VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Pipelined ADC enhancement techniques
Keywords: Electrical engineering

In this work three techniques to improve pipelined ADC performance with respect to linearity and power consumption are presented. The first technique enables rapid background digital correction of both DAC and gain errors in the multi-bit first stage of an 11-bit pipelined ADC. The proposed rapid calibration scheme enables significantly shorter automated test times in an industrial production environment, hence facilitates larger production throughput and thus increased cost efficiency. Measured results from a prototype fabricated in 1.8V 0.18µm CMOS show the technique achieves an improvement in linearity by more than 20dB within only 10 4 clock cycles in an 11-bit 45MS/s pipelined ADC--more than two orders of magnitude faster than previously published reports. The second technique develops a new MDAC topology which enables a pipelined ADC to be designed without a front-end sample-and-hold, and thus allows for significant power reduction. Unlike previous reports, the proposed topology does not require a carefully matched and/or time consuming layout to work properly. Measured results from a prototype fabricated in 1.8V 0.18µm CMOS show that better than 51dB SNDR can be achieved using the proposed approach for input frequencies higher than 267MHz for a 10-bit pipelined ADC with a maximum sampling rate of 50MS/s, while consuming 20% less power than a similar chip which required a front-end sample-and-hold. The third technique facilitates large ADC power reduction by replacing all opamps in a 10-bit 50 MS/s pipelined ADC with source followers, and uses a novel fully-differential passive gain technique to obtain an MDAC gain near 2x. Measured results from a prototype in 1.8V 0.18µm CMOS show the 50MS/s ADC to achieve a peak SNDR/SFDR of 58.2dB/66dB while only consuming 9.9mW for a figure of merit of 0.3pJ/step.
Multicultural science education: an analysis of low success rates of minority students
Keywords: Multicultural education
Science, Study and teaching
Minorities, Education

As a response to the overwhelming evidence that minority students are not doing as well as the mainstream White students, particularly in the sciences, this thesis is an examination of the need for equality of educational opportunities for all students. In order to achieve this, change is needed from many directions; the focus of this thesis will be on teachers. Research suggests that majority of teachers discriminate against students based on students' backgrounds. This thesis also evaluates the multicultural education content in a few of the current teacher education programs in Ontario. Close analysis reveals that teacher education programs need to be revised so that they reflect the growing multicultural society and better prepare teachers to interact with multicultural students. To improve teacher education programs there has to be more integration of multicultural content and as a result grow beyond the one-year at faculties of education.
Enforcing maternal health rights in Nigeria: options and challenges
Keywords: Maternal health services, Law and legislation
Maternal health services, Nigeria
Women, Legal status, laws, etc
Women, Nigeria
Mothers, Mortality
Mothers, Nigeria

Proceeding from the premise that the high maternal mortality rates in Nigeria has not been significantly conceptualized as a human rights issue, either as part of the broader right to health or of mainstream women rights issues (given its highly gendered impact), this thesis contends that a human rights strategy offers the best hope to reducing the high matemal mortality rates. It explores options and challenges of effectively adopting a holistic human rights approach---one that seeks to enforce maternal health rights through more recognized human rights norms such as rights to life, non-discrimination and freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment. A human rights approach, this work argues, will advance maternal health by elevating the suffering of women in the public policy arena and possibly exposing policies, actions and inactions that endanger the lives and health of women.
From educational reformers to community developers: the changing role of field education officers of Aga Khan Education Service Chitral, Pakistan
Keywords: Educators, Pakistan
School improvement programs, Pakistan
Community development, Pakistan
Educational change, Pakistan

