VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Multi-sensory fibre optic probes for explicit PDT dosimetry

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is now in increasingly widespread clinical use for various oncologic and non-oncologic applications. Improved dosimetry is required, especially for interstitial applications. Explicit PDT dosimetry requires the independent measurement of all three treatment parameters: the treatment light, and concentrations of the photosensitiser and molecular oxygen. Development and performance of fluorescence-based multi-sensory fibre optic probes (MSPs) that enable multiple simultaneous point measurements in a given fluence rate gradient are presented, including the comparative accuracy of single, two and three-component MSPs versus an established detector. A method for selecting fluorophore combinations for the MSPs, as well as a Partial-Least-Squares (PLS)-based decomposition algorithm for analysis of the fluorescence spectra collected from the MSP are developed and tested. Monte Carlo simulations are used to determine the spatial resolution and simulated accuracy of the probes. In addition, single-sensor phosphor-based oxygen probes are characterized and presented as preliminary work for multi-sensory oxygen probes.
Behind the rhetoric of hope: A critical analysis of recovery discourses in Ontario

Originally attributed to Americans Deegan (1988) and Anthony (1993), 'recovery' rejects the notion that those diagnosed with mental illness can never be 'well', claiming instead that with self-care, pharmacology, choice and hope, clinical trajectories can be improved and lives reclaimed for more productive ends. These claims have made the recovery vision (Anthony 1993) very popular over the last decade, spawning more progressive practices in the United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom as well as a body of work replete with personal accounts, conceptual frameworks and longitudinal outcome studies. However, seldom do we hear about the Canadian experience and very few have taken a more discursive approach to recovery and its talk. Seeking to address these gaps, I turned to Foucault's notions of discourse, power, knowledge, resistance and confession, asking how the prevailing discourses on recovery are taking shape in Ontario and what their implications may be for policy and practice. A critical discourse analysis informed by the work of Fairclough (1992) and Jager (2002), the inquiry began with the collection and analysis of recovery texts now circulating through Ontario's mental health communities. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were then conducted with a diverse theoretical sample of key informants including representatives from consumer and family organizations, professionals, policy makers and educators. Guided by the research questions, the data was analyzed, attending to themes, slogans, metaphorism, discursive devices and intertextuality. Filling a gap in the literature, my findings point to five distinct local discourses on recovery including 'hope and faith talk', 'story talk' and 'marketing talk'. They also point to local and international 'players', an unusual amount of metaphorism and clear rules around who can speak recovery in Ontario now. Based on these findings, I argue that recovery is a Foucauldian discursive formation in Ontario with its own particular objects of knowledge, producers of discursivity, criteria for what knowledge is accepted/rejected and tussles over discursive territory. No longer just a hopeful 'vision' for how to do mental health better, I suggest that in Ontario, recovery is a deeply contested discursive terrain.
Pathology reporting to cancer registries: The evaluation of an electronic reporting system

Anonymized abstracted information from all pathology reports from January 1996 to March 2005 was obtained from the OCR. 35 sites were analyzed for the timeliness and completeness of pathology reporting. The study objective is to measure the distribution of timeliness and completeness of pathology reporting from centers across Ontario to the Ontario Cancer Registry (OCR), to determine how these distributions change over time, especially with the implementation of electronic reporting (E-Path) and to evaluate the timeliness and completeness of reporting against established quality targets. E-Path implementation was associated with improved timeliness and completeness. E-Path reports were received 3 times faster, demographic information was more complete and reporting volume increased by approximately 19%. Addressing the underlying causes for this unpredictability could lead to further quality improvement. Modeling of report timeliness and completeness demonstrated that E-Path implementation could be associated with temporary abnormal patterns in reporting and, while improved, the pattern of reporting remained unpredictable in several sites.
Eating disorders: a matter of values?

