Terminating transmission lines at either the source or the load end with a damping resistor is frequently used to improve the signal integrity of clock or control lines on printed circuit boards. While a number of termination variants may produce similar results in regards to signal integrity, the electromagnetic compatibility performance can vary due to different current and voltage distributions along the line. This thesis investigates the impact of transmission line terminations on radiated emissions.

Chapter One: This chapter presents a review of the literature with reference where possible to work originating within the United Kingdom. It considers the causes and consequences of teenage pregnancy and reviews strategies for primary prevention. Chapter Two: Chapter Two describes the aims and objectives of the research. Teenage women with recent experience of pregnancy-related services within Aberdeen Royal Hospitals were interviewed in order to determine the adequacy of current service provision and identify any requirement for additional dedicated services. The opportunity was taken to further explore their experiences of obtaining and using contraception and to document their opinions of current secondary school sexual health education. Chapter Three: Chapter Three describes the development of the semi-structured interview schedules, the conduct of the pilot study and the data collection and analysis during the study proper. Chapter Four: This chapter presents the results of the semi-structured interviews conducted with 100 teenage women consecutively undergoing termination of pregnancy in Aberdeen Royal Hospitals from February 1992. The interviews confirmed the frequency of unprotected intercourse amongst these women and revealed deficiencies in the provision of abortion services for teenagers. Chapter Five: This chapter presents the results of the semi-structured interviews conducted with 100 teenage women consecutively giving birth within Aberdeen Maternity Hospital from February 1992. The teenagers were generally satisfied with the maternity services provided. Chapter Six: Chapter Six presents the views of both groups of teenagers concerning the region's school sex education. The teenagers described specific criticisms of the sex education they received and suggested improvements. Chapter Seven: This chapter describes the development and evaluation of a dedicated clinic for teenagers requesting termination of pregnancy. The specific problems revealed in Chapter Four were used to guide the development of a new clinic which was then evaluated using an original research instrument. The evaluation demonstrated that attention to the stated needs of teenagers will allow providers to create a more acceptable service.

Diamond is a unique material with excellent properties. As a result of the development within the area of CVD synthesis, doping and surface functionalization, diamond has become a strong candidate for use in electrochemical, electronic and biomedical applications. In this thesis, theoretical calculations have been used with the purpose to investigate various properties of the diamond surfaces. The effect of doping elements (N and B) on the stability of different surface terminations with X (where X = H, OH, Oontop or Obridge) has been investigated for a diamond (100) surface. As a result, the adsorption energy for all termination types was shown to decrease from the situation with a non-doped diamond surface, to the scenario with a N- (or B-doped) diamond thin film.. This result was found to correlate well with the changes of the calculated Csurface-X bond lengths. Furthermore, the spin density has been calculated and used to show the local distribution of the unpaired electron, which is the consequence of the introduction of dopants into the diamond slab. As a result, the spin density was found to be localized in the vicinity to the dopants for H- (or OH-) terminated diamond (100) surfaces. On the other hand, a delocalised spin density over the Oadsorbate and Csurface layer for Oontop- and Obridge-terminated surfaces, has also been observed. Moreover, the results of the pDOS calculations indicate the electron donating ability of N, and the hole donating ability of B. The Fermi level was shifted towards the lower conduction band edge for N-doped diamond, and towards the upper edge of the valence band edge for B-doped diamond. Hence, N-doped diamond will render n-type conductivity, and B-doped diamond will show p-type conductivity. In addition, an interesting observation was made for Oontop –terminated diamond surfaces. Localized electron conductivity, involving only this type of termination situation,, was also observed for N- (or B-) doped and completely  Oontop-terminated diamond surfaces. With the purpose of applying diamond substrates in the formation of epitaxial graphene, the annealing process of an ideal diamond (111) surface has also been simulated in the present work. It was thereby shown that high temperatures (over 2000 K) will be required for the epitaxial formation of graphene ontop of the diamond (111) surface. However, in the presence of hydrogen radicals (by saturating the radical sites in the system), the required temperature was observed to decrease to 1000 K. In addition to these MD simulations, by using an interlayer iron ontop of the diamond (111) surface, the adhesion energies between the graphene and the Fe//diamond slab, as well as the adhesion energy between the graphene//Fe layer and the diamond (111) surface, have been calculated. Thereby, the interaction between the graphene and Fe layer was obtained to be very weak, and of an electrostatic type. On the other hand, the interaction between the Fe interlayer and the diamond substrate was calculated as a moderately strong covalent bond. Moreover, the changes in these interactions, correlating to the changes in the pDOS spectra of graphene, Fe and diamond, gave a tendency of one-dimensional quantum size effect, depending on the thickness of Fe interlayer.

