cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Focus on reactive nitrogen and the UN sustainable development goals
Creators: name: Winiwarter, Wilfried
name: Amon, Barbara
name: Geupel, Markus
name: Bodirsky, Benjamin Leon
Publisher: name: My University
Year: 2022
Subjects: Landwirtschaft
Nachhaltige Entwicklung

description: The scientific evidence assembled in this Focus Collection on 'Reactive nitrogen and the UN sustainable development goals' emphasizes the relevance of agriculture as a key sector for nitrogen application as well as its release to the environment and the observed impacts. Published work proves the multiple connections and their causality, and presents pathways to mitigate negative effects while maintaining the benefits, foremost the production of food to sustain humanity. Providing intersections from field to laboratory studies and to modelling approaches, across multiple scales and for all continents, the Collection displays an overview of the state of nitrogen science in the early 21st century. Extending science to allow for policy-relevant messages renders the evidence provided a valuable basis for a global assessment of reactive nitrogen. © Authors
The energetics of the dehydration of proton-bound dimers studied with a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer.
Creators: name: McCormack, Julie Ann Douglas.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2000
Subjects: subject: Chemistry, Physical.

description: This thesis represents the completion of two years of research in the field of gas-phase ion chemistry. A Finnigan GCQ ion trap mass spectrometer has been modified for the measurement of ion/molecule reaction rate constants. The rate constants for the reactions between CH3OH2 + and methanol, CH3CH2OH2 + with methanol and ethanol, CH3CH2CH2 OH2+with methanol, ethanol and n-propanol and protonated isopropanol with neutral isopropanol, all leading to products consisting of a protonated ether and neutral water, have been determined. The second portion of this work involved measuring the ion/molecule reaction rate constants for three reactions involving acetonitrile and primary alcohols. These values for the rate constants have been used to extract the activation energy for isomerization of the initially formed proton-bound dimer in each case. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Investigation into the potential involvement of apoptosis in the pathogenic mechanisms of the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
Creators: name: Hayward-McClelland, Shannon Faith.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2001
Subjects: subject: Biology, Microbiology.

description: Our hypothesis proposed that Trichomonas vaginalis would induce apoptosis in host cells as part of its pathogenic assault. This hypothesis was tested in an established co-culture system; previous research demonstrated that the parasite destroyed McCoy cell monolayers. The TUNEL assay was used to identify cells undergoing apoptotic DNA fragmentation as a result of co-incubation with T. vaginalis. Early experiments suggested that apoptosis may have been occurring in the McCoy monolayers, but this was later disproved with the help of a sandwich ELISA to detect DNA/histone fragments that characteristically result from apoptosis. Instead, the cells that had originally been identified as apoptotic were found to be adherent trichomonads. While McCoy cell apoptosis in response to co-culture with T. vaginalis was not observed, T. vaginalis did, over time, cause detachment of almost all monolayer cells, and also caused irreparable damage in a portion of these cells. Induction of McCoy monolayer detachment was determined to be contact-independent, given that trichomonad culture supernatants had a similar effect. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Short-term effects of ambient air pollution on asthma hospitalization in children: Case-crossover and time series analyses.
Creators: name: Lin, Mei.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2002
Subjects: subject: Health Sciences, Public Health.

description: Case-crossover and time series analyses were used to assess associations between ambient air pollutants and asthma hospitalization among children 6--12 years of age living in Toronto between 1981 and 1993. Exposures averaged over periods varying from one to seven days were used. The results from bi-directional case-crossover and time series analyses were similar. Coarse particulate matter (PM10--2.5) was significantly associated with asthma hospitalization in both males and females. The data showed no significant effects of fine (PM2.5) and thoracic (PM10) particulate matter on asthma hospitalizations. Gaseous pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were significantly related to asthma hospitalization in males or females or both sexes, but ozone (O3) was not. These studies provide strong evidence for asthma hospitalization in children in relation to relatively low levels of ambient air pollution, and suggest that reducing current ambient levels of air pollution will have important population health benefits.
White spruce dynamics in the forest-tundra ecotone, the southwest Yukon Territory.
Creators: name: Ayotte, Nicole.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2002
Subjects: subject: Biology, Ecology.

