VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Simulation of conical oblique detonation waves in hypersonic flow of H2-air
Keywords: Detonation waves, Mathematical models
Airplanes, Scramjet engines

Oblique Detonation Wave (ODW) is a key component for hypersonic combustion engines. Its understanding is essential for designing combustors but reliable information on combustion process and exact ODW structure are difficult to obtain. Axisymmetric sharp cones can produce the purest two-dimensional ODW. This study simulates conical ODWs with hypersonic inflow of stoichiometric H2-air at Mach 7.36, using axisymmetric multi-species Laminar Navier-Stokes equations with the Jachimowski and Lutz combustion models. Numerical solutions of inviscid flow, at 40°, 35° and 32° cones, show steady-state overdriven ODW ignited by the pressure coupling of a shock wave and deflagration waves. At 30.5° and 30° cones, the ODWs are near the Chapman-Jouguet (CJ) condition and the coupling occurs between the shock wave and an internal post-shock ODW. The predicted CJ condition is between 30° and 29.5°, with constant detonation angle and minimum entropy being 42.3° and 1864 JkgK . The induction distance is the most sensitive parameter.
Improving juidicial review of administrative discretion in China: lessons from Canadian experience
Keywords: Judicial review of administrative acts, China
Discretion (Law), China
Civil rights, China

Since the promulgation of the Administrative Litigation Law, China has established its system of judicial review of administrative action. However, over 15 years' judicial practice have exposed the court's ineffectiveness in reviewing discretionary powers. China needs to reform the current system to meet the domestic and international demands to control expanding administrative discretion and to protect individual rights. Given Chinese judges' lack of experience in this area and Canada's well developed practice of judicial review, Canadian law may be a good model for China to consider in developing reforms. However, it is unlikely for China to directly apply the contextual approach that Canadian judges adopted for judicial review as China lacks an independent judiciary and competent judges. Nonetheless, China can learn some lessons from the Canadian experience. The ALL needs to be amended; Chinese courts should be given more power; and a case law system is suggested in particular.
Diversification or homogenization: how Chinese governments shape the higher education system
Keywords: Education, Higher, China
Higher education and state, China
Universities and colleges, China

This central research question unfolded into two major objectives, and the thesis consisted mainly of two parts, with each reflecting one of the research objectives. The first was a search for a theoretical framework suitable for explaining processes of differentiation and increases or decreases in diversity in Chinese higher education. This investigation resulted in a theoretical framework rooted in three related theoretical perspectives from organizational theory: the population ecology perspective, the resource dependency perspective and the institutional isomorphism perspective. The other objective was an empirical investigation into the actual process of differentiation and the increases or decreases of diversity at the study program level in the Chinese universities. This study examined recent policy changes in Chinese higher education that have affected differentiation and diversity of the system. It was intended to answer the following research question: How have governmental policies influenced and shaped the processes of differentiation and diversity in Chinese higher education, in particular of the universities, and how can the changing patterns of differentiation and diversity be explained and contested?The empirical analysis of diversity in Chinese higher education provided the foundation for an examination of the influence of China's governmental policies on differentiation and diversity, which was discussed against the benchmark of whether or not the Chinese government had achieved its goals with respect to diversity. Also, this study concluded that the existing classification system of Chinese higher education institutions had not been sufficient for describing the systemic and structural, and the study suggested a new classification framework for China's higher education system, which draws on studies by Chinese scholars in recent years, and on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Finally, suggested areas for future research were outlined, with two possibilities highlighted. One possibility is to look at the issue of differentiation and diversity in a larger perspective by placing it in the context of internationalization and globalization. In contrast, the other possibility is to explore the issue with a micro perspective, at the institutional level. These two objectives coincided with the two major parts of this study, and enabled this work to approximate an optimum research design by combining the elements of a theoretical framework, assumptions, hypotheses, operationalizations, testing and feedback to the theoretical framework. In the field of Chinese higher education studies, this is a path-breaking study as little theory has been tested in this field in China, and few concepts have been operationalized as observable variables.
Northrop Frye and Immanuel Kant: the emancipatory roles of reason and the imagination
Keywords: Reason
Imagination
Literature

