VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Characterization of carbonaceous materials with respect to mold powder design for continuous casting of steel

Melting behavior of mold powders during continuous casting plays an important role in the casting performance, production rate and steel quality. Carbon is an important constituent of the mold powders and in this study the effect of different carbonaceous materials on the melting characteristics of mold powders was evaluated. Different types of carbon were characterized quantitatively based on their internal structure. Reactivity experiments were conducted to establish a relationship between the structure of carbons, their reactivity and the melting rate of the mold powders. This study revealed that different types of carbon are comprised of different fractions of amorphous and crystalline structures, which in terms of reactivity have different activation energies. This in turn has an influence on the melting behaviour of the mold powder.
Unveiling the silence: Exploring memories of the 1947 partition through the voices of second generation Punjabi women

In 1947 India was partitioned into two countries, resulting in devastating violence nationwide. Within a span of months, twelve million people were displaced as they were forced to migrate to India or Pakistan according to religious identity. The trauma and communal violence that followed transpired on the bodies of women, as they became the symbols of family, community and national honour. Feminist scholars have recently explored the memories of this tragic event from the perspective of women; however, research exploring the intergenerational effects of Partition is sparse, particularly in the Diaspora. Similarly, literature that explores second-generation South Asian women's experiences growing up in Canada has yet to connect historical memories of the Partition with this generation. This research explores the experiences of seven, second-generation Punjabi women raised in Canada to families that were impacted by the Partition of India, delving into themes of honour and everyday resistance in their lives.
Modeling fire regimes for fire management in protected areas

In protected areas where ecologically beneficial fire impacts are promoted through efforts to accommodate or support fire processes on the landscape, fire and park managers who are challenged to manage active fires in limited areas must assess fire risks, predict fire effects, and evaluate the long-term ecological consequences of fire management alternatives. In this thesis, three fire regime models designed to support fire management planning in protected areas are developed and presented. First, the statistics of extreme values was applied to historical fire and weather data to characterize dry-spell and fire extremes in the province of Ontario. The results of this landscape-level analysis of fire processes indicated that regional differences in the magnitude of extreme fire events is related to extreme dry-spell events, ecological classification, and level of fire protection. Second, postfire field study data were used to develop a logistic regression model to predict white pine (Pinus strobus L.) mortality following an intense surface fire. Results of this stand-level analysis of fire effects indicated that tree size and fire intensity are key determinants of postfire mortality, corroborating existing evidence that mature white pine are resistant to intense surface fire. Third, a simple model of white pine stand dynamics was developed to evaluate prescribed fire scheduling strategies for achieving ecological objectives using both simulation modeling and goal programming methods. Results of this stand-level analysis of long-term fire processes illustrated the usefulness of simulation models for identifying a preferred fire return interval within the range of natural intervals, given specific management objectives. Simulation results supported the intermediate disturbance hypothesis and suggest that in forest stands subject to regular, non-catastrophic disturbance, frequency of disturbance may be a key mitigating factor in the diversity-stability relationship. Goal programming results demonstrated that optimal prescribed fire schedules based on habitat and visual quality goals can produce ecological outcomes consistent with outcomes associated with schedules based on a preferred natural fire return interval. This multi-objective approach to prescribed fire scheduling in an uneven-aged stand is a novel formulation of the optimal fire management problem.
Identification of genetic changes in ovarian serous epithelial carcinoma associated with resistance to chemotherapy

The objective of this project was to use high resolution microarray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to identify differentiating regions of genomic imbalance between epithelial ovarian tumors resistant and sensitive to chemotherapy. Our analysis has confirmed the presence of copy number alterations At specific chromosomal loci in these tumors. Gains at 1q, 3q, 8q, 12p and 20q as well as losses at 1p, 4q, 6q, 8p, 9q, 13q, 16q 17p, 18q, are consistent with reported changes in the literature. The improved resolution of array CGH has further allowed us to determine important discriminating regions in these two tumor sets. These regions include 1q42.3, 6q25.3, 13q12.3 and 17q25.3. Two of these regions have been identified in previous work and another contains a gene identified as playing a role in chemotherapy response. Once refined, these regions may be used as markers to identify resistance to chemotherapy prior to initiation of treatment.
Illness intrusiveness and quality of life in schizophrenia

