cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
An experimental study on clay/epoxy nanocomposites produced in a centrifuge
Creators: name: Saber-Samandari, Saeed
name: Afaghi-Khatibi, Akbar
name: Basic, Domagoj
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: This paper presents a study on the effect of processing variables on the mechanical properties of clay/epoxy nanocomposites produced in a centrifuge. Several experiments were conducted including different types of clay with varying processing conditions such as centrifuge rotor speed and curing temperature. The effects of these variables on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were then studied. In order to fully understand the experimental results, a TEM was used to investigate the effect of abovementioned variables on microstructure and intercalation/exfoliation of clay/epoxy nanocomposites. The results from this work could be used to determine the best processing window to obtain appropriate levels of strength, stiffness and energy to failure in clay/epoxy nanocomposites.
PsiNet LAB: Transforming Psychology with Advanced Science for a Deeper Understanding of Human Behavior
Creators: name: García O'Diana, Angel
name: Quispe Callo, Gleni
name: Zumarán Baldeón, Álvaro
name: Mamani, Jefri Justo
name: Casa Chicata, Marcelo
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024

description: This is an Open Science in Action Story written by its participants to share the initiative in MetaDocencia channels and beyond. To submit your story, please complete the form (in Spanish).
Investigation of Two-Dimensional Incompressible Inviscid Axisymmetric Elliptical Vortices Using a Vortex-In-Cell Method
Creators: name: Chaudhary, Munwwar Mansoor
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2014

description: A Vortex-In-Cell (VIC) scheme is implemented to study the evolution of two-dimensional elliptical vortices in a periodic domain. The mixed Eulerian-Lagrangian vortex-in-cell method adopted in this study is chosen because of its low dissipation errors and low computational cost. The goal of this thesis is to implemented this vortex-in-cell method and study how incompressible, inviscid elliptical vortices evolve. It is found that, through a process of filamentation, an initial vorticity profile evolves to a final axisymmetric configuration. It is found that the rate of axisymmetrization is controlled by the initial aspect ratio of the vortex. This thesis provides a practical overview of the numerical solution of inviscid, incompressible two-dimensional flows using the vortex-in-cell method. The computational domain is enclosed by an Eulerian mesh and the vorticity field is discretized into a finite set of Lagrangian elements (vortex particles). A Poisson equation is solved on the mesh at each time instance to compute the velocity field. The interpolation scheme is used to exchange vorticity and velocity information between the Lagrangian particles and the Eulerian grid. Vortex-particle locations are integrated in time using a predictor-corrector time integration scheme. Highly resolved solutions using a pseudo-spectral method are used as a benchmark to verify the vortex-in-cell implementation and to study solution convergence as a function of each parameter of the scheme. In addition, the vortex-in-cell method is validated by comparing with other related numerical studies. Finally, the evolutions of several initially elliptical vortex distributions with different aspect ratios are studied.
Endocannabinoid Function in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Spatial Working Memory
Creators: name: Blaskovits, Farriss
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: Endocannabinoids
hippocampus
spatial working memory
synaptic plasticity

description: Cannabis has been used medicinally for millennia, but the cannabinoid (CB) field exploded with the identification of its endogenous receptors and endocannabinoids (eCBs). In vitro experimentation established that eCBs alter synaptic plasticity at presynaptic nerve terminals; however, the characterization of the eCB system (ECS) in vivo remains incomplete. This study aimed to determine the mechanism of in vivo eCB-mediated hippocampal synaptic plasticity and to analyze the effects this plasticity had on spatial working memory (SWM). With in vivo recordings of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in anesthetized mice and rats as well as pharmacological manipulation of the ECS and glutamate receptor antagonism, it was found that eCBs, both anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachnidonyl glycerol (2-AG), caused LTD at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses. Induction of eCB-LTD occurs via a sequential activation of cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) and NR2B-containing NMDA receptor (NR2BR) and is expressed through the endocytosis of AMPA receptors (AMPARs). Increased eCB tone also caused an impairment of SWM for over 24 hours in the Delayed Non-Match-To-Sample (DNMTS) T-maze. This study provides the first evidence that an acute administration of eCB degradative enzyme inhibitors not only produces an in vivo LTD at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses that requires CB1R, NR2BR, and AMPAR, but also impairs SWM, a phenomenon also caused by an acute injection of exogenous CBs.
La construction du personnage subversif : norme et marginalité dans Baise-moi et Apocalypse Bébé de Virginie Despentes
Creators: name: Skidds, Catherine
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: Virginie Despentes
effet-personnage

