VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
"Living"/controlled radical polymerization: From emulsion atom transfer radical polymerization to the synthesis of new nitroxides for stable free radical polymerization

Emulsion polymerization is an important process for the industrial production of polymers. However, initial attempts at performing "living"/controlled radical polymerization under emulsion conditions were not particularly successful primarily due to latex instability. To address this problem a unique nanoprecipitation process was developed in our laboratory for the stable free radical polymerization (SFRP) process. The first part of this thesis describes attempts to generalize this process and extend it to the copper based atom transfer radical polymerization, ATRP, process. Details describing initial problems we had with reproducing some initial successful results are provided. Once the process was under control it was used to synthesize block copolymers. The ability of these block copolymers to self-assemble in aqueous solutions and in bulk were subsequently investigated and the results of these studies are detailed at the end of the discussion on the emulsion process. The second part of the thesis deals with the SFRP process and more specifically with the difficulty of the process to moderate the polymerization of acrylates. Two reasons have been advanced to account for this difficulty; a high bond dissociation energy between the C-O bond linking the nitroxide moiety to the end of the polymer chain and an accumulation of excess nitroxide, caused by unavoidable chain termination, which causes inhibition of the polymerization. To address the high bond dissociation energy a nitroxide, specifically, 1,1'-diadamantyl nitroxide, containing very bulky substituents that might cause the bond to weaken, was synthesized and studied. To address the accumulation of excess free nitroxide, high temperature additives, that would slowly dissociate over time and consume the excess nitroxides, were studied. The results of both of these approaches are provided enabling some insight into what might be actually restricting the polymerization of acrylates.
Assessing the need and demand for sedation or general anesthesia in dentistry: a national survey of the Canadian population

The aim was to assess need and demand for sedation or general anesthesia for dentistry in Canada. A national telephone survey of a random sample of Canadians 18 years and over was undertaken. Data were collected by a professional survey organization using a 14-item questionnaire. Of 1,101 participants, 5.5% reported being either very afraid or terrified of dental treatment and 7.6% had avoided dentistry because of fear or anxiety. 12.4% were definitely interested in sedation or anesthesia and 42.3% were interested depending on cost. In a hypothetical situation of a severe toothache requiring endodontics, 12.7% reported high fear; 20.4% were definitely interested in sedation or anesthesia; 46.1% interested depending on cost. Preference for sedation or anesthesia if undergoing any one of: cleaning; fillings; endodontics; periodontal surgery; or extraction; was greater than current prevalence. These findings demonstrate significant need and demand for sedation and anesthesia for dentistry in Canada.

Keywords: Anesthesia in dentistry, Canada
Living in "Chicken Cage": a narrative inquiry into cross-generational Taiwanese experiences in learning and teaching from the 1930s to the present

My thesis research is a consequence of my inquiry into my and my father's lived stories of learning and teaching, in which I use "Chicken Cage"--The nickname of our hometown in northern Taiwan---as a metaphor for our lived experiences. It suggested a conflict between our educational situations and Dewey's (1916/1997) emphasis on "the conditions which insure growth" and his idea of "continuous reconstruction of experience" (p. 51). Through this narrative inquiry, I have come to see that the only way out of the constraints of "cages"--like hegemonic relations---is through conversation. My vision is that "narrative conversation" be carried on in schools and in many other lived spaces in Taiwanese society. These conversations will serve to form and reform new concepts of educational situations, and enhance growth and change, not only in personal and professional lives, but also in the objective conditions under which experiences are lived. As I inquired into my and my participants' lived experiences, I realized that as learners or teachers, my participants and I were given no room to develop freely according to our individual needs and diversified capacities. What was commonly lacking was a dialogical interchange in which the authority (e.g., preconception, tradition) is constantly challenged. It showed that a "hegemonic nature" was inherent in our school system, and caused the "cages" to confine my participants and me. Later, through a comparative study, I found that the hegemonic relations were penetrating in every educational system that followed the standard model of schooling."Do other Taiwanese people have similar 'cage' experiences like those of my father and me?" I wondered. My thesis research: a narrative inquiry into cross-generational Taiwanese experiences in learning and teaching ties together the stories of my father, my elementary school teacher, four former classmates and colleagues, and two young schoolteachers, and asks whether my personal experience research is not only of interest to me, but also potentially of use to the lives of others. This question urged me to shift my personal narrative outward to the larger social contexts with the lived stories of many others.