The findings capture three realms of the FEOs' world: (a) the FEOs' role as external change agents, (b) their daily practices of change, and (c) their conceptual underpinnings of change. In the first realm, the study finds that the FEOs play a unique role, that of educational reformer and community developer, stimulating change in both schools and in local communities. These FEOs are authorized by AKES, P's district management; therefore, it is mandatory for AKES, P schools and schools' communities to accept their interventions. In the second realm, analysis of the FEOs' specific actions and key methods for change reveals four distinct strategies the FEOs adopt for school change---Teacher-Centered, Moral Persuasion, Pragmatic, and Leadership---and three main strategies for community development---Participatory, Training, and Power-Laden. All seven strategies illuminate the FEOs' understanding of change at the level of practice. In the third realm, this study explores the FEOs' underlying assumptions, core values, and key concepts of change; it reconstructs three broad chance orientations---Political, Technical, and Spiritual---into which each FEO's theoretical understandings and conceptual frameworks of change are categorized. The study's findings derive from empirical data collected through qualitative research methods, such as semi-structured interviews (individual and focus-group), non-participant observations, post-observation discussions, informal conversations and analysis of relevant documents. This study explores 5 Field Education Officers' (FEOs) understanding of their dual roles as educational reformers and community developers in the rural, mountainous district of Chitral, Pakistan. In particular, it examines the 5 FEOs' specific actions and methods (strategies) and their underlying assumptions and core values (orientations) of change. These FEOs work as change agents in schools and in the local communities where the schools have been established by the Aga Khan Education Service Pakistan (AKES, P), a non-profit philanthropic organization dedicated to providing educational and community development programs in disadvantaged parts of the developing world. Examining the interrelatedness of the 5 FEOs' roles, strategies, and change orientations reveals that each FEO's change orientation serves as a lens through which that FEO views and approaches change, defines his role and shapes his strategies for change. Despite their distinct orientations, unique role, and particular strategies, all 5 FEOs operate within a common broader framework of Socio-Educational Change or more, specifically, Community-based School Change.
Unimplemented treaties in Canada: a comparative look at the role of domestic courts
Keywords: Treaties
Law, Construction and interpretation
Law, Canada
Courts, Canada

If international law is to matter, it has to reach individuals. This is what motivates the writing of this paper. International law is made up of different sources and treaty law is one of them. When a country ratifies a treaty, it shows its intention to be bound by that treaty. However, the process of making international treaties part of domestic law is different in every country. In Canada the process has an additional requirement, which is the implementation into domestic legislation, without this requirement courts and individuals cannot rely on treaties. Nevertheless, recent case law has showed that courts are more willing in considering unimplemented treaties for statutory interpretation. As we mentioned, the process is different in every country but there are countries that are more open to international law, we chose the Netherlands and Mexico as an example. In those countries once a treaty is ratified it becomes part of the domestic jurisdiction and courts rely on international law as much possible. This paper does not intend to criticize the Canadian process; it only intends to layout the relevant issues and make suggestions. Even though the government and the process for treaty authorization are different between nations, courts should try to rely on unimplemented treaties as an aid to statutory interpretation as much as possible.
A substantive theory of effective collaboration within asynchronous computer mediated groups
Keywords: Computer conferencing
Computer-assisted instruction
Interpersonal communication
Interpersonal relations
Group work in education
Information technology
Learning
Cognitive learning

This grounded theory study explored the experience and the meaning of collaboration within asynchronous computer-mediated groups. Twenty female and ten male graduate students, divided into six groups, completed a collaborative project within 24 days as part of their course work, using Web Knowledge Forum (WebKF), a hypermedia program. Participants' contributions to WebKF, data logs, participant interviews, and demographic and technical skill assessment survey responses comprised the data. Asynchronous collaboration was found to be difficult despite its time and place convenience. Inhibiting factors identified were: lack of knowledge and skills in using technology; problems keeping pace with high performing members who had time and technical expertise and the need to rely heavily on them; and the time consuming nature of written communication. Facilitating factors were: design and facilitation within WebKF, availability of sufficient time for the course, accessibility of needed technical resources, high motivation, a committed group leader with technical expertise who allowed participatory leadership to develop, and the use of other media for interaction. The core category timely action evolved from this study denotes that effective collaboration within asynchronous computer mediated groups occurs, when group members are cognizant of both opportune timing and situational appropriateness in exercising any action. A substantive theory of effective collaboration was developed based on the core category, timely action, and blended with the three following primary categories: (i) Design and facilitation of asynchronous collaborative environment. It is timely action to prepare the virtual space ahead of time, orient all participants and provide feedback. (ii) The collaborative effort of the individual. Includes cognizance of the presence of self, other group members and the virtual space. (iii) The collaborative project. Comprises dialogue, negotiation and development of a common purpose for the project as soon as possible, decisions on the tasks and roles members prefer, and setting group norms to give and receive feedback. This study confirms that time matters in groups, as well as the use of other media for collaboration, in addition to the asynchronous medium.
Asperger's syndrome and the transition to adulthood: An examination of equity issues and program effectiveness within the Ontario secondary school system
Keywords: Asperger's syndrome in adolescence, Social aspects
Asperger's syndrome in adolescence, Ontario
Teenagers with disabilities, Education (Secondary)
Teenagers with disabilities, Ontario
Educational equalization, Ontario
Discrimination in education, Ontario

