous psychiatric models of NPR have been established to guide nursing practices with patients. These models are greatly influenced by Western beliefs about human development, and reflect Western cultural values. In Jordan, where non-Western, Arab cultural values and beliefs prevail, one might question the application of Western models in teaching nursing practice in clinical situations. No study has been done to explore or challenge the use of these models in Jordan. As a first step, this study was conducted to determine, in behavioral terms, psychiatric nursing practices with Jordanian patients. It was designed to explore the nature of nursing practices and concerns, and their contribution to the development of psychiatric NPR within Arab culture in Jordan. Field research was conducted over a period of eighteen months during which the researcher observed, listened to, and talked with fourteen nurses in two psychiatric hospitals in Jordan. Data collection and analysis focused on emic (insiders) meanings and interpretations. The method of thematic analysis was used. Categories and themes emerged that described the practices of nurses in psychiatric settings in Jordan. Study findings revealed that Jordanian nurses emphasized the importance of the NPR but how this is achieved can be seen in the categories that have their roots in Jordanian worldview and cultural traditions. It involved the practices of monitoring patient's physical care, genuine relating, and teaching patients with an emphasis on giving advice and telling the patient and the family what to do. However not all practices were different from western practices. Nursing shared many common practices such as promoting patient's strength and keeping the patient safe from self and others. This research also focussed on several issues and constraints that characterize the conduct of research within Arab culture in Jordan. It was clear that understanding Western and Arab cultural differences is of paramount importance in conducting research in Arab culture. This study demonstrated the need to include and emphasize culture-specific care practices in nursing education. The nurses in this study showed some of their culture-specific care practices. It is increasingly important for nurses to not only know and understand culture, but also to know culture-specific care values and practices.
Transformative learning in undergraduate education

This qualitative study examines student engagement in transformative learning in an undergraduate university setting. Although transformative learning using Mezirow's model (1975, 2000) has been described in adults, it has received little attention in relation to traditional age undergraduate students. This is surprising in light of developmental potential at this age and purposes attributed to undergraduate education. In keeping with concerns around Mezirow's adult transformation theory, Freire's philosophy of liberatory education, and other gaps in the literature, this exploratory study examines three main questions: (1) What are traditional age students' experiences of transformative learning in an undergraduate liberal arts university setting? (2) What factors contribute to transformative learning for traditional age undergraduate university students? and (3) What role do discrete student-centred courses have in the process of transformative learning? The empirical basis is the beginning of engagement in transformative learning for a volunteer sample of twelve traditional age students in three, 13-week undergraduate courses across disciplines at a small liberal arts university in Canada. For students in the study, engaging in the process of transformative learning involved seeing personal relevance in course issues; sensing tensions among perspectives; and digging deeper to explore underlying assumptions, agendas, and contexts. Rather than being an individual process as implied by Mezirow's model, student descriptions highlight a social process built on sharing experiences and working to understand the assumptions underlying the experiences. Students described changes in assumptions, as a result of their experiences, that involved cognitive-affective reflection and cognitive-behavioural action. Factors facilitating transformative learning included considering multiple perspectives (challenging traditionally assumed authority of the professor, discipline, and academic knowledge), shaping course experiences (challenging more traditional organization of courses), and developing relationships (focussing on interpersonal support). Through tapping into the power of experience, these student-centred courses moved beyond dichotomies critiqued in the literature to integrate emotion and cognition in learning, link individual and social learning and change, and offer students a different experience of power. The concept of power in transformative learning is developed further and implications for practice and theory around the role of universities in transformative learning and future research are discussed.

Keywords: Attitude change
Learning, Psychology of
College students, Attitudes
College students, Canada
Retreatment efficacy of the Epiphany soft resin obturation system

Sixty roots had canals prepared to apical size 45, embedded in resin blocks and sectioned vertically. Digital micrographs of canal walls were captured. Roots were re-assembled and filled with Epiphany/Resilon (experimental) or gutta-percha/AH Plus (control). After 8 weeks, canals were retreated to size 45 with or without chloroform, and the time recorded. Roots were split, imaged, re-assembled, retreated to size 55, split and imaged. Root filling residue, traced in three canal levels, was expressed as percentage of canal surface. Residue percentage was greater (t-test, p<0.01) in the experimental group than in the control. Most residue was in the apical third (ANOVA, p<0.01). Chloroform and enlargement to size 55 decreased residue in both groups (t-test, p<0.01). Retreatment time was longer in the experimental group (p<0.05), and reduced by chloroform in both groups (p<0.05). The Epiphany System was retreatable with and without chloroform, with lesser efficacy than gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer.
Developing countries and the WTO dispute resolution system: a methodology for system strengthening