Keywords: Education, History
Education, Taiwan
School environment, History
School environment, Taiwan
Teacher-student relationships, History
Teacher-student relationships, Taiwan
Globally asynchronous locally synchronous designs on FPGA

The objective of this thesis is to examine how GALS systems can be implemented on current FPGA architectures. Two of the critical components that make up the communication aspect of a GALS system will be examined: local clock generator and asynchronous interface. The designed local clock generator is an on-chip oscillator and can be stopped with an external signal. The asynchronous interface converts two different timing systems into one synchronous system during data transfer. A GALS system is then compared to an equivalent globally synchronous system. Results indicated that GALS systems performed better when the design size was large and there was a lot of data transferred between modules. Using the tabulated results, it can be concluded that GALS advantages cannot be fully exploited with present FPGA architectures. To fully utilize GALS capabilities, the design tool must understand and correctly synthesize GALS circuits.
CCR1-deficiency improved survival and attenuated cardiac remodeling post-myocardial infarction

Background. After myocardial infarction (MI), excessive and persistent inflammation contributes to adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling. The CC chemokine receptor-1 (CCR1), important for leukocyte recruitment, is transiently upregulated in murine models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. We hypothesized that CCR1 deletion will reduce inflammation thereby improving survival and LV remodeling post-MI. Methods and results. CCR1-deficient (CCR1-/- ) and wild-type (WT) mice were randomly subjected to a sham operation or a left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Survival of CCR1 -/- mice significantly improved compared to WT following MI (69% vs. 42%, respectively). CCR1-deficiency significantly improved LV end systolic pressure, decreased infarct size, and decreased interstitial collagen compared to WT mice at day 28 post-MI. These beneficial effects were associated with decreased macrophage infiltration and apoptosis in the border zone at day 7. Conclusion. CCR1 inhibition may be a useful strategy for improving survival and attenuating LV remodeling via reduction in macrophage recruitment post-MI.
Effects of insulin on the mechanisms of neointimal growth after balloon catheter injury of the carotid artery in rats

Hyperinsulinemia is present in metabolic syndrome and is associated with atherosclerosis and restenosis. In vitro studies show atherogenic and anti-atherogenic effects of insulin, however the mechanisms of these effects in vivo remain unclear. To investigate the effects of euglycemic hyperinsulinemia on neointimal growth after balloon catheter injury of the carotid artery, we administered subcutaneous control implants (C) or insulin implants (3U/day;I) in male rats. Euglycemia was achieved in I with glucose drinking water and intraperitoneal glucose infusion after surgery. Plasma samples and carotid arteries were collected at 4, 7, 14 and 28 days after vessel injury. Hyperinsulinemia and euglycemia was attained in insulin-treated rats throughout the treatment periods. Insulin decreased intimal cross-sectional area (P
Maintaining professional competence: impact of organizational and individual factors on the updating activities of public reference librarians

The purpose of the dissertation is to examine the role of selected individual characteristics and organizational factors in affecting the participation of reference librarians in updating activities to maintain their professional competence in the light of rapid developments in technology. Concerns about the obsolescence of skills of the aging workforce of professional librarians, together with a lack of knowledge about the extent of professional development at the individual level prompted this study. The conceptual framework is based on theoretical foundations in organizational behaviour, psychology, gerontology, education and information studies. The independent variables in the conceptual framework are motivation, barriers to participation, age, professional commitment, updating climate and managerial support. The dependent variable is participation in updating activities. Information on the study variables was collected from 297 reference librarians working in large urban public libraries in Ontario, outside of Toronto, by means of a mail survey questionnaire in Spring 2001. Libraries have an aging workforce: the average age of reference librarians was 46.9 years. Analysis of the data revealed that managerial support was instrumental to participation in both formal and informal activities. Motivation was an important predictor of participation in informal activities. Age, particularly feeling old, and part-time status had a negative impact on participation levels in formal and informal activities. Barriers to participation had a negative effect on participation in informal activities and paradoxically, updating climate had a negative effect on participation as well. This study contributes to a better understanding of the process of maintaining professional competence among reference librarians. The results point to the important role that organizational factors play in the process. A supportive manager is key to librarians' participation in both formal and informal updating activities. Written policies on training and development are needed. The links between updating and rewards need to be emphasized as well as the provision of the appropriate rewards for updating. For older workers, intrinsic rewards are the valued rewards. Part-time status reduces opportunities for updating, yet as libraries come to rely on part-time librarians, their updating needs should be addressed. Finally, providers of formal updating courses should provide distance learning opportunities.