description: Dendrochronological techniques were used to study white spruce ( Picea glauca [Moech] Voss) dynamics in the altitudinal forest-tundra ecotone in the southwest Yukon Territory. At two sampling sites, all Picea glauca individuals within 9 delineated quadrats in the forest-tundra and forest were sampled to estimate dates of establishment and growth variations using tree-ring chronologies. Regeneration in the forest-tundra ecotone was low from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, however has increased since the 1920s. Recent peak periods of establishment parallel increased radial growth trends, which may have resulted from the long-term warming trend of the 20 th century. Seedling proximity to pre-established individuals in the forest-tundra ecotone suggests regeneration from a local seed source. Growth in height of pre-established krummholz individuals accelerated around the 1950s. Tree establishment in the forest-tundra and forest appear to be influenced by summer temperatures of the current growing season, and a high degree of similarity in tree growth at different sites in the southwest Yukon suggests a regional response to a large-climate signal. An increase in krummholz height and improved seedling establishment in the forest-tundra ecotone could result in a shift from krummholz to symmetrical trees and/or from patch forest to continuous forest.
Future tense: Australia’s contested rule-making for media diversity
Creators: name: Dwyer, Tim
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: The final report of the Convergence Review put more flesh on the bones of the interim report released last December. The majority reaction of key stakeholders has been primarily one of open hostility. It is argued that in a time of deregulated rule-making for media diversity the CR authors have not taken an entirely expedient approach to critical issues of media ownership and control. The suggestion is that final report is in fact a curious mixture of innovative and lower risk measures calculated to progress the convergence policy agenda up to a certain point. Yet, media commentators, including the author, have expressed their doubts about the ability of these proposed measures to provide the kind of certainty required, let alone the promised diversity of owners, in Australia's already highly concentrated media.
Manufacture of Profiled Amabilis Fir Deckboards with Reduced Susceptibility to Surface Checking
Creators: name: Cheng, Kenneth J.
name: Evans, P. D. (Philip D.)
Publisher: name: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Year: 2019

description: Machining grooves and ridges (peaks) into the surface of wooden deckboards reduces undesirable checking that develops when “profiled” boards are exposed to the weather. We aim to develop improved profiles for amabilis fir decking to reduce its susceptibility to checking, and also to examine whether profiling influences distortion (cupping) of deckboards. We systematically varied radii of grooves and peaks, and the heights and widths of peaks in profiled deckboards, exposed them to the weather, and measured checking and cupping of boards. Profiling significantly reduced the numbers and sizes of checks in amabilis fir deckboards, but increased cupping. Profiles with narrow grooves and tall peaks were generally better at restricting checking than profiles with wide grooves and shorter peaks. Our results suggest that one of the profiles we tested would be better at restricting checking than profiles used previously to manufacture profiled decking from amabilis fir. We conclude that the surface checking of profiled amabilis fir decking can be significantly reduced by altering the geometry of surface profiles. In principal, the same approach could be used with other softwood species that have potential to capture a share of the large and important market for wood decking.
A comparison of final scoring methods under the multistage adaptive testing framework
Creators: name: Karamese, Hacer
Publisher: name: University of Iowa
Year: 2022
Subjects: final scoring
interim scoring
misrouting
multistage adaptive testing
panel configuration
panel quality
public abstract

description: Multistage adaptive testing (MST) has become popular in the testing industry because the research has shown that it combines the advantages of both linear tests and item-level computer adaptive testing (CAT). The previous research efforts primarily focused on MST design issues such as panel design, module length, test length, distribution of test length across modules, panel assembly methods, interim scoring, and routing methods to understand their impact on measurement precision. However, final scoring methods have been understudied in the MST context. Therefore, this study aimed to provide some guidance to practitioners by evaluating the performance of final scoring methods under various MST conditions.
description: To achieve this aim, this study conducted a series of simulation studies to compare the relative performance of three final scoring methods: item response theory (IRT) ability estimation, estimated number-correct true scoring, and equated number-correct (ENC) scoring. By varying panel design, test length, routing method, interim scoring method, and panel quality, the results from this study would assist the practitioners in deciding the viable final scoring method for their testing programs.
Covariation, base-rate and causal power in human contingency judgment
Creators: name: Jacques, Matthew A
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2006
Subjects: subject: Psychology, Experimental.

description: This dissertation begins with a review of competing theories of human contingency judgment, and then describes a series of four original experiments designed to systematically investigate the strengths and weaknesses of current models. Among these, Cheng's (1997) Power PC theory of human contingency judgment has risen to prominence. This theory is said to address the inadequacies of both earlier associative (Rescorla & Wagner, 1972) and computational (Jenkins & Ward, 1965) approaches. Several prior tests of the Power PC theory have returned mixed or inconclusive results (Lober & Shanks, 2000; Vallee-Tourangeau, Murphy & Drew, 1997). The four experiments presented here were designed to assess predictions of the Power PC theory which had yet to be fully empirically tested, as well as to expand our current understanding of causal reasoning. Experiment 1 results were consistent with the Power PC predictions in terms of the pattern of participants' judgments, but not with regards to the levels of those judgments. Through a replication and elaboration upon conditions from Experiment 1, Experiment 2 determined that the level of the Experiment 1 judgments was not due to a ceiling effect, as could have been argued by Power PC proponents. Experiment 3 served to investigate whether the concept of reliability could possibly explain the observed deviations from Power PC, and indeed demonstrated a significant interaction of power and reliability. Despite this finding, the conjunction of Power PC and reliability is shown to be problematic. Experiment 4 confirmed that the results from experiments 1 through 3 can be expected to hold true in negative contingency space as well. Following the empirical results, further discussion of the roles of causal power, DeltaP, and reliability raises new questions and reveals a number of viable options for future research in this area. Taken as a whole, the results from these four experiments do not support the original Power PC theory, but do provide insight toward alternatives involving both confidence and reliability, which will provide a more comprehensive account of human contingency judgment.
Nanohybrid and nanocomposite materials from kaolinite
Creators: name: El Bokl, Tamer A
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2007
Subjects: subject: Chemistry, General.
subject: Chemistry, Organic.