The etiology and treatment of eating disorders and troubled eating behavior is multifaceted and may involve medical, family, dynamic, and cognitive interventions. This study looked at the role of values as a contributing factor to eating disorder behavior. Two eating measures and six value measures were given to 95 female college and graduate students. The eating measures were the EAT and the EDI (bulimia, body dissatisfaction, and drive for thinness scales). The value scales included three subscales of independence: two standard scales (Personal Value Survey Independence, Schwartz Autonomy) and an independence scale created by the author. Two additional scales were also created: Interdependence, Giving. A standard religion scale from the Personal Value Survey was also included. The values of giving, interdependence and religion were considered relational scales as these value scales were based on a connection or involvement with other people, community, or God. The three created scales were subjected to a factor analysis which largely confirmed their original structure. Inter-item reliability, convergent and discriminant validity were also established for these scales. Both correlations and Anovas were used to analyze the data since continuous and categorical statistics address different questions. Age was included as an additional variable in the Anovas. The results showed no significant relationship between the independence scales and any of the eating measures. Younger women valued independence more than older women; however, there was no interaction between age, eating, and the value scales. There were several significant findings involving the eating measures and some of the relational measures: body dissatisfaction and religion; body dissatisfaction and giving; and bulimia and interdependence. Thus those with lower eating disorder behavior (as measured by the body dissatisfaction and bulimia scales) valued relational values more than those with higher eating disorder behavior. The current study contradicted previous research and theoretical writings stating that independence is positively related to eating disorder pathology, but supported research and theory stating that relational values are inversely related. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords: Eating disorders, Psychological aspects
Eating disorders in adolescence
Food habits, Psychological aspects
Obesity, Psychological aspects
Bulimia, Psychological aspects
Anorexia nervosa, Psychological aspects
Antenatal steroid therapy for fetal lung maturation and the subsequent risk of childhood asthma

The prevalence of childhood asthma saw a dramatic rise from the 1980's up until the early 2000's. Among the explanations for this increase in asthma prevalence are exposures occurring in the gestational period. Overlapping the time period of the increasing prevalence of childhood asthma is an increased use of antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal lung maturation. The objective of this thesis is to examine the hypothesis that fetal exposure to corticosteroids in the antenatal period is an independent risk factor for the development of asthma in childhood with the greatest increased risk being in early childhood with little or no risk in late childhood. A population-based cohort study of all pregnant women who resided in Nova Scotia, Canada, and gave birth to a singleton fetus between January 1989 and December 1998, who lived to discharge was undertaken. Using linked health care utilization records, incident asthma cases after 36 months of age were identified. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to estimate the odds ratio of the association between exposure to corticosteroids and the diagnosis of childhood asthma between 36 and 72 months of age. Extended Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios of the association between exposure to antenatal corticosteroids and the onset of asthma at different ages. Over the 10 year time period of the study corticosteroid therapy increased threefold. Exposure to antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a significant increased risk of developing childhood asthma between 36 and 72 months of age: adjusted odds ratio of 1.23 (95 percent confidence interval: 1.06, 1.44). When examining the time dependent nature of this increased risk, asthma in childhood between 3--5 years of age was seen to have an increased risk: adjusted hazard ratio of 1.19 (95 percent confidence interval: 1.03, 1.39), with no significant association noted after 5 years of age: adjusted hazard ratio for 5--7 years was 1.06 (95 percent confidence interval: 0.86, 1.30) and for 8 or greater years was 0.74 (95 percent confidence interval: 0.54, 1.03). Antenatal steroid therapy appears to be an independent risk factor for the development of asthma childhood, specifically between the ages of 3 to 5 years. Further research into the smallest possible steroid dose required to achieve the desired postnatal effect could be undertaken to reduce the risk of developing childhood asthma.
Delisting sex-reassignment surgery in Ontario: A justified limit or a limited justification?

The decision in Hogan v. Ontario (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care)1 allows the Ontario government to continue to omit sex reassignment surgery (SRS) from the list of publicly funded health services in Ontario. This paper argues that justifiably delisting services necessitates a contextual approach to health and human dignity which considers the social construction of disability and gender, the historical basis of assumptions about medical care, and the expressive ability of the law. A refusal to publicly fund SRS in Ontario perpetuates the stigma associated with transsexualism through the maintenance and promotion of misconceptions and stereotypes; the expressive ability of the law ought to be considered when making delisting decisions. Moreover, the traditional judicial deferential stance to governmental decisions is unwarranted as it inadequately considers Charter2 and human rights. Procedural modifications are suggested, including a principled approach to delisting recommendations, written reasons for decisions, public consultation, and an effective review mechanism. 1[2006] O.H.R.T.D. No. 34 2 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982, being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (U.K.), 1982, c. 11, [Charter].

