VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Collaboration in health care, medical students' perceptions, observations and suggestions

Modern health care requires collaboration between many different professionals. The formal education of health care providers is focused on knowledge and technical expertise, while paying less attention to issues related to teamwork. This thesis reviewed the concept of collaboration in the health care and formal education efforts to foster teamwork in health care. An action research project was implemented, involving a hospital-based pilot program of multiprofessional education. Medical students at the University of Toronto who participated in the program during their first year of medical studies were interviewed three to five years later to explore their perceptions of and clinical experiences with collaboration. The students' conceptualization of collaboration included an understanding of the roles of non-physicians, especially when these professionals provided complementary expertise to the medical profession. The students perceived that collaboration improved patient care. The central role of communication in teamwork was elaborated. Medical students felt that physicians had the primary responsibility to facilitate collaboration. In order to fulfill this function, physicians needed knowledge of the unique roles of other professionals. This knowledge was often obtained in the context of patent care during the clerkship. In patient care settings, structured multiprofessional meetings facilitated teamwork and also served to educate medical students about other professionals. Faculty physicians played a role modeling function by encouraging attendance at these meetings. Most students felt that the pilot multiprofessional education program, conducted early in their training, had been useful, especially with regard to enhancing knowledge about other health care professions. At the pilot multiprofessional education sessions, students of different professions were often at different levels of training. Organizers need to be considerate of potential differences in knowledge and confidence about subject matter between the students of different professions. Medical students suggested that such education interventions, when occurring early in their curriculum, should have goals that were focussed on providing knowledge about other professions. In addition, the program's goals should encourage social interactions among students of the different professions. This action research will widen to include further study of multiprofessional patient care meetings as a practical means of enhancing health professional education about collaboration.
An investigation of passivity and breakdown of amorphous Cr-B thin films for surface modification of metallic biomaterials

The objectives of this investigation of amorphous Cr-B thin films as prospective coatings for biomaterials applications were to (i) produce and characterize an amorphous Cr-B thin film coating by magnetron sputtering, (ii) evaluate its corrosion resistance in physiologically relevant electrolytes, and (iii) propose a mechanism for the formation/dissolution of the passive film formed on amorphous Cr-B in chloride-containing near-neutral salt electrolytes. Dense (zone T) amorphous Cr75B25 thin films produced by DC magnetron sputtering were found to be better corrosion barriers than nanoczystalline or porous (zone 1) amorphous Cr75B25 thin films. The growth morphology and microstructure were a function of the sputtering pressure and substrate temperature, in agreement with the structure zone model of Thornton. The passivity/loss of passivity of amorphous Cr 75B25 in near-neutral salt solutions was explained using a modified bipolar layer model. The chromate ions identified by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) in the outer layer of the passive film were found to play a determinant role in the passive behaviour of amorphous Cr75B 25 thin films in salt solutions. In near-neutral salt solutions of pH = 5 to 7, a decrease in pH combined with an increase in chloride concentration resulted in less dissolution of the Cr75B25 thin films. The apparent breakdown potential at 240 mV (SCE) obtained by Cyclic Potentiodynamic Anodic Polarization (CPAP) was associated with oxidation of species within the passive film, but not to dissolution leading to immediate loss of passivity. Pit Propagation Rate (PPR) testing evaluated the stable pitting potential to be between 600 and 650 mV. Amorphous Cr75B25 thin films ranked the best among other Cr-based materials such as 316L stainless steel, CrB2 and Cr investigated in this study for general corrosion behaviour in NaCl and Hanks solutions by CPAP testing. In terms of corrosion resistance, amorphous Cr75B25 thin films were recognized as a promising material for surface modification of biomaterials.
Rate of liquid evaporation, statistical rate theory approach

An experimental apparatus has been constructed that allows the measurement of the pressure in the vapor, the temperature on the liquid side of the interface and on the vapor side near the interface to be made. Steady state evaporation experiments have been conducted with water, octane and methylcyclohexane. It has been found that there is a temperature discontinuity across the interface in which the temperature in the vapor is larger than that in the liquid. The temperature discontinuity at the interface is in the opposite direction of that predicted by classical kinetic theory. Kinetic theory has been traditionally applied for calculating the rate of evaporation. However, the evaporation coefficient in the kinetic theory expression has to be experimentally determined. A new approach to liquid evaporation has been developed that is based on statistical rate theory (SRT). This approach applies the transition probability concept as defined in quantum mechanics and can be used to obtain an expression for the rate of evaporation. Using the measured value of the temperatures in the liquid at the interface and in the vapor at the interface, the SRT expression can be used to predict the pressure in the vapor at which a liquid will evaporate at a particular rate. When the predicted pressure in the vapor is compared with that measured under fifteen different conditions for water experiments, it is found that there is no measurable disagreement. For the experiments with hydrocarbons, the maximum difference in pressure in the vapor is 22 Pa between the measurements and the calculations.
Effects of indomethacin pretreatment on short-term ozone exposure in asthmatics

