VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
A taxonomy of link types for use in hypertext

This study develops a taxonomy of link types for the purpose of assisting users in the navigation of hypertext. Links imply a relationship between two nodes of information, and it is posited that link types are a useful way of indicating these relationships. Labeled link types can thus provide users with information that will help them to make decisions about which links to follow, and can provide a criterion that will cue users to the intended purpose of information in the target node. A composite list of link types was developed from existing studies that employed link typologies. Twenty-seven research participants were asked to rank the link types in the composite list on the basis of perceived usefulness. They were also asked to sort the link types into groups of highly similar ones. A proximity matrix was created from the sorting data, and was analysed using hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Multidimensional Scaling. A focus group was also held, and participants asked to assess the outcomes of the Cluster and MDS analyses. The taxonomy developed from these data contains twenty-six link types that represent a wide variety of functional relationships. Ranking data showed that participants found a number of the link types particularly useful, including: Pre-requisite, Summary, Background, Explanation, Illustration, Update, Procedure, Theory, and Purpose. Results from the Cluster and MDS analyses indicated that participants were able to discriminate between the original twenty-six link types on the basis of attribute similarity, and identified a smaller number of higher order clusters. Focus group participants generally confirmed the validity of these higher order clusters. A qualitative analysis of the focus group data revealed a number of themes, or attributes, which participants used in assessing the similarity of the various types. The MDS analysis revealed two conceptual dimensions underlying the link types that represent high order relationship attributes: General Specific, and: Antecedent - Consequent. Based on the outcomes of these analyses, a hierarchical link type taxonomy is presented, consisting of the original set of primitive link types, and a labeled set of higher order groups identified by analysis of the participant data.
Palynology of Paleogene strata in the Caribou Hills, Beaufort-MacKenzie Basin, northern Canada

Fluvio-deltaic processes deposited great thicknesses of Cenozoic sediment in the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin. Caribou Hills outcrop strata afford a unique window on the shifting paleocommunities which flourished around some of the ancient Paleogene deltas. The Caribou Hills strata are predominantly delta plain sediments deposited under the influence of the active tectonic regime which characterized the Arctic during the Cenozoic. Palynomorphs preserved in these sediments record a mosaic of deltaic environments superimposed over time through the processes of local channel migration, delta lobe progradation, delta switching, subsidence and transgression. The resultant stacking of sedimentary facies is reflected palynologically in a rapid alternation between terrestrial and marine microfloras. These palynofloras are diverse, particularly the early Eocene floras. Intervals dominated by embryophyte spores and pollen are intercalated with others with high fungal or algal content. The algae are predominantly marine to brackish water species, but several are associated with extremely hyposaline or possibly freshwater habitats. These have particular significance since we know little about Paleogene dinoflagellates from very low salinity or freshwater environments. The strong environmental controls on palynofloral distribution dictated that an ecostratigraphic approach was essential for high resolution biostratigraphic and sequence stratigraphic analysis. To this end, informal interval zones were established for each palynomorph group; recurrent algal and fungal eco-groups were also distinguished. Embryophytes and fungi were of paramount importance for detailed regional biostratigraphic correlation, in particular, to the Adgo F-28 and Natsek E-56 wells, and the Banks Island sections. The algae, which are similar to those described from other marginal marine settings, were used to place time constraints on the zones. Fifteen new palynomorph species are described, and three new genera--'Ornatisporites' (fungal), 'Alamorpha' and 'Peregrinella' (algal). Palynostratigraphy, together with limited foraminiferal data, supports assigning the bulk of the Caribou Hills Tertiary strata to the late Paleocene-middle Eocene Aklak and Taglu depositional sequences. The age of an upper 'white clay' unit, separated from the Taglu sequence by an unconformity, remains unresolved but is tentatively assigned a late Eocene or Oligocene age; it is probably an equivalent of either the Richards or Kugmallit sequence.
Laser induced purely-thermal-wave interferometry (PTWI) using a novel photopyroelectric (PPE) instrument

