VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Chinese students' participation in asynchronous educational computer conferencing

Research has inadequately explored Chinese students' participation in asynchronous computer conferencing in Western universities. Systematic theory on these issues is likewise lacking. This study explores the influences of cultural factors on Chinese students' participation in asynchronous educational computer conferencing in Western schools. It involved six Chinese graduate students in a large urban Canadian university. Semi-structured interviews in Mandarin elicited these students' perceptions about participation in on-line courses, on-line instructors' roles, sense of on-line community and its effects on learning, and the cultural factors involved. These findings prompt some suggestions for Chinese students and Western instructors in on-line courses. They also suggest some directions for future research. Generally, the participants had positive attitude towards on-line courses. They found on-line courses compatible with some of their Chinese cultural patterns of teaching, learning and social interaction, while capable of countering cultural aspects (e.g. language, reticence) that posed problems to their learning.

Keywords: Computer conferencing in education
Chinese students, Attitudes
Chinese students, Canada
Topiramate action on the L-type calcium current elicited from transfected HEK 293 cells

Epilepsy is a common and primary neurological disorder which widely afflicts human beings. Research from molecular genetics and pharmacology has revealed an important role of voltage-dependent calcium channels in epilepsy. The new anticonvulsant Topiramate (TPM) has clinically proven to be highly effective in antiepileptic treatment and its mechanisms of action remain unknown. We tested the effect of TPM on the rat neuronal L-type calcium channels transfected in HEK 293 cells. Our results showed 100uM TPM had significant inhibitory effect on the amplitude of the rat neuronal L-type calcium currents elicited from rat neuronal L-type calcium channel in transfected HEK 293 cells (n = 3); the percentage of maximal current blockade was 59□13%. In addition, 10uM TPM did not change the voltage dependence of the L-type calcium channel. These results are consistent with previous literature. However, more samples need to be collected to further consolidate our conclusion and the future work includes evaluating the role of phosphorylation in these changes.
Three essays in empirical finance

This dissertation consists of three papers in empirical finance. Chapter 1 gives a summary of the three papers. Chapter 2 examines the information content of two types of insider trading: insider call transactions. These two types of trading have not been empirically investigated before. This study finds that the information content of insider buy-call transactions is quite complicated, while insider sell-call transactions are strong signals of declining stock prices. Chapter 3 investigates transaction costs on NASDAQ. It is widely documented that transaction costs are still higher on NASDAQ than on auction markets even after the 1996 market reform. This study uses Canadian stocks inter-listed on the TSE (an auction market), and NASDAQ, which enables us to eliminate firm-specific effects. We find that neither quoted nor effective half-spreads are significantly different across the two markets. Furthermore, except for trades belonging to the largest-sized category, NASDAQ seems to post comparable spreads to the TSE. NASDAQ's advantage is most obvious for small-sized trades, which constitute the lion's share of all transactions. Chapter 4 investigates the efficiency of internal versus external capital market using high-tech industries. These industries are chosen because these are the industries where internal capital markets would most likely outperform external capital markets. After controlling for product life cycle and resource availability, we find that internal capital markets are as allocationally efficient as external capital markets; they have an informational advantage over external capital markets; and they are more efficient in financing. Therefore, it is concluded that internal capital markets can still find a niche to play an important role given the current trend towards focus.
Tropical and extra-tropical atmospheric circulation variability in the northern hemispheric troposphere

Over a century ago, Blanford suggested a negative correlation between western Himalayan snow cover and the Northwest Indian summer monsoon rainfall, an observation that formed the basis of the hypothesis of a snow-monsoon feedback mechanism and resulted in the first forecast of the intensity of the summer monsoon in India. Recently, an opposite relationship between Tibetan snow cover and Indian summer monsoon has been proposed. However, the relatively short length of the instrumental observations restricts the further study of the relationship between these two components of the climate system. In this thesis a 196-year record of snow accumulation extracted from southern Himalayan ice cores is shown to contain a decreasing trend that began in the 1840s. In contrast, the Indian summer monsoon rainfall shows no evidence of such a trend. It is argued that the negative trend in the snow accumulation is associated with the weakening of trade winds over the Pacific Ocean. Evidence has shown that this negative trend in the snow accumulation is associated with the long-term changes in regional Hadley and Walker circulations during the latter half of the 20th century. The lack of a correlation between the Himalayan snow accumulation and Indian summer monsoon could be attributed to the extreme height of the ice core site that effectively decouples the two due to the highly stratified nature of the atmosphere. The NAO and the AO have been identified as important modes of climate variability in the boreal winter. However, which one is most fundamental in describing this variability and the relationship between them are still important open questions. A key uncertainty is our lack of overall knowledge of the linkages between the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. Using multiple techniques, the non-linear linkages between these basins are explored. In particular, a non-linear expression of the NAO in the North Pacific and an inter-decadal variability in the Pacific center of action in the AO mode have been identified. These findings can contribute to further understanding the boreal winter climate variability. Finally, a possible linkage between the tropics and the extratropics is discussed.
An evaluation of the effects of Ontario's graduated licensing system on drinking-driving behavior among young drivers