Quality of life is an important outcome within schizophrenia, but its relationship to symptoms, treatment, and lifestyle disruption remains unclear. The illness intrusiveness conceptual framework was employed to study the relationships between quality of life and schizophrenia because convincing evidence already supports the model in other medical conditions and because it enabled the exploration of relationships among variables that are relevant for schizophrenia, namely psychiatric symptoms, treatment factors, lifestyle disruption and quality of life. According to this model, illness and treatment factors influence quality of life indirectly through their effects on lifestyle disruptions, or illness intrusiveness. Results from 78 participants support the psychometric adequacy of the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale for schizophrenia. Path analysis supports the hypothesis that illness intrusiveness mediates the impact of schizophrenia illness. Study volunteers differed from 15 refusers in only one aspect---they reported significantly more hospitalizations during the past 2 years (p
Genevra Sforza and the Bentivoglio: Family, politics and reputation in Renaissance Bologna

This dissertation unveils aspects of the life of Genevra Sforza (ca. 1440-1507) within the context of the Bentivoglio family into which she married and spent her adult life at the apex of society in Renaissance Bologna. An illegitimate relation of the Sforza of Milan, Genevra was promised by her uncle Duke Francesco Sforza first to Sante Bentivoglio (1454) then to Giovanni II Bentivoglio (1464), de facto signori of Bologna. They headed an oligarchic city-state ripe with factional tensions and submissive to other cities, particularly Milan and Rome. Genevra's personal story unfolded within the bounds of her conventional understanding of her position as wife of an early modern signore. Genevra gave birth to eighteen children and did not oppose illegitimates born to husbands because all Bentivoglio children married strategically (or professed to religious institutions) for the good of the family. The roles Genevra played were often dictated to her by others because of her understanding of gender order and by Bentivoglio submission to the major Italian courts and especially to their overlord the pope. Facts surviving in contemporary documentation related to her arranged marriages, family life, correspondence and behaviour while in exile show Genevra to have been a well-respected, loyal and traditional kind of court woman. This dissertation displays a previously unknown Genevra Sforza and demonstrates that until now the way people have understood Genevra has been wrong. Contemporary documentation reveals that her life story was quite different from post-exile black legends invented about her. Until now Genevra has never been the focus of serious academic study but instead the target of malicious stories, the scapegoat for the ruin of the Bentivoglio. Bolognese chronicles and miscellaneous archival documentation at the Biblioteca Comunale di Bologna (BCB) and the Biblioteca Universitaria di Bologna (BUB) provided most facts about Genevra's life for the opening chapter. The Archivio di Stato di Ferrara (Fondo Bentivoglio), Archivio di Stato di Milano (Potenze Estere Romagna), Archivio di Stato di Mantua (Archivio Gonzaga) and several smaller archives furnished ample contemporary documentation. The post-1506/1507 material that has misrepresented Genevra is held at BCB, BUB and other archives and libraries.
Recognition of MHC-I by immune receptors

The immune system possesses numerous mechanisms that enable it to distinguish between SELF and NON-SELF. The primary focus of this thesis is to describe the basic molecular requirements that allow cytotoxic lymphocytes such as natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells to effectively recognize SELF molecules (major histocompatibility class I or MHC-I molecules) on target cells. Previously, we have functionally characterized the inhibitory interface recognized by murine NK cells formed between the inhibitory receptor Ly49C and the MHC-I molecule H-2Kb and shown that it is the peptide-receptive (PR) form of H-2Kb alone that is engaged by Ly49CB6. However, due to several limitations of our earlier experimental system as well as discordant results published by other groups, this model of recognition has been disputed. With this in mind, the intent of this thesis has been to further characterize the exact MHC-I structure involved in Ly49C recognition so as to clarify past inconsistencies in the literature. In doing so, we have examined the role of both peptide and beta 2m in the formulation of the inhibitory interface between Ly49C and H-2Kb by evaluating how various conformation-dependent MHC-I epitopes affect target cell susceptibility. Furthermore, we have assessed the biological consequence of xenogeneic-beta2m on NK function in vivo using a human-beta2m transgenic mouse model and show that NK cell tolerance in these mice is similarly affected as compared to MHC-I deficient mouse models, thereby suggesting that the form of xenogeneic-beta 2m is critically important for NK cell inhibitory receptor function. Lastly, we have compared the ability of beta2m to influence NK inhibitory receptor recognition of MHC-I with its ability to influence TCR recognition of MHC-I by CD8+ T cells and shown that for the case of cytotoxic T cells, beta2m likewise influences TCR recognition of MHC-I molecules, though using a seemingly indirect means. Taken together, the data extend our understanding of SELF recognition in the immune system and suggest that the molecular composition of MHC-I, as defined by beta 2m, is extremely important for determining recognition by both the innate and adaptive immune systems.
The experiences of women who engage in self-inflicted skin cutting

