VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The context of medication management: The impact of technology use and work practices on work, information, and difficulties across clinicians

This thesis examined the medication management process across physicians, pharmacists, and nurses to understand: (i) the context of medication management, and (ii) the relative impact of technology use and work practices on this context. Context was defined according to the workflows, information sources, and difficulties that exist within this environment. Over 170 hours of observation and interview data were collected from 31 participants over the course of two field studies. The studies were conducted in two units of the same urban hospital, each using a different level of technology and set of work practices. Results across clinicians were compared to develop the general context of medication management. Results across units were compared to understand the impact of technology use and work practices. Finally, an Intrinsic Order Process model was developed to inform future changes to the process based on effective applications of technology use and work practices within this context.
The parallel solution of ABD systems arising in numerical methods for BVPs for ODEs

Many numerical algorithms for the solution of Boundary Value Problems (BVPs) for Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) contain significant components that can be parallelized easily, and recent investigations have shown that substantial speedups are attainable on machines with a modest number of processors. An important step in most of these algorithms---and often the most computationally-intensive step---is the numerical solution of an Almost Block Diagonal (ABD) system of linear algebraic equations. The parallelization of this step is not so straightforward as certain characteristics of the problem make it difficult to apply standard divide-and-conquer techniques in order to arrive at a stable parallel algorithm. In the past, several algorithms have been proposed for the parallel solution of the ABD system, but many are potentially unstable or offer only limited parallelism. The proper treatment of the ABD system has proven to be a challenge in the design of parallel BVP codes. In this thesis we present three parallel algorithms for the numerical solution of ABD systems. A parallel algorithm for this problem can be up to M/log M times faster than the fastest sequential algorithm, where the fastest sequential algorithm requires M steps. Each parallel algorithm we present attains this theoretically optimal speedup if enough processors are available, and each can be adapted for use on architectures with fewer than the required number of processors. Two of the algorithms, SLF-QR and SLF-LU, were discovered independently by us and by S.J. Wright in the 1990s. Wright presented these algorithms and analyzed their stability in two papers in the 1990s, proving SLF-QR is stable and showing that SLF-LU is stable under certain assumptions. We provide some additional insight into the stability of SLF-LU, and extend the basic algorithms to make better use of available processors during the factorization stage in order to increase parallelism in the solution stage. The third algorithm we propose, RSCALE, is based on a notably different numerical technique: eigenvalue rescaling. RSCALE uses fewer local operations and produces less fill-in than either of the other two algorithms. In addition, RSCALE is proven to be stable for a reasonable class of problems, and has been observed to be stable for a wide class of problems through extensive numerical testing. RSCALE is approximately 2.2 times faster than SLF-QR. The efficiency of SLF-LU is dependent on its solution strategy and its speed can vary from problem to problem, but for most problems RSCALE is approximately 1.2 times faster than SLF-LU. Moreover, we show that a variant of SLF-LU is potentially unstable on a surprising number of randomly-generated, yet well-posed, linear problems, as well as on certain nonlinear problems commonly used to test BVP codes. Since these problems pose no difficulty for either of the other two algorithms, we believe that SLF-QR, not SLF-LU, may be RSCALE's nearest competitor in terms of both speed and reliability.
Simulation of helicopter autorotations

This report describes the work done to investigate the effects of different visual and motion cues during a helicopter autorotation. Three subjects acting as pilots were involved in the experiment. Each pilot conducted 16 different missions using three dimensional objects, two-dimensional objects, different horizons, different texture patterns and motion cues. These-were the independent variables under investigation in this experiment. It was found that the combination of three-dimensional objects, high resolution texture and motion improved the pilots' performance during the autorotations. But it was also found that the lack of horizon and the two-dimensional objects was also helpful in performing this maneuver. The missions represented the simulation of a helicopter autorotation. The computer generated scenes contained a landing area where all the variables were integrated. The pilots performed a series of autorotations on the designated area where they were required to land at minimum speed and minimum rate of descent.
Targeting of the mTOR allele for a murine podocyte-specific knockout

Introduction. Rapamycin, inhibitor of mTOR, is under scrutiny for causing glomerular injury and proteinuria. The mechanisms leading to proteinuria are unknown. Aim. To test nephrotoxicity of rapamcyin and to generate a podocyte-specific mTOR knockout mouse. Methods results. A pilot experiment was performed using wild-type mice treated with rapamycin or vehicle. Kidneys were analyzed using H E staining and electron microscopy. Dose-dependent proteinuria and focal structural glomerular changes were found in rapamycin treated group. To dissect mTOR's role in the glomerulus, a conditional mTOR mouseline was generated using BAC Recombineering. These mice were bred to a podocyte-specific cre-line, podocin Cre, to create a podocyte-specifc mTOR knock-out. Conclusion. Pilot-study provided evidence for importance of mTOR in glomeruli. Breeding experiments to generate a podocyte-specific mTOR knockout were unsuccessful. Also, a homozygous floxed mTOR line could not be generated. Embryonic lethality; prior to kidney development, occur in these mice.
Race and representation: the impact of constructed images of people in the "Third World"