description: Virginie Despentes est une auteure française reconnue pour ses romans marginaux, caractérisés par leur représentation d’une réalité sociale peu conventionnelle. De manière à mieux comprendre son discours, nous étudierons la construction des personnages féminins aux comportements subversifs dans ses romans Baise-moi et Apocalypse bébé. Pour ce faire, nous aurons recours à l’essai théorique de Vincent Jouve intitulé L’effet-personnage dans le roman, dans lequel il définit divers régimes de lecture auxquels sont associés des effets de lecture suscités par les personnages. Nous procéderons dans un premier temps à une analyse comparative des aspects psychologiques, physiques et comportementaux des protagonistes des deux romans, en relation avec certains modèles conventionnels, afin d’identifier les diverses caractéristiques établissant leur statut de femmes marginales. Nous analyserons par la suite chacun des romans de façon à mettre en relief les différents mécanismes textuels concourant à la production de l’effet-personnage chez le lecteur. Nous étudierons plus particulièrement les répercussions du caractère non-conformiste des personnages de Despentes sur la création de cet effet-personnage.
Claude Henri Grignon, anarchiste de droite
Creators: name: Hotte, Ghyslain
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: anarchiste
intellectuel
droite
Canada français

description: Cette thèse propose une analyse de la pensée d’un idéologue relativement méconnu du Canada français, Claude-Henri Grignon. Si son nom évoque son œuvre littéraire, en particulier Un homme et son péché, on connaît moins bien, en revanche, son œuvre intellectuelle. La thèse soutient que Grignon était anarchiste de droite. À partir de la définition de l’anarcho-droitisme, la thèse montre que la pensée de Grignon se caractérisait par le « refus de la démocratie », la « haine des intellectuels », une « révolte constitutive », un «un moi au-dessus de tout », un « aristocratisme » et la « chasse à l’absolu ». Ces caractéristiques composent l’essentiel de la grille de lecture et servent à structurer les chapitres 2 à 4. Le premier chapitre retrace la formation intellectuelle de Grignon. Ainsi, Grignon nous apparaît comme un anarcho-droitiste à la pensée inégalitaire et opposée à toute forme de contrainte à l’expression de l’individualité, qu’elle provienne de la tyrannie des masses ou des dictateurs.
Indus Epigraphic Perspectives: Exploring Past Decipherment Attempts & Possible New Approaches
Creators: name: LeBlanc, Paul D.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: Indus civilization
Harappan civilization
Indus script
Mesopotamian world-system
Third millennium Persian Gulf trade
Meluhha
Out-of-India theorists
Afro-Dravidian thesis
Aryan Invasion theory
Indus urbanization & trade links

description: First appearing on potsherds around 3300 BC, the Indus script was primarily in use during the Mature Harappan period (ca. 2600-1900 BC) in the Indus Valley region, centred in the north-western region of the Indian Subcontinent. It is one of the last remaining undeciphered scripts of the ancient world. A great number of Indus inscriptions, however, have been uncovered at many archaeological sites in the Persian Gulf, discoveries that corroborate the inclusion of the Indus civilization as an active participant in the Mesopotamian-dominated Gulf trade of the 3rd millennium. In addition to exploring the current state of research surrounding the Indus decipherment attempts, the thesis will examine new perspectives on ancient history, arguing in favour of various possibilities of Mesopotamian, Elamite, and/or pre-dynastic Egyptian (North East African) cultural presences or influences in the ancient Indus River basin.
A Dual Study Approach to Understanding SME Credit Pricing Influencers: Illustrations from the United Kingdom and the Canadian Computer Animation and Visual Effects Industries
Creators: name: Bourgeois, Elliott
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2014
Subjects: Credit Pricing
SME Finance
Computer Animation
Visual Effects

description: It has been empirically established that the differences in the lending rates charged by traditional and large lenders to large versus small creditors can be largely attributed to differences in information opacity (Dietrich, 2012; Holmes et. al. 1994). The greater the information possessed by the creditor, the lower the rate charged to the borrower, suggesting again that a risk premium is being charged for information opacity. Securitizing debt with collateral can reduce the lending rate charged, however differences in the rates charged cannot be fully explained by information opacity or availability of collateral. This dual study approach aims at increasing the understanding of loan pricing determinants. The first study uses data from the UK Survey of SME Finances, 2007 to explore factors internal and external to the firm that are significant in influencing credit prices, providing insight on why credit prices fluctuate from firm to firm. The second study uses interviews with firm owners in the Toronto computer animation and visual effects (CA&VFX) industries to effectively capture the intricacies and gain insight on the nuances involved in the pricing of credit for firms in these industries. The results of the first study suggest that the use of collateral, loan amount, loan duration, and firm size are significant credit pricing influencers while a firm’s strategic orientation, specifically product innovation and propensity to export, are of little importance. Results from the second study suggest that firm owner perceptions generally align with the extant literature on collateralization and relationships with lenders.
Hudson:  A computational pipeline for spatial analysis of multiplexed images
Creators: name: Pandit, Kunal
name: Singh, Jagjit
name: Fu, Rui
name: Fouts, Craig
name: Vicković, Sanja
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2023

