VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
A follow-up study of workers with soft tissue injuries using the databases of the Ontario workplace safety and insurance board (WSIB)

A simple random sample of 5346 workers with lost-time claims of soft tissue injuries (STIs) in 1990 was generated and followed-up for a minimum of six years using the databases of the Ontario WSIB. An operational definition of recurrent lost-time claims was developed. Baseline exposures (sociodemographic, injury, health service received and workplace measures) and longterm outcomes (chance of recurrence, number of recurrences, total time on compensation and total costs) were obtained. Prognostic models for the relationships of exposures and outcomes were explored. Using seven days as a duration criterion for episode and gap between episodes, 19.4% of the study sample had at least one recurrent lost-time claim period during the follow-up and the number of recurrences ranged from 1 to 27. Total time on compensation and total costs were positively skewed, with means of 104.5 calendar days and 13,993.0 $Cdn. respectively and medians of 19 calendar days and 1085.7 $Cdn. respectively. Injury factors and types of health service received were the major predictors of the study outcomes. Injuries of back and upper limbs; specific diagnosis, inflammation, sprains/strains; overexertion as a cause of injury; and injuries requiring complex treatment or workers with a delayed health care billing were repeatedly associated with unfavorable outcomes. One or more poor outcomes were also predicted by some sociodemographic and workplace factors, including increased age; female worker; higher pre-accident wages; accident location around Toronto, county unemployment rate higher than 9.5%; smaller company; construction industry; and jobs requiring limb coordination and heavy physical work. To prevent prolonged work disability after work-related STIs, management should focus on the subgroups of workers who have a tendency to develop chronic injury. Further studies are necessary to clarify the significant relationships between exposures and outcomes, and provide evidence for management. The routinely collected administrative databases of the Ontario WSIB provide a broad picture of work disability in Ontario and contain basic information for epidemiologic studies. However, conduct of an epidemiologic study using the databases and interpretation of the study findings should consider the representativeness and limitations of the databases.
Kinematic control experiments with Trussarm, a Variable-Geometry-Truss manipulator

Trussarm is a Variable-Geometry-Truss (VGT) manipulator, developed and constructed at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies. The objective of this dissertation is to examine this new technology to determine its kinematics and control characteristics. In order to examine the kinematics properties of Trussarm, a kinematics model is developed. An algorithm to represent the macroscopic geometry of Trussarm as an equivalent discrete model (a serial open chain of simple 3-DOF gimbal modules) is presented. Redundancy resolution based on the equivalent discrete model is developed, and, the kinematics and differential kinematics of a Trussarm module are derived. Through experiments and simulations, the control characteristics of Trussarm including workspace, dexterity, speed, and tracking accuracy, are determined. Furthermore, a new control algorithm is developed to improve the control performance of Thussarm. The experimental results suggest that Trussarm possesses many advantages over conventional manipulators although its accuracy suffers from its physical size and complexity. However, the accuracy may be improved with closed-loop position control.
Impact of silvicultural practices on insect communities and herbivory on young jack pine in northern Ontario

The effects of four different silvicultural treatments (no-site-preparation, trenching, blading, compacting), two harvest techniques (full tree harvest and tree length harvest) and a herbicide application on the abundance, diversity, and activity of arthropods in young jack pine stands were examined between August 1995 and 1997 in northern Ontario. Each treatment, replicated three times at each of seven sites, ranged from a minor reduction in vegetation (trenching) to complete removal of the vegetation and topsoil (blading and compacting) Arthropods were collected using sweepnets and pitfall taps while herbivory was assessed by recording evidence of feeding activity on the young trees over three years. Lower arthropod abundance and diversity were observed in highly disturbed (bladed) plots by both sweepnets and pittfall traps. Arthropod abundance, family richness and herbivore, predator and parasitoid trophic groups were positively correlated with vegetation cover, while woody debris was positively correlated with the abundance of arthropods and the herbivore assemblage. Herbivory was not changed by the various silvicultural, harvest or herbicide treatments This study suggests that arthropod diversity is best be achieved by either not the site or by trenching, and that this will not change the incidence of heibivory on the young jack pine.
A prospective longitudinal outcome study of extrusive luxation injuries to the permanent maxillary incisors of children