El objetivo de esta revisión es reportar las técnicas paso a paso para realizar terminaciones dentarias correctas según el material para la confección de las prótesis fijas. / The aim of this review is to report on the techniques to perform corrected dental terminations according to the preparation material of fixed prostheses. / Tesis

L'électronique de puissance est en pleine mutation matérielle, technologique et conceptuelle. Cette évolution bouscule l'approche traditionnelle de la conception et de la fabrication des convertisseurs statiques avec pour objectif de proposer des solutions plus performantes, plus fiables et plus compactes et tout cela dans un contexte technico économique de plus en plus exigeant. Cette thèse analyse et expérimente un concept innovant de terminaisons en tension verticales ouvrant la voie vers l'intégration en 3D des composants de puissance mais également l'intégration, au sein même de la zone active d'un échangeur thermique. En s'appuyant sur la technique de réalisation des tranchées profondes issue de la micro électronique, ce document présente une approche permettant la co-intégration de plusieurs composants de puissance indépendants partageant la même électrode et le même substrat en face arrière. L'autre volet de ce travail de thèse est focalisé sur le concept DRIM Cooler (Drift Region Integrated Microchannel Cooler), un réseau de microcanaux perpendiculaires au plan de jonction du composant de puissance permettant son refroidissement direct. Les analyses numériques sont complétées par de nombreuses réalisations, caractérisations et mises en œuvre des approches précitées. / The power electronics field is struggling for new material, technological and conceptual evolutions. These changes induce breakthrough in the conventional design and fabrication of static power converters with the aim to offer more efficient, reliable and compact solutions in an increasingly demanding techno economical context. This PhD thesis presents the results obtained by analyzing, realizing and characterizing an innovative concept based on vertical voltage terminations that opens the way towards the 3D integration of power devices. Moreover, the proposed concept authorizes the integration of a microchannel cooler directly into the drift region of the power device. Based on the realization of deep trench terminations, a technique initially developed for the microelectronics field, this PhD thesis presents an approach allowing the integration of multiple power devices in the same die, all sharing the same backside electrode. This document also focuses on the DRIM Cooler (Drift Region Integrated Microchannel Cooler) concept that allows the direct cooling of the device through multiple parallel microchannels integrated perpendicular to the plane of the device's PN junction. The analytical analysis is completed with numerous realizations, characterizations and practical implementations of the above mentioned concepts.