Keywords: Sex change, Law and legislation
Sex change, Ontario
Medical laws and legislation, Ontario
"Sons of the wilderness": work, culture and identity among voyageurs in the Montreal fur trade, 1780-1821

French Canadian men, who worked as indentured servants in the Montreal fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, formed a distinct culture in the pays d'en haut. Their culture was influenced by their habitant and Catholic roots, Natives peoples, and the circumstances of the fur trade. Voyageurs brought their language and religion into the pays d'en haut. To survive the rigours of this new environment, they borrowed materials from Native peoples such as canoes, snowshoes, moccasins and pemmican, as well as values and beliefs. Emulating Native peoples, voyageurs sought to be skilled canoers, successful hunters, stoic in the face of hardship, and live with few possessions. Voyageurs worked under the hegemonic rule of their primarily British masters, and yet outnumbered them in the isolated “wilds”. They engaged in a “theater of resistance” which included working slowly, stealing provisions, freetrading, and deserting the service, to pressure their masters for better working conditions. Canoes, strength, mirth, women, and freedom were key elements in voyageur culture. Voyageurs took pride in caring for their tools, such as canoes, but also dogs, horses, toboggans, and paddles. These had to be tough and strong, just like the voyageurs themselves, because they became symbols of a masculine ideal of strength, skill and hardiness. Voyageurs' collecting and possessions were kept to a minimum because of the high mobility of their jobs. In the ethic of nonaccumulation, alternative forms of symbolic, social and cultural capital became ways to measure masculine success. Taking risks, such as running rapids, and competing in canoe races, gambling, and boxing matches, provided ways to earn “masculine capital” and bolster their reputations. Play was a forum in which new social behaviours could emerge. Celebrations and rituals helped voyageurs form a unified culture in the face of centrifugal forces caused by the mobility of the job and the transience of individuals. The men were in constant passage through different geographical and social spaces, as they moved between Montreal and the pays d'en haut. The liminality of the work place led to fluidity, inventiveness, and an openness to different cultural practices.
Thinking back through our mothers: a sampler quilt of Kleine Gemeinde Mennonite women and country homemakers

Thinking Back Through Our Mothers is an autoethnographic and historical narrative of the everyday lives of farm women. Beginning with the most recent past, I write about my childhood on a farm in a Mennonite community in Manitoba. Using their daily diaries, I uncover the everyday lives of my mother and grandmothers, Kleine Gemeinde Mennonite farm women in Manitoba and Kansas. I compare and contrast their lives with the lives of farm women who wrote letters to "The Country Homemakers" page from their various locations in the Canadian prairies.

Keywords: Mennonite women, Manitoba
Mennonite women, Kansas
Physician readiness to collaborate with community pharmacists on drug therapy management

With the increasing importance of drugs in patients' therapy and the rising drug costs, health policy makers are focusing attention on strategies to enhance the safety, effectiveness and efficiency of drug prescribing and use. The goal of this research was to assess Ontario family physicians' readiness to collaborate with community pharmacists on drug therapy management. A 22-item survey instrument, developed based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change, was distributed to a stratified random sample of 848 family physicians across Ontario. The survey response rate was 36%. Eighty four percent of respondents regularly took community pharmacists' phone calls, pertaining to drug therapy management, while 78% sometimes sought pharmacists' recommendations regarding their patients' drug therapy. Only 29% of physicians, however, referred their patients to community pharmacists for medication reviews, with 45% unaware such a service exists. Overall, Ontario physicians were more engaged in lower level collaborative behaviours, than higher level collaborative behaviours, regarding drug therapy management.
The discourse on identity and language of students in a Ukrainian-English bilingual program

Issues of identity and language have been and still are discussed frequently in Canada. This thesis examines the intersection between language and identity with high school students in a Ukrainian-English bilingual program in a Western Canadian public school. I have carried out a qualitative study using interviews and document analysis. I understand the concepts of identity and language to be social constructions influenced by numerous factors and not only based on a set of fixed characteristics. I argue that the lack of Ukrainian language use in the daily lives of the students is not indicative of a decline in their Ukrainian identity. The students strongly identify with their Ukrainian heritage and recognize the importance of language. It is also interesting that the student discourse mirrors the national and provincial discourse on language and multiculturalism. For these students, there is no conflict in being both Ukrainian and Canadian.