This study examined programming 'effectiveness' within Ontario secondary schools to determine how well adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) are being prepared for their transition to adulthood. More specifically, this research questioned whether education, as a site of social learning, enables youth with AS to obtain a positive identity and set of skills to prepare them for life beyond high school. Through the analysis of interviews conducted with two samples (one sample being high school graduates with AS, the other were professionals working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders), this study serves to report on, and open up a space for, research about AS within the social considerations of educational settings. This study attempted to show where educational programming can nurture adolescents with AS, however, the purpose of this inquiry was based upon the assumption that secondary school education may not be doing enough to prepare these students for the reality of adulthood. Through the analysis of varied programming measures used within Ontario secondary schools (specifically in areas of special education) this study's foundational assumptions were confirmed, and accordingly, several issues have been proposed for further investigation.
Disability and the dimensions of work
Keywords: People with disabilities, Employment
Discrimination against people with disabilities
Discrimination in employment

People labeled disabled face exclusion in almost all aspects of their lives. This social exclusion is particularly true in the labour force, where people with disabilities typically face high rates of unemployment and underemployment. This paper not only seeks to critically analyze the labour market inequity experienced by bodies marked â€œdisabledâ€ , but also to illustrate the social process behind this â€œdisablement.â€ In doing so, this paper advances an understanding of disability oppression in which social, cultural, and economic structures are scrutinized and their role in social exclusion highlighted. In order to illustrate the dynamics of disability and work, this paper will explore in depth the following three labour market conditions: unemployment, underemployment, and unpaid labour. By doing so, this paper will illustrate how a sociological approach to disability oppression uncovers the root causes of labour market inequity, and thus allows us to lay the foundations for social justice.
Losing the plow: African developing countries, multinational enterprises and the transfer of technology
Keywords: Technology transfer, Developing countries
Foreign licensing agreements
International business enterprises, Law and legislation
International business enterprises, Developing countries

Possession, control or access to the world's advanced technology resources is a key factor in securing global competitiveness. African Less Developed Countries (LDCs) find themselves in a disadvantaged position as they attempt to access appropriate technologies. Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) are recognized as the principle holders of commercial technologies and the wherewithal to transfer these to economies of their choice. Therefore, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) is a priority for most countries. Restatements of Raymond Vernon's Product-Cycle theory propose that where MNEs are given significant freedoms to wholly-own their subsidiaries they are likely to invest more capital and transfer more advanced technology. However, as the availability of private capital continues to decrease, MNEs are channeling their investments to industrialized countries leaving African LDCs out of the global investment framework. Underlying the paucity of FDI flows to Africa is the absence of an attractive investment climate. Thus, a reversal of the economic decline that has visited the continent will require the consistent application of selective economic policies geared towards improving the investment climate. This endeavor will also require the support of the international community.
Occupational performance needs of older persons: implications for program development
Keywords: Age and employment
Performance standards
Ability, Influence of age on
Older people, Employment
Employees, Rating of
Employees, Effect of technological innovations

Objective. This study seeks to answer three questions: (1) What are the occupational performance needs of older persons in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure? (2) What do these needs suggest for program development? and (3) How useful is the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in identifying needs for the geriatric population? Methods. Twenty-five geriatric patients on the Reactivation Unit of a large Toronto teaching hospital participated in the study. The sample was comprised of males and females, with various diagnoses, living arrangements and limitations. The COPM and a demographic instrument were administered by the researcher in patient interviews. The COPM ratings were analyzed statistically and participants' comments were examined for themes. Results. Results indicated that the elderly participants desire independence in self-care, productivity and leisure. The need to be independent in the three occupational performance realms was more profound for those elders who lived alone, were discharged home or had limited community support. Furthermore, it was identified that losses in the elderly had substantial impact on function, coping and adapting. Unique coping mechanisms were instrumental in maintaining quality of life. Conclusions. The discussion highlights strategies and directions on how results could be utilized to develop therapeutic programs which would assist in realizing the needs of elders. Selecting target domains, acknowledging sense of control, including coping/adaptation strategies and addressing barriers to program development are four pinnacles of the discussion.
Towards a critical constructivist theory of legal "norm-internalization": two cases from early Republican Turkey
Keywords: Constructivism (Philosophy)
Social sciences, Philosophy
Civil law, Turkey