Canadian NGOs (non-governmental organizations) raise money for international development projects using photographs of people in the “Third World”. This research asks whether the photographs fairly portray people. Do negative images perpetuate the stereotypes about people in the “Third World”? What are the tensions between representation and reality? What role does power play in race representation? Through interviews and content analysis, this study investigates photographic images used by NGOs for fundraising. Some NGOs tend to use more negative images than positive images when engaged in fundraising. Negative images are more successful in raising funds for international development projects in the Third World despite the fact that Canadians are tiring of these images. To be able to answer some of the questions formulated at the beginning the study, this research will look at the types of NGOs that are continuing to use negative images to fund their development work.

Keywords: Journalism, Social aspects
Mass media
Regulation of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor signaling by the Src-like adaptor protein-2

The hematopoietic adaptor protein SLAP-2 has been previously characterized as a negative regulator of T cell signaling through its ability to associate with the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl. Here we describe a specific role for SLAP-2 in regulation of signaling from the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R), which is important for growth and differentiation of monocyte/macrophage cells. The expression of SLAP-2, but not the closely-related family member SLAP, is upregulated during macrophage differentiation. Furthermore, in myeloid cells expressing CSF-1R (FD-Fms cells) SLAP-2 appears to be tyrosine phosphorylated upon stimulation of the receptor and associates constitutively with both c-Cbl and CSF-1R in vivo. Using stable overexpression of SLAP-2, it was found that SLAP-2 affected CSF-1R-mediated differentiation, and caused an accumulation of ubiquitinated CSF-1R by modulating the association between c-Cbl and the receptor. Taken together, these results support an important role for SLAP-2 in the regulation of CSF-1R signaling.
Rethinking RPM: did the courts have it right all along?

Minimum resale price maintenance (RPM) is a practice whereby an upstream firm, typically a manufacturer, sets a price below which downstream firms, typically retailers, may not resell its product. This thesis challenges the contemporary scholarly view. It argues that RPM is, at least typically, anti-competitive and that the current legal rule is therefore appropriate. The thesis first shows that anti-competitive explanations of RPM are more persuasive than they are normally considered to be. Next, the thesis points to major shortcomings in the pro-competitive explanations for RPM, and argues that these are generally unpersuasive. Finally, the thesis shows that RPM may be used as an exclusionary measure to forestall competition at the upstream level. This new theory demonstrates that RPM may be anti-competitive even in circumstances under which the existing anti-competitive hypotheses cannot explain its use. I conclude that RPM should remain subject to a per se illegality rule. The treatment of RPM by lawmakers across jurisdictions sharply diverges from what the vast majority of scholars consider to be the appropriate treatment. RPM is generally illegal per se; that is, it is condemned with no inquiry required into its actual effects on competition. Lawmakers have not, however, provided an economic justification for applying the per se illegality rule to RPM. The existing state of the law is consequently heavily condemned by scholars, who agree almost unanimously that it is in need of change. The RPM puzzle has attracted significant academic interest. Antitrust theorists have offered various explanations for RPM, most of which identify pro-competitive goals that RPM may achieve. The use of RPM to achieve anti-competitive goals is considered unlikely. Therefore, the prevailing scholarly view is that RPM is generally pro-competitive. Most scholars advocate a lenient legal approach to RPM and some have even argued that RPM should never be condemned by antitrust law. RPM is a puzzling practice. Having sold the product to retailers at a price satisfactory to itself, a manufacturer should want retail prices to be as low as possible. All else equal, this will increase volume and result in larger profits for the manufacturer.

Keywords: Price maintenance, Law and legislation
Competition, Unfair
Behaviour and analysis of reinforced concrete walls subjected to reversed cyclic loading