Critically examining the work of Northrop Frye, this thesis argues that Frye claims omni-competence for literary theory by giving it the work of epistemology, ontology and ethics. The reach of these claims effectively transforms literary criticism into a meta-theory, one that not only relies profoundly on the thought of William Blake, but is also influenced by the critical philosophy of Immanuel Kant. The first two chapters trace the influence of important precedents set by Blake and Kant on Frye's work, and examine the implications of his departure from Kant, which centre around Frye's Blakean insistence on a hierarchically privileged position for the imagination. This insistence is probed in the final chapter, which ends with the Kantian charge that Frye's meta-theory for literature ultimately risks working against, rather than towards progress in society because it depends on hierarchical distinctions and represents an uncritical commitment the imagination.
Explicit and implicit system of corporate control: a convergence theory of shareholder rights
Keywords: Stockholders, Legal status, laws, etc
Corporate governance
Corporations, Finance

This paper categorizes Anglo-American, French and German systems of shareholder rights as either Implicit or Explicit Systems of corporate control. It challenges the orthodox view that inadequate protection of minority stockholders historically accounted for under-developed capital markets by positing that explicit shareholder influence may substitute for market control. Different ethical roots prompted legislature to adopt either a friendly or a hostile attitude towards market forces. This paper further suggests that corporate laws will formally converge through Convergence Cycles towards a middle ground between the Implicit, and the Explicit System. Finally, it posits the need for a close interrelation of comparative and corporate finance research. The author's example of the fertility of such a cooperation results in a dynamic, rather than static theory of ownership convergence. Historic, statutory, and new empirical evidence demonstrates German and American shareholders' different propensity towards shareholder activism, and supports the three propositions.
Social investing by private trustees
Keywords: Legal investments
Prudent person rule
Investments, Moral and ethical aspects
Trusts and trustees

I have examined whether the practice of social investing by private trustees is consistent with their fiduciary duties of prudence and loyalty. I have reviewed American, British and Canadian jurisprudence and statutes to compare and contrast those jurisdictions' legal positions so as to resolve the tensions created by the practice of social investing. In private trust law, the trustee's only concern should be to safeguard the financial interests of the beneficiaries and not to promote the social agenda of the trustees or of a third party. Social investing entails making investments on the basis of non-financial criteria. I have examined whether a settlor's direction to a trustee in the trust instrument to practice social investing is consistent with the trustee's fiduciary duties. I have also suggested two potential solutions to the conflict: the acceptance of a limited version of social investing and the creation of an ethical statutory trust.
The role of local structure propensity and nonnative interactions in protein folding
Keywords: Molecular biology
Biochemistry
Biophysics

Despite many years of research, the roles of local as well as nonnative interactions in protein folding remain poorly understood. To bridge this gap in knowledge, this thesis is an investigation of the contributions of local structure propensity as well as nonnative interactions to the energetics of protein folding. To address the energetic principles of local structure propensity, a multiple substitution strategy was employed where the effect on protein folding kinetics of a large subset of mutants at a single surface-exposed position is examined. By taking advantage of the characteristic feature of folding transition states in being less tightly packed than the folded state, I demonstrated that folding kinetics may generally provide the best means to characterize the energetics of local structure propensities with less influence of packing, as opposed to equilibrium stability studies. Application of this principle to two surface exposed β strand positions in the Fyn SH3 domain suggested that it is possible to obtain a context-independent assessment of local structure propensities through transition state analysis. Once applied to a 310 helix position in the domain, an experimental propensity scale for 310 helices was established for the first time. Therefore, with the rapid growth in structural databases, the multiple substitution approach provides a means to characterize informational propensity values of a larger number of motifs, besides helices and sheets. My findings suggest that, during folding, normative interactions may mask the energetic contributions of local structure propensities. Moreover, quite contrary to the common perception, I observed that normative interactions can speed up folding and that the propensity to form normative contacts is not uniform along protein sequence. Thus, extra caution needs to be exercised in interpreting the results of Φ value analysis and those of pure native centric models, which assume that nonnative interactions are either nonexistent or do not positively influence folding.
Peacemaking circles: a case of participatory decision-making among teachers
Keywords: Discussion
Teaching, Decision making
Conflict management, Decision making
Teachers, Professional relationships
Group problem solving