description: Processing and analysis of multiplexed whole tissue section images at sub-cellular resolution remains a challenge in the spatial multi-omics field. Previously, we developed PySeq2500 which repurposed Illumina HiSeq 2500 Sequencing Systems as a spatial assay-agnostic instrument with 4 color fluorescence imaging, independent dual flowcell fluidics, and temperature control. To easily and reproducibly analyze images from multi-omic spatial experiments generated from PySeq2500s, we created a modular, open-source, computational pipeline, called Hudson, to preprocess raw images, segment cells, build a graph network representation of tissue sections, measure features, identify cell types and neighborhoods, and perform spatial analyses and statistics using the Snakemake workflow management system. Modular steps in the Hudson pipeline are configurable with a human readable and writable YAML configuration file. The initial image preprocessing steps are specific to PySeq2500 instruments and include illumination correction, stitching, and channel/cycle registration. Additionally, spectral overlap of fluorescent signals are removed using PICASSOnn. Alternative preprocessing steps specific to different image acquisition systems could be substituted in or omitted entirely. Polished whole tissue section images are then segmented into single cells and a graph network representation of the tissue section is computed from the Delaunay triangulation of cell centroids. Then features such as morphological characteristics, marker mean intensities, or marker counts are measured for each cell. Features are clustered to identify cell types from reference single cell data and cell neighborhoods are found by local recurrent cell compositions. Lastly spatial statistics and patterns are computed and identified across markers, cells, and neighborhoods. All computations in Hudson are lazily performed for memory efficiency and data objects are saved in compressed chunked formats to scale the pipeline from a workstation to a cluster or cloud environment. Interactive reports are also generated for each step to explore the data in depth. Hudson enables users to process whole tissue multi-omic data starting from raw images all the way to conducting spatial analyses in an automated, configurable, and reproducible manner.
A Review of the Production, Recycling and Management of Marine Plastic Pollution
Creators: name: Issifu, Ibrahim
name: Sumaila, Ussif Rashid
Publisher: name: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Year: 2020

description: The human attachment to plastic has intensified recently due to its lightweight, versatility, low-cost and durability and so has the damage to the marine environment as marine plastic pollution has correspondingly increased. As a result, there has been increasing concern on the issue of marine plastic pollution. Policy-based organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme have drawn public attention to the scope, magnitude and impacts of marine pollution in recent decades. Research on marine pollution can play a significant role in contributing to policy-making processes in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Life Below Water (SDG 14), by providing scientific analysis on the effects and sources of marine plastic pollution. This paper provides a theoretical and empirical overview of marine plastic pollution and its potential effects on marine ecosystems. It also discusses SDGs that are relevant to marine plastic pollution and suggest priorities for further research.
Soins palliatifs et compétences culturelles : une étude exploratoire auprès d’infirmières en Ontario
Creators: name: LaCombe, Sarah-Anne
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2015
Subjects: Soins palliatifs
Compétences culturelles
Communication interculturelle
Santé

description: Cette thèse de maîtrise se situe au croisement des pratiques infirmières, des soins palliatifs et de la culture. Elle cherche à mieux comprendre comment les infirmières expérimentent la culture dans un contexte de prestation de soins palliatifs en milieu hospitalier en fonction de deux volets : 1) les défis rencontrés lors de la prestation de soins palliatifs dans un contexte interculturel en milieu hospitalier, et 2) les stratégies déployées pour s'adapter à ces défis. La collecte de données comprend douze entrevues semi-dirigées avec des infirmières d’un hôpital francophone en Ontario, soit l’hôpital Montfort. Les résultats suggèrent que des défis (inter)personnels et systémiques continuent d'entraver la prestation de soins palliatifs des infirmières en milieu hospitalier en Ontario, et que ces défis sont exacerbés en contexte interculturel. Au plan pratique, des recommandations, inspirées des témoignages des infirmières, sont suggérées dans le but d’appuyer le développement de soins palliatifs culturellement compétents au Canada.
Poverty in U.S. and Canadian Financial Literacy Curriculum Frameworks: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Creators: name: Soroko, Agata
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2015
Subjects: financial literacy
ideological analysis
standards
critical discourse analysis
poverty
Canada
curriculum frameworks
United States

description: This thesis examines the topic of poverty and the treatment of economically marginalized individuals in official high school financial literacy curriculum frameworks in the United States and Canada. Employing critical discourse and ideological analysis, this study investigates the stated and unstated ideological assumptions underpinning financial literacy curriculum documents and what they imply about poverty and people who are poor. Findings suggest that official financial literacy curriculum frameworks overwhelmingly ascribe to individualistic paradigms of poverty that see individuals as personally responsible for their financial outcomes. Few documents examined delve into the social, political, and economic contexts affecting individuals’ ability to maintain financial security and build wealth. Additionally, topics of relevance to people who are poor as well as their perspectives and experiences are avoided in the majority of these documents, which are found to be middle-class centric. Offering a critique of financial literacy as it is manifested in contemporary U.S. and Canadian curriculum frameworks, this thesis contributes to scholarship problematizing financial literacy initiatives and calling for more inclusive, critical, and social justice oriented approaches to financial literacy education.
Citizen Science MUSE: un approccio "social" alla scienza partecipata
Creators: name: Tabarelli de Fatis, Karol
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Citizen Science
Citizen Science Italia