Details of two large-scale wide-flanged structural walls, tested under cyclic displacements, are presented. Results indicate that axial loads, although relatively small, and adjoining flange walls had a significant effect on the strength, ductility, and failure mode of the test specimens. The behaviour of the walls was dominated by shear related mechanisms, and as a consequence, the web elements sustained heavy damage. Secondary effects are examined and discussed, and include the in-plane horizontal expansion of the web wall and the elongation of the flange walls, which affect the failure load and failure mechanisms of structural walls. Such data is useful in understanding behaviour and corroborating analyses. The series of wall tests conducted will complement the literature with data on structural walls in which the response is dominated by shear mechanisms, and with data involving complex wall configurations in which three-dimensional effects may be influential. Currently, the literature is lacking in these areas. Formulations are presented for concrete subjected to cyclic loading in the compression and tension regimes. The proposed models were implemented into a two-dimensional nonlinear finite element program, applicable to reinforced concrete membrane structures. The algorithm is based on a secant stress formulation employing the smeared rotating crack concept. This analytical work is one of the first to implement formulations for cyclic load analysis based on the rotating crack model. Enhancements in the modeling include nonlinear unloading, degradation in the reloading stiffness based on the amount of strain recovered during unloading, improved plastic offset formulations, and partial unloading/reloading rules. Analyses of structural walls currently available in the literature, and those tested as part of this research, demonstrate that the proposed concrete cyclic models provide reasonably accurate simulations of behaviour, indicating that the Modified Compression Field Theory formulations can be adapted for general load history analysis using a secant stiffness formulation. Further analyses of reinforced concrete shear panels have identified areas of the concrete modeling requiring improvements.
A genetic analysis of Drosophila embryonic macrophage migration

The Drosophila embryonic macrophages are scavenger cells that disperse throughout the embryo. Initially, macrophages follow several stereotyped routes, but achieve a uniform distribution later in development. To study the motile behaviour of these cells, I developed two macrophage-specific Gal4 drivers to use as tools in visualizing macrophages live. This revealed that macrophages extend lamellipodia-like protrusions. I also used the macrophage-Gal4 lines to investigate the role of Rho GTPases in macrophage migration, by expressing constitutively active and dominant negative isoforms of Drosophila Rac1, Cdc42, RhoA and RhoL proteins. My results show that DRac proteins are required for macrophage migration and extension of lamellipodial structures. DCdc42 is also involved in macrophage motility, but it acts in a non cell-autonomous fashion. To identify zygotic genes with roles in macrophage migration, I conducted a deficiency screen to search for mutants with aberrant macrophage dispersion. Eight lines were found to disrupt the motility of macrophages.
Living between two cultures: the acculturation experiences of young Iranian immigrant women in Canada

The purpose of this study was to examine the acculturation experiences of young women who emigrated from Iran to Canada. The emphasis was on understanding the unique and complex processes of negotiating a changed sense of identity following immigration from Iran to Canada. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight Iranian immigrant women in their early 20's who immigrated to Canada between the ages of 13 to 20 years. Qualitative analyses of the interviews led to the emergence of four overarching themes and related sub-themes. The first overarching theme was silencing of sexuality. The young women's descriptions revealed seven major dimensions of silencing of their sexuality, including smothering of the sexual aspects of identity, lack of a comfortable 'space' and language to discuss sexual matters, limited routes to express sexuality, designation of women as responsible for maintaining family honor, gender-related double standards regarding sexual behavior, threat of becoming a Western woman, and penalties for becoming a Western woman. Another overarching theme was reclaiming of sexuality. Two central dimensions of this theme included acquiring sexual expression despite barriers and controls over sexuality, and honoring own values and beliefs regarding sexual behavior. An additional aspect of the young women's experiences of adjustment to the Canadian society was captured by the overarching theme of self in flux. This theme represented participants' experiences of ongoing transformations in their identity, induced by shifting cultural contexts. Four central dimensions of this theme included experiences of being torn apart by contradictory expectations of Iranian and Canadian cultures, feeling bound by gender-based restrictions, constructing the self in relation to what is expected and accepted by both Iranian and Canadian cultures, and being 'the other' in the context of relationships with Iranians and Canadians. The last overarching theme was reconstructing the self, which represented the young women's attempts to regain control and personal power in their lives. Four central dimensions of this theme included gaining independence, choosing validating social contexts, demanding egalitarian relationships, and shifting from dogma to faith. These findings and the implications of the study are discussed in relation to the existing research literature on acculturation.

Keywords: Acculturation, Canada
Iranians, Canada
Women immigrants, Canada
Women, Sexual behavior
Evaluation of self-report measure of physical function in adolescents with malignant bone tumours

The purpose of this thesis was to determine if the Activities Scale for Kids (ASK) was a sensible, reliable and valid measure of physical functioning in adolescent bone tumour patients. Results indicated that although the ASK summary data demonstrated reliability and preliminary validity, there were item-level issues identified, such as a high not applicable (NA) rate and a large number of subject comments requiring recoding. An exploratory objective of the study compared the ASK and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), a measure commonly used with adult sarcoma patients. This comparison revealed similar summary score distributions and trends in validity and there was a high correlation between the two measures. However, the TESS had fewer NA responses and did not elicit comments that required interpretation and recoding. Therefore, the TESS may be the best starting point for content examination and potential modification for use in adolescent bone tumour patients.
Regulation of expression and activity of Ndt80, a key activator of sporulation-specific genes and a target of the meiotic recombination checkpoint in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

During sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, starved diploid cells undergo meiosis and package the haploid products into spores. This program is dependent on a temporally defined cascade of sporulation-specific gene expression. Ndt80, which binds the MSE site, is an activator of a subset of middle sporulation-specific genes. My thesis research addresses the regulation of NDT80 expression and the role of NDT80 in the meiotic recombination checkpoint. Chapter 2 presents my analysis of the regulation of NDT80 expression. This premiddle sporulation-specific gene is regulated, at least in part, by URS1 and MSE sites, which are commonly found in the promoter regions of early and middle sporulation-specific genes, respectively. I present a model in which NDT80 expression is repressed by the URS1-bound Ume6 repression complex and the MSE-bound Sum1 repression complex during vegetative growth. Early during sporulation, typical URS1-mediated activation is prevented at the NDT80 promoter by MSE-bound Sum1. Ime2, a sporulation-specific protein kinase, inactivates Sum1, allowing a low level of URS1-dependent NDT80 expression which, in turn, allows upregulation of both NDT80 and middle gene expression. The meiotic recombination checkpoint serves to arrest cells at the pachytene stage of prophase in response to defects in recombination or synaptonemal complex (SC) formation as in cells mutated for DMC1. Exit from pachytene requires Clb-Cdc28. Chapter 3 describes an analysis of the roles of three targets of the checkpoint, Ndt80, Sum1, and Swe1, in controlling entry into the meiotic divisions. Ndt80 activates expression of middle genes, including the CLB genes and thereby promotes Clb-Cdc28 activity. Sum1 is a repressor of NDT80 and middle genes. Swe1 is a Clb-Cdc28 inhibitor. The checkpoint inactivates Ndt80 and stabilizes Sum1 and Swe1. Studies described in Chapter 3 show that dmc1/dmc1 sum1/sum1 cells enter the meiotic divisions prematurely, express middle genes prematurely and at high levels, and form wild-type asci at reduced levels. In contrast, dmc1/dmc1 swe1/swe1 cells are delayed in entry into the meiotic divisions, express middle genes at very low levels and form only immature, aberrant asci. NDT80 is essential for efficient and timely entry into the meiotic divisions and for spore formation in both these strains.
Synchronization and nonlinear modulation methods for OFDM-based wireless communications

QAM modulation of OFDM signals (OFDM-QAM) is a popular modulation scheme for linear communication systems because it achieves good spectral efficiency while simplifying the equalization process. This comes at the cost of requiring accurate synchronization methods in the receiver, highly stable oscillators (low phase-noise); and power inefficient transmission. This work addresses issues in these three areas. First, a new frame synchronization method is developed based on Bayesian changepoint principles. It has higher accuracy then current popular methods, can be implemented recursively, and has been tested with success on experimental data collected in a WLAN testbed. Second, phase-noise resistant communication is investigated by performing an accurate statistical analysis of self-heterodyne communication systems. The analysis can be used to accurately predict the bit error probability of such systems. Third, power efficient transmission using phase-modulation (OFDM-PM) is analyzed. The bandwidth, equivalent baseband model, and symbol error probability are investigated. We can now predict the performance of OFDM-PM systems; for a given spectral efficiency, when operating well into the threshold region of angle-demodulators.
Assessment of the relative risk of suspected therapeutic-dose benzodiazepine withdrawal reactions using meta-analysis

The relative risk of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is unknown. Meta-analysis was performed on clinical trials to quantify the relative risk of long-term therapeutic-dose benzodiazepine withdrawal reactions. An exhaustive literature search of suspected withdrawal reactions to diazepam, alprazolam and triazolam was performed. The methods of the studies were randomly distributed to three blinded reviewers using a meta-analysis checklist [inter-rater reliability κ: mean (range) 0.53 (−0.2 to 1) and r: 0.55, 0.63 and 0.63]. Studies with quality scores ≥4 (high quality) on a scale of 1 to 5 (n = 17: 5 diazepam, 1 alprazolam, 9 triazolam and 2 combined diazepam-alprazolam studies) were analyzed both separately and combined with low quality (<4) studies. The risk ratio for mild diazepam withdrawal syndrome was between 1 to 8 fold depending on whether discontinuation was abrupt or gradual. The risk difference of rebound insomnia in triazolam discontinuation ranged from −3 to 24%. The risk of withdrawal symptoms upon therapeutic-dose discontinuation of benzodiazepines is low.