VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
French-language education in Simcoe County

This thesis traces the development of French-language and French-second-language education in public schools in Simcoe County. It examines the challenge of reconciling the French and English languages and cultures, which dominates Simcoe County, and indeed, Canada's history. It reviews the role of legislation, both federal and provincial, in the creation and implementation of French-language programs in Ontario. It recounts the attempts that have been made to bridge the linguistic and cultural gap that exists between the English and French, by government and individuals alike; and the success of Simcoe County's extended French classes in achieving this. The students in the extended French program seem to have a greater respect and understanding of the duality that exists in our country, an understanding that is essential to national unity. This thesis consists of four chapters. Chapter one examines the historical context of French in Simcoe County, concentrating on the Penetanguishene and Lafontaine areas. Chapter two examines government policy, at the federal and provincial levels, that was and is relevant to French-language education. Chapter three examines the French-second-language programs in Simcoe County and the individuals who sought to implement more comprehensive programs. Chapter four examines the existing extended French program in Simcoe County at Barrie Central Collegiate, in order to assess its strengths, weaknesses and future direction.
Empowerment through community participation, a case study of the Raising Sexually Healthy Children Chinese Peer Parent Leader Project

This study explored the relationship between community participation and empowerment at the individual and community levels. Guided by the concepts of health promotion and empowerment, a descriptive single-case study was used to explore the phenomenon of empowerment in the Raising Sexually Healthy Children Chinese Peer Parent Leader Project in Toronto. Data collection included project documents, focus groups and individual interviews with 10 peer parent leaders, 4 service providers and 2 training participants. Major findings of this study suggest that systemic racism and sexism create structural, social and economic barriers that prevent racialized immigrants from integrating successfully into Canadian society. Community participation is an important venue for social integration, especially among racialized immigrants. Parenting programs tend to be the entry points for immigrant women to connect with their communities. Health promotion programs that use multiple strategies such as community participation, mutual support, empowerment education, community partnership and intersectoral collaboration contribute to empowerment at the individual and community levels.
Efficacy of powered mechanical lifting devices to minimize loads to the lower back

Mechanical lifting devices (MELD) are recommended as an important intervention for reducing lifting injuries among nursing personnel. The literature evaluating MLD suggests that spinal loads are not minimized for all device types. A laboratory study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy (or ability to minimize spinal loads) of powered MLD with respect to: (1) spinal compression forces relative to the NIOSH Action Limit of 3400 N, (2) literature estimates of spinal loads sustained while performing the transfer task manually (one-person/two person), and (3) a standard device, Hoyer lift. The primary outcomes of the study were spinal compression, anterior shear (across different loading conditions), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). An Extra-Period Latin Square design was employed to evaluate five powered MLD (three Floor and two Overhead types) and five registered Nurses while performing the heavy transfer task, from bed to chair. A single patient subject was selected and trained to remain passive throughout the transfer task (simulating a totally passive patient). Three dimensional position data (OPTOTRAK) and ground reaction forces (AMTI forceplates) were inputs for the spinal model. An inverse dynamic approach was used to calculate the net joint forces and moments about the L5/S1 spinal level. The transfer was partitioned into seven distinct phases for biomechanical analysis. The within Nurse test-re-test reliability for the compression outcomes was high for the majority of phases and loading conditions indicating the nurse was consistent in performing the transfer task. The NIOSH limit was exceeded for 20% of the trials and all Nurses exceeded the limit with the use of Floor MLD. The mean compression values were lower than reported estimates of performing this transfer manually, suggesting that MLD are efficacious. Efficacy with respect to a standard device varied as a function of the phase of the transfer. In general, Overhead Devices were found to be efficacious relative to the standard and had decreased forces for the whole transfer. Floor devices were efficacious for some outcomes in some phases of the transfer task. The results of this study have implications for the use and selection of MLD as part of a strategy to reduce back injuries.
The dimensional relationships between the cranial base, body height, and the facial complex

The aims of this study were to investigate the dimensional relationships between the cranial base, body height, and the facial complex and to establish a method of size adjusting linear measurements when comparing groups with overall size differences. Data were obtained from lateral cephalometric radiographs, tracings, and history profiles of 117 orthodontically untreated males (ages 12 and 18+) from the University of Toronto's Burlington Growth Study. The total cranial base length (either N-Ba or {S-N + S-Ba}) and body height displayed the strongest correlations to the linear facial dimensions. At age 12, strong correlations (r >= 0.4) existed between {S-N + S-Ba} and mandibular length, upper face height, and body height. N-Ba strongly correlated to maxillary length. At age 18+, the correlations to mandibular length and upper face height weakened. Body height correlated strongly to mandibular length and upper face height at both ages. Independent t-tests demonstrated that children who were short, or who had small total cranial base lengths exhibited smaller linear facial dimensions than children who were taller or had longer total cranial base lengths; thereby validating the need for linear size adjusting among diverse populations. Equations were generated that predicted the adjusted linear facial dimensions based on known total cranial base length and body height. The evidence suggested that size adjusting was statistically valid when studying populations that differed in overall body, cranial base, and face size, where comparisons of absolute measurements would otherwise be invalid. This is especially important when comparing groups with craniofacial anomalies.
The impact of prenatal glucocorticoid administration on the development and long term activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and metabolic axes