description: Nascita, gestione e finalità del gruppo FB Citizen Science MUSE. Un servizio al cittadino, ma al tempo stesso una unica opportunità per la ricerca.
Repurposing a HiSeq 2500 for Immunofluorescence Methods
Creators: name: Pandit, Kunal
name: Petrescu, Joana
name: Maniatis, Silas
name: Stephenson, William
name: Phatnani, Hemali
name: Smibert, Peter
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2020

description: The HiSeq 2500 system has been obsolesced by new sequencers and Illumina has announcedthey will stop supporting the instrument and supplying the reagents in early 2023. The HiSeq was alegacy workhorse sequencing system, that had a large installation base around the world.The cost of acquiring this system is falling drastically because sequencing centers are decommissioningtheir HiSeqs and some are even available to purchase on eBay. The instrument itself is a powerfulsystem of scientific equipment that includes precise XYZ stages, fast imaging, and integrated fluidhandling. Several methods to spatially map multiplexed transcripts and/or proteins at subcellularresolution across tissue sections such as merFISH, STARmap, CODEX, 4i, and immuno-SABER have beenpublished using automated confocal microscopes with integrated fluidics that usually take days to run.We assessed the feasibility of repurposing a HiSeq 2500 instead of a dedicated confocal microscopesystem with integrated fluidics to perform spatial transcriptomics/immunofluorescence methods ontissue. We wrote software in Python, called PySeq2500, to control the stages, pumps, valves, optics, andcameras of the HiSeq. Custom flow cells were developed from off the shelf components to mount tissuesections and to interface with the HiSeq fluidics. Only minor modifications to the HiSeq stage were madeto accommodate the custom flow cell and to the fluidic plumbing to minimize dead volume. PySeq2500protocols were developed to automate various spatial transcriptomic/immunofluorescence methods onthe HiSeq 2500 and map targeted biomolecules across tissue sections. Adjacent tissue sections werealso mapped on a confocal microscope with integrated fluidics. The HiSeq and confocal systems werecompared in terms of data quality, performance, and ease-of-use. We show that HiSeqs that have beenopened up after being decommissioned for sequencing are still valuable systems that can performadvanced imaging based spatial mapping of biomolecules in tissue.
Distortional Lateral Torsional Buckling Analysis for Beams of Wide Flange Cross-sections
Creators: name: Hassan, Rusul
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: Lateral Torsional Buckling
Distortion
Finite Element Analysis
Wide Flange Cross-Sections

description: Structural steel design standards recognize lateral torsional buckling as a failure mode governing the capacity of long span unsupported beams with wide flange cross-sections. Standard solutions start with the closed form solution of the Vlasov thin-walled beam theory for the case of a simply supported beam under uniform moments, and modify the solution to accommodate various moment distributions through moment gradient expressions. The Vlasov theory solution is based on the assumption that cross-sectional distortional effects have a negligible effect on the predicted elastic critical moment. The present study systematically examines the validity of the Vlasov assumption related to cross-section distortion through a parametric study. A series of elastic shell finite element eigen-value buckling analyses is conducted on simply supported beams subject to uniform moments, linear moments and mid span point loads as well as cantilevers subject to top flange loading acting at the tip. Cross-sectional dimensions are selected to represent structural steel cross-section geometries used in practice. Particular attention is paid to model end connection details commonly used in practice involving moment connections with two pairs of stiffeners, simply supported ends with a pair of transverse stiffeners, simply supported ends with cleat angle details, and built in fixation at cantilever roots. The critical moments obtained from the FEA are compared to those based on conventional critical moment equations in various Standards and published solutions. The effects of web slenderness, flange slenderness, web height to flange width ratio, and span to height ratios on the critical moment ratio are systematically quantified. For some combinations of section geometries and connection details, it is shown that present solutions derived from the Vlasov theory can overestimate the lateral torsional buckling resistance for beams.
Wikipedia and Encyclopaedism: A Genre Analysis of Epistemological Values
Creators: name: Jankowski, Steven J.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: Wikipedia
knowledge
encyclopedism
genre analysis
network society
epistemology