This study uses a separate-sample pretest and posttest research design to evaluate the impact of Ontario's Graduated Licensing System (GLS) on drinking-driving behaviors among young drivers. Surveys were conducted in seven Ontario secondary schools in 1994, 1996 and 1998. Participants were 11th and 12th graders who held a learner's permit or full license in 1994 and held a G1 or G2 license in 1996 and 1998, for a combined total of less than 2 years. Logistic regression analyses showed significant reductions in odds of drinking-driving, collision involvement, and legal contacts in the posttests (the 1996 and 1998 samples). Type of license and sex were two significant moderators of the impact of the GLS. Some important predictors of drinking-driving behavior and collision involvement among young drivers in Ontario were also observed. These results suggest that Ontario's GLS has demonstrated some success in reducing drinking-driving and collisions among adolescent and new drivers.
A rule rewriting mechanism for peer data management systems

Peer databases are supposed to be used by non-technical end users, such as a receptionist at a doctor's office or an assistant pharmacist. Accordingly, we suppose the existence of a library of "standard" rules for coordinating two types of peer databases with well defined "standard" schemas. We also suppose that an ECA rule is chosen for a specific coordination task. Coordinating peer databases is an active research topic in peer data management. Within the Hyperion project, peer database coordination is realized through Event-Condition-Action (ECA) rules. In this thesis, we propose a mechanism for instantiating the chosen ECA rule, so that the latter can coordinate specific databases whose schemas are instances of the standard database schemas. In particular, our mechanism rewrites standard ECA rules for specific peers using GAV mappings. We study several cases, design and implement a rewriting algorithm, test the latter with several examples, and evaluate the implementation.
Scrubbing reduced sulphur compounds in noncondensible gases using white liquor

Field and laboratory studies were conducted to determine the concentrations of Total Reduce Sulphur (TRS) compounds in Noncondensible Gases (NCGs) and the efficiency of a NCG scrubber using white liquor; and to examine the mechanism that governs the effectiveness of CH3SH absorption into white liquor. Results show depending on the sources, NCGs contained 3 to 18% TRS on a dry basis. Of the TRS, CH3SH accounted for approximately 50%, H 2S and CH3SCH3 about 25% each, and CH3SSCH 3 less than 2%. H2S and CH3SH were effectively removed by the scrubber but not CH3SCH3 and CH 3SSCH3. The absorption of CH3SH into water was a mass-transfer controlled process with Ea = 22 kJ/mol. The absorption into alkaline solutions was accelerated by chemical reactions. Oxygen played an important role in CH3SSCH3 formation. These findings help improve NCG scrubber design and operation.
Biofiltration of dimethyl sulphide in the presence of methanol

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of methanol (MeOH) on the biofiltration of dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Experiments were performed in both small bottles (batch) and continuous laboratory-scale biofilters at 30°C. The target loading ranges for DMS and MeOH were 0-10 g m-3 h-1 (concentration range: 0-45 ppmv) and 0-150 g m-3 h-1 (0-1200 ppmv), respectively. Results obtained from continuous experiments using the three bench-scale biofilters packed with inorganic material clearly show that MeOH has a positive effect (11 fold increase) on the biofiltration of DMS. Further experiments indicate that MeOH addition enhances biomass concentration and viability (3 fold) in the biofilters. However, a suspension of MeOH addition causes a rapid, significant increase in the removal rate of DMS, suggesting that the presence of MeOH also has a competitive effect on the biofiltration of DMS. This study suggests that there exists an optimum mix of DMS and MeOH for the treatment of DMS in inorganic biofilters. Strategic MeOH addition (step feeding and pulse feeding of MeOH) was proposed and experimentally tested to enhance DMS removal in the biofilters by 35-46%. Both steady-state and dynamic models incorporating the competitive and activation effects of MeOH were developed and experimentally validated to describe steady-state and transient-state behavior of the inorganic biofilters treating DMS in the presence of MeOH. The steady-state model can be used to optimize the biofiltration of DMS by providing an optimal MeOH addition rate for a given DMS loading. The dynamic model provides good prediction for the biodegradation of DMS in the biofilter with variable biofilm density along the biofilter column as a function of MeOH concentration in the air stream. Experimental results also show that MeOH alleviates the pH drop and enhances the stability of biofilter performance on DMS removal. It is proposed that MeOH addition consumes oxygen and results in a lower conversion ratio of sulfide to sulfuric acid due to the formation of elemental sulfur, reducing acidification in the biofilters. At the same time, MeOH prevents acid production from nitrification, likely by limiting oxygen and nutrients to nitrifying bacteria in the MeOH-fed biofilters.
Multivalued dependencies and a normal form for XML