A prospective longitudinal outcome study was undertaken to determine the variables that significantly influenced the survival of permanent maxillary incisors of children who had experienced extrusive luxation injuries. Information was available for 35 patients (18 males; 17 females) representing 55 teeth. The mean patient age at the time of injury was 10.6 years (range: 7.1 to 17.8 years). The median time elapsed to follow-up was 1332 days (range: 423 to 2887 days). Survival analysis techniques were used to identify variables significantly related to the prognosis of these teeth. The loss of an incisor following extrusion injury was uncommon as only one tooth in the entire sample required extraction. There was not a statistically significant difference in survival between severely extruded teeth and avulsions that had been stored in physiologic media ('p' > 0.10). Pulpal necrosis (PN) was the most common complication following injury (43 per cent). Although not statistically significant, a trend towards increased PN was found with more severely injured teeth (' p' = 0.20, Relative Risk = 2.08). Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) was the second most common complication (35 per cent). The degree of extrusion was proven to be statistically significant in the development of PCO (' p' = 0.03, Relative Risk = 0.33). Root resorption was an uncommon event (5.6 per cent). With this information, parents may be informed that although their child's extruded permanent maxillary incisor will most likely be retained for a number of years, PCO and/or PN and root canal treatment may be direct consequences. This study represents the first survival analysis of extrusive luxation injuries to the permanent maxillary incisors of pre-adolescents and adolescents.
The canarypox virus ALVAC as a vector in cancer gene therapy

The immunogenicity of recombinant canarypox (ALVAC) viral vectors within whole cell tumor vaccines was evaluated using the early T-cell thymic Lymphoma STF10. STF10 cells were modified with the recombinant ALVAC vectors and injected into syngeneic mice. Control mice receiving unmodified cells developed tumors, while mice injected with STF10/ALVAC, STF10/ALVACB7-1 or STF10/ALVACB7-1 or STF10/ALVACB7-1/ALVAC IL-12 completely rejected their tumors. Rechallenge at day 55 showed that none of these groups were significantly protected. However, modified regimens incorporating two vaccines induced a protective effect in all vaccinated groups. Notably, the parental ALVAC virus was equivalent to all other recombinant ALVAC viruses in conferring antitumor immunity. Tumorigenicity experiments in nude mice revealed the de effector mechanism mediating rejection of tumor cells bearing ALVAC vectors is multifactorial. Finally, ' in vitro' experiments revealed that cytotoxic T-cells specific for parental STF10 cells could be generated as a result of 'in vivo' immunization with STF10/ALVAC vaccines.
The extent and impact of communications cartels on public education, 1980-2000

The phenomenal growth, consolidation and influence of corporate control in the communications sphere is changing the very nature of our system of public education. In this thesis, I examine the extent and impact that the transnational communications cartels have on our access to information and the resulting implications for the public education system. I take an historical approach by outlining the main turning points which have contributed to the increasing concentration of communications systems. These include an examination of government policies of deregulation and free trade agreements. I argue that the notion of access to a diverse communications system, which I maintain is necessary for a democratic society to exist, is being eroded and it is a corporate elite who more and more shape the way we see the world--from a right-wing, neo-liberal point of view. I claim that education is undergoing a radical transformation due to the powerful and persuasive forces of the global marketplace. Our students have become clients; they are being trained to be consumers as the race for private profits gains momentum in the global economy and we begin to lose a liberal education which would prepare students to bear the obligations of citizenship and to begin the exploration of an intellectual life. I focus on ways the transnational communications cartels undermine public education. I examine the commercialization of information and knowledge, the corporate incursion into public schools by looking at the business partnerships of Channel One and Athena Educational Partners' Youth News Network, and the applications of business directives such as Outcomes-Based Education and the move to charter schools. I also look at information technologies and trace the development of the information highway as it moves from public control to control by private corporations thus limiting access to those who have the ability to access or pay for it. My research is theoretical, drawing on the works of established academics, popular press and from my own experiences as an educator in the field of information sciences during the past twenty-five years.
The life and legacy of Don Toppin

This thesis provides a selected survey and anecdotal account of the life of Don Toppin from childhood to present. Given the difficulty in documenting the early events of Mr. Toppin's life, oral history methods were employed. The first and second chapters are based on interviews with Mr. Toppin. The latter half of the thesis is based on primary sources including Mr. Toppin's writings and correspondence. Mr. Toppin's work is assessed in the context of the development of adult education in Canada. His connection with the popular traditions of adult education, community development and citizenship participation are explored in some detail. His contributions to future studies in Canada in the new millennium are also discussed.
Evolution of the Antarctic glaciated continential margin

This thesis presents (a) a critical review of existing glacial marine depositional models for the Antarctic continental margin and (b) an analysis of data from Ocean Drilling Program Leg 178 (Feb.-April 1998) which drilled the Antarctic Peninsula continental margin. Present-day 'interglacial' conditions of extensive ice shelves, servere cold, minimal meltwater production and sediment starvation on the margin are unique to Antarctica. Early work suggests such 'polar' conditions are representative of ancient Pleistocene and pre-Pleistocene environments in Antarctica. Litho- and biofacies data from Ocean Drilling Program Leg 178 provides important details regarding depositional processes responsible for glaciated continental shelf topsets and slope foresets in Antarctica. Topset deposits are constructed of deformation till reflecting large-scale subglacial reworking of pre-existing glacial and marine sediment across the shelf during ice sheet expansion and decay. Foreset deposits are composed of shelf deposits reworked downslope as debris flows and turbidity currents. Similar successions have been identified from other Pleistocene and pre-Pleistocene glacially-influenced continental margins. This work indicates that modern 'polar' conditions of Antarctica are not representative of ancient conditions.
Investigations into the factors affecting the shear bond strength of multiple component and single bottle dentin bonding systems to dentin

