VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Ravellings and unravellings, a narrative inquiry into the process of becoming a teacher

This dissertation examines the process of becoming a teacher from a student teacher and teacher educator perspective. The study is set within a three year, university based teacher education program where I, as a new teacher educator, struggle to articulate my knowledge of teaching. Realizing that much of my knowledge is pulled from me in my direct experience with student teachers, I turn to the stories of five student teachers who joined me in forming a study group that continued for the entire program. Through the use of journals, documents, letter writing (e-mail), personal interviews, classroom observations, and both individual and group conversations, I construct the text of their experience, including the evolving interconnectiveness of our lives. While initially I saw much of myself either reflected in or absent from the stories of my students, what I experienced through the process of this study was a move toward understanding and working with students within their own terms. I believe this was a result of finding the quietude of mind and body to enable me to explore my own stories, revealing the prevailing images, rhythms and metaphors of teaching that were guiding my own actions and my observations of the actions of others. Thus, this dissertation exists as an unravelling of my own personal and professional knowledge, as well as the story of the student teachers busily ravelling or wrapping themselves within the perceived professionalism of teaching. The relevance of my work lies in the rich and detailed stories provided, and the personal meanings that may resonate within the reader. By recognizing that teacher education constitutes a dialogical relationship of teaching and learning, and providing an example of the continuous process of learning about teaching through our teaching, I invite others to explore new possibilities for teacher education.
Studies on the bioavailability, tissue distribution, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties of dietary lycopene in rats

Recent studies have suggested a protective role for lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid, in the prevention of chronic diseases including cancer. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the bioavailability, tissue distribution, and the in vivo antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties of lycopene. Rats were maintained on diets containing 10 ppm lycopene. Lycopene was found in all tissues. A significant decrease in serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was observed in rats fed the lycopene diet. Incidence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), induced by azoxymethane in lycopene fed rats showed a trend towards reduced numbers and size but did not reach statistical significance. Based on the results it is concluded that dietary lycopene is absorbed by the rats, distributes to various tissues and acts as an antioxidant in reducing serum lipid peroxides. Trend towards lower incidence of ACF suggest that lycopene may have a protective effect against oxidative stress and colon carcinogenesis.
A 1.8V 2nd-Order [sigma delta] Modulator

Low-voltage, low-power analog-to-digital converters provide a critical interface in portable mixed-signal electronic systems. The robustness and tolerance of the sigma-delta modulator technique over other data-converter techniques make it an ideal choice in applications where low voltage and high-dynamic range are a must. This thesis deals with the design and implementation of a low-voltage, low-power 2nd-order sigma-delta modulator with a single 1.8 V power supply using conventional threshold voltage transistors. All the circuit blocks are integrated on one chip, and the input common-mode voltage is set at mid-rail, resulting in low power dissipation, minimum off-chip components, and high efficiency, flexibility and compatibility. The design is useful for voice applications in personal communications systems supplied by two nickel-cadmium or alkaline batteries. The modulator consists of four circuit blocks: the biasing, the operational amplifier, the comparator-latch, and the four-phase clock generator. A high DC gain, large output swing operational amplifier with a low-voltage power supply was implemented using a fully-differential folded-cascode input stage followed by a common-source output stage, combined with a switched-capacitor common-mode feedback circuit. Based on fully-differential switched-capacitor techniques, the modulator was implemented using a 3.3 V, double-poly, 0.35[mu]m CMOS process. The modulator exhibits a 15-bit dynamic range for a 7 kHz bandwidth, and a 14-bit dynamic range for a 20 kHz bandwidth at an oversampling frequency of 2.56 MHz. The complete 2nd-order modulator has a power dissipation of 0.99 mW, and occupies 0.31 mm2 of the area excluding bonding pads.
Synthesis of novel fluoropolymers

