The Changing Relation Between the Canadian and U.S. Yield Curves

The term structures of Canada and of the United States, two countries with historically close economic ties, have been closely linked. We investigate the link between Canadian and U.S. yield curves and show previously strong correlations between yield curve components dissipate after Canadian monetary policy reforms in the early 1990s. First, the effect is particularly evident in the diminished cross-country correlations of the short term bond yields. Secondly, cross-country yields are cointegrated before the reforms, but not afterwards. Lastly, the results on the term structure are shown using a vector autoregression with an endogenously determined break date for Canadian and U.S. estimates of the three-factor Nelson-Siegel (1987) yield curve model.

Catholics & Cultures: A Panoramic View in Search of Greater Understanding

While internet-based technologies can open up greater awareness of the world or create self-perpetuating echo-chambers, the Catholics & Cultures project aspires to do the former. Aiming to ‘widen the lens’ on the variety of Catholic communities and practices, the site delivers on this goal by introducing viewers to a vast array of articles, pictures and videos from around the world. The organization of the site by country and by certain key features of lived Catholicism offers some interpretive guidance. However, the project could be strengthened as a pedagogical resource if it were more extensively thematized and hosted reflections on potential heuristic tools for making sense of Catholicism’s rich diversity

The use of classifiers in typically developing and language-delayed preschoolers

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2008.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 29-30).Also available in print.A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing Sciences), The University of Hong Kong, June 30, 2008.published_or_final_versionSpeech and Hearing SciencesBachelorBachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science

Design of a Flipper Prosthetic for a Kemp\u27s Ridley Sea Turtle

Lola is a sea turtle missing one of her front flippers, causing her to swim improperly and hence unable to survive alone. This project initiated the development of a prosthetic to imitate Lola’s healthy flipper to help her swim more effectively. Flipper blades of various shapes were designed using CAD, fabricated with a 3D printing and molding process, and tested in a wind tunnel. An attachment mechanism was designed with consideration of fitting Lola’s residual limb. Shoulder loadings that Lola can apply were analyzed and compared with the required force for swimming in water. This work paves the way for the development of a biomimetic flipper to help amputated turtles across the world swim with better efficiency and fewer injuries

Binge Drinking and TMT: Evaluating Responses to Anti-Binge Drinking PSAs from a Terror Management Theory Perspective

An experiment was conducted with 264 college students whose self-esteem were highly linked or not to their binge drinking behaviors (i.e., high binge drinking-based self esteem or low binge drinking-based self-esteem). Participants were exposed to a mortality-salient/non-mortality-salient anti-binge drinking public service announcement (PSA), or a control ad.  Cognitive and emotional responses to the ads were assessed. Results found an interaction between binge drinking-based self-esteem and mortality-saliency of the ad. Those with high binge drinking-based self-esteem reported significantly lower intentions to not binge drink, more negative evaluation of the ads, greater message avoidance, and more positive binge drinking attitudes in response to the mortality-salient PSAs compared to those exposed to non-mortality-salient PSAs, and those with low binge drinking-based self-esteem. Additionally, response costs associated with not binge drinking was tested within the EPPM framework and found to have an impact. Implications of the results for anti-binge drinking campaigns are discussed along with future research directions

The pharmacogenomic era in Asia: Potential roles and challenges for Asian pharmacists

YesPersonalized medicine through Pharmacogenomics: choosing the right drug, and the right dose, for the right patients based on patient’s genetic makeup-is gradually being realised in Western countries. Yet, the practice of pharmacogenomics in Asian countries lags behind that of the West, but the medical needs for pharmacogenomics are expected to surge as better patient care is demanded in Asia. As next-generation sequencing technology advances quickly, previous technical challenges for performing pharmacogenomic studies or practices in Asia have been mostly resolved. What is lacking in Asia is an effective model of community-wide pharmacogenomics. On the delivery front, pharmacists, the drug and dosing professionals, can potentially be the main healthcare providers for pharmacogenomic services in Asia. The first large “Genomics for Precision Drug Therapy in the Community Pharmacy” in Canada, which is close to its completion, has successfully identified community pharmacists as key contact professionals for smooth facilitation and implementation of pharmacogenomics for personalized medication. It is anticipated that Asian pharmacists, with appropriate training, can have the capacity to provide expert pharmacogenomic supports for both physicians and patients in Asia.The School of Biomedical Sciences Start-up Fund, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the General Research Fund (#17114814; #17121616), the Theme-based Research Scheme (T12-401/13-R), Research Grant Council, Hong Kong, as well as the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, Hong Kong