In this thesis we proposed a definition for multivalued dependencies (MVDs) in XML. As in relational databases, MVDs in XML generalize functional dependencies (FDs) and suggest that the XML database can be losslessly decomposed into smaller databases. The main goal of identifying MVDs in XML is to detect the potential redundancy they may cause. We propose an XML Normal Form, XNFM, to address the redundancy issue related to MVDs. XNFM generalizes 4NF and coincides with nested normal form (NNF) for nested schemas. It is an extension of XML normal form (XNF), and thus a more powerful normal form. The normalization algorithm to convert an arbitrary XML document type definition (DTD) into a normalized one, in XNFM, is also introduced. We show that the algorithm outputs a lossless decomposition of the original DTD and the transformations in the algorithm can be implemented by using XQuery, an XML query language developed by the World Wide Web Consortium. As the World Wide Web becomes a major means of disseminating and sharing information, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is rapidly emerging as a dominant standard for representing and exchanging data in the Internet. Meanwhile, the request and interest in efficiently storing and querying XML repositories has increased.
Hyperspectral remote sensing algorithms for retrieving forest chlorophyll content

The effects of canopy structure on optical remote sensing signals were investigated using the geometrical-optical model 4-Scale. A look-up-table approach was developed to provide the probabilities of viewing sunlit foliage and background components, and a spectral multiple scattering factor as functions of LAI, and solar and view zenith angle. Leaf reflectance spectra and chlorophyll content were retrieved from the hyperspectral Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI) images with a root mean square error of 4.34 mug/cm 2 for needleleaf species. LAI was retrieved and chlorophyll content was mapped using CASI imagery. Quantitative estimates of forest chlorophyll content from hyperspectral remote sensing are of great use for terrestrial carbon cycle modeling and sustainable forest management. Open forest canopies present a big challenge for the separation of the effects from canopy structure and leaf optical properties, and thus the retrieval of biochemical parameters. Process-based algorithms were developed to estimate the chlorophyll content of broadleaves and needleleaves from hyperspectral measurements. Field experiments were conducted from 2003 to 2004 near Sudbury and Haliburton, Ontario, to collect canopy structural, leaf biophysical and biochemical data. Experiments show that optical properties and biochemical contents of broadleaves change with the growing season and canopy height. Needleleaves from different sites, age classes, and branch orientations demonstrate different visible optical properties in relation to their chlorophyll contents. A process-based radiative transfer model PROSPECT was modified to retrieve leaf chlorophyll content from measured leaf spectra. For broadleaves, leaf thickness was introduced to consider the seasonal and canopy-gradient variation in light absorption. The accuracy of chlorophyll retrieval is increased from 67% to 91%. For needleleaves, the effects of needleleaf width and thickness, and geometrical effects of leaf-holding devices on spectra measurements were taken into account. These modifications improve the accuracy of chlorophyll retrieval from 31% to 59%. Correct exposure for digital hemispherical photographs is crucial for estimating canopy structural parameters. A photographic exposure theory was tested for different forest types with various canopy closures and under different sky conditions. The exposure method improves the estimates of leaf area index by 40% in comparison with commonly used automatic exposure.
Life cycle modeling of lignocellulosic ethanol for use in light-duty vehicles

This thesis evaluates selected environmental implications resulting from ethanol produced from cellulosic feedstocks and its use in light-duty vehicles. Modifications are made to a life cycle-based model (GREET). These modifications include; revising the model default values on soil carbon change due to land use change, and N2O emissions from soils and agricultural activities associated with switchgrass production. Additionally a module for corn stover-derived ethanol was developed. The analyses show that production of switchgrass in different regions and on different types of land could impact the potential of switchgrass-derived ethanol for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It is found that N2O emissions from soils are a major source of GHG emissions in the life cycle of switchgrass-derived ethanol. Finally, the production and use of corn stover-derived ethanol as E85 in a light-duty vehicle could reduce fossil fuel use by 94% and GHG emissions by 87%, compared to a vehicle fueled with reformulated gasoline.
Predicting CSL performance of OSB

For floor and roof sheathing applications of oriented strand board (OSB), its resistance to concentrated static load (CSL) is a critical property in assessing its strength performance. The objective of this study was to determine whether CSL properties were related to other panel properties. A small scale lab CSL test was also developed in order to facilitate CSL test using conventional laboratory equipment. In addition, the effects of panel variables on CSL performance were investigated. Eight types of commercial 4 feet; x 8 feet; x 7/16 inches; OSB panels were examined. Shear strength was evaluated using a customized five-point bending test. Models for CSL performance based on stepwise multi-linear regression were developed that predicted CSL performance reasonably well. According to the model, shear strength in the perpendicular direction was more strongly correlated to the CSL performance than the other panel properties. A small scale lab CSL test was found to give consistent results with the standard CSL test.
Drift: a highly condensed emulation framework for mobile nodes in server clusters