description: This thesis considers how Wikipedia justifies, structures, and legitimizes its production of knowledge. To do so the thesis positions Wikipedia as a site of conflict over the epistemic values between its wiki and encyclopaedic traditions. Through the literature review, the wiki epistemology is argued to be composed of six values: self-identification, collaboration, co-construction, cooperation, trust in the community, and constructionism. While these values are explicit, encyclopaedism’s were not found to be equally defined. To fill this gap, the thesis conducts a genre analysis of encyclopaedism. It first identifies the genre through its communicative purposes to create a universal system of total knowledge and to use this system to educate the public. Second, an analysis of recurrent social contexts within Chambers’ Cyclopaedia (1728), Diderot & d’Alembert’s Encyclopédie (1751–72), the Encyclopaedia Britannica (1771–), and Wikipedia (2001–) finds that the communicative purposes are achieved through the use of five epistemic values: utility, systematic organization, authority, trust in experts, and consistency. Third, a comparison spanning 240 years between Wikipedia and the Britannica’s article headings finds that the value of systematic organization structures Wikipedia’s articles using seventeenth century categories of knowledge. Having established two sets of values that determine Wikipedia’s production of knowledge, the thesis sets the stage for future research to analyze how Wikipedia’s epistemology is articulated in its different production spaces. Ultimately, such research may not only describe the shifting values of Wikipedia’s epistemology but also explain how knowledge is transformed and produced in the network society.
Role of the Heterotrimeric Go Protein Alpha-subunit on the Cardiac Secretory Phenotype
Creators: name: Roeske, Cassandra
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: G alpha o
cardiac secretory phenotype
heterotrimeric g proteins
atrial natriuretic factor
cre/lox recombination
transgenic animal model
granule biogenesis
atrial secretory granules

description: Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a polypeptide hormone produced in heart atria, stored in atrial secretory granules and released into the circulation in response to various stimuli. Proper sorting of ANF at the level of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) is required for the storage of ANF in these specific granules, and this sorting of hormones has been found to be associated with G-proteins. Specifically, the Go protein alpha-subunit (Gαo) was established to participate in the stretch-secretion coupling of ANF, but may also be involved in the transporting of ANF from the TGN into atrial granules for storage and maturation. Based on knowledge of Gαo involvement in hormone production in other endocrine tissues, protein-protein interactions of Gαo and proANF and their immunochemical co-localization in granules, the direct involvement of these two proteins in atrial granule biogenesis is probable. In this study, mice were created using the Cre/lox recombination system with a conditional Gαo knockout in cardiocytes to study and characterize ANF production, secretion and granule formation. Deletion of this gene was successful following standard breeding protocols. Characterization and validation of cellular and molecular content of the knockout mice through mRNA levels, protein expression, peptide content, electron microscopy, and electrocardiography determined that a significant phenotypic difference was observed in the abundance of atrial granules. However, Gαo knockout mice did not significantly alter the production and secretion of ANF and only partially prevented granule biogenesis, likely due to incomplete Gαo knockout. These studies demonstrate an involvement of Gαo in specific atrial granule formation.
Economic Risks in the Agricultural Sectors of Emerging Economies: Smallholder Perspectives of Projects Based on Thailand’s ‘Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy’
Creators: name: Egery, Julian
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2014
Subjects: emerging economy
organic farming
Sufficiency Economy
Thailand
contract farming
disparity problem
economic vulnerability

description: Economic growth in emerging economies has been changing the livelihoods of many smallholders. Typically, disparity increases as economies emerge, and the agricultural sector experiences lower growth relative to other sectors. Growing inequalities and economic vulnerabilities during this critical period of development in emerging economies are often associated with social problems and political tensions, as this is the case in Thailand. In the latter, the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy (SE) has been employed through the monarchy in a number of ways. Due to laws prohibiting critique of the monarchy, these projects are not fairly evaluated and the perspectives of smallholders affected are largely unknown. Knowledge on the effectiveness of Thailand’s Philosophy of SE in combating the disparity problem and economic vulnerability in the agricultural sectors of emerging economies was gained through semi-structured interviews. An organic farming project run by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), called ISAC follows the principles of Sufficiency Economy, and is located in the Mae Taeng district in the north of the province of Chiang Mai. A sample of 20 farmers from two villages (Don Chiang and San Pa Yang) who participate in the project was interviewed. Questions regarding age and education level of all family members also created a quantitative sample of 72 individuals. An epistemological framework based in critical realism was employed with the use of purposive interview sampling methods Results indicate that employing SE can help a select group of farmers to escape economic vulnerability. This group includes farmers in an older age group with sufficient land and access to guidance. The philosophy may help keep this group of farmers satisfied as the countries economy evolves. The project appears to be sustainable only in the short-term as younger generations seem to be reaching higher levels of education than their elders and are likely to pursue lives outside of agriculture. In addition, some benefits of farming with the principles of SE include, lower financial stress, improved health, and a better family life. Conversely, a decision to live by the principles of SE can lead to a stigmatization of farmers within their community, creating in-groups and out-groups.
Evaporation Characteristics of a Liquid Bio-Fuel from Chicken Litter
Creators: name: Tolonen, Erik
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: bio-oil
pyrolysis
chicken
litter
droplet
evaporation
vaporization
upgrading
liquid
fuels
microwave
solvent
extraction
quasi-steady
continuous
thermodynamics

