VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Transitioning to Agile: A Framework for Pre-adoption Analysis using Empirical Knowledge and Strategic Modeling
Keywords: Software Process
Agile

Transitioning to the Agile style of software development has become an increasing phenomenon among software companies. The commonly perceived advantages of Agile, such as shortened time to market, improved efficiency, and reduced development waste are among key driving motivations of organizations to Agile. Each year a considerable number of empirical studies are being published, reporting on successful or unfavorable outcomes of enacting Agile in various organizations. Reusing this body of knowledge, and turning it into a concise and reachable source of information on Agile practices, can help many software organizations which are at the edge of transition to Agile, dealing with the uncertainties of such a decision. One of the early steps of transitioning to Agile (or any other process model) is to confirm the adaptability of new process with the current organization. Various Agile adoption frameworks have proposed different checklists to test the readiness of an organization for becoming Agile, or to identify the required adaptation criteria. Transitioning to Agile, as a significant organizational initiative, is a strategic decision, which should be made with respect to key objectives of the target organization. Having a reliable anticipation of how a new process model will impact the strategic objectives helps organizational managers to choose a process model, which brings optimum advantage to the organization. This thesis introduces a framework for evaluating new Agile practices (compartments of Agile methods) prior to their adoption in an organization. The framework has two distinguishing characteristics: first, it acts strategically, as it puts the strategic model of organization at the center of many decision makings that should be performed during Agile adoption; and second, it is based on a repository of Agile practices that allows the framework to benefit from the empirical knowledge of Agile methods, in order to improve the reliability of its outcomes. This repository has been populated through an extensive literature review of empirical studies on Agile methods. The framework was put in practice in an industrial case, at one of the R&D units of Ericsson Company in Italy. The target R&D unit was proposed with a number of Agile practices. The application of framework helped R&D unit managers to strategically decide on the new process proposal, by having a better understanding of its strategic shortcomings and strengths. A key portion of framework’s analysis results were evaluated one year after the R&D unit made the transition to Agile, showing that over 75% of pre-adoption analysis results came to reality after the enactment of new process into the organization.
Data Quality Through Active Constraint Discovery and Maintenance
Keywords: data management
data quality

Although integrity constraints are the primary means for enforcing data integrity, there are cases in which they are not defined or are not strictly enforced. This leads to inconsistencies in the data, causing poor data quality. In this thesis, we leverage the power of constraints to improve data quality. To ensure that the data conforms to the intended application domain semantics, we develop two algorithms focusing on constraint discovery. The first algorithm discovers a class of conditional constraints, which hold over a subset of the relation, under specific conditional values. The second algorithm discovers attribute domain constraints, which bind specific values to the attributes of a relation for a given domain. These two types of constraints have been shown to be useful for data cleaning. In practice, weak enforcement of constraints often occurs for performance reasons. This leads to inconsistencies between the data and the set of defined constraints. To resolve this inconsistency, we must determine whether it is the constraints or the data that is incorrect, and then make the necessary corrections. We develop a repair model that considers repairs to the data and repairs to the constraints on an equal footing. We present repair algorithms that find the necessary repairs to bring the data and the constraints back to a consistent state. Finally, we study the efficiency and quality of our techniques. We show that our constraint discovery algorithms find meaningful constraints with good precision and recall. We also show that our repair algorithms resolve many inconsistencies with high quality repairs, and propose repairs that previous algorithms did not consider.
Commercialization of Higher Education: MBA Students' Experience and Expectations
Keywords: Higher Education
Commercialization
Student Experience
MBA

This study begins by discussing the commercialization of higher education. The commercialization of higher education is the transformation of public goods and services into products that are privately owned by individuals or corporations and sold for profit. Higher education is increasingly being treated by providers and consumers as a commercial product that can be bought and sold like any other commodity. The purpose of this study was to better understand how students perceive commercial behaviors in their institutions, the degree to which students perceive identified commercial behaviors as influencing their experience of teaching and learning, and how they experience the commercial conduct within commercialized educational environments. This study also aimed to explore how commercial behaviors influence students’ expectations for their higher education studies. Selecting the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and the Schulich School of Business at York University and their MBA students as the research population, this study revealed MBA students’ experiences and program expectations in a commercialized academic setting by employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, coupled with the framework of Chickering and Gamson’s Seven Principles of Good Practice in Higher Education as well as Gould’s Corporate Ethos. Data was collected by means of an on-line survey questionnaire and in-person interviews. The two case study business schools shared similar major quantitative findings that indicated that the studied commercial practices carried slim influence on the studied students’ experiences of teaching and learning. In addition, the practices of marketing strategies and customer service were evidenced to have more than somewhat of an influence on intensifying participants’ expectations of program characteristics, obtaining better professional skills and getting better knowledge in areas of expertise. The qualitative findings illustrated that commercial practices exerted different levels of influence on MBA students’ experiences of teaching and learning as well as their expectations for their MBA. Qualitative findings in many cases also revealed that MBA students care more about future rewards and career advancement than learning.
Negotiating Two Worlds: A Cross-cultural Narrative of Chinese Immigrant Parents' Encounter with Canadian Schooling
Keywords: curriculum studies and teacher development
cross-cultural studies