Fluoropolymers; have high chemical and thermal stabilities, making them desirable for a number of applications, yet limit their broader applicability. To enhance processability and solubility in organic solvents, new fluoropolymers incorporating partial hydrocarbon functionality were synthesized. In one approach, three new trifluorovinyl ether monomers (TFVEs), having hydrocarbon pendant groups were polymerized: 1-[2-(2-ethoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-1,2,2-trifluoroethene (Et-TFVE), 1-[2-(2-'tert'-butoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-1,2,2-trifluoroethene ('tert'-Bu-TFVE) and 1-(2-phenoxy-ethoxy)-1,2,2-trifluoroethene (Ph-TFVE). The TFVEs were homo- and copolymerized with ethyl vinyl ether (EVE) and vinyl acetate (VAc) by redox-initiated aqueous emulsion polymerization. Et-TFVE was also homo- and copolymerized with tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) in carbon dioxide (CO2) As a result of TFVE structure and low reactivity, relatively low molar mass homopolymers; and TFE copolymers resulted (on the order of 10,000 g mol -1). The polymerization mechanism was complicated because of ß-scission termination/chain transfer for all TFVE homopolymers and copolymers with TFE. incorporating Et-TFVE and tert-Bu-TFVE but not poly(Ph-TFVE). Interestingly, from the pendant group adjacent to the propagating macro-radical. TFVE copolymerization with EVE and VAc resulted in significantly higher molar mass polymers (typically >=100,000-g mol-1) because more significant for copolymers having a greater fraction of (Et-TFVE), in the monomer feed. Reactivity ratios were estimated for a series of bulk copolymerizations of Ph-TFVE with EVE or VAc and confirmed azeotropic copolymerization. In a second approach to processable fluoropolymers, TFE and VAc were copolymerized in supercritical CO2. High molar mass poly(TFE-co-VAc)s incorporating up to 71 mo1% TFE were synthesized and were organic solvent soluble. Previous syntheses in aqueous emulsions resulted in a branched structure of the resulting macro-radical. Consequently, at least a 10-fold decrease in molar mass was observed following hydrolysis. Only a small decrease in molar mass was observed after hydrolysis for poly(TFE-'co'-VAc)s in carbon dioxide relative to propagation, thereby yielding predominantly linear polymers.
Convergence of Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms with applications to image restoration

Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms, such as the Gibbs sampler and Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, are widely used in statistics, computer science, chemistry and physics for exploring complicated probability distributions. A critical issue for users of these algorithms is the determination of the number of iterations required so that the result will be approximately a sample from the distribution of interest. In this thesis, we give precise bounds on the convergence time of the Gibbs sampler used in the Bayesian restoration of a degraded image. We consider convergence as measured by both the usual choice of metric, total variation distance, and the Wasserstein metric. In both cases we exploit the coupling characterisation of the metric to get our results. Our results can also be applied to the coupling-from-the-past algorithm of Propp and Wilson (1996) to get bounds on its running time. The application of our theoretical results requires the computation of parameters of the algorithm. These computations may be prohibitively difficult in many situations. We discuss how our results can be applied in these situations through the use of auxiliary simulation to estimate these parameters. We also give a summary of probability metrics and the relationships between them, including several new relationships.
Modelling and characterization of mechanically regulated tissue formation around bone-interfacing implants

In many cases, orthopaedic and dental implants can restore function to diseased or damaged joints and edentulous jaws. However, in several challenging clinical situations, it is difficult to achieve adequate fixation (osseointegration) between the implant and bone. Since osseointegration is necessary for clinical success, implant failure rates in these cases are unacceptably high. Understanding the factors that allow bone-interfacing implants to osseointegrate rapidly and reliably should lead to improvements in their use and design. With this being our goal, we investigated the influence of implant surface geometry and local tissue strains on peri-implant tissue formation. Using a rabbit model, we evaluated the histological and mechanical characteristics of the early healing tissues around nonfunctional implants with Ti6Al4V sintered porous surfaces and Ti plasma-sprayed surfaces. We found that the early healing tissues integrated with the three-dimensional interconnected structure of the sintered porous surface and mineralized more rapidly than the tissues around the irregular geometry of the plasma-sprayed surface. Consequently, the stiffness and strength of attachment was greater for the porous-surfaced implants. These results demonstrate that implant surface geometry influences early peri-implant tissue formation and, as a result, the early mechanical stability of implants. To investigate the relationship between implant surface geometry, the local mechanical environment, and peri-implant tissue formation, we developed a computational micromechanical model based on homogenization methods to describe the effective and local properties of the porous-surfaced and plasma-sprayed peri-implant regions. In validation tests, we showed that the model provided reasonably accurate initial predictions of the properties of the peri-implant regions. Using the computational model, we compared the local mechanical environments around porous-surfaced and plasma-sprayed implants. In cases with minimal implant loading, the model predicted local tissue strains that permitted localized ' and' appositional bone formation around porous-surfaced implants, but only appositional bone formation for plasma-sprayed implants. Based on the model predictions and experimental data from earlier studies, we proposed a quantitative model for the mechanical regulation of peri-implant tissue formation. The mechanoregulatory model is consistent with observations of tissue formation around porous-surfaced and plasma-sprayed implants, and provides initial criteria to evaluate the osseointegration potential of bone-interfacing implants.
Bayesian hierarchical models for mapping lung cancer mortality in Ontario