Keywords: Reference librarians
Public librarians
Employees, Training of
Professional education
Interactions of antimicrobial peptides with biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The chronicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is characterized by its overproduction of the exopolysaccharide alginate, in which bacteria are embedded. Alginate contributes to biofilm-related resistance by acting as a diffusion barrier to positively-charged antimicrobial agents including cationic antimicrobial peptides. Our laboratory recently developed a new category of non-amphipathic antimicrobial peptides originally designed to be transmembrane mimetic model peptides. Peptides of this group above a specific hydrophobicity threshold insert spontaneously into membranes and have antibacterial activity at micromolar concentrations. While investigating the molecular basis of biofilm resistance to peptides, we found that the anionic alginate induces conformational changes in hydrophobic antimicrobial peptides typically associated with insertion of such peptides into membrane environments. The overall results indicate that hydrophilic alginate polymers contain a significant hydrophobic compartment, and behave as an 'auxiliary membrane' for bacteria, thus identifying a unique protective role for biofilm matrices.
Crossing the border: identity and education : a narrative self study (Hong Kong, Chinese)

In the second part, the focus of inquiry shifted from identity to identity education. Five curricular episodes in history and civic education, which I was personally involved in the capacity of a curriculum officer and a teacher educator, were used to inquire into my perceptions and those of other educators of the nature and approaches of identity education. It was found that while most of us preferred an inclusive approach to cultivate local, national as well as global identities, there was no consensus over whether the promotion of the Chinese identity should be given top priority at the eve of 1997. There were differences in the approaches to be adopted in representing the PRC regime in nationalistic education. Moreover, an interesting fact to note was that many civic educators were found inadequately prepared for their job. This is a narrative self study into my personal and professional experience of the issue of identity of Hong Kong Chinese in the context of Hong Kong's reunification with China in 1997. In the first part, snapshots of my crossing the border between Hong Kong and mainland China between 1963 and 1993 were taken to inquire into the issue of identity. There revealed changes and continuities of three major narrative threads in my stories as Hong Kong Chinese to live by in these different occasions. My personal narrative was constructed to illuminate the collective experience of Hong Kong people over their identity issue. It was found that the already ambiguous sense of identity of Hong Kong Chinese was complicated by the presence of the 1997 Question. The transitional period saw their odyssey in search for meanings and implications of their changing identities in face of 1997. Their perceptions of the People's Republic of China (PRC) regime had given rise to controversies and concerns over the issue. There were rivalries for predominance between the Hong Kong and the Chinese identities in the process of their identity construction. I hope this inquiry has contributed to the literature on the identity issue of Hong Kong Chinese, narrative self studies, and professional development of teachers of identity education.

Keywords: Identity (Psychology), China
History, Study and teaching
History, China
Local history, Study and teaching
Local history, China
Violence in families providing care to relatives with schizophrenia