In a 2 x 2 randomized factorial design, 13 asthmatic volunteers were exposed to 400 ppb ozone or clean air for 2 hours while moderately exercising and pretreated with indomethacin or placebo. Baseline changes in pulmonary function, airway reactivity, symptom responses, sputum inflammatory cells and soluble markers of inflammation (PGF2-alpha, IL-8) were compared relative to air exposure to determine the ozone responses, and the ozone responses were compared between placebo and indomethacin to determine the interaction effect of indomethacin. Results demonstrated significant reductions in pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, V50, V25), significant increases in the reporting frequency and severity of respiratory symptoms and significant increases in total cells and percent neutrophils following ozone exposure. Only four subjects demonstrated airway hyperreactivity following ozone exposure. Indomethacin pretreatment did not significantly attenuate ozone-induced decreases in spirometry, increases in symptom reporting and severity, increases in airway reactivity, or increases in total inflammatory cells and percent neutrophils. Pre-exposure PGF2-alpha levels suggested appreciable cyclooxygenase (CO) inhibition with indomethacin prior to ozone exposure, while post exposure levels suggested no CO inhibition with indomethacin following ozone exposure. In a pilot study conducted by this investigator, 9 non-asthmatics showed similar ozone-induced declines in FVC and FEV1 to asthmatics, but indomethacin significantly attenuated these declines. Relative to baseline, PGF2-alpha levels were suppressed following ozone exposure in non-asthmatics. We conclude that lack of suppression of PGF2-alpha levels in asthmatics following ozone exposure, may have been ' partially' responsible for the lack of pulmonary function protection we observed when asthmatics were pretreated with indomethacin. We hypothesize that due to higher baseline CO activity, asthmatics may require higher doses of indomethacin than non-asthmatics in order to achieve significant protection against ozone-induced declines in pulmonary function. However, despite higher baseline CO activity, asthmatics did not respond with substantially greater decrements in FVC and FEV1 following ozone exposure than non-asthmatics. This suggests that noncyclooxygenase mechanisms may be active in asthmatics exposed to ozone.
Fathers and child support, discourse and subjectivity

The purpose of this study was to understand the social problem of non-payment of child support as a complex social problem, rather than an individual or economic issue. Arising out of the author's experience as a social work practitioner and mediator, the goal was to understand how the identity of 'deadbeat dad' is produced by the circulation of discourses in the law and through activators of the law, and how these discourses are taken up by fathers as a way of resisting child support. Resistance is regarded in this approach as a phenomenon that is socially constructed, rather than a manifestation of fathers as 'bad' persons. The source of those social constructions was sought in the talk of separated fathers and agents of the institutions involved in the separation/divorce process, as well as in the law itself. The methodological approach to the research was qualitative and heuristic. Interviews were conducted with a small sample of separated fathers and with a purposive sample of institutional informants. A sample of legal documents was critically analyzed. Observation of discursive practices was conducted in the relevant institutions. Through analysis, the data sources located the logic of fathers' identity in the discourses examined. The major finding was that vigorous state enforcement of child support as a private responsibility, carried primarily by fathers, is counterproductive. It produces resistance in fathers who do not recognize themselves in the construction of 'deadbeats'; instead they take up the position of 'victim' and resist payment of support. In the discursive struggle between the state's protection of its financial interests by keeping support responsibilities within families, and the father's focus on their personal rights, the needs of children literally disappear. The problem of non-payment is thus perpetuated instead of alleviated, and children's needs continue to go unmet. The implications for a feminist analysis, for social policy, practice, and research are considered.
Identification of transcriptionally deregulated genes in breast cancer

DNA amplification and loss of heterozygosity can alter the proper expression of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, respectively. Hence, potential breast cancer related genes can be identified through an analysis of mRNA expression. Differential display-PCR (DD-PCR) was used to detect changes in mRNA abundance in breast tumors. Optimal conditions were established and the sensitivity of DD-PCR was investigated. A number of mRNA that displayed differential expression were obtained. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to confirm the DD-PCR results for two mRNA, CC-24 and CC-41. The expression of CC-24 and CC-41 were upregulated in the tumor tissue of a number of tumor-normal pairs, suggesting they may be putative proto-oncogenes. FISH analysis mapped CC-24 to 12q13, a region amplified in a number of cancers. Sequence analysis indicated that CC-24 is novel. On the other hand, CC-41 showed perfect sequence identity to Laf-4, which is homologous to a putative proto-oncogene implicated in lymphoblastic leukemia.
The monuments of Seti I and their historical significance, epigraphic, art historical and historical analysis