Few studies have examined the effects of clinically relevant doses of glucocorticoids on HPA and metabolic function. Moreover, there is little information available regarding differential effects based on the route of administration. Repeated administration of betamethasone in the pregnant sheep resulted in reduced fetal weight and increases in cord plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol and a rise in cord plasma corticosteroid binding capacity (CBC), which was associated with an increase in fetal hepatic corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) mRNA levels. This increase in CBC may result in a decrease in free circulating cortisol levels, thereby reducing negative feedback at the hypothalamus or the pituitary. Local availability of glucocorticoids is regulated by the enzyme 11ßHSD1, responsible for the conversion of cortisone to cortisol. Maternal betamethasone administration resulted in an increase in fetal hepatic 11ßHSD1 mRNA and protein levels. Alterations in 11ßHSD1 could generate increased levels of local cortisol in the fetal liver, and affect expression of glucocorticoid sensitive hepatic enzymes involved in the regulation of glucose production. To investigate postnatal effects of prenatal glucocorticoid administration, single or multiple doses of betamethasone were administered to the mother or fetus and lambs were challenged at 6 months and one year with CRH + AVP and glucose. One dose of maternal betamethasone resulted in elevations in basal and stimulated cortisol concentrations, without associated changes in ACTH responses at one year. Fetal betamethasone administration resulted in attenuated ACTH responses to CRH + AVP at one year not associated with alterations in cortisol levels. Both single and multiple doses of maternal betamethasone resulted in elevated insulin responses to glucose at 6 months, which may indicate the onset of insulin resistance. At one year, this effect was only present in animals that received multiple doses. Furthermore, animals that received one dose of maternal betamethasone demonstrated elevated basal glucose levels at one year. At 6 months offspring treated with maternal betamethasone are able to maintain normal glucose tolerance through an increased insulin response. Therefore, antenatal glucocorticoid exposure altered HPA and metabolic function and these changes persisted into adult life.
A comparison of regression methods with artificial neural networks for the prediction of the outcome of patients on chronic dialysis

Chronic dialysis patients suffer from a high mortality rate. The ability of multivariable regression models and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the survival of individual chronic dialysis patients was assessed. The data consisted of 1381 incident dialysis cases. Logistic and Cox regression models and feed-forward multilayer perceptron ANNs were derived on 1019 cases and then evaluated on the remaining 299 cases. Older age, white race, diabetes, vascular disease, CHF, lower albumin, and peritoneal dialysis modality were significantly associated with decreased survival in univariable and multivariable analyses. The AUROC ± SE for the Cox and ANN models were 0.626 ± 0.032 and 0.877 ± 0.020 respectively ([chi]2 = 50.44, p < 0.0001). The crude classification rates were 62.1 and 80.1% respectively (p = 0.012). In the current dataset, an ANN had superior predictive performance for the survival of chronic dialysis patients compared to a standard regression model. Confirmation of this finding in a new dataset is required.
Coherent control, quantum chaos, and decoherence in molecular dynamics

Extensive coherent control of quantum chaotic diffusion in periodically kicked dynamics is demonstrated in both a paradigm of quantum chaos and molecular systems in pulsed microwave fields. The origin of the control in deviations from random matrix theory is identified, and the survival of the control in the presence of decoherence effects is studied. Next, a fundamental principle in quantum physics with regard to indistinguishability and interference between multiple pathways to the same final state is applied to the significant field of coherent control. Later, coherent control of diatom-diatom elastic and inelastic scattering of identical molecules is demonstrated by revealing an intriguing role of quantum entanglement in coherent control problems. Finally, quantum classical correspondence in conservative chaotic systems is carefully examined using a distribution function strategy. Further, the role of decoherence in improving the correspondence is computationally studied from several complementary perspectives.
Thermocapillary convection of intermediate Prandtl number fluid in floating zone configuration

