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An accelerometer-based dataset for monitoring slag in steel manufacturing
No full textAbstract Objectives Slag detection in steel manufacturing is essential for ensuring high product quality and process efficiency. The purpose of the accelerometer-based data is to allow for accurate monitoring and differentiation between slag and molten metal flow. This is vital to prevent equipment damage, maintain steel quality, and enhance operational effectiveness. The data is collected specifically to support the development of machine learning models for real-time monitoring in the steel production process, addressing the critical need for precise slag detection. Data description The Steel Slag Flow Dataset (SSFD) offers a comprehensive set of data obtained from a triaxial accelerometer during various stages of steel production. By leveraging this dataset, researchers can effectively analyze and classify the flow of slag versus molten metal. The dataset allows for data-driven approaches so that machine learning researchers can optimize steel manufacturing processes, ensuring high-quality steel production and minimizing the risks associated with slag contamination. The SSFD provides a valuable resource for researchers seeking to enhance predictive maintenance and monitoring in industrial applications
Coverage of the influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations among immigrant and non-immigrant older adults in Canada: a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
No full textAbstract Background Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage in older adults fall below the target of 80%. Being an immigrant may be associated with lower coverage of both vaccinations, but limited efforts have been made in the Canadian context to explore such disparities. Therefore, we examined the association between immigrant status and coverage of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations among older adults as well as the relative importance of immigrant status in predicting coverage of both vaccinations. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging data. We descriptively analyzed coverage of both vaccinations by immigrant status and used Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to estimate the associations of immigrant status and other key equity stratifiers with vaccination. Importance of various determinants, including immigrant status, in predicting both vaccinations were assessed using random forest algorithms. Results Immigrant participants reported lower coverage of influenza vaccination in the past 12 months (63.8% [95% CI: 60.9–66.7%] vs. 66.9% [95% CI: 65.5–68.3%]) and pneumococcal vaccination ever (48.7% [95% CI: 45.6–51.8%] vs. 55.8% [95% CI: 54.3–57.3%]). Prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations were both lower among immigrant participants compared to non-immigrant participants. Immigrant status was among the 10 most important predictors of pneumococcal vaccination, but among the less important predictors of influenza vaccination. Conclusions Overall, we found disparities in influenza and pneumococcal vaccination by immigrant status among older adults in Canada. Further studies on vaccination coverage and decision-making among marginalized communities, including immigrants, are warranted to equitably improve vaccine uptake
Reproductive autonomy of women living with multiple myeloma participating in a pregnancy prevention program
No full textAbstract Background Multiple myeloma is an incurable hematologic cancer that primarily affects older adults. Females of childbearing potential represent a small but uniquely affected proportion of the multiple myeloma population. The immunomodulatory agents (thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide) are highly effective treatments in improving prolonged periods of deep remission and long-term survival in Multiple Myeloma, is dispensed through controlled distribution programs that require pregnancy monitoring for females of childbearing potential to reduce the risk of fetal exposure. There is limited understanding of the impact of pregnancy prevention and monitoring measures on the reproductive health, autonomy, and rights of women living with multiple myeloma. Methods This critical qualitative study is informed by a descriptive methodological approach, and a feminist reproductive justice theoretical framework informed the data analysis and interpretation. We employed purposive sampling to identify and conduct interviews with females of childbearing potential, living with multiple myeloma, that have experience participating in a controlled distribution program. Results This study reflects the experiences of 15 females of childbearing potential living with MM, all of whom identified as women and ranged in age from 33–50 at diagnosis. Participants were situated in provinces across Canada, with most identifying as White, married, and of higher socioeconomic status. Findings illuminate a multitude of ways in which