This thesis will present the approach taken to system strengthening in the context of developing countries and their relationship with the WTO dispute resolution system. The analysis will begin by comparing the WTO system to its predecessor, the GATT 1947, and its features as a settlement mechanism. In doing so, the DSU will be presented as a more predictable and accessible system, particularly for developing countries. The thesis will also analyze WTO case studies involving developing countries to determine if the dispute resolution system has been more effective for them in resolving multilateral trade disputes. Procedural matters involving the case law will be addressed, such as third party standing and the remedial mechanism. Lastly, this thesis will propose useful strategies for developing countries to integrate in their long-term and short-term capacity building plans, including advanced training and technology, with a view to more fully incorporating themselves within WTO dispute settlement.
New algorithms for automated astrometry

In the second approach we search an image for constrained n-star shapes and match them to similar shapes in a pre-computed table. We show that by using constrained shapes we can reduce the time to match n-star shapes to the order of matching arbitrary 4-star shapes. Finally, we perform experiments on synthetic and real catalogs and show that both approaches perform well. In the 'lost-in-space' astronomy problem we are asked to identify the orientation and field-of-view of an image of the sky by matching stars in an image to stars in a catalog. In this work we present two solutions to the problem. In the first approach we reduce an image to coarse positional information represented by a bit-string. We show that by making one assumption about the image we can efficiently solve the orientation problem using bitwise logical operations over an index.
The structure and assembly of gp80 cell adhesion complexes in Dictyostelium

Studies on the Dictyostelium adhesion molecule gp80 have revealed the association of gp80 with lipid rafts and the assembly process of raft-based adhesion complexes. Membrane rafts were isolated from Dictyostelium cells as both Triton X-100-insoluble membranes and plasma membrane fragments using a detergent-free method. Each complex contained gp138, DdCD36, gp80, actin and ponticulin. Similar to vertebrate rafts, many of the Dictyostelium raft proteins were acylated and the raft membrane fractions were enriched with sterols. The raft membranes shared properties with isolated Dictyostelium contact regions, suggesting that rafts function in gp80-mediated adhesion. Moreover, gp80 colocalized with raft proteins and lipids at cell-cell contacts and sterol sequestration inhibited gp80-mediated adhesion. To elucidate how gp80 adhesion complexes are assembled, gp80-gp80 and gp80-raft interactions were investigated. Chemical cross-linking experiments revealed that rafts were enriched with gp80 oligomers. For other glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, lipid-lipid interactions between their anchors and the rafts can cluster the proteins. In contrast, gp80 oligomers resisted sterol sequestration, suggesting that, in addition to raft compartmentalization, other factors are involved. Indeed, gp80 oligomerization was mediated by direct gp80-gp80 interactions and gp80 existed predominantly as cis-oligomers. The enrichment of these species in the raft domains may facilitate the establishment of high avidity trans-interactions during the initial stage of adhesion complex assembly. In many adhesion complexes, receptors also form links to the cytoskeleton via cytoplasmic adaptor proteins. For the Dictyostelium contact regions, the raft component ponticulin was found to mediate interactions with the actin cytoskeleton. Intriguingly, gp80 and ponticulin appeared to interact indirectly through their mutual association with membrane rafts. Studies using gp80 and ponticulin null mutants suggested that gp80 was able to produce large, nascent, cytoskeleton-free adhesion complexes. gp80 also recruited ponticulin into rafts and to cell-cell contacts and was required for formation of the cytoskeleton-associated complexes. Thus, gp80-gp80 interactions might enlarge and stabilize associated rafts to recruit ponticulin and elevate raft-cytoskeleton interactions. A model is proposed for the assembly of GPI-anchored adhesion molecule complexes through reciprocal raft-receptor interactions: rafts facilitate initial receptor interactions that then enlarge and stabilize the rafts to induce signaling and cytoskeleton recruitment.