A novel purely thermal-wave interferometric technique and its applications to non-contact and non-destructive evaluation of Ti:sapphire laser crystals, high-precision measurement of thermal diffusivity of gases, and high-sensitivity gas (hydrogen) sensors have been successfully developed both theoretically and experimentally. A comprehensive theoretical and experimental analysis of the system noise and detectivity has been conducted to consolidate the basis of the technique. Unlike the conventional single-ended photopyroelectric(PPE) technique, different thermal-wave interference patterns can be obtained by adjusting two incident beams (relative intensity and phase shift) and two thermal-wave cavities on both sides of a pyroelectric detector. It is found that the large base-line signal and large optical noise, which are encountered in the single-ended PPE scheme, can be coherently and completely suppressed in the fully destructive interferometric measurement. Differential surface absorptance, differential and absolute bulk absorption coefficient of Ti:sapphire laser crystals have been separately measured using an extended PPE-interference (PPEI) theory. Unlike the single-ended PPE method, in which thermal contributions from several optical parameters are always coupled together, the destructive interferometric: method provides a unique method for extracting precise values of one of these coupled parameters, without the need of equally precise knowledge of the values of others. The comparison measurement of thermal diffusivity of air using the single-ended PPE method and the PPEI method shows that the PPEI method enhances the measuring precision by one significant figure when compared with the single-beam method. The conventionally used concept of "thermal-wave reflection coefficient" has been extended to a more general case that is sample-thickness dependent. A novel hydrogen gas sensor has been initialized and developed based on the PPEI technique. It is shown that the detectivity of the PPEI hydrogen sensor is much enhanced when compared with the single-ended PPE method. The correlation study of the PPEI signal and the direct optical reflecting signal verifies the theory and mechanism of the PPEI sensor. A comprehensive theoretical and experimental analysis of the PPEI system noise has been made to explain why the PPEI technique is inherently superior to the conventional PPE technique in terms of overall noise level, signal dynamic range and detectivity.
Towards near-field single molecule surface enhanced Raman scattering detection

The surface enhanced Raman scattering spectra of crystal violet and R6G and a number of colourless molecules adsorbed on silver colloid aggregates were studied as a function of power and position using a Raman microscope. The anti-Stokes signals of the dye molecules show line intensities much greater than the expected on the basis of the Boltzmann equilibrium population of the excited vibrational state. The large anti-Stokes intensities are attributed to the difference in Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman cross-sections resulting from pre-resonance or resonance Raman processes in the adsorbate-substrate complex rather than to optical pumping of molecular vibrational excited states as proposed by Kneipp and co-workers [Phys. Rev. Lett., 76, 2444, 1996]. Far-field imaging with a Raman microscope shows no significant inhomogeneity of the Raman enhancement in the images of the deposited self-affine silver colloid clusters down to spatial resolutions of I [mu]m2. A near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) operating with a shear-force feedback distance-control mechanism was employed to study the optical response of self-affine, deposited colloidal silver films. In the near-field region, NSOM is capable of an optical resolution down to 100 nm which is beyond the traditional diffraction limit of far field optics. Near-field Rayleigh microscopy with simultaneous topographic imaging indicates that the electromagnetic fields on the surface of the self-affine films are localized in regions smaller than the excitation wavelength. The pattern of high-field regions varies greatly with excitation wavelengths and does not correlate with topography. Local spectra of self-affine film showed distinct resonances arising with highly location-dependent frequencies. The most highly resolved of these resonances correspond to individual surface plasmon normal modes. Specific vibrational bands from the SERS spectra of plithalazine adsorbed on self-affine, silver colloid films were mapped over portions of the film surface in the near-field. The near-field Raman intensity maps display patterns of field localization in subwavelength regions. The pattern of field localization varies greatly with scattered wavelength. Observations in the near-field validate recent theories of the optical response of self-affine fractal objects [Phys. Report, 61, 272, 1996].
A story of learning, learning a culture, creating an identity

This study centres on the interplay between learning and identity. It demonstrates how what one learns and how one learns it affect the development of one's identity and vice versa. Throughout, narrative is used both as a mode and a form of inquiry. My journey into the landscape of learning, which not everyone would describe as "typical", but which, like those of many others, has moral, emotional and aesthetic threads woven into it (Connelly and Clandinin, 1999), is re-traced. Important underlying significance and messages are revealed to support my view that one's landscape of learning and formulation of one's identity co-determine one another. By this study, I hope to deepen the understanding that learners are individual whole beings with different identities of their own. To this understanding, curriculum designing should be closely related and responsive.
Molecular cloning and characterization of hBRAG and other genes as potential regulators of RAG1 in the B cell lineage

The RAG genes are critical in lymphocyte development and in antigen receptor rearrangement. Finding other factors associated with RAG in expression will allow insight into the B cell developmental program and possibly into the regulation of lymphoid-specific components of the V(D)J recombination reaction. The goal of my study was to isolate and characterize novel genes by virtue of their co-expression with RAG1 and RAG2 mRNAs. Genes of this sort this would be of considerable general interest because they may potentially fall into one of the following three non-mutually exclusive categories: (1) genes involved in the regulation of human RAG1 and RAG2, (2) unidentified components of the recombinase machinery or, (3) other novel pre-lymphocyte specific genes (based on their temporally associated pattern of expression with the RAGs). In this thesis, I develop a differential display-based screening approach to identify and characterize genes that are co-expressed with human RAG1 in the context of the B cell lineage. Using this approach, I have identified several candidate genes, both known and novel, that co-express with and possibly regulate RAG1 in a B cell-specific context. I show that one of these is a novel, B cell-associated type II transmembrane glycoprotein that may be important in B cell signaling. Based on these studies, it may be possible to identify several factors that are not only important factors in RAG regulation, but also in B cell development.
Metal mobility in a stormwater detention pond, investigating metal mobility and sediment-water exchange