Examination of Contact Lenses and Dry Eye Using Evaporimetry

Purpose: Evaporimetry is a non-invasive technique used to assess the stability of the tear film. The test measures the rate of tear evaporation, and has been used to investigate dry eye, contact lenses, and the efficacy of different treatments for dry eye and contact lens (CL) discomfort. There is currently only one modified dermatological instrument available for practitioners, and experts have stated a need to develop evaporimeters suitable for use in clinical practice. The purpose of this thesis was two-fold, namely to (i) evaluate the commercially available evaporimeter, and (ii) describe the design, development, and testing of a novel evaporimeter. The overall aims were (i) to assess the calibration of the only commercially available evaporimeter (Eye-VapoMeter), and to investigate its ability to detect in vitro differences between soft CLs, and (2) to describe the development, in vitro, and in vivo testing of a novel binocular evaporimeter. Methods and Materials: (i) In vitro differences between 7 silicone hydrogel and 9 hydrogel CLs were measured with the Eye-VapoMeter. The change in evaporation rate per minute was calculated from the slope of the evaporation rate over time. Four sequential 10-minute time periods were investigated from 0 to 40 minutes. (ii) Calibration of the Eye-VapoMeter was investigated by simulating evaporation from different ocular surface areas and by modifying the air volume inside the evaporimeter goggle using two types of model eyes. The absolute evaporation rate was determined from the slope of water loss over time. The unadjusted evaporation rate from the instrument was measured with different areas and volumes inside the evaporimeter. A linear regression was used to determine the correction factor for each goggle volume based on the unadjusted evaporation rate and absolute evaporation rate. (iii) A novel binocular evaporimeter was developed to measure the tear evaporation rate (TER) from the ocular surface. In vitro testing of the new evaporimeter was performed using four elliptical model eyes with different surface areas (1 to 2.5 cm² in 0.5 cm² steps) and air volumes within the evaporimeter. Measurements were recorded for each side of the goggle. (iv) In vivo pilot testing was performed by conducting a series of experiments on volunteers to determine the best way of performing evaporimetry with the new instrument. Measurements were taken with the eyes open and closed (n=5), with the effect of a liposomal spray (CALMO® Eye Spray), and with a single application of an artificial lubricant (Refresh Tears®) (n=5). Fixation was tested by comparing evaporation rates with the eyes open, and blinking normally in downgaze, primary gaze, and upgaze (n=1). Optimal blink rate was investigated using blink rates of three or five seconds in volunteers with self-reported dry eye (n=3). (v) The effect of a lipid nano-emulsion was assessed. Thirty-six non-CL wearers were enrolled and screened. Twenty-one participants were suitable and classified as dry eye or non-dry eye using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and non-invasive break-up time (dry eye: OSDI ≥13 and break-up time ≤5 seconds in the worst eye). At the test visit, two baseline TERs were taken, 20 minutes apart. A single dose of Systane® Complete was instilled, and TER assessed at 10, 30, and 60 minutes post-instillation. (vi) The effect of CL wear was assessed. Twenty CL wearers were screened and classified using the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) as asymptomatic (CLDEQ-8<12) or symptomatic (CLDEQ-8≥12). Two baseline TERs were recorded after a 15-minute interval. Participants were randomized to wear delefilcon A in one eye and nesofilcon A in the other eye. TER was assessed after 15 minutes and 6 hours of CL wear. Results: (i) In vitro measurements with the Eye-VapoMeter found a significant difference in evaporation rates reported for each 10-minute period for each CL. Evaporation rate varied with CL material, water content, and presence of an internal wetting agent. (ii) Calibration measurements showed that water loss occurred at a linear rate. Correction factors were calculated for the Eye-VapoMeter. All graphs of the correction factor and evaporimeter volume were fit with a second order polynomial non-linear regression. (iii) In vitro measurements with the novel evaporimeter measured a significantly lower evaporation rate with the smallest model eye compared to the larger ones, and a significantly lower evaporation rate for the 10 cm³ volume compared to the 13 and 18.63 cm³ volumes. (iv) Pilot testing demonstrated that the relative humidity (RH) significantly changed in each side of the goggle when the novel evaporimeter was placed over the open and closed eye. No significant differences in RH were detected between the goggles. The TER was significantly lower immediately after application of the liposomal spray compared to the second baseline measurement and 15 minutes after the spray was applied. Use of an artificial lubricant found significantly higher TER in both eyes after instillation compared to the first baseline measurement and 15 minutes post-instillation. Comparison of different positions of gaze revealed less change in RH over time in downgaze. Comparison of blink rate found that 2 out of 3 participants preferred a five second blink rate. (v) Twenty people (10 non-dry eye, 10 dry eye) completed the lipid nano-emulsion study. Changes in TER were observed during the study. Nano-emulsion instillation produced an initial increase in TER after 10 minutes, and a reduction in TER after 30 minutes. (vi) Twenty people (10 asymptomatic, 10 symptomatic) completed the CL study. The TER was significantly higher after 6 hours of CL wear. No significant difference in TER was detected between the two groups, or between CL type (delefilcon A and nesofilcon A) after 6 hours of wear. Conclusions: (1) Using a new in vitro technique, the Eye-VapoMeter was able to detect differences in evaporation rate from a range of CLs differentiated by material, water content, and presence of wetting agent. (2) Calibration of the Eye-VapoMeter found the relationship between correction factor and volume was best fit with a second order non-linear regression. (3) A novel closed-chamber binocular evaporimeter was designed, developed, and tested. (4) In vitro testing of the novel evaporimeter detected lower evaporation rates with a smaller surface area and volume. (5) In vivo testing demonstrated that the novel evaporimeter was able to: (a) measure higher TERs in dry eye participants compared to those without dry eye; (b) measure significant decreases in TER following the instillation of a lipid eye drop; (c) measure significantly higher TERs associated with CL wear