The thesis examines the monuments of Seti I. Various epigraphic, art historical, iconographical and historical criteria are used to analyze his art and architecture, especially monumental reliefs, to elucidate a number of chronological and historical issues, including the problem of the hypothetical coregencies of the early Nineteenth Dynasty, the accession dates of the first three Ramessides and the length of Seti I's reign. In chapter one, a number of iconographic, epigraphic and art historical characteristics of Seti's monuments useful for dating monuments within the reign and for distinguishing his work from that of his immediate predecessor and successor are identified, an important point since both Seti I and Ramesses II dedicated monuments in memory of their deceased fathers. Chapter two catalogs Seti I's alterations and restorations of existing monuments, in particular, his repairs to monumental reliefs vandalized by Akhenaten and his treatment of restorations previously made by Tutankhamen. The intent is to diagnose the scope of this policy to gain a better understanding of its ideological ends. Chapter three catalogs original monuments of the king throughout Egypt, Western Asia and Nubia. Discussion focuses on art historical, epigraphic and iconographic questions. Extended discussions of the 'Baugeschichte ' and chronology of decoration of Seti's temples at Abydos, Karnak and Gurnah are given here. Chapter four examines chronological and historical issues of Seti's reign. A reappraisal of the accession dates of the first three Nineteenth Dynasty pharaohs supports the dates of III 's—mw' 24 for Seti I and III 's—mw' 27 for Ramesses. Eleven years is the most plausible length for the reign. A new examination of the hypothetical coregencies of Seti I with Ramesses I and Ramesses II indicates that there was no coregency in either case. In particular, Ramesses II remained crown prince until the death of his father, and that relief decoration at Karnak, Gurnah and Abydos previously taken as evidence of a coregency are ' post mortem' Seti I. Chapter five diagnoses the scope of Seti's building program and its state at his death at various sites in Egypt, Western Asia and Nubia.
Molecular identification of Fusarium species occurring on white pine seedlings and methods to differentiate pathogenic and nonpathogenic isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pini

Eighteen isolates representing six 'Fusarium' species from diverse hosts and geographical origins were evaluated to determine ribosomal DNA variation using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphisms. No length variation was observed for amplified 18S and 28S regions. However, amplification of the ITS region showed one isolate, a ' F. oxysporum' to be about 120bp larger than the remaining seventeen. Restriction digestions in the 18S region revealed polymorphisms within species of 'F. oxysporum' and 'F. solani'. An amplified variable stretch of the 28S gene showed restriction site differences between ' F. avenecum', 'F. sambucinum' and 'F. sporotrichioides '. A large degree of polymorphism. was observed both between and within species in the ITS region. Therefore, entire sequences of the ITS and the 5.8S subunit were obtained for seventeen of the eighteen isolates. These sequences, along with those from eight additional isolates, were analysed using PAUP to assess the occurrence of DNA sequence divergence within the ITS region. The lack of correlation between molecular based relationships and species affinities inferred from morphology for some isolates indicates that species designation can be unreliable using morphological data alone. The rDNA of 50 collected field isolates of 'F. oxysporum' f.sp. 'pini' was examined. The ITS region and the variable region in the 28S gene encompassing the D1 and D2 domains were used as a baseline for confirming the identity of all 'F. Oxysporum' f. sp. ' pini' isolates subsequently studied. Various approaches were utilized to determine pathogenicity within the population. of the RAPD primers used, none, either singly or in combination could differentiate between pathogenic or nonpathogenic isolates. However, a simple, quick lab procedure was designed and successfully used to determine the pathogenic nature of the isolates. The mtDNA of 33 isolates of 'F. oxysporum' f.sp. 'pini ', all divided based on pathogenicity, was studied. Mt RFLP data was used to assess interstrain relationships. Twelve mt RFLP haplotypes were detected. The diversity of mtDNA particularly in relation to virulence appear to be unrelated. The IGS region of 'F. oxysporum' f.sp. 'pini' was examined due to its potential for intraspecific variation. The entire IGS sequence of a pathogenic isolate, 2691bp in length, was derived. The region was selected from the lamda genomic library and cloned into the appropriate vectors prior to sequencing. Using a RFLP map constructed from the sequence, intraspecific variation with the population of 'F. oxysporum' f.sp. 'pini' was determined. A total of 6 IGS haplotypes were identified. Interisolate affinities among pathogenic and nonpathogenic isolates based on polymorphisms in the IGS region were not always consistent with polymorphisms in the mtDNA.
Clock buffer IC with dynamic impedance matching and skew compensation