Surface and pore water samples were taken from a stormwater detention pond in Richmond Hill, Ontario, to determine the mobility of segment-bound cationic metals on a seasonal basis. Analyses of surface waters indicated that the stormwater detention pond behaved as sink for nutrients, except total phosphorus, and trace metals as intended. However, low dissolved oxygen, and very high total phosphorus, chloride, ammonia; and some trace metals make the pond a challenging environment for biota. Occasionally Cu, Fe, and Zn exceeded recommended Provincial Water Quality Objectives. An increase of 50-60% in trace metal concentrations occurred during the winter. Plotting of pore water profiles and diffusive flux calculations indicated an upward flux of trace metals from the sediments that were recycled and precipitated to the sediments as Fe and Mn oxides throughout the summer, fall, and spring. A downward flux of trace metals into the sediments occurred during the winter.
The use of transformational mutagenesis to study the genetics of dimorphism in Ophiostoma ulmi

This thesis reports the generation of 'Ophiostoma ulmi' mutants displaying an altered dimorphic distribution using the technique of transformational mutagenesis, and presents a partial genetic analysis of the recovered mutants. Using the methodology developed by Royer ' et al' (1991, 1997) with 'O. ulmi' strain MH75, the nonhomologous integrative vector, pPS57, was used as a mutagenic tool to transform the aggressive VA30 strain of 'O. ulmi'. Selection of transformants on a hygromycin containing solid medium induced budding-yeast growth. Reevaluation of the methodology with VA30, found linearized vector and selection with 200[mu]g/ml hygromycin to be optimal for the recovery of transformants. An estimated 8600 transformants were screened. Six of the fourteen dimorphic mutants obtained were transformants, as determined by Southern analysis. One mutant, "' ym1'", had a predominantly budding-yeast cell phenotype. ' Ym1' cultures produced sectored growth composed predominantly of hyphae. Meiotic analysis of 'ym1' and a 'ym1' sector isolate, found both to be inheritable mutations which were not tagged by pPS57, and suggested that the two mutations were closely linked.
Carbon dioxide inhalation challenges in multiple chemical sensitivity

This study tested the hypothesis that patients with symptoms to suggest multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) exhibit features of panic disorder (PD) in response to non- noxious environmental stimuli. It was expected that MCS patients, but not controls, would fulfill panic criteria following a CO 2 inhalation challenge. Thirty-six patients with symptoms to suggest MCS and 37 healthy controls with no pre-existing psychiatric history were compared in ('i') scores on self-report psychological questionnaires assessing psychological morbidity physiological and (' ii') subjective responses to a single-breath inhalation of 35% CO2/65% O2. Subjects underwent one vital capacity inhalation of air followed 10 minutes later by one vital capacity-inhalation of CO 2 through a one-way demand valve. Outcome measures included the Diagnostic Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) which lists the 13 panic attack symptoms found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version IV (DSM-IV). A panic attack was defined as ('i') the presence of at least 4 DSM-IV panic attack symptoms, at least one of which must be a cognitive symptom and ('ii') a sensation of panic or fear. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Organizational learning, case study in a high-technology culture

The four-year journey of one high-technology organization to build a culture that values learning as a competitive advantage was studied. A company-wide survey and employee and manager focus groups were selected to collect data on the learning aspect of the culture. Three key elements of organizational learning were examined: leadership, rewards and recognition, and transfer of skills and evaluation. The research outcomes identify specific recommendations for change that can be applied to other organizations on similar journeys. Key outcomes include making the organizational vision accessible to all employees; increasing the level of comfort with taking appropriate risks; designing a process for the identification, selection and monitoring of employee development plans; and enhancing the coaching skills of managers.
The role of vanadium as a homogeneous catalyst in alkaline water electrolysis

The effect of addition of vanadium as a catalyst to the electrolyte in alkaline water electrolysis for the hydrogen evolution reaction on Ni-200 and Ni50Co25P15B10 was investigated. Chronopotentiometry of catalyst concentration ranged 10 to 1000ppm showed an induced change of potential at the Ni-200 cathode which led to a final potential of -1800mV compared a potential of about -2000mV without catalyst. The same potential was reached for Ni50Co25P 15B10 cathodes with 50 to 500ppm catalyst additions. Fe in the electrolyte lowered the overpotential and increased the vanadium catalytic effect slightly to -1710mV. Change in Tafel slope for Ni-200 electrodes after catalyst addition showed a reaction mechanism change. Ni-200 electrodes deactivated as step time of Tafel measurement increased. Electrode surface analysis by SEM showed similar coating morphology for both Ni-200 and Ni 50Co25P15Bl0 electrodes. EDX, XRD and XPS showed the coatings were composed of mixed vanadium species in the V 3+ and V5+ states.
Management of experimental peri-implantitis around porous-surfaced implants in dog