description: Alternative fuels are becoming more important as fossil fuels become more expensive. This thesis describes the production and properties of a bio-oil produced from waste biomass, in this case chicken litter. A higher quality fuel was produced through thermal and chemical upgrading of the raw bio-oil; this fuel is similar in some respects to fossil fuels, as it has a high hydrocarbon content and energy density comparable to gasoline. Combustion of liquid fuels commonly occurs in clouds of droplets, and studying the evaporation of single liquid drops provides information on the evaporation characteristics of the fuel as a whole. Droplet evaporation tests on the chicken litter fuel were carried out using the suspended droplet/moving furnace technique. For some tests, a fine wire thermocouple was used as the droplet suspension in order to measure the distillation characteristics of the fuel. An existing computational model based on continuous ther- modynamics was used to model the evaporation of the fuel. The modelled composition of the fuel was based on an existing pyrolysis field ionization mass spectrometry (Py-FIMS) analysis and used five major groups of compounds. The properties for these groups re- quired for the model were determined using several prediction methods and the values then used in a numerical model. Model predictions of droplet temperatures calculated for the fuel showed good agree- ment with the measured temperatures, indicating that the modelled composition gave an accurate picture of the fuel. Droplet evaporation histories also agreed well with mea- surements, but were not capable of reproducing the observed disruption of the droplet produced by internal boiling at higher temperatures, nor the formation of a solid residue at the end of evaporation. Further enhancements to the model should allow the prediction of residue formation.Model predictions of droplet temperatures calculated for the fuel showed good agree- ment with the measured temperatures, indicating that the modelled composition gave an accurate picture of the fuel. Droplet evaporation histories also agreed well with mea- surements, but were not capable of reproducing the observed disruption of the droplet produced by internal boiling at higher temperatures, nor the formation of a solid residue at the end of evaporation. Further enhancements to the model should allow the prediction of residue formation.
Plant-Based (Hemp, Pea and Rice) Protein–Maltodextrin Combinations as Wall Material for Spray-Drying Microencapsulation of Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) Oil
Creators: name: Kurek, Marcin Andrzej
name: Pratap-Singh, Anubhav
Publisher: name: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Year: 2020

description: Conscious consumers have created a need for constant development of technologies and food ingredients. This study aimed to examine the properties of emulsions and spray-dried microcapsules prepared from hempseed oil by employing a combination of maltodextrin with hemp, pea, and rice protein as carrier materials. Oil content in the microcapsules was varied at two levels: 10 and 20%. Increasing oil load caused a decrease in viscosity of all samples. Consistency index of prepared emulsions was calculated according to Power Law model, with the lowest (9.2 ± 1.3 mPa·s) and highest values (68.3 ± 1.1 mPa·s) for hemp and rice protein, respectively, both at 10% oil loading. The emulsion stability ranged from 68.2 ± 0.7% to 88.1 ± 0.9%. Color characteristics of the microcapsules were defined by high L* values (from 74.65 ± 0.03 to 83.06 ± 0.03) and low a* values (−1.02 ± 0.015 to 0.12 ± 0.005), suggesting that the materials were able to coat the greenish color of the hemp seed oil acceptably. The highest encapsulation efficiency was observed in samples with rice protein, while the lowest was with hemp protein. Combination of maltodextrin and proteins had a preventive effect on the oxidative stability of hempseed oil. Oil release profile fitted well with the Higuchi model, with hempseed oil microencapsulated with pea protein–maltodextrin combination at 10% oil loading depicting lowest oil release rates and best oxidative stability.
Characterization and Therapeutic Potential of Human Amniotic Fluid Cells in Mediating Neuroprotection
Creators: name: Jezierski, Anna
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: amniotic fluid cells
neuroprotection
GDNF
brain injury
stem cells

description: Brain injury, either surgically induced or as a result of trauma or stroke, is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Since transplantable stem cell sources are showing a great deal of promise and are actively being pursued to provide neuroprotection post-injury, in this body of work, we set out to characterize and examine the therapeutic potential of amniotic fluid derived (AF) cells as a potential cell source for cell-based therapies in mediating neuroprotection post-injury. Despite their heterogeneity, we found that AF cells are mainly epithelial in origin and express various genes involved in stem cell maintenance and neural commitment. A very small subset of AF cells also express pluripotency markers OCT4a, SOX2 and NANOG, which can be enriched for by single cell cloning. SOX2 positive clones have the capacity to give rise to a neuronal phenotype, in neural induction conditions, which can be used to examine the neural differentiation capabilities of AF cells. Subsequently, we examined the ability of AF cells to mediate a neuroprotective effect in a surgically induced brain injury model through gap junctional-mediated direct cell-cell communication and as a vehicle for GDNF delivery post-injury. AF cells express high levels of CX43 and are able to establish functional gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) with cortical astrocytes. We report an induction of Cx43 expression in astrocytes following injury and demonstrate, for the first time, CX43 expression at the interface between implanted AF cells and host astrocytes. In an effort to boost host endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms post-injury, via neurotrophic factor delivery, we engineered AF cells to secrete GDNF (AF-GDNF). GDNF pre-treatment significantly increased AF cell and cortical neuron survival rates following exposure to hydrogen peroxide. AF-GDNF cells, seeded on polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds, survived longer in serum-free conditions and continued to secrete GDNF post-implantation activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in host neural cells in the peri-lesion area. Despite some promising trends, we did not observe significant behavioural improvements following AF-GDNF/PGA implantation nor reduced lesion volume during the 7 day time-frame. In conclusion, through GJIC with cortical astrocytes and delivery of exogenous neurotrophic factors, AF cells hold great promise in mediating neuroprotection post-injury.
Les effets de la modalité d'entraînement sur la compensation énergétique post-entraînement chez l'adulte
Creators: name: Cadieux, Sébastien
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2013
Subjects: Dépense énergétique
Apport énergétique
Entraînement en aérobie
Entraînement en résistance
Compensation énergétique
Exercice