The effects of surface evaporation on the onset of oscillatory thermocapillary convection in half floating zones were studied experimentally. Thermocapillary convection was investigated in half-zones (D = 7.0 mm) using acetone and methanol as working fluids. The half-zones were either fully enclosed with a quartz tube or partially open to the ambient air, to change the evaporation rate. Experiments were conducted using various measurement techniques to determine the characteristics of thermocapillary convection during steady to oscillatory transition. Experimental results showed that the liquid temperature and surface velocity start to periodically fluctuate at the onset of instability. There was also a manifestation of vortex expansion and contraction in images obtained by Particle Image Velocimetry, and an appearance of a thermal wave traveling on the surface in infrared images. Heat loss by evaporation was found to strongly stabilize thermocapillary convection and reduce the critical Marangoni number as predicted by a linear stability analysis.
The construction and characterization of hypoxia responsive reporter genes for use in transgenic mice

Evidence in the literature suggests that conditions of low oxygen may have a role in the development of the vasculature. To examine the areas of hypoxia in a developing mouse embryo, transgenes were developed coupling hypoxia responsive elements (HRE) to exogenous promoter-reporter cassettes. Transient expression assays with these constructs show that HRE sequences from different sources provide significantly different levels of induction in constant backgrounds. Furthermore, evidence is presented to show that an HRE is not always sufficient to confer hypoxia-sensitive activity to a transgene. Finally, preliminary evidence demonstrates that two HRE transgenes show activity under physiologically relevant oxygen concentrations. The use of HRE-based transgenes in the determination of embryonic hypoxia is discussed.
Justifying and proving in secondary school mathematics

One of the central features of mathematics that distinguishes it from other academic disciplines is the manner in which it develops and accepts new knowledge. Mathematical proof is one of the defining features of mathematics and as such it should be a major part of the secondary mathematics curriculum. This study examined the beliefs that students have about proof. These beliefs underpin what students believe constitutes acceptable proof. This study also explored their abilities in proof construction and how their beliefs impact on this ability. Two survey instruments were used to collect data and information. One instrument provided data about beliefs whilst the other provided students with opportunities to evaluate sample proofs and to construct their own. This study confirms that senior secondary school students have a generally positive view of the role of proof in the curriculum. Although students have difficulty constructing proofs, they do appreciate the value of general arguments and of proofs that offer explanation. However, students also have many misconceptions about proof, its nature and its role. The results of this study suggest that more curricular emphasis on proof's different functions and on the process of proving would improve the proving capabilities of our students. It is also evident that there is a great need for rich mathematical tasks that create, in students' minds, a reason for proof. There is also a need for more study about how proofs that explain can assist our students' mathematical understanding.
Provision of Viagra§R by third-party insurers, a study of priority setting as a reflection of distributive justice

'Research question'. Should Viagra® be funded by Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers (PBM)--in this instance the Ontario Drug Programs Branch of the Ministry of Health through the Ontario Drug Benefit program (ODB)? 'Methodology'. I have chosen as my methodology, policy analysis with a focus on the policies by which the Ontario Ministry of Health through the ODB decides on those drugs that are suitable for payment by the province. Policy research consists of examining competing inputs, complex problems, and seemingly irrational decision-making styles. It can provide policymakers with information that will help them with the difficult decisions they face. Policy research attempts to study fundamental social and other society (i.e., health care) problems in an attempt to create pragmatic courses of action for ameliorating those problems. The conceptual framework of policy analysis and its related research is therefore an appropriate approach to the issue in hand. Viagra® was chosen because, although approved for use in Canada, it has not been approved for formulary listing and therefore funding, by the ODB. The framework for policies in Ontario will be explored and analysed as to how new drugs are reviewed and approved for the ODB formulary. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Transcriptional regulation of the antifreeze protein genes in winter flounder

Winter flounder, 'Pleuronectes americanus', produces two types of antifreeze proteins (AFPs) to avoid freezing during winter. The expression of the liver-type AFPs (wflAFPs) and skin-type AFPs (wfsAFPs) are differentially regulated by environmental factors and growth hormone. The only intron of the wflAFP gene acts as a liver-specific enhancer and a more refined core sequence Element B interacts with a liver-enriched transcription factor C/EBPÃ and a presumptive antifreeze enhancer-binding protein (AEP). In the present study, the specific binding of C/EBPÃ to Element B and the presumptive AEP was confirmed in both rat and flounder liver extracts. Element B of the wflAFP gene was shown to be the core enhancer. Mutations of Element B significantly decreased the enhancer activity of the wflAFP gene intron. Recombinant C/EBPÃ interacted specifically with Element B and transactivated the wflAFP gene expression, indicating its pivotal role in the liver-specific expression of wflAFP gene. Also, C/EBP proteins were shown to be present in winter flounder. Moreover, IGF-1 and PI3-kinase were found to inhibit the wflAFP gene expression, suggesting their involvement in wflAFP gene regulation. In addition, the intron of a wfsAFP gene was shown to be a ubiquitous enhancer. Element S, the corresponding region of Element B of the wfsAFP intron, did not interact with C/EBPÃ, while it still bound to the antifreeze enhancer-binding protein. As expected, a TA insertion in Element B of the wflAFP gene intron destroyed its liver-specific enhancer activity. Finally, the identity of rat AEP was revealed as a novel protein with 988 residues in length. It is homologous to Smubp-2/Rip-1 with DNA-binding domain and putative helicase motifs. AEP interacted specifically with Element B and was necessary for the transactivation of the enhancer of the wflAFP gene. Furthermore, AEP was shown to be widely expressed in various tissues and its homologous gene was present in flounder. The present study provides a mechanism(s) by which the differential tissue distribution of the wflAFP and wfsAFP gene expression can be achieved. A model is proposed integrating the involvement of GH and IGF-1 signaling pathway as well as the roles of C/EBPÃ and AEP in mediating the seasonal and hormonal regulation of the AFP genes in winter flounder.
The role of monitoring in the activation of mental concepts