description: A variety of organic moieties, including biodegradable polyesters, were intercalated into the interlayer spaces of kaolinite, a naturally occurring clay mineral, in an attempt to explore and extend its interlamellar chemistry. Several novel intercalated nanohybrids of kaolinite and cyclic imides were synthesized by simply performing the reactions at ambient temperatures. Intercalation is generally achieved by displacing the pre-intercalated guest organic molecules from the intermediate intercalate. The complete displacement of the guest molecules by the cyclic imides was confirmed by the results of XRD and 13C NMR analyses. The interaction between the intercalated molecules and the interlamellar surfaces of kaolinite was studied by FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the intercalation of alditols, adonitol and D-sorbitol, into the interlamellar spaces of kaolinite was achieved, and the grafting of the hydroxyl groups of these alditols onto the aluminol internal surfaces of kaolinite followed the intercalation via thermal treatment. Also, the modification of the interlamellar surfaces of kaolinite by the direct grafting of two different alditols, namely, D-mannitol and dulcitol, from the melt is reported. Several starting materials were used among which the kaolinite--DMSO intercalate was the most effective. This was done directly from the alditol melt at temperatures just above the melting point of these polyols. The intercalated polyols are arranged in a flattened monolayer arrangement, as indicated by the interlayer expansions. 13C CP/ and DD/MAS NMR indicated the complete replacement of the DMSO by the alditol, and that the alditols were rigidly constrained in the interlamellar spaces of kaolinite. Thermal analysis shows that the loss of the grafted alditols coincides with the dehydroxylation of the kaolinite layers. The intercalation process was followed with time in the case of adonitol. The reaction proceeds via a partial collapse of the Kao--DMSO intercalate before the steps corresponding to the intercalation of adonitol. In addition, a new family of kaolinite--polymer nanocomposites was prepared by the intercalation of a series of biodegradable polyesters in the interlayer spaces of kaolinite. The intercalation was achieved directly from the polymer melt. The results of the TGA/DTA analyses showed enhanced thermal stabilities of the produced nanohybrids and nanocomposites compared to the starting materials. Finally, promising attempts that involved alternative synthesis strategies for the preparation of kaolinite--polymer nanocomposites are presented.
Thermal shock and antibiotic combinations for biofilm infections on medical implants
Creators: name: Al-Jaafari, Haydar Alaa Salih
Publisher: name: University of Iowa
Year: 2022
Subjects: public abstract

description: Biofilm infections on medical implants are a multi-billion dollar problem afflicting hundreds of thousands of patients in the U.S. each year. These infections cannot be eliminated by antibiotics, so the current standard of care is surgical explantation of the device and surrounding tissue, with eventual reimplantation of a replacement device with twice the probability of infection. One approach to mitigating these biofilms is in-situ thermal eradication by generating heat remotely at the implant/biofilm interface via exposure to an alternating magnetic field. However, applying thermal shock in-vivo should be kept to its minimum requirement to prevent any excessive damage to the surrounding tissue. To determine the least required thermal shock for biofilm elimination this work investigated the viability of post-thermal shock biofilms, as well as the combined effect with antibiotics on three of the most common problematic species for medical implants, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis biofilms. It was found that the impact of thermal shock on P. aeruginosa biofilm proceeds far after the heat is removed, and the decrease from the combined treatment matched the product of the decreases of the individual treatments. In addition, S. aureus biofilms have shown comparable thermal susceptibility to P. aeruginosa, though the interaction between antibiotics and thermal shock appears to be truly synergistic. S. epidermidis biofilms, in contrast, have shown greater thermal susceptibility but the interaction mechanism is more complicated. These results revealed the possibility of significantly reducing the required thermal shock for destroying biofilm infections. This finding introduces thermal shock as a promising alternative treatment, which will offer better quality of care while minimizing physical harm and saving the world billions of dollars each year.
The electric light and the future: American perceptions and expectations, 1879-1890.
Creators: name: McDonnell, Joel W.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1997
Subjects: subject: History, United States.