From 1998- 2009, mainland China has been the number one source of immigrants in Canada (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2011). For newcomer families, adjusting to the local school is a major concern, since their children’s education is a crucial factor in families’ immigration decision. In my research, I examined Chinese immigrant parents’ experience with Canadian schooling. The study focuses on four families living in the Greater Toronto area, who have immigrated from mainland China. I employed narrative inquiry to tell the stories of the lived experience of the four families in my study. The data for these stories are mainly drawn from field notes of each of my home visits and my interviews with the family members over a six month period. I found that the challenges and difficulties the immigrant parents face are deeply rooted in the differences between Chinese and Canadian cultures and social systems. The discussion on the features of Chinese culture in its comparison with Western culture provides a reference point for understanding the Chinese immigrant parents’ values and opinions on such matters as schooling, moral education, and parenting practice. Parental involvement in schools is different between China and Canada, and the parents, and school teachers and administrators have different understanding on this issue. What’s more, the language barrier impeded the parents’ involvement in their children’s school life. The acculturation gap between the parents and their children is another major reason for miscommunication over such issues as extracurricular activities, choice of university major, and future career. The less heard voice of immigrant parents will open new venues for the understanding of cross-cultural experiences of immigrant students. I find that instead of mainly using the traditional Chinese practice and Chinese educational values in approaching their children’s education, it is important for Chinese immigrant parents to make efforts to familiarize themselves with the ideas and values that their children are exposed to in the new environment.
A Ribosome-inactivating Protein Toxin as a Template for Cancer Drug Discovery
Keywords: Biomarker
Cancer
Toxin
Targeted-Therapy
Shiga-like Toxin 1
Combinatorial Library

Cancer cells display aberrant receptors on their surface that can serve as targets for the development of directed drug therapies. As such, our group has utilized two parallel approaches to redirect the cytotoxic properties of a ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP), Shiga-Like Toxin 1 (SLT 1), by altering its receptor specificity to target and kill cancer cells. The first combinatorial protein library was constructed such that a randomized 7 AA long peptide was inserted within the cytotoxic domain (A chain) of SLT-1. A high-throughput protein-based screening campaign identified a novel A chain toxin variant (named SLT 1AIYSNKLM) capable of targeting and killing human melanoma cells. This variant harbours a peptide insert (IYSNKLM) that directs the A chain to kill human melanoma cell lines. Equilibrium binding studies using 125I-radiolabeled SLT-1AIYSNKLM were conducted to determine the equilibrium binding constant and receptor density on 518-A2 human melanoma cells. When injected into SCID mice bearing a human melanoma xenograft, nanoSPECT/CT imaging as well as the biodistribution profile showed marked tumour uptake and retention of the radiolabeled toxin variant. Furthermore, preliminary experiments have shown that the SLT-1AIYSNKLM receptor is a protein, highlighting the potential for this method to be used in the discovery of novel biomarkers. A second approach was employed to demonstrate that our toxin-based combinatorial library system can be adapted to target known cancer biomarkers. Specifically, SLT-1 A chain variants harbouring 12-residue inserts were expressed in a phage display library. The library was screened against cell lines expressing the human colon cancer marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; CD66e; CEACAM-5) to identify candidates that not only targeted, but internalized into cancer cells within a 1 h period. Variant, CSTA-10, was found to kill CEA-expressing BxPC-3 cells. Overall, the directed evolution of an RIP template such as SLT-1 represents a novel and powerful strategy for the identification of tumour-targeted toxin variants.
Jet Definitions in Effective Field Theory and Decaying Dark Matter
Keywords: Jet Definition
Effective Field Theory
Soft Collinear Effective Theory
Decaying Dark Matter