This study examined the experiences of women who engage in self-inflicted skin cutting and who have not received a major psychiatric diagnosis. The goal was to understand the complex nature of the experience of self-inflicted skin cutting based on first-person descriptions and its familial and social context. A life history, qualitative methodology was adopted. Seven women of diverse backgrounds and life experiences in their early 20s to early 30s participated in this study. While the specific circumstances around each of the women's skin cutting behaviour were unique, common themes were apparent. The most prominent theme was pain and the extent to which these women have lived with emotional and physical pain in their lives. Most importantly, all of the women suffered multiple traumas and traumatic stress in childhood, such as, physical, verbal, and/or emotional abuse in the body domain. In addition to having suffered traumatic experiences as children, these women did not receive appropriate care or help with these events or their physiological and emotional responses to them. They subsequently engaged in a spectrum of self-harm behaviours, including skin cutting, as a way of coping with their pain. The multiple functions of skin cutting included an externalization process whereby inner emotional pain was made more concrete and tangible. This process was complex, providing relief, validation, power, and soothing. Skin cutting functioned as a release and expression of intense feelings of anger and anxiety, and as a means of gaining control and personal power. By targeting their bodies and cutting their skin, these women coped with intense feelings of self-hatred and worthlessness. In addition, the findings show that these women experienced painfully isolating experiences in relation to their skin cutting behaviour. In particular, they described negative and inappropriate reactions from health care providers who acted in a manner that intensified their feelings of isolation. The findings also suggest the importance of recognizing constructive coping strategies used by these women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords: Self-injurious behavior
Self-mutilation
Abused children, Mental health
Women, Psychology
Abused women, Mental health
Psychotherapy
Modeling PCE degradation and associated stable carbon isotope effects

A one-dimensional analytical unsteady transport model calculating the concentrations and isotopic signatures of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and its daughter products was created. In order to estimate the degradation rates and enrichment factors, the model was inverted using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) combined with a Least Squares Method. This hybrid method divided the computational requirements by at least a factor 2 over the data sets tested. The code was successfully applied to computer-generated data. The isotopic signature profiles were observed to be more sensitive than the concentration ones to both the degradation rate and enrichment factor estimates. While applying the model to laboratory data, the tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene degradation rates were observed to decrease with time and increase with the presence of ethanol. The cis-dichloroethylene and vinyl-chloride degradation rates estimated from the laboratory measurements were not reliable. The enrichment factors did not significantly change either with time, or with ethanol addition.
Regulation of Smad7-dependent inhibition of TGF[beta] superfamily signalling

The transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) family members signal by binding to transmembrane Ser/Thr kinases receptors. The activated receptors phosphorylate Smad proteins, which translocate to the nucleus to activate gene expression. The TGFbeta pathways are inhibited by a class of Smads called inhibitory Smads (I-Smads), which include Smad6 and Smad7. I-Smads function by binding receptors and by targeting receptors for degradation in cooperation with Smurfs. I-Smads are part of an autoinhibitory feedback loop, as their expression is induced by TGFbeta, activin, and BMP. In this work, I analyzed cis and trans elements required for activation of Smad7 by TGFbeta family ligands. I characterized one TGFbeta responsive element and three BMP responsive elements required for Smad7 expression and showed that the TGFbeta responsive element depends on Smad3 and TFE3 for its activation, while the BMP responsive elements depend on Smad1 and/or GATA factors. I also compared the BMP response elements and showed that the GATA and Smad1-dependent element functions at low BMP concentrations, whereas the non-GATA-dependent element functions at high BMP concentrations. The second part of this work focuses on endocytosis of TGFbeta receptors. TGFbeta receptors are internalized through clathrin-mediated endocytosis into EEA1 containing endosomes, or are internalized through lipid rafts and caveosomes. Localization of receptors in lipid rafts/caveosomes is required for the interaction of receptors with Smad7 and, as a result, for the proper inhibition of the pathway. Here, I showed that inhibiting PKC activity increases internalization into early endosomes, decreases the internalization into lipid rafts and caveosomes and, consequently, activates TGFbeta signalling. Thus, the inhibition of TGFbeta superfamily signalling pathways by Smad7 is regulated at the level of Smad7 transcription and at the level of TGFbeta receptor endocytosis into Smad7-containing vesicles.
Successful leadership practices in an accountable policy context: influence on student achievement