controlled distribution programs imposed threats to the reproductive health and autonomy of these women. Although many participants acknowledged the importance of preventing fetal exposure to teratogenic medications, the prescriptive and controlling nature of hyper-vigilant pregnancy monitoring programs and practices imposed significant burden and constraints on females of childbearing potential. Key analytic themes highlight the perceived paternalistic nature of controlled distribution programs, the systemic distrust of females of childbearing potential, and women’s actions and advocacy efforts to (re)claim their reproductive agency. Conclusion Participant-informed adaptations to the design and delivery of pregnancy monitoring and prevention requirements in existing controlled distribution programs to promote the reproductive autonomy and agency of females of childbearing potential are both necessary and feasible. Key recommendations include increased provision of timely, comprehensive information and education, psychosocial support, as well as modifications to programs and regulatory bodies to recognize women as trustworthy and capable of autonomous, reproductive health decision-making.Plain English Summary Multiple myeloma is an incurable type of blood cancer that primarily affects older adults. Females of childbearing potential represent a small but uniquely affected proportion of the multiple myeloma population. Recent advances in treatment have contributed to long-term improvements in survival yet pose potential risks for fetal exposure among females of childbearing potential. Treatments for multiple myeloma, particularly thalidomide and its derivatives lenalidomide and pomalidomide (otherwise known as immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs)), have led to the establishment of controlled drug distribution programs to prevent fetal exposure, requiring pregnancy monitoring for females of childbearing potential. However, there is limited understanding of the impact of pregnancy prevention and monitoring measures on the reproductive health, autonomy, and rights of women living with multiple myeloma. In this descriptive qualitative study, informed by feminist reproductive justice theory, we conducted interviews with 15 females of childbearing potential living with multiple myeloma that have experience participating in a controlled distribution program. Our findings demonstrate that although participants acknowledged the importance of preventing fetal exposure to IMiDs, controlled distribution programs represent a significant burden and threat to individuals’ reproductive health and autonomy. Themes produced and explored in this paper highlight the perceived paternalistic nature of controlled distribution programs, distrust of females of childbearing potential, and women’s actions and advocacy towards reclaiming their reproductive agency. Participant-informed adaptations to the design and delivery of pregnancy monitoring and prevention requirements in existing controlled distribution programs are provided
A Non-Quadrature Vector Modulator Approach for Wideband Phased Array Systems
No full textPhased array systems are widely used in wireless/satellite communication, as well as radar systems, to improve data rate, Signal-to-Interference Ratio (SIR), and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), thereby enhancing the system's Quality of Service (QoS). RF phase shifters are essential to the operation of phased array systems. The production of phase array components, including antennas, is relatively cost-effective thanks to the advancement of printing manufacturing technology. However, the design of cost-effective RF phase shifters remains challenging in implementing phased array beamformers. Additionally, new-generation telecommunication and radar systems often require stringent phase shifter performance metrics, such as phase resolution and bandwidth, to perform fine beam scanning, which helps increase pointing accuracy. Meanwhile, practical phase shifters display limited performance. On the one hand, On-chip passive phase shifters offer low power consumption and high linearity, but suffer from low resolution, large chip area, and high insertion loss. On the other hand, active phase shifters like vector modulators present relatively high gain at the expense of poor linearity, high power consumption, and relatively low resolution. To attain decent performance in phase precision, commercial phase shifters typically use the GaAs or GaN technology to achieve a 360º digital phase shift, which is costly. Additionally, most phase shifters have a fractional bandwidth below 25 %. This dissertation presents a comparative study and classification of state-of-the-art phase shifter designs and investigates the noise and linearity of vector modulator phase shifters. Then, a novel vector modulator phase shifter approach is proposed for the first time to address the phase resolution limitation, high power consumption and narrow bandwidth issues of state-of-the-art phase shifters.