In this thesis jet production and cosmological constraints on decaying dark matter are studied. The powerful framework of effective field theory is applied in both cases to further our knowledge of particle physics. We first discuss how to apply the Soft Collinear Effective Theory (SCET) for calculating hadronic jet production rate. By applying SCET power counting, we develop a consistent approach to perform phase space integrations. This approach is then successfully applied to one-loop calculations with regard to a variety of jet algorithms. This allows us to study if the soft contribution can be factorized from the collinear ones. In particular we point out the connection between such factorization and the choice of ultraviolet regulator. We then further our study of the (exclusive) kt and C/A jet algorithms in SCET with the introduction of an additional regulator. Regularizing the virtualities and rapidities of graphs in SCET, we are able to write the next-to-leading-order dijet cross section as the product of separate hard, jet, and soft contributions. We show how to reproduce the Sudakov form factor to next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy previously calculated by the coherent branching formalism. Our resummed expression only depends on the renormalization group evolution of the hard function, rather than on that of the hard and jet functions as is usual in SCET. Finally we present a complete analysis of the cosmological constraints on decaying dark matter. For this, we have updated and extended previous analyses to include Lyman-alpha forest, large scale structure, and weak lensing observations. Astrophysical constraints are not considered in this thesis. The bounds on the lifetime of decaying dark matter are dominated by either the late-time integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect for the scenario with weak reionization, or CMB polarisation observations when there is significant reionization. For the respective scenarios, the lifetimes for decaying dark matter are constrained by Gamma^{-1} > 100 Gyr and (f*Gamma)^{-1} > 5.3 x 10^8 Gyr (at 95.4% confidence level), where the phenomenological parameter f is the fraction of decay energy deposited into the baryonic gas. This allows us to constrain particle physics models with dark matter candidates, by analyzing effective operators responsible for the dark matter decays into Standard Model particles.
Visuospatial Control of Perturbation-evoked Reach-to-grasp Reactions in Young and Older Adults
Keywords: postural balance
aging

Rapid compensatory reach-to-grasp reactions are prevalent and functionally important responses to instability. The need to react very rapidly (to prevent falling) imposes temporal constraints on acquisition and processing of the visuospatial information (VSI) needed to guide the reaching movement. Previous results suggested that the CNS may deal with these constraints by using VSI stored in memory proactively, prior to perturbation-onset; however, the extent to which online visual control is necessary or sufficient to guide these reactions has not been established. Furthermore, the influence of memory-decay and concurrent cognitive-task on the performance of these reactions has not been examined. This Thesis employed a novel paradigm wherein the participant is stationary and a motor-driven handhold is positioned unpredictably in front of the participant for each trial. Reach-to-grasp reactions were evoked in healthy young and older adults by sudden unpredictable antero-posterior platform translation (barriers deterred stepping reactions). Liquid-crystal goggles were used to occlude vision either before (recall-delay time=0s/2s/5s/10s) or after perturbation-onset to force reliance on either stored- or online-VSI, respectively. Participants performed a spatial- or non-spatial-memory task during the delay-time in a subset of trials. When forced to rely on stored-VSI, all participants showed reduction in reach accuracy; however, a tendency to undershoot the handhold was exacerbated in the older adults. Forced-reliance on online-VSI led to similar delays in all participants; however, the older adults were more likely to reach with the “wrong” arm or raise both arms. Comparison with normal-VSI trials suggests that both sources of VSI are utilized when grasping the movable handhold for support, with stored-VSI predominating during initiation/transport and online-VSI contributing primarily to final target acquisition/prehension. In terms of recall-delay, both age groups showed comparable reduction in medio-lateral endpoint accuracy when delay-time was longest. Moreover, both cognitive tasks had similar (slowing) effects in both age-groups, suggesting these effects were related to generic attentional demands. However, the older-adults also showed a dual-task interference effect (poorer cognitive-task performance) that was specific to the spatial-memory-task. Further research is needed to establish whether interventions aimed to improve visual/cognitive processing speed, visuospatial memory, and/or attention capacity can reduce risk of falling among senior populations.
The Effect of Subconscious Learning vs. Performance Goals on Performance on a Complex Task
Keywords: Subconscious goals