The purpose of this study was to compare two approaches for the management of experimental peri-implantitis induced by cotton ligatures placed around porous-surfaced dental implants. Thirty implants were placed in 5 beagle dogs, 3 fixtures on each side of mandible, 4 months after extraction of the mandibular premolars and first molars. After re-entry and abutment connection, a cotton ligature was placed around the neck of each implant and forced apically to disrupt the soft tissue seal of the peri-implant space. Oral hygiene was withdrawn and administration of a soft diet allowed gross plaque accumulation. Periodic radiographic and microbiologic exams were performed. After 6-8 weeks the ligatures were removed and regular hygiene re-instituted. Four weeks later and after commencement of systemic antibiotics, the "rescue" surgical procedures were performed. These were based on GBR principles and done using a split-mouth model design. On one side of the jaw Dynagraft® Putty was used as a graft while on the other side, the same graft material was used along with Capset&trade; as a barrier. Results from microbiologic, radiographic, clinical and microscopic assessments revealed that: (i) 'Porphyromonas gingivalis' was detected at all peri-implantitis sites as the disease progressed and at the time of rescue surgery, up to 3 mm of the porous surface was no longer submerged in bone because of the bone loss that occurred; (ii) Assessment of prepared sections using BSEM and statistical treatment of the data indicated that both treatment approaches i.e., Dynagraft + Capset and Dynagraft only, were effective in terms of inducing new bone formation and allowing for re-osseointegration to varying degrees; (iii) Dynagraft + Capset treatment group had significantly better values for the regained bone height and bone ingrowth fraction for defect segment, parameters that reflect the level of re-osseointegration induced by the treatment.
Opportunity Index development for bank branch networks

Technological progress over the past several years has provided the Financial Services Industry with the opportunity to develop a myriad of service channels from which customers can procure products. As these alternatives to traditional branch banking become more and more popular, it becomes vital for financial firms to monitor the cost and location issues associated with maintaining bank branch networks. This thesis addresses the need to evaluate the geographical factors within branch trade areas by creating an Opportunity Index which measures factors including the number of competitors in the region and socioeconomic characteristics of clients within branch trade areas. An evaluation of over 1500 branches within Ontario is performed incorporating an innovative method of trade area definition, Multiplicative Competitive Interaction theory and Statistics Canada census information. This Opportunity Index was successful in identifying regions of less opportunity based only on customer residence and would be a useful component within a detailed multi-faceted analysis of branch location.
The politics of naming the violence, examining constructions of lesbian abuse in community-based educational discourses

This thesis examines regimes of truth about race, class, sexual and gender identities, and the causes and nature of abuse in community educational discourses on lesbian abuse. It investigates how a universal lesbian and woman is constructed, normalizing certain identities and knowledges while subordinating others. Analysis of educational materials (two booklets, one pamphlet), individual interviews and a focus group with five white, feminist, community-based educators, reveals that the context of heterosexism, racism and classism, anti-feminist backlash, denial of the existence of woman-to-woman abuse and tight material constraints, make it difficult to name the abuse and result in a simplified analytical framework. Educators address the interconnections between oppressions and explore complexities of identities and of abuse. The thesis examines how whiteness is embedded in the discourses and highlights the need to deconstruct whiteness, disrupt hierarchical relations between women and reconceptualize violence.
The effects of dynamic optical properties during interstitial laser photocoagulation

Lasers can be used to heat and destroy cancer cells by delivering light via fiber directly into a tumour, in a novel and promising procedure called Interstitial Laser Photocoagulation (ILP). Thermal lesion formation during ILP is a dynamic process involving many heat induced alterations of tissue such as changes in optical properties and blood perfusion. The aim of our work is to propose and validate a model which incorporates heat induced changes of optical properties due to coagulation by solving the nonlinear bioheat equation. The dynamic effects are modeled based on the Arrhenius damage formulation which describes thermal damage as an irreversible rate process. The validity of the model assumptions was investigated experimentally by developing novel opto-thermal phantoms with properties similar to those of tissue. An albumen based phantom was used to represent the case when optical properties change with heat. Polyacrylamide phantoms, designed with static optical properties, were used to illustrate the difference in temperature rise when dynamic optical properties are not taken into account. The influence of these changing optical properties on fluence, temperature and damage predictions were then examined theoretically for the case of ILP of the liver. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)