Interactions among elementary teachers can facilitate the development of professional communities, in which teachers make decisions about peacemaking education in their schools. The study shows that working together in small teams that make decisions around shared concerns can help teachers to develop professional community, under certain conditions. The opportunity to choose their agendas for discussion increased the commitment of teachers in this study to implement innovation. Also, working together to develop a process and decision-making procedure that created a safe structure for interacting seemed to support the inclusion of more voices and encouraged teacher learning in working group interactions. The constructive dissent that emerged in the conversations encouraged teachers to share the kinds of information about their own instructional practices that teachers often keep to themselves, to reflect on school and classroom approaches to peacemaking, and to implement some actual changes in practice.
Characterization of the biological roles for Tek
Keywords: Molecular biology
Genetics

Tek/Tie-2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase predominantly expressed on the surface of endothelial cells that plays a critical role in angiogenesis during development and in the adult in physiological and pathological settings. The Angiopoietins are a family of ligands known to bind and activate the receptor. Previously, in vitro roles for Tie-2 have been described in endothelial cell migration and survival. Using a double transgenic system, the goal of this study was to further characterize in vivo roles for Tie-2 during development and in the adult. Tie-2-null mice die during early development due to abnormal associations between endocardial and myocardial cells in the heart and endothelial and peri-endothelial cells in the vasculature. We utilized a tetracycline-responsive double transgenic system to overcome the early lethal cardiovascular defects associated with the Tie-2-null allele and investigate the role of the receptor during later stages of vascular growth. Using this approach, we demonstrated that synchronized loss of Tie-2 expression results in rapid endothelial cell apoptosis in the embryo, demonstrating an ongoing requirement for Tie-2 signaling in endothelial cell survival and vascular maintenance during development.
Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of benzo[a]pyrene-mediated inhibition of osteoclastogenesis
Keywords: Molecular biology
Cytology
Pharmacology

Exposure to polycyclic aryl hydrocarbons is linked to cancer, immunosuppression and other numerous health problems. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant present in high concentrations in urban smog and cigarette smoke. The focus of this thesis was to examine the effects of BaP on osteoclasts, the bone resorbing cells, and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of these effects. Results obtained from the experiments using the authentic rabbit osteoclasts demonstrated that BaP was most likely affecting osteoclasts indirectly via the stromal cells present in the cultures. Depending on initial seeding cell density, BaP had either an inhibitory (high cell density) or a stimulatory (low cell density) effect. To examine the direct effects of BaP on osteoclastogenesis, RAW 264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage cell line capable of differentiating into osteoclasts in the presence of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), were used. The results demonstrated that BaP inhibited both osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. This inhibition of osteoclastogenesis was reversed by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist resveratrol as well as by high concentrations of RANKL. Moreover, high concentrations of RANKL also inhibited BaP-induced cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) gene expression. These observations lead to a hypothesis that there is a crosstalk between RANKL and BaP signaling cascades competing for common transcription factors. To elucidate which transcription factors could be involved in the signaling cross-talk, the roles of NF-κB, NFATc1, c-Myc in both signaling cascades were investigated. Studies using transcription factor inhibitors demonstrated that NF-κB and not NFATc1 is involved in BaP-induced CYP1B1 expression. Moreover, BaP inhibited RANKL-induced NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation, confirming that NF-κB is the transcription factor responsible for the signaling cross-talk. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that AhR is present in a complex with NF-κB/p65 and NκBα; however, the presence of RANKL disrupted this interaction. Finally, both BaP and RANKL induced luciferase reporter gene transcription under the control of NF-κB. These results support the hypothesis that BaP-mediated inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is a consequence of crosstalk between BaP and RANKL signaling pathways competing for NF-κB.
Affective factors in kindergarten teacher's use of phonics programs
Keywords: Reading (Kindergarten), Phonetic method
Phonetics
Language arts (Preschool)
Reading (Kindergarten), Language Experience approach
Kindergarten teachers

This research focused on affective factors that influence kindergarten teachers' use of phonics programs. The study was designed to find out which components—in two commercially available phonics programs—impact on teachers' use and enjoyment of the programs, and thus, indirectly, influence how they teach children to read. Fourteen kindergarten teachers were interviewed about their experiences using the programs. They reported on how much and why they like specific materials and activities within each program. Through the use of qualitative methodology, the data was analyzed and seven themes emerged. Specific program factors, administration and children factors, and personal teacher beliefs and attitudes were identified as extrinsic and intrinsic motivators for teachers to implement and use phonics instruction within the classroom. The results indicated that teachers preferred programs that contained components they perceived to be more enjoyable to teach and fun for children.
The race to space madness: making respectability through mad sites in Ontario
Keywords: Mentally ill, Institutional care
Mentally ill, Ontario
Psychiatric hospitals, History
Psychiatric hospitals, Ontario