description: This thesis explores the manner in which electric lighting was applied during the first decade after Edison's Menlo Park demonstration, and how these applications influenced American public perceptions of the technology, particularly in relation to imagined future uses and social meanings. Specifically, the thesis focuses on expectations and perceptions of electric lighting as applied or related to three important aspects of late nineteenth century American society: crime, warfare, and aesthetics and health. Using these three themes, this thesis illustrates how electric lighting was viewed during the 1880's and what hopes and images were attached to it.
How to amend a statute: The drafting and interpretation of amending legislation.
Creators: name: Lovgren, A. Craig.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1991
Subjects: subject: Law.

description: This thesis looks at the drafting and operation of amending legislation in the light of two paradigms of statute law. Part One examines the paradigm which developed in Great Britain in the nineteenth century. That paradigm emphasized the fragmentary character of the statute law. Ilbert analysed the techniques of amendment and concluded in favour of the use of indirect amendment and against the use of textual amendment. Another paradigm of statute law developed in the United States, Canada and Australia in the nineteenth century. It emphasizes the potential coherence of the statute law and tries to realise this potential through statute revision and the use of textual amendment. The consequences of the use of textual amendment for the operation of amending enactments are examined. The thesis also considers the argument that the use of re-enactment as a technique of amendment is undesirable because it opens up for parliamentary amendment more of the act proposed to be amended than do other techniques of amendment. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Status quo of operation procedures for soil sampling to analyze microplastics
Creators: name: Dorau, Kristof
name: Hoppe, Martin
name: Rückamp, Daniel
name: Scholz, Katrin
Publisher: name: My University
Year: 2023
Subjects: Bodenverunreinigung

description: Since 2015, the determination of microplastics (MPs; < 5 mm) in soil has gained increasing attention. However, usual analytical protocols still render a comparison of results challenging. This structured review integrates an in-depth screening of scientific articles (n = 106; from 1980 to 2022) that focused on determining MPs in soils. The different studies were divided into groups regarding (i) MPs input pathways, (ii) study site information, (iii) sampling design, (iv) sample preparation, and (v) analytical methods for MPs detection. Most of the studies (63%) focused on a defined study site influenced by a known point source, whereas 37% measured MPs background contents related to delocalized MPs emission sources. Even though soil was the target compartment, only 26% classified the soil type, mostly using the World Reference Base (WRB) as a classification system. Additional information on soil properties was supplied within only 20% of the studies. However, this information is mandatory for evaluation of MPs recovery tests and analytical results. In nearly all studies, the mass of the single samples equaled the final mass of the composite sample, with a mean of 1.32 kg +/-1.07 kg. However, other procedures that involve a larger sample mass seem promising but are still seldom applied. Our structured review revealed that a standard operation procedure with harmonized methods is urgently needed with a coherent and comprehensive workflow, including field sampling and sample preparation. Such a procedure would ensure the reproducibility and representativeness of analytical results, which are mandatory for evaluating and restricting MPs pollution in soils in the future. © The Author(s) 2023
3552097.pdf
Creators: name: Chen, Yang
name: Lee, Changhyoup
name: Lu, Liu
name: Liu, Di
name: Wu, Yunkun
name: Feng, Lantian
name: Li, Ming
name: Rockstuhl, Carsten
name: Guo, Guo-Ping
name: Guo, Guang-can
Publisher: name: Optica Publishing Group
Year: 2025
Subjects: Uncategorized

description: supplementary materials
The SAMI Pilot Survey: the kinematic morphology–density relation in Abell 85, Abell 168 and Abell 2399
Creators: name: Fogarty, L. M. R.
name: Scott, Nicholas
name: Owers, Matt S.
name: Brough, S.
name: Croom, Scott M.
name: Pracy, Michael B.
name: Houghton, R. C. W.
name: Bland-Hawthorn, Joss
name: Colless, Matthew
name: Davies, Roger L.
name: Jones, D. Heath
name: Allen, J. T.
name: Bryant, Julia J.
name: Goodwin, Michael
name: Green, Andrew W.
name: Konstantopoulos, Iraklis S.
name: Lawrence, J. S.
name: Richards, Samuel
name: Cortese, Luca
name: Sharp, Rob
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: We examine the kinematic morphology of early-type galaxies (ETGs) in three galaxy clusters Abell 85, 168 and 2399. Using data from the Sydney-AAOMulti-object Integral field spectrograph we measure spatially resolved kinematics for 79 ETGs in these clusters. We calculate λR, a proxy for the projected specific stellar angular momentum, for each galaxy and classify the 79 ETGs in our samples as fast or slow rotators. We calculate the fraction of slow rotators in the ETG populations (fSR) of the clusters to be 0.21 ± 0.08, 0.08 ± 0.08 and 0.12 ± 0.06 for Abell 85, 168 and 2399, respectively, with an overall fraction of 0.15 ± 0.04. These numbers are broadly consistent with the values found in the literature, confirming recent work asserting that the fraction of slow rotators in the ETG population is constant across many orders of magnitude in global environment. We examine the distribution of kinematic classes in each cluster as a function of environment using the projected density of galaxies: the kinematic morphology-density relation.We find that in Abell 85 fSR increases in higher density regions but in Abell 168 and 2399 this trend is not seen. We examine the differences between the individual clusters to explain this. In addition, we find slow rotators on the outskirts of two of the clusters studied, Abell 85 and 2399. These galaxies reside in intermediate to low density regions and have clearly not formed at the centre of a cluster environment. We hypothesize that they formed at the centres of groups and are falling into the clusters for the first time. © 2014 The Authors Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Complemented Banach*-algebras.
Creators: name: Wong, Pak-Ken.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1969
Subjects: subject: Mathematics.