Keywords: Ukrainians, Ethnic identity
Ukrainians, Canada
Ukrainian students, Attitudes
Ukrainian students, Canada
High school students, Attitudes
High school students, Canada
Education, Bilingual, Canada
A Dworkinian theory of criminal procedure

This work argues that aspects of Dworkin's theory of law substantially narrow the continuum of criminal procedural rules available to a democratic state. Dworkin's theory presupposes a democratic state that inter alia precludes the use of compelled statements as evidence in criminal prosecutions; that requires the prosecuting authority to bear a high burden of proof; and that ensures citizens are not convicted with evidence too untrustworthy enough to prove guilt to a high degree of certainty. These requirements, when examined through the lens of Canada's existing criminal justice system, appear to require that system to incorporate additional procedural and evidentiary rules, including a corroboration requirement for all criminal offenses, and broader appellate review of convictions on questions of fact.

Keywords: Criminal procedure, Canada
Evidence, Criminal, Canada
Soft-core processor design

The Nios soft-core processor from Altera Corporation is studied and a Verilog implementation of the Nios soft-core processor has been developed, called UT Nios. The UT Nios is described, its performance dependence on various architectural parameters is investigated and then compared to the original implementation from Altera. Experiments show that the performance of different types of applications varies significantly depending on the architectural parameters. The performance comparison shows that UT Nios achieves performance comparable to the original implementation. Finally, the design methodology, experiences from the design process and issues encountered are discussed. Recent advancements in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology have resulted in FPGA devices that support the implementation of a complete computer system on a single FPGA chip. A soft-core processor is a central component of such a system. A soft-core processor is a microprocessor defined in software, which can be synthesized in programmable hardware, such as FPGAs.
Probing the complexities of collaboration and collaborative processes

System leadership is interested in building staff capacity and student academic improvement. The literature suggests that if we are going to positively impact student achievement as an outcome, teaching within professional learning communities requires skilled and engaged collaborators. This qualitative study has intentionally sought to better understand the complexities involved in collaboration through the lens of nine teachers and four administrators from five different school boards. The methodology included the use of semi-structured interviews and a constructivist framework. The study's participants shared their understandings and experiences regarding collaborative work. It appears issues of engagement, trust and professional relationship are critical to developing collaborative processes that motivate teachers. The study's findings highlight complexities of collaborative work that includes how cultural experience influences our assumptions regarding collaboration. As well, a tension exists between espoused values about collaborative work and what participants report as actual collaborative effort. This study contributes to literature that probes the role of emotions in schools as workplaces---or as Andy Hargreaves suggests, the emotional geographies of teaching. Our work with other educators appears to evoke a range of emotional responses from optimism and hope to resentment and a sense of betrayal. The structure, form and content of collaboration are important, however the relational trust within the collaboration appears to be the glue that binds people, purpose and outcomes together. Effective collaborators appear very skilled in active listening, in leading dynamic conversations, in facilitating and guiding collective inquiry. Finally, the role of leadership cannot be underestimated as leaders make important connections with others as co-collaborators and make important connections for others in illuminating what is essentially a moral purpose in our efforts to improve schools. Recommendations for practice and further research include the need for leaders to become skilled and critical coaches of collaborative work as well as skilled facilitators who empower others to become more reflective and collaborative.

Keywords: Group work in education
The role of the estrogen receptor in maternal memory and sensitization in post-partum Sprague-Dawley rats

Mother rats first engage in maternal behaviour under the influence of hormones. Once they have exhibited maternal behaviour, it is sustained through exposure to sensory cues from pups. The present project investigated whether maternal responsiveness is mediated through activation of estrogen receptors by administering post-partum maternally experienced and inexperienced dams the anti-estrogen PSK 3668 at the time of retention. Results showed that experienced animals had significantly shorter latencies compared to their inexperienced counterparts. In addition, antiestrogen animals displayed longer latencies to become maternal compared to vehicle animals but only in the inexperienced condition. Differences in the percentage of animals that reached maternal criterion as well as in overall maternal behaviour were also found. It appears that the estrogen receptor is involved in the mediation of maternal behaviour sensitization. Its activation during mother-litter interactions might be the result of ligand independent activation through somatosensory input provided by the pups.