'Part 1. Thermocycling and long-term shear bond strength study '. To compare the 'in vitro' shear bond strengths (SBS) of two fourth generation (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose [SBMP] and All-Bond 2 [AB2]), and three single-bottle (Single Bond [SB] One Step [OS], and Prime and Bond 2.1 [PB]) dentin adhesives after thermocycling and long term storage. 'Part 2. Dual cure bond strength study'. To evaluate the effect of two-step photopolymerization of Z100 composite resin and resin thickness on the shear bond strength (SBS) of Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Single Bond to dentin. 'Part 3. Microhardness study'. To evaluate the effect on Knoop microhardness of dual-curing, material thickness, and storage in 37°C water for up to 7 days. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Exploring adaptive behaviour control with an animat inspired by the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)

A computational neuroethological simulation (virtual animat) was implemented that loosely emulates the physical form and behavioural abilities of the Siamese fighting fish, a popular animal subject for aggression behaviour research. The animat is equipped with tactile sensors and visual sensors as well as a number of action primitives. The behaviour of the animat is generated by a neurobiologically inspired behaviour control system. The animat was employed in two different domains of adaptive control. In the first, the animat was used to demonstrate how design, genetic algorithms, hebbian association learning, could be used to produce a robust obstacle avoidance competency. In the second, the animat was used to demonstrate a novel implementation of Halperin's machine motivation model of behaviour selection and reinforcement. The animat was equipped with one control system to show simplified Pavlovian learning and another to modulate its display to a moving rival versus a stationary one.
Inductively coupled plasma etching of InP

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching is a promising low-pressure high-density process for pattern transfer required during microelectronic and opto-electronic fabrication. In this work, an ICP system has been successfully constructed for the purpose of etching InP, a highly attractive material for applications in optical communication and high-speed integrated circuits. Different types of gas mixtures including CH4/H2, CH 4/H2/Ar, CH4/H2/N2, H 2/N2 and H2/Ar were used as plasma precursors. The influence of gas composition, RF power, total flow rate and pressure on etch rate, etch profile and surface morphology (roughening and stoichiometry) was studied. CH4/H2-based plasmas provided an anisotropic etching process with high selectivity. Surface roughening and phosphorous-depletion were yielded on etched surfaces due to an imbalance in removal of In and P. ICP etching of InP using H2/NL was demonstrated for the first time. Mirrorlike etched surfaces were obtained. A common occurrence of overcut was found on mesa sidewalls, believed to be due to SiO2 masks erosion.
Integration of turbulence and ship wake disturbance models in the GENHEL-Sea King rotor simulation code

As part of a larger effort, the flight simulation group at UTIAS has undertaken the development of a helideck landing simulator based on the GENHEL computer code. The simulation task involves a Canadian forces CH-124 Sea King helicopter, and a Halifax class frigate, both in current service with the Canadian Forces. This dissertation offers a model for simulating dynamic interface effects to be used by the above project Based on data collected by the National Research Council of Canada on a 1:300 scale model of a generic frigate, power spectrum measurements of the over the deck turbulence, along with a steady state airwake were obtained. The power spectrum measurements were used to form transfer functions of the turbulence, which in turn provided a time history of over the deck turbulence. The disturbances were then distributed over the rotor using a modified SORBET model, which has been enhanced to include patchiness effects. The steady state airwake had a three dimensional polynomial function fitted to it. All these effects were coded up and integrated with GENHEL. Agreement of some numerical parameters with experimental data was good, however, a large part of the model cannot be quantified with numbers, and a manned evaluation flight has not occurred. Some variables of the model have been left as tunable parameters, whose manipulation gives some flexibility in modifying the model at a later date, guided by comments of an experienced pilot.
An exploratory analysis of the attitudes of family physicians towards depression in primary care, an application of dual scaling