Au cours des dernières années, le Québec fut durement touché par des vagues massives de licenciements collectifs. Après l’industrie du textile et du vêtement, c’est maintenant au tour de l’industrie forestière de subir, de plein fouet, les contrecoups d’une économie en pleine mutation. Les résultats des entrevues réalisées au printemps 2008, auprès des travailleurs de la Louisiana-Pacific de Saint-Michel-des-Saints, attestent de l’incapacité des dispositions sur le licenciement collectif à prendre adéquatement en charge les travailleurs victimes de ces fermetures d’usines. Pour évaluer le degré d’efficacité des dispositions sur le licenciement collectif, nous partons d’une étude empirique visant le processus de restructuration d’une grande entreprise papetière, qui conduit à la fermeture de son usine de traitement du bois à St-Michel-des-Saints. Des entretiens conduits auprès des travailleurs, des acteurs locaux comme des dirigeants du syndicat et de la communauté locale, et d’autres acteurs syndicaux et gouvernementaux permettent de reconstruire les étapes conduisant aux licenciements collectifs et à leur suite. Seule la mobilisation syndicale (blocus de l’usine) a permis de bonifier les faibles mesures palliatives prévues initialement par la loi. Cette mobilisation n’a toutefois pas empêché de constater des effets négatifs marqués (appauvrissement, sentiment d’exclusion, tensions familiales, etc.) chez les travailleurs victimes de ce licenciement massif. / In recent years, Québec has severely been hit by massive waves of group terminations. After the textile and clothing industry, the forest industry is now facing the after-effects of a changing economy. The interviews obtained in spring 2008 with the Louisiana–Pacific workers in Saint-Michel-des–Saints, show that the provisions on group termination do not take appropriate measures for workers who are victims of such closing down industries. To evaluate the efficiency of group termination provisions, we have undertaken an empirical study on the operational improvement and downsizing process of a large paper company that have lead to the permanent closure of the treated lumber plant in Saint-Michel-des-Saints. Discussions with workers and local actors such as the union leaders and members of the community, other union and government leaders have helped us rebuild the steps leading to these group terminations and to the follow–up. It is only through mobilization called by the union (with a plant blockade) that gains were made in the small dismissal measures initially provided by the regulation. This mobilization, however, did not prevent other important negative effects such as impoverishment, feelings of exclusion and family tensions on workers who have had to live through this group termination of employment.

Au cours des dernières années, le Québec fut durement touché par des vagues massives de licenciements collectifs. Après l’industrie du textile et du vêtement, c’est maintenant au tour de l’industrie forestière de subir, de plein fouet, les contrecoups d’une économie en pleine mutation. Les résultats des entrevues réalisées au printemps 2008, auprès des travailleurs de la Louisiana-Pacific de Saint-Michel-des-Saints, attestent de l’incapacité des dispositions sur le licenciement collectif à prendre adéquatement en charge les travailleurs victimes de ces fermetures d’usines. Pour évaluer le degré d’efficacité des dispositions sur le licenciement collectif, nous partons d’une étude empirique visant le processus de restructuration d’une grande entreprise papetière, qui conduit à la fermeture de son usine de traitement du bois à St-Michel-des-Saints. Des entretiens conduits auprès des travailleurs, des acteurs locaux comme des dirigeants du syndicat et de la communauté locale, et d’autres acteurs syndicaux et gouvernementaux permettent de reconstruire les étapes conduisant aux licenciements collectifs et à leur suite. Seule la mobilisation syndicale (blocus de l’usine) a permis de bonifier les faibles mesures palliatives prévues initialement par la loi. Cette mobilisation n’a toutefois pas empêché de constater des effets négatifs marqués (appauvrissement, sentiment d’exclusion, tensions familiales, etc.) chez les travailleurs victimes de ce licenciement massif. / In recent years, Québec has severely been hit by massive waves of group terminations. After the textile and clothing industry, the forest industry is now facing the after-effects of a changing economy. The interviews obtained in spring 2008 with the Louisiana–Pacific workers in Saint-Michel-des–Saints, show that the provisions on group termination do not take appropriate measures for workers who are victims of such closing down industries. To evaluate the efficiency of group termination provisions, we have undertaken an empirical study on the operational improvement and downsizing process of a large paper company that have lead to the permanent closure of the treated lumber plant in Saint-Michel-des-Saints. Discussions with workers and local actors such as the union leaders and members of the community, other union and government leaders have helped us rebuild the steps leading to these group terminations and to the follow–up. It is only through mobilization called by the union (with a plant blockade) that gains were made in the small dismissal measures initially provided by the regulation. This mobilization, however, did not prevent other important negative effects such as impoverishment, feelings of exclusion and family tensions on workers who have had to live through this group termination of employment.