description: General complemented Banach algebras have been studied by B.J. Tomiuk [Canadian J. of Math. Vol. 14 (1962), 651--659], and recently he and F.E. Alexander have contributed to the study of complemented B*-algebras [Trans. AMS 1969]. In this thesis we extend their work to complemented Banach*-algebras and show their relation to annihilator and dual Banach*-algebras. If A is a semi-simple complemented Banach*-algebra in which x*x = 0 implies x = 0, then A is an A*-algebra which is a dense subalgebra of a dual B*-algebra M; M is uniquely determined up to *-isomorphism. We give several characterizations of duality for A*-algebras, some of which are expressed in terms of complementors. We show, in particular that if A is a dense 2-sided ideal of a B*-algebra, then A is dual if and only if it is complemented. Every complemented completely continuous A*-algebra is dual. Let A be an A*-algebra contained in a B*-algebra M, and let p, q be complementors on M and A respectively. Using the properties of continuous complementors on B*-algebras, we obtain conditions on M, A and the complementors p and q such that: (a) The mapping I → cl (I)p ∩ A on the closed right ideals I of A is a complementor on A (called the complementor on A induced by p). (b) The mapping R → cl(R ∩ A)q) on the closed right ideals R of M is a complementor on M (called the complementor on M induced by q). Finally we discuss an example of a complemented A*-algebra.
Properties of a trainable linear threshold logic unit.
Creators: name: Zawicki, I. J.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1965
Subjects: subject: Engineering, Electronics and Electrical.

description: Many tasks can be reduced to the problem of pattern recognition and the vast majority of applications of learning machines is concerned with such problems. The examples of pattern recognition are speech recognition, handprinted characters recognition, weather forecasting, automatic control of technological processes, etc. The subject matter of this work is the detailed analysis of the basic element of the neuron-net-like learning systems - the Linear Threshold Logic Unit. As a mathematical model a many-dimensional vector space is used. This approach gives clear insight into the properties of the element and is particularly fruitful in the analysis of process of training. In the first part of the work, the general problem of the pattern recognition is presented and some properties of the basic element of the learning machine are discussed. The second part is concerned with the training procedures for the LTLU. Both, geometrical and analytical treatments of the Error Correction Procedures are discussed in details. Other learning procedures are also surveyed.
Ethylene solubility and diffusivity in polar and non polar solvents and solutions.
Creators: name: Sahgal, Ashok.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1977
Subjects: subject: Engineering, Chemical.

description: Solubilities of ethylene were measured in the solvents, n-hexane, dodecane, n-butanol, ethylene glycol and carbon disulphide as well as mixed solvent solutions composed of n-hexane-dodecane and n-butanol-ethylene glycol at 25°C and a total pressure of one atmosphere. In addition to this, ethylene solubilities were measured at five different temperatures over a range from -10°C to 70°C. The experimental results were compared with those predicted by theoretical correlations. Solubility variation with temperature was shown graphically by plotting log x versus log T and log x versus l/T. Diffusion coefficients of dissolved ethylene were measured in the solvents n-hexane, dodecane, n-butanol and ethylene glycol as well as in the mixed solvents hexane-dodecane and ethylene glycol-butanol at 25°C using the capillary cell method. Diffusivities were well described by a linear relation between the logarithm of diffusion coefficient and the logarithm of solvent viscosity except for the case of ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol-butanol solutions. The constancy of the product Dsigma2 (sigma being the molecular diameter of the diffusing gas) was confirmed for the systems involving ethane, methane, propane and ethylene using n-hexane and dodecane as solvents. This result shows agreement with the concept that diffusion is controlled by the molecular size of diffusing species. This work is presented in two parts; the first dealing with ethylene solubilities and the second dealing with ethylene diffusivities in selected solvents and two component solvent solutions.
Plasmid isolation and purification by electrofiltration and comparison of different direct colony sequencing methods and PCR-based sequencing methods.
Creators: name: Fillion Bergeron, Marianne.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2002
Subjects: subject: Biology, Molecular.