An analysis of attitudes of family physicians towards depression Was conducted using qualitative methods and dual scaling. Data from, a focus group, a literature review and face-to-face interviews aided in the development of an attitude survey. The 35 item survey was administered to 400 Ontario family physicians. Dual scaling was conducted using the data from the survey and generated attitude profiles of survey respondents. Dual scaling was also helpful in determining association of gender, work environment said length of practice with survey items. Attitude profiles support the implementation of a shared care model in which both the family physician and the psychiatrist play vital roles in the vestment of depression in primary care. Accessing psychiatrists for consultations is one of the barriers to shared care identified by these family physicians. Work environment and length of practice are associated with attitude items.
The NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway in aortic endothelial cells is primed for activation in regions predisposed to atherosclerotic lesion formation

Atherosclerotic lesions form at distinct sites in the arterial tree, suggesting that hemodynamic forces influence the initiation of atherogenesis. Several systemic risk factors for atherogenesis have been shown to activate NF-[kappa]B and NF-[kappa]B regulates multiple genes important in lesion initiation. If NF-[kappa]B plays a role in atherogenesis, then the activation of this signal transduction pathway in arterial endothelium should show topographic variation. The expression of NF-[kappa]B/I[kappa]B components and NF-[kappa]B activation were evaluated by specific antibody staining, 'en face' confocal microscopy and image analysis of endothelium in regions of mouse proximal aorta with high and low probability (HP and LP) for atherosclerotic lesion development. HP region endothelial cells visualized by silver nitrate staining had a polygonal shape in contrast to LP region cells that were uniformly elongated parallel to the direction of blood flow. In control C57BL/6 mice, expression levels of p65, I[kappa]BÃ and I[kappa]Bß were 5 to 18 fold higher in the HP region, yet NF-[kappa]B was activated in a minority of endothelial cells. This suggested that NF-[kappa]B signal transduction was primed for activation in HP regions upon encountering an activation stimulus. LPS treatment or feeding LDL receptor knockout mice an atherogenic diet resulted in NF-[kappa]B activation and upregulated expression of NF-[kappa]B-inducible genes predominantly in HP region endothelium. Preferential regional activation of endothelial NF-[kappa]B by systemic stimuli, including hypercholesterolemia, may contribute to the localization of atherosclerotic lesions at sites with high steady-state expression levels of NF-[kappa]B/I[kappa]B components.
Cardiovascular effects of activated coagulation FXII, 'new pressor protein' (NPP), are associated with potent adrenal medullary catecholamine release

"New Pressor Protein" (NPP), related to coagulation ßFXIIa, raises systolic blood pressure (SBP >DBP) and heart rate (HR) after injection into bioassay rats ganglion blocked with Ansolysen (+A). The ACE inhibitor captopril (+C), but not the angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan, greatly potentiates NPP effects while total adrenal medullectomy virtually obliterates them. Massive increases in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline also follow NPP and are captopril-potentiated. Without ganglion blockade (-A), BP and plasma adrenaline responses to NPP are different, reduced and less potentiated by captopril. Comparisons with angiotensin and sodium nitroprusside effects suggest that NPP acts agonistically and probably indirectly via a peptidergic pathway for adrenal medullary catecholamine release--a pathway that is probably enhanced in +A+C rats. We propose that NPP somehow triggers this peptidergic pathway and represents a potentially new axis for BP regulation by connecting the blood coagulation and 'fight-flight' sympatho-adrenal systems.
Articulatory kinematics in adductor spasmodic dysphonia

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the spatiotemporal characteristics of supralaryngeal articulatory kinematics are disrupted in speakers with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (SD), in association with the occurrence of laryngeal spasm events. Therefore, articulatory kinematic measures for a sentence repetition task were compared between 5 speakers with SD and 5 normal control participants. In addition, kinematic measures were compared between conditions associated with frequent vs. less frequent laryngeal spasms. Articulatory kinematic measures for superior-inferior movements of the lips were obtained using a strain gauge transducer system. Findings included articulatory kinematic differences in comparison to controls for 2 of 5 SD patients. No significant differences between SD and control groups were found for frequent vs. less frequent laryngeal spasm conditions; however, trends in individual SD patient data suggest that speech tasks associated with fewer laryngeal spasm events may be associated with fewer disruptions to articulatory kinematic profiles.
Expotition [sic] to the North Pole, the 20th century search for mind

Functionalism, in one form or another, is widely accepted in philosophy and cognitive science as an account of the relationship between mental states and brain states. This thesis claims, however, that the functionalist model of mind is unstable and attempts to demonstrate it consistently "falls back on" earlier theories (e.g., eliminativist behaviorism, identity theory) whose problems it was designed to overcome. The work of Robert Van Gulick, Daniel Dennett, and Fred Dretske is examined in order to show how each of these functionalist philosophers takes their representationalist explanation of intentional mental states (e.g., beliefs and desires) and uses it to develop an account of subjective consciousness. The thesis concludes that representational models which are based on the functionalist's tri-level account of mind still have some way to go before they can be said to provide a viable account of either intentionality or phenomenal consciousness.