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (no 92 of 1996) was implemented during 1997. This study attempted to investigate professional nurses' attitudes towards rendering these services in the Carletonville area of South Africa. The research results, obtained from questionnaires completed by professional nurses, indicated that most professional nurses would prefer:  women to be at least 16 years of age to access these services  not to allow repeated terminations of pregnancy to the same women  to administer pills rather than to use vacuum aspirations  to work in these services by choice only  to have better equipment, more resources and more staff members in units offering these services  more support from their families, friends, managers and communities Some professional nurses experienced guilt, depression, anxiety and religious conflicts as a result of the nature of their work. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (no 92 of 1996) was implemented during 1997. This study attempted to investigate professional nurses' attitudes towards rendering these services in the Carletonville area of South Africa. The research results, obtained from questionnaires completed by professional nurses, indicated that most professional nurses would prefer:  women to be at least 16 years of age to access these services  not to allow repeated terminations of pregnancy to the same women  to administer pills rather than to use vacuum aspirations  to work in these services by choice only  to have better equipment, more resources and more staff members in units offering these services  more support from their families, friends, managers and communities Some professional nurses experienced guilt, depression, anxiety and religious conflicts as a result of the nature of their work. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Le développement de l’énergie renouvelable loin des zones urbaines demande le transport d'une grande quantité d’énergie sur de longues distances. Le transport d’électricité en courant continu haute tension (HVDC) présente beaucoup d’avantages par rapport à celui en courant alternatif. Dans ce contexte il est nécessaire de développer des convertisseurs de puissance constitués par des composants électroniques très haute tension, 10 à 30 kV. Si les composants en silicium ne peuvent pas atteindre ces objectifs, le carbure de silicium (SiC) se positionne comme un matériau semiconducteur alternatif prometteur. Pour supporter des tensions élevées, une région de "drift", relativement large et peu dopée constitue le cœur du composant de puissance. En pratique l’obtention d’une tension de blocage effective dépend de plusieurs facteurs et surtout de la conception d'une terminaison de jonction adaptée. Cette thèse présente une méthode pour améliorer la tenue en tension des composants en SiC basée sur l’utilisation des terminaisons de jonctions : Deep Trench Termination. Cette méthode utilise une tranchée gravée profonde en périphérie du composant, remplie avec un matériau diélectrique pour supporter l'étalement des lignes équipotentielles. La conception de la diode avec cette terminaison a été faite par simulation TCAD, avec deux niveaux de tension 3 et 20 kV. Les travaux ont pris en compte les caractéristiques du matériau, les charges à l’interface de la tranchée et les limites technologiques pour la fabrication. Ce travail a abouti sur la fabrication de démonstrateurs et leur caractérisation pour valider notre conception. Lors de la réalisation de ces structures, la gravure plasma du SiC a été optimisée dans un bâti ICP de manière à obtenir une vitesse de gravure élevée et en conservant une qualité électronique de l'état des surfaces gravées. Cette qualité est confirmée par les résultats de caractérisation obtenus avec des tenues en tension proches de celle idéale. / The development of renewable energy away from urban areas requires the transmission of a large amount of energy over long distances. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power transmission has many advantages over AC power transmission. In this context, it is necessary to develop power converters based on high voltage power electronic components, 10 to 30 kV. If silicon components cannot achieve these objectives, silicon carbide (SiC) is positioned as a promising alternative semiconductor material. To support high voltages, a drift region, relatively wide and lightly doped is the heart of the power component. In practice obtaining an effective blocking voltage depends on several factors and especially the design of a suitable junction termination. This thesis presents a method to improve the voltage withstand of SiC components based on the use of junction terminations: Deep Trench Termination. This method uses a trench deep etching around the periphery of the component, filled with a dielectric material to support the spreading of the equipotential lines. The design of the diode with this termination was done by TCAD simulation, with two voltage levels 3 and 20 kV. The work took into account the characteristics of the material, the interface charge of the trench and the technological limits for the fabrication. This work resulted in the fabrication of demonstrators and their characterization to validate the design. During the production of these structures, plasma etching of SiC has been optimized in an ICP reactor so as to obtain a high etching rate and maintaining an electronic quality of the state of etched surfaces. This quality is confirmed by the results of characterization obtained with blocking voltage close to the ideal one.