Mapping rare disease incidence or mortality using maximum likelihood estimates may yield misleading results when regions have a low number of events or small sample size. Moreover, problems in mapping may arise when the number of events in an area is large when frequentist p-values are mapped. This thesis looks at how Bayesian random effects estimates and posterior probabilities might be used to offset the above problems which tend to visually dominate a map. Within the Bayesian framework, a spatially structured model is considered which allows prior information of spatially similar risks to be used. The techniques are illustrated using lung cancer mortality data for Ontario. A simulation study, based on the actual data, was used to examine the effects of both population size and fixed relative risks on mean square error (including bias) and the ability to distinguish high and low risk areas. Results show that mean square error is reduced in Bayesian estimates at the cost of some bias. Maps of Bayesian posterior estimates and Bayesian probabilities offer more consistency than their traditional counterpart.
Finishing the design, peering inside the operators' toolbox

While interacting with complex systems, operators of these systems frequently modify their interfaces in order to achieve task goals more effectively or more efficiently (what Rasmussen (1986) has called 'finishing the design'). While there is a literature on operator modifications, this literature includes only field studies and theoretical treatments, but has not proceeded to experimentation. This research describes two preliminary experiments designed to answer four questions related to operator modifications: (1) Why do operators modify their interfaces? (2) How do these modifications develop over time? (3) How does this activity affect performance? and (4) How does this activity affect understanding? The results of these experiments pointed to answers to most of these questions, and most significantly, pointed to a taxonomy of the purposes behind operator modifications in complex systems.
Molecular approaches to breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is still one of the leading types of cancer affecting women and up to 20~50% of patients eventually develop metastatic form of the disease. Recent advances in molecular cancer biology have made, it possible to design novel gene transfer strategies for cancer treatment. This thesis evaluates the therapeutic potential of the Herpes Simplex Virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene transfer followed with Gancyclovir (GCV) treatment and examines some of the mechanisms involved in p53 tumour suppressor gene function, with a goal towards identifying novel targets for breast cancer gene therapy. The experiments described in 'Chapter 2' provide evidence for a novel role for p53 in regulating p21WAF1/CIP1 expression at the post-translational level in MCF7 cells. Overexpression of p53 was shown to increase p21WAF1/CIP1 protein levels through stabilization of the protein. 'Chapter 3' evaluates the therapeutic potential of AdHSVtk/GCV treatment for breast tumour cells. Results from this study demonstrated that MCF7 cells, which are resistant to recombinant p53 overexpression, are also resistant to AdHSVtk/GCV treatment. Because of this, efforts described in 'Chapter 4' were directed toward the identification of p53- and radiation-responsive genes in apoptosis-sensitive MDA-MB-468 cells which could be used as novel therapeutic targets for breast tumours resistant to p53 and AdHSVtk/GCV treatment. This led to the identification of a novel p53- and radiation-responsive gene which we called Secreted Tumour Arrest and Apoptosis Factor (STAAF). STAAF was found to be a novel member of the TGF-ß superfamily and overexpression of STAAF was seen to induce cycle arrest and apoptosis in several human tumour cell lines, but not in any normal cells studied. The observation that STAAF gene expression can be induced by both p53 and radiation suggests that this gene may play a role in mediating cross-talk of p53-dependent and p53-independent apoptotic signaling pathways.
Canadian municipal response to climate change, a framework for analyzing barriers

Over the last decade, world attention has begun to focus on the environmental problem of climate change. Despite ongoing international negotiations discussing emission reduction opportunities, local government level of action is where success is being achieved. In Canada, municipal government has direct or indirect control over 52.2% of domestic greenhouse gas emissions. Yet despite this control, in 1998, only 53 of over 4000 municipalities were known to have emission reductions efforts in place. While municipal government in Canada has the potential to make a significant contribution toward helping Canada meet its commitment to the Kyoto Target, municipal potential remains unrealized. However, no comprehensive investigation into Canadian municipal response to climate change had ever been completed. This research represents the first comprehensive examination Canadian municipal response to climate change. Through a survey of staff at all Canadian municipal governments with populations greater than 10,000 people and using the data collected from the 236 municipal governments that responded to the survey (of a total of 393, a response rate of 60.3%), the extent to which municipal government has responded to climate change is determined and the potential role that information, political priority and capacity barriers play in preventing response is evaluated according to a framework for understanding barriers. The framework presented here contributes to advancing our understanding of the challenges faced by local government in responding to a global environmental issue. The barriers identified through this research suggest that local government capacity and interest in addressing environmental issues is compromised by factors central to issues of governance and the relationship between local government and higher levels of government. These barriers are then considered in light of future action that could lead to wider-spread municipal response to climate change in Canada. Recommendations for new research are developed and a number of policy and program recommendations for future action are offered.
Afrocentric Organization Development? Shifting the Paradigm from Eurocentricity to Afrocentricity