The proposed vector modulator is based on the generation and subtraction of two unbalanced non-quadrature vectors to produce a 360º analog phase range. A PCB prototype designed at 5 GHz center frequency generates more than 360º continuous phase range with a fractional bandwidth greater than 50%. Moreover, an RF module, comprising input and output Single-Pole Double-Throw (SPDT) switches and the proposed vector modulator with amplification, was designed and laid out in the 130 nm BiCMOS technology for phased array transceiver applications. From the results, the 2.66 mm2 RF module exhibits a respective maximum gain and minimum isolation of 3.3 dB and 49.8 dB from 6.4 GHz to 13 GHz. In addition, an input 1-dB compression power and third-order intercept point (IP3) of 3.78 dBm and 9.1 dBm, respectively, were obtained at the center frequency. Furthermore, the novel X-band non-quadrature vector modulator generates a phase range of more than 360º with a 68% fractional bandwidth, while consuming 18.9 mW of DC power and occupying an area of 1.6 mm²
A path forward for the implementation of shared decision-making in valvular heart disease: global joint recommendations from clinicians, patients and researchers
No full textAbstract Background Shared decision-making (SDM) is widely endorsed in international guidelines for the treatment of valvular heart disease (VHD). Despite evidence that the process improves outcomes and does not increase the burden of consultations, SDM has not been adopted as a standard of care across regions and diverse health systems. Methods We conducted a 3-phase study co-led by clinicians and people with lived experience using an integrated knowledge translation approach guided by the knowledge-to-action framework. In a preparatory phase, we conducted exploratory semi-structured interviews with 19 international and diverse experts to identify barriers and enablers to SDM in VHD; we used thematic analysis to identify the major issues to inform project development. We convened an in-person meeting of patients and patient advocates (n = 9), clinicians (n = 11) and researchers (n = 3) from 10 countries to build joint recommendations. Lastly, we conducted a series of local and international meetings to validate the findings and inform future initiatives. Results Challenges identified included (1) concerns about clinicians’ availability and time requirements, (2) uncertainty about how to practice SDM and (3) absence of regional data to evaluate SDM in VHD. The joint recommendations clustered on five global areas of focus and six sets of recommendations tailored to regional contexts and cultural norms. Final recommendations on (1) preparing patients and carers, (2) training healthcare teams and (3) creating a supportive system were further enhanced by VHD knowledge users’ input in various regional settings. Conclusions This first report co-led by diverse stakeholders offers a practice and policy-ready roadmap to strengthen the implementation and evaluation of SDM in VHD
L’impact du microcrédit sur la réduction de la pauvreté multidimensionnelle au Burkina Faso
No full textLe microcrédit contribue-t-il à la réduction de la pauvreté multidimensionnelle ? Nous cherchons la réponse à cette question en utilisant un échantillon de 172 emprunteurs de microcrédit issus de l’enquête harmonisée sur les conditions de vie des ménages 2021-2022 réalisée par l’Institut National de la Statistique et de la Démographie du Burkina Faso. Nous construisons un indicateur de pauvreté multidimensionnelle, qui prend en compte plusieurs dimensions du bien-être comme la santé, l’éducation, le cadre de vie et le revenu mais aussi, nous utilisons l’indicateur de bien-être, calculé par l’Institut National de la Statistique et de la Démographie, comme contrefactuel de notre indicateur de pauvreté multidimensionnelle. Ensuite, nous réalisons une analyse descriptive et une régression Tobit. Ces étapes sont faites avec le logiciel R. Les résultats montrent que le microcrédit contribue à la réduction de la pauvreté multidimensionnelle des moins pauvres, vivant en milieu urbain et les hommes
Démocratie c. Souveraineté : Constitutionnaliser l’idéal de la liberté comme non-domination avec et contre Philip Pettit
No full textCette thèse problématise le concept de souveraineté dans la théorie de l’État développée par le philosophe et théoricien politique néorépublicain Philip Pettit dans The State (2023). Plus spécifiquement, la thèse avance l’argument que le recours au concept de souveraineté est superflu pour penser les fondements constitutionnels de l’État au sein de la tradition républicaine. À travers l’intervention critique des travaux antérieurs de Pettit et d’autres auteurices (néo)républicain·es, je propose qu’une théorie républicaine de la démocratie permet d’outrepasser le lexique souverainiste. La liberté comme non-domination est envisagée comme étant inhérente à une démocratie ancrée dans la pratique et les relations entre les citoyen·nes, tout comme entre les citoyen·nes et l’État. Articulée autour d’une histoire des idées politiques, la thèse fait état des critiques formulées par les auteurices de la tradition républicaine à la théorie absolutiste et indivisible de la souveraineté de manière à suggérer que ce concept, en dépit des efforts de reconceptualisation menés par Pettit, demeure problématique sur deux fronts. D’abord, j’argumente que la théorie pettitienne de la souveraineté ne permet pas d’échapper à la difficulté que pose l’enjeu de la hiérarchisation des sources propres à la souveraineté. À cet égard, le cas contemporain de la jurisprudence qui a entouré la reconnaissance de la souveraineté autochtone dans la trilogie Haïda montre que le concept de souveraineté mène à reconduire les violences coloniales perpétrées par l’État canadien. En ce sens, j’argumente que le lexique souverainiste, ne s’inscrivant pas dans l’ontologie proprement relationnelle et praxéologique que j’attribue au constitutionnalisme républicain, ne permet pas la mise en œuvre de la liberté comme non-domination. Enfin, j’argumente que les dimensions délibératives et contestataires de la théorie démocratique de Pettit sont suffisantes pour penser à la constitution de l’État à travers l’action citoyenne et l’idéal relationnel de la non-domination. En s’appuyant sur une conception indéterminée du peuple, cette thèse illustre ultimement comment un modèle bidimensionnel de la démocratie fondé sur le contrôle qu’exercent les citoyen·nes sur l’État permet d’établir sa légitimité et d’assurer son autorité sans avoir recours à l’imaginaire du Souverain