description: L’effet de l’entraînement en aérobie (de différentes durée et intensité) sur l’apport énergétique (AÉ) est très bien documenté, dans la littérature. Il a été montré que certains facteurs, tels que le sexe, l’indice de masse corporelle, le niveau d’activité physique et les caractéristiques cognitives du participant peuvent influencer l’AÉ, à la suite d’une séance d’entraînement. Cependant, seulement deux études ont comparé l’effet aigu de l’entraînement en résistance et de l’entraînement en aérobie, dans un même devis, et aucune différence n’y a été observée. Les objectifs de la présente étude sont d’évaluer les différences aiguës, après 10 heures et après 34 heures, sur les plans de l’AÉ, de la dépense énergétique (DÉ) et de la compensation énergétique (CÉ), telles qu’elles sont occasionnées par deux modalités d’entraînement différentes (en aérobie et en résistance). Seize hommes et femmes modérément actifs ont participé à trois séances expérimentales réparties aléatoirement : une séance contrôle et deux séances d’exercice équicalorique (4 kcal/kg), soit une séance de résistance (70 % de 1RM) et une séance en aérobie (70 % de VO2peak). L’AÉ ad libitum a été mesuré en aigu (75 minutes), et au cours des 34 heures qui ont suivi la fin de la séance. La DÉ a été mesurée au cours de la même période, à l’aide d’un accéléromètre biaxial. Aucune différence, quant à l’AÉ, entre les différentes modalités n’a été mesurée immédiatement après l’exercice, après 10 heures et après 34 heures. Cependant, les hommes et les femmes ont réagi différemment aux deux modalités d’entraînement, en ce qui concerne l’AÉ aiguë. Plus précisément, l’AÉ des hommes, au cours du dîner, était supérieure dans le cadre de la séance en résistance par rapport à la séance en aérobie; cependant, cette différence disparaît à la fin de la journée. Aucune différence, sur les plans de la DÉ et de la CÉ, n’a été mesurée après 10 heures, non plus après 34 heures. Ces résultats montrent que les différentes modalités d’entraînement provoquent les mêmes effets sur la CÉ en aigus, à court terme (10 heures) et à long terme (34 heures), lorsque leur coût énergétique est le même. Cela dit, l’entraînement en résistance, tout comme l’entraînement en aérobie, ne cause un déséquilibre énergétique négatif qu’à court terme, puisque les effets de chacun disparaissent à la fin de la journée.
Miniaturized Wavelength Interrogation For The Aircraft Structural Health Monitoring And Optofluidic Analysis
Creators: name: Guo, Honglei
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2014
Subjects: fiber optics
sensor
photonic integrated circuits
planar lightwave circuits
fiber Bragg grating
structural health monitoring
optoelectronics
optofluidics

description: In this thesis, miniaturized wavelength interrogators based on planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) are investigated and developed for the optical fiber sensing applications in the aircraft structural health monitoring (SHM) and optofluidic analysis. Two interrogation systems based on an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) and an Echelle diffractive grating (EDG) are developed and used to convert the optical sensing signals into strain, temperature, vibration, damage, and humidity information for the aircraft SHM. A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing system using developed interrogators is then demonstrated in a field test for aircraft SHM applications. For optofluidic analysis, a PLCs based optofluidic device consisting of two on-chip lens sets is built to enhance the optical manipulation capability of particles. Then, a solution to a multi-functional Lab-on-a-Chip platform for optofluidic analysis is proposed, which integrates the developed particle maneuvering device, grating-structured sensors, and miniaturized interrogators.
Increasing the Accessibility and Acceptability of HIV Counseling and Testing among Aboriginal Women in Ottawa
Creators: name: Wilson, Lindsay
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2016
Subjects: HIV/AIDS
women
Aboriginal
Indigenous
testing
counseling
Ottawa
accessibility