This dissertation examined the effect of subconscious goals on performance of tasks that people must acquire knowledge or skill to perform them effectively. Two laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effect of priming (1) a performance goal, (2) a learning goal, and (3) both a performance and learning goal on performance. In Experiment 1 (n =167), a 2 (primed performance goal vs. control) x 2 (primed learning goal vs. control) factorial design revealed a significant main effect for priming a learning goal on generating ideas for a complex brainstorming task. In Experiment 2 (n = 61), a 2 (primed performance goal vs. control) x 2 (primed learning goal vs. control) x 3 (trials) repeated measures factorial design showed a significant main effect for priming a learning goal on performance on a complex scheduling task. On the third trial, there was a significant interaction effect between a primed learning and a performance goal on performance. In both experiments, priming a performance goal significantly increased the implicit motive of need for achievement measured by a projective test. No mediating effects were obtained for a primed learning or performance goal with task performance. The results are interpreted within three theoretical frameworks: goal setting, automaticity, and goal systems.
The Drive to Innovation: The Privileging of Science and Technology Knowledge Production in Canada
Keywords: biotechnology
science education
science and technology
innovation discourse
SR&ED program
HTA programs
materialism in science
knowledge production
knowledge production in science and technology

This dissertation project explored the privileging of knowledge production in science and technology as a Canadian national economic, political and social strategy. The project incorporated the relationship between nation-state knowledge production and how that knowledge is then systematically evaluated, prioritized and validated by systems of health technology assessment (HTA). The entry point into the analysis and this dissertation project was the Scientific Research and Experimental Design (SR&ED) federal tax incentive program as the cornerstone of science and technology knowledge production in Canada. The method of inquiry and analysis examined the submission documents submitted by key stakeholders across the country, representing public, private and academic standpoints, during the public consultation process conducted from 2007 to 2008 and how each of these standpoints is hooked into the public policy interests and institutional structures that produce knowledge in science and technology. Key public meetings, including the public information sessions facilitated by the Canada Revenue Agency and private industry conferences, provided context and guidance regarding the current pervasive public and policy interests that direct and drive the policy debates. Finally, the “Innovation Canada: A Call to Action Review of Federal Support to Research and Development: Expert Panel Report,” commonly referred to as “The Jenkins Report” (Jenkins et al., 2011), was critically evaluated as the expected predictor of future public policy changes associated with the SR&ED program and the future implications for the production of knowledge in science and technology. The method of inquiry and analytical lens was a materialist approach that drew on the inspiring frameworks of such scholars as Dorothy Smith, Michel Foucault, Kaushik Sunder Rajan, Melinda Cooper, and, Gilles Deleuze. Ultimately, I strove to illuminate the normalizing force and power of knowledge production in science and technology, and the disciplines and structures that encompass it and are hooked into it where the privileging of such knowledge becomes hegemonic within and by the regimes of knowledge production that created them.
Specialized Summer Camp for Children and Adolescents with Learning Disabilities: A Naturalistic Context for Enhancing Social Competence, Friendship, and Self-Concept
Keywords: learning disabilities
social competence
self-concept
summer camp
ADHD
adventure based counseling

Social competence and positive self-concept are essential to future adaptive outcomes and overall well-being; but children and adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) frequently struggle in these domains. This dissertation examined changes in the social competence and self-concept of campers with learning disabilities (LD), within a specialized summer camp, with particular focus on friendship development. The dissertation is presented in two manuscripts, which will be submitted for publication. The objective of the first manuscript was to examine changes in campers’ social skills, social acceptance, self-worth, and self-esteem, within the context of summer camp, as reported by parents and campers. Parental reports indicated small gains in social skills, social acceptance, and self-worth from the beginning to the end of camp; with gains in social acceptance and self-worth maintained four to five months later. Campers did not report changes in any domains. Parents and campers reported declines in camper self-esteem at follow-up. In general, campers with LD+ADHD exhibited smaller gains in social competence and self-concept, than those with LD. Results are discussed in relation to theoretical frameworks and existing camp and LD research. The objective of the second manuscript was to investigate campers’ friendship development, within the summer camp context. Many campers reported having high-quality, reciprocal friendships at the beginning of camp. Campers reported more reciprocal friendships after camp, but these were not maintained at follow-up. Campers also reported having a best camp friend by the end of camp, and this relationship was maintained at follow-up. In terms of friendship quality, campers reported increased closeness by the end of camp and conflict ratings were low, overall. This study examined factors predicting changes in social competence. High-quality, reciprocal friendships predicted changes in campers’ social acceptance, according to parents. Similarly, reciprocal friendships predicted changes in camper reported social acceptance. These results highlight the inter-connections between friendship and aspects of social competence. Camp attendance was found to be a relevant factor in friendship development and quality. The concluding chapter discusses social competence, friendship, and self-concept outcomes for campers with LD within the context of a specialized summer camp. The implications of the findings for present theory and clinical practice are discussed, including specific recommendations for this camp’s structure and program evaluation procedures.