This thesis explores a history of provincial mad carceral sites in Ontario. I argue that these sites work to build respectable and degenerate subjects, as well as contribute to nation building by framing Canada as a benevolent, progressive, and white nation. Through examining the official history and architecture of The Toronto Psychiatric Hospital, The Clarke Institute, The Whitby Hospital, and Queen Street Mental Health Centre, this thesis shows how spaces built to contain madness contribute to meta-narratives of Ontario as civilized. Both the architecture and the various acts of commemoration surrounding these mad sites are analysed as monuments through which official stories are told. At the same time, these sites are used in very material ways to spatially regulate, discipline and control mad bodies. Ultimately, this thesis argues that because projects to spatially regulate madness are never-ending processes, they act to legitimize interventionist policing of mad bodies in Ontario.
An investigation of an alternative teacher education program
Keywords: Teachers, Training of
Teachers, Canada
Teaching, Methodology
Teaching, Canada
Community and school, Canada
Global method of teaching

Teacher education reform has often been debated in relation to the various structural models that counter the traditional consecutive preservice model. Although the utility of these diverse models remains an open question, and one worthy of further inquiry, we know relatively little about what goes on inside these new programs. Feiman-Nemser's conceptual orientations taxonomy allows researchers an effective way of understanding and categorizing the underlying themes that drive a particular program. It serves as a useful starting point to address the important question of what should be the central task(s) of a teacher. Although this taxonomy has been used to study various American teacher education programs, no such body of work exists within Canada. This study examines the conceptual orientations of a Canadian intermediate/senior teacher education program. The thematic focus of this program is entitled “School, Community and Global Connections”. Student perceptions of this thematic program were investigated through the use of both quantitative and qualitative measures. Results indicated congruence between the orientations (i.e., critical/social and personal) intended by the program leaders and students' conceptions of their professional development. The results also suggested that not all conceptual orientations may be equally utilized in practice, and that the critical/social orientation often clashed with the social structures within schools while the personal orientation clashed with organizational structures. Further research is needed to determine similar relationships with the other major orientations as well the effects of lower self-efficacy around practical aspects of teaching. Preliminary findings suggested that the survey questionnaire could be used to investigate the conceptual orientations of other teacher education programs.
Following the thread: a writing teacher's memories and arts-based transition to a new technology of meaning-making
Keywords: English language, Written English
Language arts teachers
English language, Written English
Creative writing, Computer-assisted instruction
Creative writing, Study and teaching

In this postmodern arts-based autoethnographic inquiry, I investigate the impact of the online computer on composing and teaching, penetrating to the core of the labyrinth of what it means to be a teacher of writing in this computer-mediated age. The online computer is my composing tool as I shape both my text and the appearance of my text in order to uncover and display the effects of this new technology on writing and on teaching writing. I have composed narratives from my experiences as a writer and as a teacher of writing and reveal my understandings through a chorus of voices, all mine yet none with the "whole" story. While my Academic and Teacher voice provides a conventional "ground" for my thesis, my other voices each have their own stories of my writing experiences: (1) my Oracles Voice, my homage to the writers from whom I have learned; (2) my Writing Process voice reveals how I write using the online computer; (3) my Illuminal Voice with hermeneutical overtones, reveals my musings, my insights, and my significant memories; (4) my Published Voice reprints articles, and excerpts, written over a number of years, showing how I experienced my journey of discovery at different points in time; (5) my Living While Writing voice displays my quotidian existence while I write this thesis; (6) my Querulous Voice exposes my fears and resentments connected with learning and teaching writing; (7) my Artist's Voice includes the arational leaps of understanding I gain from my own and other's poetry; and (8) Ariadne's Voice speaks the thoughts of a rewritten Greek mythic character who seeks the core of the labyrinth and the secret of the Minotaur (one of my guiding metaphors)---an allegory about creativity mediated by technology. I use the visual potentialities of word processing to provide different fonts, colours and borders for each voice in a bricologe structure that reveals meaning cumulatively through connections not argument. As well, I am guided by my second metaphor---this autoethnographic thesis is my home, and the reader, my guest. The online computer is both my tool and my subject.