Emulating large-scale wireless networks in a realistic manner has been a daunting task for the research community. Existing emulation platforms can only support tens of nodes with coarse granularity. In this thesis, we present Drift, a high-performance wireless emulation testbed that maximizes scalability with minimal loss of accuracy. Drift makes it possible to rapidly develop and validate application-layer protocols within a cluster computing environment. Unlike existing emulation testbeds, it features a fully decentralized architecture, an efficient message processing unit, and more accurate network models for mobile wireless nodes. With these design choices, Drift can accommodate thousands of emulated nodes, while maintaining similar accuracy as packet level simulators. To demonstrate its flexibility and usefulness, we also design and implement a new protocol OMNC (Optimized Multipath Network Coding), which significantly improves the throughput of lossy wireless networks, for both the single-unicast and multiple-unicast scenarios.
Selecting activated carbon for micropollutant removal in drinking water treatment: Trace capacity number test

This research explores new GAC testing protocols that can be used to assist in the selection of activated carbon for geosmin and MIB removal in drinking water treatment. The trace capacity number (TCN) in liquid- and gas-phase show promise of being fast and simple tests that yield information about the number of high-energy adsorption sites on carbon: a parameter that is theorized to be more closely indicative of the ability of a particular GAC to adsorb organic micropollutants such as goesmin and MIB. Six different common GACs from several manufacturers were characterized using traditional parameters, as well as the TCN tests. Actual carbon performance was then evaluated in the laboratory using water from Lake Ontario that was spiked with 100 ng/L geosmin and 100 ng/L MIB, and directed through bench-scale column tests. The results indicated that as hypothesized, the conventional GAC characterization parameters (e.g. iodine numbers, adsorption isotherms) did not correlate well to actual geosmin and MIB removal performance as given by the column tests, but that the TCN and column tests yielded a similar best-to-worst ranking of the six carbons.
Endoplasmic reticulum resident chaperones and embryonic development

In the present study, we found that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident stress chaperones, such as calreticulin, glucose regulated protein 78, glucose regulated protein 94, ER protein 57, and protein disulfide isomerase were more abundant in embryonic brain, heart and eye than in adult tissues. Both eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2alpha (eIF-2alpha) and phospho-eIF-2alpha, which inhibits general protein synthesis, were more abundant in embryonic brain and eye compared to adult. Spliced X-box binding protein-1 mRNA, which is an indicator of the unfolded protein response, was detected in embryonic brain and eye tissues. A partially glycosylated form of activating transcription factor 6alpha, an indicator of ER stress, was also detected in embryonic brain. Active forms of caspase-7 and caspase-12 were found to be more abundant in embryonic tissues than in adult. Thus, our data suggest that ER stress may exist and induce apoptosis via the activation of caspases during embryonic development.
Isolation and identification of wood and bark constituents and their toxicological effects

Natural wood and bark constituents in trees play an essential role in their defense system against insects and bacteria. Bark and wood extractives are toxic to insects and bacteria, affecting their growth and reproduction. Adverse impacts on the growth and reproduction of wild fish downstream of pulp and paper mills have been observed. However, the causative compounds have not been identified. Some wood and bark extractives have been considered to be responsible for these effects. This thesis is focused on isolation and identification of wood and bark extractives and evaluation of their toxic effects on aquatic life. Bark extractives have been first time addressed in the chronic toxicity effects. The extractives were isolated from spruce pulp, bark, simulated and real TMP effluent samples. The lipophilic components were fractionated and then analyzed with gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry. The bioassay test results indicate that a small amount of bark mixed into pulp can cause a significant increase in acute toxicity. The toxicological effects of wood and bark extractives on aquatic organisms were evaluated with Ceriodaphnia dubia. The extractives were found to have significant contribution on acute and chronic toxicity of the pulp and paper mill effluents.
Intangible transfer pricing regulations in China

Transfer pricing is an active subject of international taxation that has received widespread attention in many countries. With respect to China, the subject of transfer pricing is very much alive and China is becoming more sophisticated and consistent in enforcing this area of the law. However as to transfer pricing of intangibles, China's legislation is still on early stage. With the rapid growth of intangible trades between multinational corporations, especially after China joined WTO, China's revenue government is facing many challenges that result in tax revenue loss or unregulated intangible investment market. This thesis will talk about the challenges Chinese government is facing and discuss the sources that these problems come from. This thesis will also analyze the possible solutions to these problems by learning from other countries' legislation and experience and OECD Guidelines. It will discuss the advantages as well as disadvantages.

Keywords: Transfer pricing, Law and legislation
Transfer pricing, China
Taxation, Law and legislation
Taxation, China