description: Background: In Canada, Aboriginal women are disproportionately impacted by HIV and are tested later in disease progression, resulting in poorer health outcomes and increasing the risk of onward transmission. Methods: Using purposive sampling, 13 self-identified Aboriginal women participated in in-depth, qualitative interviews exploring women’s experiences with HIV testing and their ideas for improving the process. Thematic analysis was conducted in conjunction with constant comparison to identify emergent themes and to direct future interviews and analyses. Results: Women identified several barriers to HIV testing converging on the subjects of insufficient knowledge of HIV and HIV transmission, lack of perceived relevance of HIV testing, unwillingness or inability to confront the need for testing, and judgment from self and others regarding engagement in HIV-related risk-behaviours. The women also described their acceptable and unacceptable testing experiences, presented recommendations for increasing HIV testing uptake, and suggested ways to create the ideal testing experience. The findings demonstrate a clear need for stronger engagement of Aboriginal women surrounding their HIV-related testing needs and increased access to educational opportunities, culturally appropriate care, and initiatives aimed at reducing societal stigma around HIV.
Persistent Taboo Understanding Mental Illness and Stigma among Indonesian Adults Through Grounded Theory
Creators: name: Subu, Muhammad Arsyad
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2015
Subjects: Mental Illness, stigma, Indonesian adults

description: This study explored stigma associated with mental illness among Indonesian adults living in Indonesia. It investigated how mentally ill adults (both mentally ill patients and mental health nurses) perceive mental illness and how they respond to stigmatization on a daily basis. Given the current state of knowledge with regards to the meaning and process of stigma and mental illness among adults in Indonesia, a constructivist grounded theory was considered to be the method of choice for this study. We recruited 15 nurses and 15 patients to participate in the study; all from a psychiatric hospital in Indonesia. Data collection methods involved semi-structured interviews with the 30 participants as well as mute evidence, field notes and memos. Data analysis occurred over a period of six months. In keeping with the basic principles of a grounded theory method (Charmaz, 2006) as well as Paillé’s (1994) structure for data analysis which are congruent with Charmaz’s principles and include stages of codification, categorization, linking categories, integration, conceptualization, and theorization, 5 discrete but interrelated categories were produced: 1) treatment of mental illness; 2) violence; 3) fear; 4) constructing cursed citizens; and 5) stigmatization. Research results show that the experience of stigma for mentally ill patients in Indonesia is pervasive and impedes mental health services utilization. The stigmatization of mental illness is manifested by family members, members of the community, mental health professionals and staff, and also by governmental institutions and the media. Stigmatization is characterized by violence, fear, exclusion, isolation, rejection, blame, discrimination, and devaluation. Moreover, because of their (mis)understanding of mental illness, patients and families turn to alternative treatments provided by non-professionals (shamans, Islamic leaders, paranormals and traditional Chinese medicine); these individuals play a central role in supporting and offering solutions for someone suffering from a mental illness. In Indonesia, stigma affects mentally ill individuals at many levels. Until stigma associated with mental illness is addressed nationwide, those suffering from mental illness will continue to suffer and be prevented from accessing mental health services. As the results of this study have shown, patients seeking treatment experience violence and fear. Families and their mentally ill relatives have been expelled by their community, or have simply disappeared. Both physical and psychological abuse and humiliation have led to patients being avoided, rejected, and neglected, and thus isolated, hidden, or abandoned to the streets. There is a pressing need to combat mental illness stereotypes in Indonesia and health professionals, namely nurses, government agencies as well as the media must play a pivotal role in this process.
Co-delivery of Two Growth Factors From Combined PLGA and PLLA/PCL Microsphere Scaffolds for Spinal Cord Injury Repairs
Creators: name: Li, Zhongxuan
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2014
Subjects: SCI
scaffold
PLGA
PLLA
PCL
growth factor
delivery

description: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of spheres-in-tube structured scaffolds to sequentially deliver two biomolecules during two phases of tissue regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI). Scaffolds were synthesized of a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) base combined with Poly (L-lactic acid) / Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PLLA/PCL) microspheres. The scaffolds are constructed by leveraging the different solubilities of PLGA, PLLA and PCL in super critical carbon dioxide and ethyl acetate during fabrication processes. Microspheres can reduce the pore size and porosity of PLGA scaffolds; this enhances their mechanical strength and enables them to provide long-term treatment without collapse. The release of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-b) are being used to study the release profiles of the designed scaffolds. The analysis shows that FGF-b is released from high porosity PLGA base as the first delivery vehicle and completes the release in the first week. PLLA or PCL microspheres, having the property of sustainably delivering encapsulated EGF in 36 days, are used as the second drug delivery vehicle. FGF-b released within the first week can mimic biomolecules used to protect the surviving neurons and promote the development of sprout axons. The sustained release of EGF from microspheres is used for long-term therapy to differentiate multipotent cells into determined types at the injury site. The results demonstrate that these enhanced parameters along with the ability of sequential co-delivery of growth factors, make these designed scaffolds a promising candidate in SCI studies.