Ontario's education system is currently undergoing a profound change, the scope of which has not been seen since the last great global movement of economic and educational restructuring that occurred more than a century ago (Leithwood et al., 1999). Changes in the accountability policy context of schools are taking place as the education system aligns itself with the demands of preparing students for success in the twenty-first century. This study explores the leadership practices of successful school principals in this accountable policy context and the influence these practices have on improving student achievement. Four questions are addressed in this study. (1) What leadership practices aimed at improving their schools do successful school principals employ? (2) How does the accountable policy context influence their practice? (3) What beliefs and values shape the nature of these practices? (4) What forms of professional development and ongoing learning will assist principals in acquiring these practices? A framework demonstrating the interdependencies of these processes on the principals' leadership practice provides the perspective through which these questions are addressed. Results serve to illuminate the changing role of principals in an accountable policy context. Not only must principals be leaders of instruction, they must also be leaders who transform the culture of their school to focus on improved student learning. In addressing the demands of this context, these leaders demonstrated six broad categories of successful leadership practice. These included: a focus on improving student outcomes; articulating this focus in a planned, deliberate manner; supporting and empowering teachers; building positive relationships with parents and community; fostering a safe and supportive learning environment; and projecting an encouraging and motivating attitude. Results also demonstrated a strong relationship between the values of these principals and their leadership practices--a relationship that has been referred to as demonstrating "authentic leadership" (Begley, 1999). Finally, results pointed to the need for new approaches to professional development for principals in this context. The research sample consisted of twenty-three participants comprised of parents, teachers and principals from six schools in one school district in Ontario. Data collection was carried out using interviews to address perspectives about the successful leadership practice in their school.

Keywords: School principals, Ontario
Educational leadership, Ontario
Educational accountability, Ontario
Academic achievement, Ontario
Educational change, Ontario
Plated through via defects and their influence on fatigue life

Nano-indentation experiments on cross-sectioned barrels showed that thinner plating results in a slightly increased nano-indentation hardness, a property related to the yield strength. Finite element analysis (FEA) were used to develop correlations that can be used to calculate the stress concentration factors (SCFs) for five typical defects found in plated-through-vias (PTVs) as a function of various geometric parameters. In terms of their severity, the defects were ranked as: (1) rapid thickness reduction (SCF le;13), (2) occasional waviness (SCF le;4.6), (3) gradual thickness reduction (SCF le;4), (4) wicking (SCF le;4) and (5) waviness (SCF le;3.1). The SCF due to an internal pad and the influence of an external pad-barrel corner crack were also investigated. Elastic-plastic thermal strain analyses were conducted on perfect and defective vias using FEA and a modified version of an earlier analytical model. Both approaches were in a good agreement for vias with a board to barrel-wall thickness ratio greater than 40.
Biomechanical properties, biocompatibility, and nerve regeneration through a synthetic hydrogel nerve tube

As alternatives to nerve autografts, 12 mm long non-biodegradable poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PHEMA-MMA) tubes used in bridging 10 mm rat sciatic nerve gaps were investigated for their biostability, biocompatibility, and capacity for nerve regeneration in the short- and longer-term (up to 16 weeks). In vivo 8 week results were encouraging in that the tubes were biostable, biocompatible, and good nerve regeneration was seen following tube repair. At 16 weeks, some of the regeneration outcome parameters were significantly worse in the tube group than the autograft group, whereas a tube sub-group (which included non-collapsed tubes with contained regenerating cables) was more comparable to the autografts. Some of the 16 week tubes displayed signs of collapse, degradation, chronic inflammation, and calcification. Future modified nerve tubes that can resist collapse (caused by several mechanisms including mechanical compression, phagocytotic degradation, and osmotic pressure explored in this study) may allow regeneration comparable to nerve autografts.
A dispensing system for microdrops generation in medical applications

In recent years, both the diagnostic and pharmaceutical industries have begun to seek improved methods of reagent dispensing that would enable them to reduce the amount of reagent used, improve the accuracy and repeatability of the quantities dispensed, and generally expedite the processing of assays and microarrays. A simple mathematical model is developed and used in order to perform simulations that are utilized as a tool by which some of the system's design parameters are optimized. Moreover, detailed finite element analysis was used in order to optimize the design, assess the performance of the system, and define suitable operating parameters. This thesis specifically presents an innovative design of a microfluidic dispensing system for microdrops generation operated in a drop-on-demand mode using a non-contact liquid transfer method. This system can potentially generate droplets with very high accuracy up to several picoliters in order to generate very high-density microarrays.
Nonlinear control design for a magnetic levitation system

This thesis presents the design of two magnetically levitated high precision positioning systems based on permanent magnet linear synchronous motors (PMLSMs). Magnetic levitation based on PMLSMs requires the motors to operate with a variable airgap length but previous research in the field has studied mainly motors fastened by bearings; therefore, this work first models a motor with free normal dynamics. A 3-DOF levitation device is then designed with basis on the resulting model of the motor. The nature of that system conveys the need for restricting its state in order to guarantee well-definiteness of the controls. Simulations then evaluate the performance of three different stabilization approaches: LQR, standard nonlinear control, and invariance control. Because that 3-DOF device neither controls nor constrains rotation, a more complex machine is introduced in order to regulate five DOF. An invariance controller completes the design of this 5-DOF levitation device.