How to Read a Scientific Paper in Biomedical Sciences
No full textNavigating scientific literature is challenging, particularly for students unfamiliar with technical terms, jargon, and dense content. Many struggle to distill core messages or connect findings to broader scientific discussions. Beyond the built-in complexity of the papers themselves, the field of science often fails to consider other important challenges affecting comprehension. These include excessive jargon, language limitations, cultural variations in cognition, neurodivergence, and other factors related to readability. Despite abundant information, the lack of formal instruction in reading and interpreting research papers leaves students ill-equipped to engage critically with scientific literature. There is no one size-fits-all approach to tackle this issue. This book addresses these challenges by offering a structured guide to reading, summarizing, and analyzing scientific papers. Piloted in a mandatory science communication course at the University of Ottawa, the tools and strategies presented have been designed to enhance comprehension and critical thinking. Here, we build on case studies and open-access peer-reviewed publications from our team to guide students through key strategies for accurately identifying critical sections of research papers, preparing meaningful summaries, and articulating insightful questions for further discussion. Unlike other resources that focus solely on medical journals, this book provides strategies applicable across disciplines, reflecting on the interdisciplinary nature of today’s scientific inquiries. Additionally, this book compares student-generated summaries with ChatGPT outputs, highlighting the limitations of AI and the value of human insight in scientific interpretation. This Open Educational Resource empowers students to navigate and communicate science effectively.
In this book, we offer four interactive tools to guide and simplify the reading and comprehension of scientific literature. A dedicated repository web page hosts these tools, along with two separate files showcasing real examples of students who used the summary report sheet to build their summaries of two different papers. These examples are compared with summaries generated by ChatGPT using the same sheets. All documents are available as interactive PDFs and Word files, organized in the order they appear in the book. For the best experience, we recommend opening the PDF versions with a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader.
The first tool is the Words/Concepts Definitions Template, which allows students to record unfamiliar terms or concepts and define them in their own words.
The second tool, the Checklist, serves as a reading guide to help readers critically and actively evaluate a paper’s readability and quality during the initial reading.
The Score System builds on the checklist and provides a more advanced framework to objectively assess various sections of a paper, culminating in an overall score.
The final and primary tool is the Summary Report Sheet, designed to help users create a structured summary of the paper. This tool solidifies key concepts and minimizes the need to revisit the original paper, as the summary will serve as a standalone reference.
Finally, we included two files featuring examples of completed summary sheets by two different students—each file includes summary sheets of two papers filled by students and the same ones filled by ChatGPT—to illustrate the comparison.University of Ottawa Library OER Gran
A Reactive In-situ Crystallisation Origin for the UG2 Chromitite of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa?
No full textThe UG2 Chromitite of the ~2 Ga Bushveld Complex (South Africa) is one of the largest platinum-group element (PGE) deposits on Earth. It is ~1 m thick and can be traced for virtually the entire circumference of the eastern and western lobes of the Bushveld. Despite its economic importance and a plethora of studies devoted to understanding its petrogenesis, there is no consensus on how the UG2 body formed. Models invoking fractional crystallisation, in-situ crystallisation, gravity settling within crystal-rich slurries and crustal contamination have all been proposed. Recent studies on chromitite formation in other layered intrusions have demonstrated significant mineral chemical and textural disequilibrium features associated with chromitite layers, attributed to a reactive origin for these bodies. This study aims to evaluate if reaction between incoming magma and anorthositic footwall may have triggered crystallisation of some or all of the massive UG2 Chromitite. Specifically, we focus on microtextural variations at the mm-to-cm-scale across silicate to massive chromitite contacts in the UG2 and associated leader seam from a drill core sampled on the Magazynskraal farm in the western lobe of the Bushveld intrusion. We have carried out petrographic analysis and quantitative textural approaches including crystal size distribution (CSD), dihedral angle measurements, as well as mineral chemical and in-situ 87Sr/86Sr