The thesis aims to problematize existing applications of constructivist social theory to legal "norm-internalization" processes in international and comparative law by way of an analytical discussion and two case studies involving early Republican Turkey. The author begins by demonstrating that current forms of constructivist theory in international and comparative legal scholarship tend to sideline consideration not only of the mechanisms through which European/Western legal norms have been made to serve the interests of colonialism and imperialism, but also of the techniques through which local forces have appropriated and manipulated such norms for the sake of achieving a variety of objectives. The author then brings this critique to bear upon two case studies, examining the manner in which the Turkish Civil Code of 1926 was prepared and promulgated and providing a close reading of Turkey's submissions to the Permanent Court of International Justice in the Case of the S.S. "Lotus "
Three contributions to the theory and practice of operations management
Keywords: Operations management
Dissertations, Academic, Canada

This dissertation is a collection of three essays in Operations Management and Management Science. Chapter 3 explains the empirical phenomenon that the constraint programs resulting from the real-world problems in Chapter 2 always had solutions. From the worst-case perspective this need not be the case for in most cases there exist instances with few (e.g., three) attributes where balanced groups cannot be constructed. However, via a variety of techniques (dynamic programming combined with simulation, analytical upper bound and empirical lower bound) we find that the probability that a random instance similar to those observed in practice can be partitioned into balanced groups is effectively 100 percent. Chapter 2 studies the problem of constructing balanced work groups (i.e., containing approximately equal proportion of members with different gender, age, cultural backgrounds, and other relevant attributes), based on a practical problem of assigning MBA students to study groups. We view balancing requirements as constraints, develop efficient user-friendly software, discuss its implementation and report major improvements in all aspects of students' group work. We also discuss a problem of creating multiple lists of non-overlapping groups, which is unique to our work. Chapter 1 considers a problem where consumers learn about the possibility of "last-minute" discounts (typical of travel industries) and strategically wait for them. We present a stylized model of aggregate consumer behavior where the firm puts a number of units on sale to maximize its current and future revenue, given that the fraction of customers waiting, and, hence, the revenue in the future, changes depending on the firm's decisions. We formulate the problem as a dynamic program and develop a novel solution approach. We consider several model variations and show that the firm's optimal policy depends on the learning behavior: it is either "passive", where the firm puts some units on sale and allows consumers to "self-regulate" future waiting, or it is an "active" "bang-bang" policy, where the firm intermixes the periods with many units on sale with those with none and thus manages consumer waiting. We discuss managerial insights and show that the firm can strategically allow overbooking to increase its revenue.
Foreign banking services in Canada compared with the Swiss position
Keywords: Banks and banking, Canada
Banks and banking, Switzerland

Foreign as well as domestic banks have an important impact on the financial services sector of economically developed countries. Often the financial industry is strongly exposed to domestic political pressure and the general banking regulations as well as special provisions for foreign market players reflect these internal political discussions. Resulting protectionist policies can set a high threshold and may present an obstacle for foreign banks to enter a domestic market. This thesis analyzes the opportunities for foreign banks to offer their services in Canada and examines if non-domestic players have a more restricted access to the Canadian financial market. The following analysis of the Swiss approach to foreign banks allows a comparison with the Canadian system. Despite the different approaches in Canada and Switzerland the possibilities for foreign banks do not differ greatly. Nevertheless, the effort foreign banks in Canada have to undertake in order to reach a similar result is unequal.
Unlocking the many 'voices' of subject English: a historical and theoretical analysis of English curricular change in Newfoundland and Labrador
Keywords: Language arts, Newfoundland and Labrador
Curriculum change, Newfoundland and Labrador
Education, Curricula
Education, Newfoundland and Labrador
English literature, Study and teaching
English literature, Newfoundland and Labrador
English language, Study and teaching
English language, Newfoundland and Labrador

This thesis is a critical and effective historical analysis of subject English in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Another recent massive policy shift in subject English in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the fact that nothing had been put in print regarding this topic, provided the impetus for an investigation of the ways in which curriculum comes to be construed and often justified around competing conceptions of epistemology. Through a problematized notion of knowledge, I analyzed senior English curricular documents from three distinct periods in the province's history, providing a glimpse of a pre, post and present day Confederation English classroom. Through a close, "symptomatic reading" of the patterns and import of carefully selected episodes within subject English's history in the province, I was able to cast new light on the interactions between past epistemological and pedagogical discourses and consider how these voices might still speak to us today.