The aim of this dissertation was to identify factors that contribute to violence in families who provide care to relatives with schizophrenia, based on a proposed theoretical model of pathways to violence in such families. The proposed theoretical model was established by integrating family factors of expressed emotion and caregiver distress that are associated with psychiatric relapse, and illness factors of schizophrenia of insight into the illness, substance abuse problems and threat/control-override symptoms that are associated with risk of violence among these persons, with existing models of violence and mental illness. The study employed a survey design with a convenience sample of 61 caregivers who lived with and provided care to relatives with schizophrenia in the last 12 months before the survey. Twenty-six percent and 31% of caregivers experienced at least one incident of severe physical assault or one incident of minor physical assault respectively, in the past 12 months. Forty-four percent and 64% of caregivers experienced at least one incident of severe psychological aggression or one incident of minor psychological aggression respectively, during the same period. Multiple regression analysis showed that Threat/Control-Override symptoms in relatives with schizophrenia was the only significant predictor of physical assault against caregivers. Critical Comments of the caregivers and Threat/Control-Override symptoms in relatives with schizophrenia were significant predictors of psychological aggression against caregivers. The results supported the recommendation for clinicians to collaborate with caregivers in the treatment plan to reduce the intensity of the symptoms and the risk of violence in the family environment. The results also supported the recommendation to formally recognize and respect caregivers as partners in the Mental Health Act of Ontario to strengthen the collaboration between mental health professionals and caregivers for better treatment outcomes in providing care to their relatives with schizophrenia.
A study of wood microfibre reinforced biocomposite films

The purpose of this work was to develop novel wood microfibre reinforced biocomposite films for packaging applications, and to understand fundamental mechanical and barrier properties of these composites. A microfibre was defined as a fibre consisting of cellulosic chains having a diameter between 0.1 to 1 mum, with a minimum corresponding length of 2 to 20 mum. Microfibres were generated from bleached softwood kraft pulp by a combination of high shear refining in a PFI mill and crycrushing under liquid nitrogen, and subsequently isolated by filtering the resulting fibres through a screen of mesh size 60. The energy needed to generate microfibres by refining in the PFI mill was modelled using Rittinger's Law of comminution. It was predicted that the process of generating microfibres 1 mum in diameter from bleached kraft pulp by refining alone would consume about 103.3 MJ/kg. The microfibres were dispersed in matrices of thermoplastic starch and polylactic acid (PLA) in conventional melt-mixing equipment. In view of the strong tendency of the microfibres to agglomerate due to hydrogen bonding, the microfibres were poured as dilute water suspension in molten starch polymer in a Brabender mixer. The resultant micro fibre-starch biocomposite was further added to molten PLA in the Brabender mixer to produce a microfibre-starch-PLA biocomposite. Best dispersion was obtained at a microfibre consistency of up to 0.2% for a flow rate of up to 3.25 ml/min of the suspension. Mechanical studies demonstrated that the tensile strength of the composites increased by about 10% with every percentage increase in microfibre loading, with a corresponding 50% increase in stiffness. Tensile studies with microfibre composite films cast with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) indicated that the stiffness of the microfibres was about 126 GPa. Diffusion studies demonstrated that the moisture barrier properties of the starch films increased substantially with microfibre loading, whereas there were indications of marginal improvement in oxygen moisture transmission with increased microfibre loading. Hence, improvement in tensile properties of the films by introducing the microfibres was achieved without adversely affecting their barrier properties to moisture and oxygen.
Digital algorithms for analog adaptive filters

The use of analog adaptive filters in modern integrated systems is limited by the complexity of the analog adaptation hardware and by dc offset effects which limit the adaptation accuracy. Both problems can be addressed by using an analog filter with a digital adaptation algorithm. The design of digitally programmable analog filters suitable for adaptive applications is examined. Novel Gm-C circuits are described and implemented in a CMOS prototype 5th order integrated filter with digitally programmable poles and zeros. However, the greatest challenge associated with performing digital adaptation of an analog filter is obtaining the gradient information without overcomplicating the analog design. Three main approaches to overcoming this challenge are described. First, the gradient information is obtained by correlating changes in the output squared error to independent dither on the adapted parameters. Second, the internal state signals (and, hence, the gradient signals) are calculated from a time delayed input vector using a co-ordinate transformation. Third, time delayed estimates of the filter input are obtained digitally from the filter output and used to calculate the required gradient signals. All three techniques use digital signal processing to obtain the gradient information and require little, if any, additional analog hardware. The performance of the new adaptive algorithms are discussed and several variations are proposed to simplify integrated implementations. The prototype integrated analog filter was used as a testbed to verify two of the novel algorithms. Gradient descent optimization of analog filter parameters was successfully performed without access to any of the filter's internal state signals, which was not previously possible. As a result, designers of analog adaptive filters are now free to perform the filter design without being restricted by the requirements of the adaptation algorithm.