This thesis describes a novel approach for distributing low skew clock signals across large digital systems independent of environmental and process variations. The technique is integrated into a multi-output clock buffer circuit that can handle a scalable number of clock loads in a point-to-point configuration. The circuit contains an impedance-locked loop that continuously monitors the impedance of output clock traces and adjusts driver impedance for optimal matching. Reflections from clock destinations contain propagation delay information that is used by delay-locked loops to continuously adjust the departure time of outgoing clocks to ensure low relative skew at clock destinations. A theoretical evaluation of the deskewing technique is presented along with results from a prototype clock buffer device. Testing indicates operational frequencies as high as 50MHz with 40cm clock lines, and skew on the order of 600-800ps as measured at the clock destinations.
The nature of a novel, reading Wilhelm Meisters Wanderjahre, 1821, in light of Goethe's scientific writings with particular emphasis on his colour theory

Goethe's work Wilhelm Meisters Wanderjahre is difficult to comprehend. It was published in 1821 as the sequel to the immensely popular Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre, but failed to elicit the same type of acceptance on part of the reading public. Reasons for this can be found primarily in its complex structure, for missing from the work are both a solid narrative structure and a reliable narrative frame that would help guide the reader through the ongoing endeavours of the central character. Instead, Wilhelm Meisters Wanderjahre takes on the form and structure that is as itinerant as the title itself, appearing in the process both endless and meaningless to its readers. The predicament is further compounded by the label Roman Goethe attached to his work, a designation that unnecessarily confined it to a specific and traditional genre. This thesis will examine the Wanderjahre in light of the many scientific writings Goethe wrote, many of which overlapped chronologically with the novel itself. Thus an attempt will be made to read the novel through Goethe's scientific paradigms--bearing his naturalistic philosophy in mind. The colour wheel emerges as a particularly relevant structure for the reading of the novel because it appears as an adequate scheme to encompass the many complexities of the text. However, because of its incompatibility with the genre of the novel and the absence of any other attempt at designation on the part of its author, the 1821 version of Wilhelm Meisters Wanderjahre emerges ultimately as a causa sui of literature, defying any definitive classification.
Medieval Sicilian lyric poetry, poets at the courts of Roger II and Frederick II

During the twelfth century, a group of poets at the Norman court in Sicily composed traditional Arabic panegyrics in praise of the kingdoms Christian monarchs. Less than a century later, at the court of Frederick II, Sicilian poets wrote the first lyric love poetry in an Italian vernacular. This study traces the literary history of Sicily during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and engages the modern scholarly formulation known as the "Arabic theory" (the notion that Arabic literature had a formative influence on early Romance vernacular lyric), in order to refine the methodology used to read and compare Arabic and Romance love lyrics written in the colonial states of southern Europe during the Middle Ages. The introductory chapter, "Remembering Norman Sicily," sketches the fundamental issues that will inform subsequent readings of Sicilian literature: the changing relation between Sicilian culture and the mainland cultures of the Mediterranean; and the evolution of Muslim-Christian cultural communication within Sicily. "Al-Atrâbanishî and the Court Poets of the Norman Era" uses a close reading of a poem written in praise of Roger II and his Sicily to explore the Siculo-Norman cultural project. "Vernacular Culture in Sicily, ss. XII-XIII" parallels the revolutionary vernacular poetic traditions emerging in the Arabic- and Romance-speaking worlds, and examines the innovative use of the Sicilian vernaculars on coinage produced in twelfth and thirteenth century Sicily. "Giacomo da Lentini and Siculo-Italian Poetics" considers the realignment of Sicilian culture that occurred when Sicily began to be viewed as an extension of the European mainland, and Sicilian culture was reconceived as a variant of Latinate Christianity. The concluding chapter, "The 'Arabic Theory' and the Poetries of Sicily," uses the methodological interrogations of the foregoing chapters to comment on the traditional scholarly approach to conceptualizing and categorizing literary influence in the Muslim/Christian colonial states of southern Europe during the Middle Ages.
Quantitative traits from leaf morphology in some North American species and hybrids of Populus sections Aigeiros and Tacamahaca, Salicaceae

This thesis is a preliminary step towards testing the genetic basis in poplars of quantitative leaf morphology traits that go beyond easily measured traits such as leaf length and width. The emphasis is on elliptic Fourier analysis of entire leaf outlines, and a method is developed for graphical manipulation of distorted leaves that shows promise of reducing the noise factor that is generally troublesome with leaf samples. In the method, digital images of leaf halves are converted to a canonical shape by means of a geometric transformation known as "rubber-sheeting". Some results are included concerning relationships between simple leaf-measurement variables in preformed and neoformed leaves from young poplar trees. These relationships differ between trees in sections Aigeiros and Tacamahaca.