laser ablation inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) in plagioclase samples leading up and into the base of the UG2 Chromitite. We also studied materials at the contacts of the overlying leader seam. Petrographic observations reveal disequilibrium textural relationships in the footwall pyroxenite; e.g., chromite is typically separated from orthopyroxene by thin (μm-scale) rims of plagioclase. Interstitial plagioclase is chemically zoned and the anorthite content of the plagioclase shows consistent increases (e.g., An58 to An92) near chromite. CSD analysis yields mainly log-linear plots suggesting in-situ crystallisation with some evidence for postcumulus textural modification. Apparent chromite-chromite-plagioclase dihedral angle measurements reveal median values (for a given ~1 cm thick interval) of 65-75° and suggest that textural equilibrium has not been achieved. The 87Sr/86Sr variability points to the interaction between isotopically distinct signatures at the postcumulus stage. Our combined observations suggest disequilibrium between mineral phases and reactive (dissolution-reprecipitation) crystallisation in the UG2 Chromitite crystal mush
In Search of Prosocial Behaviors in Rodents: Paradigms, Behavioral Analyses, and Mediating Factors
No full textFrom sharing resources to caring for offspring, prosociality allows animals to survive. In humans, mental health challenges affecting sociability are often associated with reduced quality of life. Despite years of research aimed at understanding the behavioral and neural mechanisms of prosociality in humans, non-human primates, and other social mammals (including rodents), little is known about the specific processes involved. Consequently, it is crucial to standardize the assessment of prosocial behaviors in rodents to promote the development of valid experimental paradigms and methodologies. Such research will enhance understanding of prosociality and its implications for mental and physical health challenges.
The first study of this thesis used a quasi-experimental design to examine two strains of adolescent rats, Long-Evans (n = 8) and Sprague-Dawley (n = 12), in a modified double operant box paradigm that allowed paired rats to share food rewards. Both strains were randomly assigned to either a pretrained or a naive group. To assess vicarious learning, dyads exchanged roles during the second phase of the experiment. Performance for all groups (Long-Evans versus Sprague-Dawley; Original Actors versus Vicarious Observers; Pretraining versus No Pretraining) and transitional probabilities of behavioral sequences were analyzed. The findings indicated that pretraining mediated behavioral responses, whereas vicarious learning had minimal influence on task performance. This initial groundwork highlighted the pivotal role of variables such as pretraining, behavioral analysis, and task contingency in mediating prosocial behaviors.
Building on these observations, Study Two characterized current findings on prosocial paradigms in rodents through a scoping review. A research librarian devised an extensive search strategy encompassing five databases - APA PsycInfo, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science - covering the period from January 2000 to 2021. Subsequently, a semi-supervised machine learning technique utilizing ASReview was employed to update the search and gather studies published from 2021 to 2023. In total, 80 articles were included. The results were as follows: (1) Three categories of tasks were identified (i.e., cooperation, helping, and sharing tasks). Rodents demonstrated the ability to perform prosocial actions in all three categories; (2) notable discrepancies were observed in reported methodologies, such as the omission of animal characteristics, housing conditions, and experimental protocols, (3) behavioral analyses were identified as crucial for studying prosociality in rodents, yet many studies overlooked their inclusion. Finally, (4) important mediating factors were identified as critical determinants in the assessment of prosociality in rodents, including sex, age, strain, housing, familiarity, food restriction, aggression, and dominance. These findings collectively provide insights for future studies into the influence of mediating factors and highlight the significance of behavioral analyses in the expression of prosocial behaviors in rodents.
Considering the observations from Study Two, Study Three presented a conceptual framework that (1) reframed prosociality as a set of complex behaviors emerging in response to environmental determinants that cannot be reduced to a single set of data, (2) highlighted important methodological considerations, mediating variables, and behavioral analyses that influence prosocial behaviors, and (3) introduced a decision tree as a dynamic element within this framework to guide researchers. The conceptual framework and decision tree provide a robust foundation for the continued use of existing models and the development of new paradigms. Integrating this conceptual framework into research practices will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of rodent prosociality and foster greater confidence in the validity and reproducibility of study findings.
Taken together, these three studies make a substantial contribution to the literature by highlighting crucial factors involved in rodent prosociality, including mediating variables and behavioral analyses. Moreover, the development of a conceptual framework marks a pivotal advancement in the field, leading to a deeper understanding of rodent prosociality and its underlying behavioral mechanisms. This foundational work paves the way for future research on prosociality impairments observed in mental health disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions, and neurological impairments