description: We have designed an electrophoresis system that can purify plasmid DNA from a culture without centrifugation. This system is based on electrofiltration where bacterial cell lysates are loaded in one chamber and the purified plasmid DNA is recovered in an adjacent chamber. These two chambers are separated by a membrane made of regenerated cellulose, which allows plasmid DNA to migrate to the recovery chamber while retaining most contaminants in the loading chamber. Unfortunately, even with the optimization of the parameters involved in the electrofiltration, the only DNA that can pass through the middle membrane still has some contaminants, which prevent sequencing of the plasmid. Our results have shown that a pure plasmid cannot cross a membrane with pores small enough to prevent the migration of most of the contaminants. Only a plasmid complexed with some contaminants can cross a small pore membrane. In parallel, we have compared six direct sequencing methods that do not require any plasmid purification prior to the sequencing reaction. We compared the reliability, quality of sequences, time required, and cost of these six methods. We found that the best method was that of Zhang et al. (1999). This method is fast, reliable, produces good quality sequences and is inexpensive. The performance of this method is due to the amount of ABI's ready reaction mix used, the pre-sequencing heating step to lyse the cell, the large volume of the PCR sequencing reaction and the addition of BSA.
Stellar kinematics and structural properties of Virgo cluster dwarf early-type galaxies from the SMAKCED project. Ii. the survey and a systematic analysis of kinematic anomalies and asymmetries
Creators: name: Toloba, E.
name: Guhathakurta, P.
name: Peletier, R. F.
name: Boselli, A.
name: Lisker, T.
name: Falcón-Barroso, J.
name: Simon, J. D.
name: Van De Ven, G.
name: Paudel, S.
name: Emsellem, E.
name: Janz, Joachim
name: Den Brok, M.
name: Gorgas, J.
name: Hensler, G.
name: Laurikainen, E.
name: Niemi, S. M.
name: Rys̈, A.
name: Salo, H.
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: We present spatially resolved kinematics and global stellar populations and mass-to-light ratios for a sample of 39 dwarf early-type (dE) galaxies in the Virgo cluster studied as part of the SMAKCED stellar absorption-line spectroscopy and imaging survey. This sample is representative of the early-type population in the Virgo cluster in the absolute magnitude range -19.0 < Mr < -16.0 and of all morphological subclasses found in this galaxy population. For each dE, we measure the rotation curve and velocity dispersion profile and fit an analytic function to the rotation curve. We study the significance of the departure of the rotation curve from the best-fit analytic function (poorly fit) and of the difference between the approaching and receding sides of the rotation curve (asymmetry). Our sample includes two dEs with kinematically decoupled cores that have been previously reported. We find that 62 ± 8% (23 out of the 39) of the dEs have a significant anomaly in their rotation curve. Analysis of the images reveals photometric anomalies for most galaxies. However, there is no clear correlation between the significance of the photometric and kinematic anomalies. We measure age-sensitive (Hβ and HγA ) and metallicity sensitive (Fe4668 and Mgb) Lick spectral indices in the LIS-5 Å system. This population of galaxies exhibits a wide range of ages and metallicities; we also find that 4 dEs show clear evidence of emission partially filling in the Balmer absorption lines. Finally, we estimate the total masses and dark matter fractions of the dEs and plot them in the mass-size, the mass-velocity dispersion, and the fundamental plane scaling relations. The dEs seem to be the bridge between massive early-type galaxies and dSphs, and have a median total mass within the Re of log Me = 9.1 ± 0.2 and a median dark matter fraction within the Re of f DM = 46 ± 18%. Any formation model for the dE galaxy class must account for this diversity of kinematic and photometric anomalies and stellar populations.
Electrochemical reactivation of granular activated carbon.
Creators: name: Karimi-Jashni, Ayoub.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2002
Subjects: subject: Engineering, Environmental.

description: The main objectives of this dissertation were to refine electrochemical GAC reactivation technology, a promising alternative technology, and to investigate its technical feasibility. The specific objectives of the study were: (1) to evaluate alternative reactor designs; (2) to assess the effect of contaminant and GAC types on the regeneration efficiency; (3) to study the electrolyte post-treatment; and (4) to investigate reactivation mechanisms and model them. To achieve these objectives many interrelated topics were investigated using phenol, 2-nitrophenol (2NP) and naturally occurring background organic matter (NOM) as adsorbates and Filtrasorb 400 (F-400), Westvaco Carbon (WV-B), Darco Norit, and Filtrasorb 300 (F-300) as adsorbents. The impact of reactor operation conditions (reactivation time, current density, pH) on the reactivation efficiency showed that the reactivation efficiency (RE%) could be increased to a maximum by increasing the current and/or time. It was concluded that electrochemical reactivation of GAC is contaminant-type dependent. The reactivation efficiencies of F-400 loaded with 2NP and phenol at different reactivation currents and times showed similar patterns. A comparison of the percent reactivation of GACs showed that F-400 and WV-B performed essentially the same for the tested conditions. Total destruction of desorbed contaminants and their by-products were possible. Desorbed phenol and 2NP from loaded GAC react to form a number of reaction by-products that are eventually oxidized to CO2 and H 2O. The main mechanism responsible for electrochemical reactivation is high-pH induced desorption at the cathode. It accounts for approximately 50--60% of the total reactivation of a single layer of GAC. It is recommended that the GAC electrochemical reactivation should be a three step process. First, the GAC is reactivated with a relatively low current to minimize potential alterations of the GAC surface. Second, the GAC is drained and rinsed with a buffered solution. Finally, the electrolyte is treated electrochemically for an extended time at a much higher current (and possibly a different electrode) to reduce the electrolyte's TOC so that it may be reused or discharged. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Western States Heritage Conference
Creators: name: McCarthy, Michael Martin
name: McCarthy, Michael Martin
Publisher: name: Unknown
Year: 1980
Subjects: Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession

description: The purpose of the conference was to bring together representative viewpoints of individuals and agencies concerned with unique natural and cultural resources. A theme of the meetings was "sharing experiences" and learning from others. It was hoped that this conference could serve as a forum for an exchange and debate of ideas pertinent to existing and future Heritage Resource Programs.
"Just Google it!" First-Year Seminar Syllabus & Course Content
Creators: name: Hangauer, Kelly
Publisher: name: University of Iowa
Year: 2023
Subjects: First-Year Seminar
Google
Critical Information Literacy
Information Literacy
Credit course
Academic Libraries

description: Google has become a ubiquitous search tool that has shaped the way we engage with the Internet. This semester-long, one credit hour first-year seminar course encourages students to step back and examine Google with a critical lens. To do this, we will explore what exactly Google is, its history, how it functions, how data is used, ethical considerations, and search tools and tricks that will allow us to more expertly engage with online content. This course is structured around short readings, podcasts, videos, written reflections, and weekly discussions. Together, we'll think critically about Google and develop valuable digital literacy and research skills along the way. At the end of the semester, we'll summarize our weekly reflections through oral, written and/or digital presentations.
Étude sur la fidélité et l'efficacité relatives de méthodes d'analyse du fonctionnement différentiel des items applicables à des échantillons de taille réduite.
Creators: name: Dechef, Hélène.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1998
Subjects: subject: Education, Tests and Measurements.

description: L'examen de la fidélité et de l'efficacité des méthodes repose sur des données réelles, les résultats à un test de mathématiques de l'American College Testing Program (ACTP). Pour étudier l'efficacité des méthodes, nous avons déterminé quels items avaient un fonctionnement différentiel non négligeable. Pour ce faire, nous nous sommes servis d'un échantillon de 40 000 sujets qui constitue, à toutes fins utiles, la population d'origine. Les hommes y forment le groupe de référence; les femmes, le groupe focalisé. Ont été identifiés comme ayant un fonctionnement différentiel non négligeable tous les items dont la différence de difficulté standardisée est égale ou supérieure à 0,05 en valeur absolue, après arrondissement au centième le plus proche. Les items devaient également présenter un delta de Mantel-Haenszel ou une différence de difficulté standardisée modifiée qui les rangent parmi les items avec les indices les plus grands. De plus, ils devaient présenter des différences de difficulté standardisée qui sont plus grandes que celles observées à l'intérieur du groupe de référence et du groupe focalisé. Á partir des analyses effectuées, il appert que la méthode de standardisation modifiée offre des indices dont la stabilité est un peu moins grande que celle des deltas de Mantel-Haenszel. Malgré cela, sa capacité de détecter des items qui ont un fonctionnement différentiel se compare avantageusement à la méthode du delta de Mantel-Haenszel. Quelle que soit la méthode à l'étude, la stabilité des indices et leur capacité de détecter des items qui ont un fonctionnement différentiel non négligeable varient en fonction de la taille des échantillons. Règle générale, stabilité et efficacité tendent à augmenter avec l'accroissement du nombre de sujets dans les échantillons. Toutes les méthodes se comportent de façon analogue lorsqu'on se base sur des centiles pour déterminer quels items ont un fonctionnement différentiel dans les échantillons de taille réduite. Il en résulte peu de différence entre les méthodes pour des échantillons de même grandeur. Lorsqu'on se base sur des critères fixes, la méthode du khi carré de Mantel-Haenszel et la méthode de régression logistique affichent des tendances à l'opposé de la méthode du delta de Mantel-Haenszel et de la méthode de standardisation modifiée. Cette divergence résulte de la nature des indices fournis et se traduit par des différences importantes dans la détection des items. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Convergence and media ownership – The merits of repealing the '2 out of 3 rule' and adopting a national public interest test
Creators: name: Selvadurai, Niloufer
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: The convergence of media and communications technologies has radically altered the nature of content-related competition in the media sector and undermined the effectiveness of the present regulatory framework. One of the issues identified for consideration in the Convergence Review - Emerging Issues Paper of July 2011 was whether cross-media ownership rules are still necessary in a multi-platform environment. The purpose of the present paper is to examine the continuing relevance of the '2 out of 3' rule in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) in the context of the recommendations outlined in the Convergence Review - Final Report of April 2012. The article seeks to evaluate the extent to which the recommended reforms would serve to enhance regulatory parity and support media diversity within an increasingly converged media landscape.
The giant gemini GMOS survey of zem > 4.4 quasars - I. Measuring the mean free path across cosmic time
Creators: name: Worseck, Gábor
name: Xavier Prochaska, J.
name: O'Meara, John M.
name: Becker, George D.
name: Ellison, Sara L.
name: Lopez, Sebastian
name: Meiksin, Avery
name: Ménard, Brice
name: Murphy, Michael
name: Fumagalli, Michele
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 5101
subject: Astronomical sciences
classificationCode: 5109
subject: Space sciences