This thesis explores how white, Western Organization Development (OD) practitioners may assist non-Western countries and regions such as Africa in their efforts to improve their organizations. Espoused OD values were compared with traditional African cultural values. Areas of congruity and incongruity were noted. Methods to help ensure that Western OD practitioners may provide OD services to Africa in a manner that is culturally-sensitive, appropriate, and 'in the best interest of the peoples of Africa' (Madhubuti, 1978) were suggested. An 'Afrocentric' OD approach was recommended. This approach comprises: (1) personal 'de-colonization'; (2) cross-cultural communications; (3) African cultural values and Afrocentric perspective; (4) de-colonizing OD approaches: critical questioning of OD values; inclusion of anti-racism and diversity theories and strategies; and (5) indigenous knowledge and approaches. Some of the implications of the thesis's conclusions for both the OD practitioner and the adult educator/researcher were described.
A three-dimensional model of an impacting droplet

A three-dimensional model has been developed, to predict flow behaviour of a droplet impacting a solid surface. The model combines a fixed mesh discretization of the flow equations with a piecewise linear volume tracking algorithm to track the droplet free surface. Surface tension is modelled as a body force acting on fluid near the free surface. Contact angles are applied as a boundary condition at the contact line. Results are presented first of two asymmetric impacts, of a water droplet onto an incline and onto a sharp edge. Corresponding photographs are presented, of these and subsequent results. A simple model of contact angle variation with contact line velocity is proposed and implemented; simulation results compare well with the photographs. The model is then used to simulate droplet fingering and splashing, a manifestation of an unstable advancing contact line. A methodology is presented for introducing a perturbation of the velocity field near the solid surface, of prescribed amplitude and frequency, at a time shortly after impact. Simulation results are then presented of the impact of molten tin, water, and heptane droplets. Model agreement is good for a wide range of behaviours. An expression for a splashing threshold predicts the behaviour of the molten tin; the results of water and especially heptane, however, suggest that the contact angle plays an important role, and that the expression appears applicable only to impacts characterized by a relatively low value of the Weber number. The thesis concludes with application of the model to droplet impacts characteristic of the thermal spray process. First, results suggest that the splashing observed experimentally is not the result of the fluid instability under consideration here, but rather appears related to the solidification of material following impact. And finally, results are presented of the impact of thermal spray particles at various impact angles, to assess the influence of spray angle on splat geometry.
Taking the air, Canadian national parks policy and contextualizing ideas

This dissertation argues that national parks are not solely about environmental protection as is commonly believed but, rather, are about various policy meanings. Four prominent meanings are given expression by parks. First, they are political symbols used to reflect, at different times, the greatness, political unity, or environmental purity of the country. Second, they are instruments of economic development aimed, historically, at promoting the railways and, more recently, at helping low income regions or groups. Third, parks are also about environmental policy although as much in terms of education and symbols as in actual protection. Finally, parks are about human landscapes reflecting both Aboriginal and traditional Euro-Canadian conceptions of the land. New meanings and policy approaches have emerged in four discernible periods since World War II. The early period, from 1955 to 1970, was a period of bureaucratic initiative in which parks policy and the meanings associated with it were established almost exclusively by public officials. The second, from about 1970 to 1980, was characterized by public participation of a highly spontaneous kind where, in effect, the public entered into a partnership with officials to determine policy. Third, from 1980 to 1993, institutionalized interest groups seized the initiative in policy development by using the fundamental institutions of the state, such as Parliament, the Minister's office and the courts, in order to advance their ideas. The fourth period, from 1993 to the present, is one in which the state has retaken control of the direction of parks by redefining them in fiscal terms. National parks policy meanings and their changes can be explained by the interaction of substantive ideas, institutions, and interest groups. However, the point of interaction among these three factors is not static and, as it varies, different elements will be favoured while others are disadvantaged. Variations in the point of interaction can, in turn, be explained by "contextualizing ideas" which influence or condition the relationship among the contributing factors. Contextualizing ideas are those, such as ones about rationalism in government, public participation, and Aboriginal rights, which influence procedure and the relative importance of policy factors, thereby establishing the operating context in which participants work and develop policy.