Four experiments are reported to address the theory that monitoring for a target word increases activation of that target. Previous research has found some evidence for this proposition, but has been compromised by demand characteristics. To avoid this, the present study depended upon the weak demand characteristics of the lexical decision task and the expectancy effect. It was found that priming due to monitoring in the lexical decision task was (1) not affected by stimulus onset asynchrony; (2) could be voluntarily increased by participants, and (3) was reduced by mental load. Additionally, it was found that (4) instructions not to prime were effective until mental load was introduced. Wegner's theory of ironic processes holds that the process of monitoring could be responsible for the difficulty some people report with the suppression of unwanted thoughts. His theory was supported in that monitoring for target words activated those words but the automaticity of that process was brought into question by evidence for some strategic control.
Crack shear-slip in reinforced concrete elements

A calculation procedure is developed for estimating crack shear stresses and crack slip displacements from average strain measurements made on reinforced concrete panels. Several series of previously tested panels are examined and crack shear-slip data are extracted. These data are compared against the predictions of previously developed crack slip models. VecTor2 was used to analyse a series of panels, beams and shear walls subjected to shear and cyclic loads. Comparison with experimental results is made in terms of load-deformation response and ultimate strength. Good agreement with the experimental results is achieved. Deficiencies in the analytical models are determined. Examples illustrating the similarity between the experimental and analytical results are also presented. It is shown that rigorously accounting for crack slip displacements results in a better representation of various subtle aspects of behaviour, such as the failure mode and the capacity of elements to deform and redistribute load.
Policy-making by administrative tribunals, a study of the manner in which the Ontario Municipal Board has applied provincial land use planning policies and has developed and applied its own planning policies

The thesis is an empirical examination of one aspect of administrative decision-making, the manner in which tribunals develop and apply policy in the course of dealing with the matters under their jurisdiction. While regulatory theory suggests that it is the role of government to develop policy and of tribunals to apply that policy in specific situations, the relationship between the two is far more subtle. This is examined through the decision-making of one such tribunal, the Ontario Municipal Board, which plays a central role in land use planning in Ontario through its authority to review the planning decisions of municipal councils and committees The Board has regard to provincial planning policies where they exist, but regularly subordinates them to the application of its own policies where the two are in conflict. These latter policies, which emerge from the Board's decisions, deal with a wide range of both procedural and substantive land use planning matters. Its bedrock policy, derived from the common law of nuisance and reflecting its commitment to the protection of private property interests, is to protect private property from the adverse impacts of development. Yet it also accords importance to broader public interests in dealing with certain types. of applications, and develops policies beyond those mandated in the ' Planning Act' to ensure full public participation in the planning process. This examination of the Board's policy-making role and of its treatment of provincial policies raises questions regarding the applicability of regulatory theories, the legitimacy of its activities and the need for retaining a planning review tribunal at all.
The in vivo effects of BaP:DMBA and resveratrol on the bone and the ovary of young rats

A number of epidemiological studies have linked cigarette smoking with postmenopausal osteoporosis and compromised ovarian function. While the mechanism of this association is unclear, we hypothesize that two AhR ligands, BaP and DMBA, found in cigarette smoke are able to directly affect the ovary leading to an indirect effect on the bone. Furthermore, we propose that an antagonistic AhR ligand known as resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, may be able to diminish the effects of BaP:DMBA on the bone and the ovary. The results of the present study revealed that the chronic treatment of >=1mg/kg BaP:DMBA and >=5mg/kg resveratrol did not have a significant effect on any of the bone or ovary parameters measured in our young rat model. These findings suggest that either the dose of these agents was insufficient to elicit an effect on the bone or the ovary, or that the agents do not have a significant effect in young rats.