description: We have obtained spectra of 163 quasars at zem > 4.4 with the Gemini Multi Object Spectrometers, the largest publicly available sample of high-quality, low-resolution spectra at these redshifts. From this data set, we generated stacked quasar spectra in three redshift intervals at z ˜ 5 to model the average rest-frame Lyman continuum flux and to assess the mean free path λ _mfp^{912} of the intergalactic medium to H I-ionizing radiation. At mean redshifts zq = (4.56, 4.86, 5.16), we measure λ _mfp^{912}=(22.2 ± 2.3, 15.1 ± 1.8, 10.3 ± 1.6)h_{70}^{-1} proper Mpc with uncertainties dominated by sample variance. Combining our results with measurements from lower redshifts, the data are well modelled by a power law λ _mfp^{912}=A[(1+zright)/5]^η with A=(37 ± 2)h_{70}^{-1} Mpc and η = -5.4 ± 0.4 at 2.3 < z < 5.5. This rapid evolution requires a physical mechanism - beyond cosmological expansion - which reduces the effective Lyman limit opacity. We speculate that the majority of H I Lyman limit opacity manifests in gas outside galactic dark matter haloes, tracing large-scale structures (e.g. filaments) whose average density and neutral fraction decreases with cosmic time. Our measurements of the mean free path shortly after H I reionization serve as a valuable boundary condition for numerical models thereof. Our measured λ _mfp^{912}≈ 10 Mpc at z = 5.2 confirms that the intergalactic medium is highly ionized without evidence for a break that would indicate a recent end to H I reionization.
Skepticism and the skeptical spirit. Stanley Cavell: The philosophical challenge of literature.
Creators: name: Dawe, M. Wanda.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1998
Subjects: subject: Literature, General.

description: This thesis investigates different interpretations of modern skepticism in philosophy and literature. In philosophy, skepticism is most generally understood as the achievement (or consequence) of a certain kind of epistemological enquiry. Whether skepticism is directed toward knowledge of the existence of a separate and independent, "external" world, or toward our knowledge of the existence of others like ourselves in it (in the Anglo-American tradition, what is called "the problem of other minds"), this comprehensive philosophical perspective is most often neither consistently defended nor absolutely refuted and yet it remains a constant theme of contemporary philosophy. But in Shakespearean Tragedy, Romanticism, and American Transcendentalism, skepticism is presented as a moral or practical issue rather than, or at least prior to, any epistemological one that may arise. If the latter view is a defensible one, and this thesis attempts to show that it is, then its consequences for, and beyond, philosophy are as disturbing as they are fascinating. An interpretation of certain key literary texts as studies of skepticism is part of the overall argument of this thesis to the effect that literature challenges philosophy's understanding of the skeptical problem, hence also philosophy's self-understanding. Furthermore, the investigation of certain interactions between philosophy and literature with respect to skepticism undertaken in the present work challenges our ordinary understanding of what it is to think about and to describe ourselves and the world, philosophically or otherwise, and what it is to act, one among others, as a knower and agent in the world.
Business Management in A Cross Cultural Environment_AKIN.docx
Creators: name: Akin, Oguzhan
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2020
Subjects: subject: 150399 Business and Management not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Economics and business

description: This research aims to draw a theoretical framework for the area of international business management in terms of cross-cultural approach for companies’ strategy development. In an attempt to provide a theoretical categorisation of the described concepts, the literature review is concluded and restructured into four main pillars: 1) the ability to prevent preconceived notions through gaining multiple perspectives; 2) understanding effects of norms and practices through improving culture reading skills; 3) developing cross-cultural relations by the help of intercultural communication techniques; 4) learning adaptation strategies to be flexible for the local environment. The objective of this study is to provide a theoretical overview of the existing scientific approaches to enhance further research in the field of cross-cultural business management and to help the practical development of business strategies adopted by companies operating in foreign markets for a better understanding and coping with international cultural context.