VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Metaphor as a second language: vision and re-vision in the poetry of Pat Lowther
Keywords: Canadian poetry
Women poets, Canadian

Patricia Louise Lowther (1935–1975) was a Vancouver poet who published four volumes of poetry during her lifetime. This thesis is both a personal and scholarly study of the special vision to be found in Lowther's poetry. In this work, the recurring themes of Lowther's poems are examined—the permanence of nature, women's sexual awakening, the power of myth and legend, and the connection between art and politics. This specific connection is examined through the influence of the Chilean poet/diplomat Pablo Neruda on Pat Lowther's writing. One of Lowther's major poems “Women on/against Snow” is examined in detail, as an example of the redemptive quality of the arts in a universe of chaos. The nature of poetry and the power of metaphor is also explored; in addition there are connections made between Lowther's poetry and a new approach to the teaching of poetry in schools. Also included are several examples of recent accessibility of the poetic arts through public performances and festivals. Through the life and works of Pat Lowther, this thesis examines the essential power of our poetic legacy, and the importance of this legacy in our re-connection and re-collection of our fundamental humanity.
Stepping out of the shadows: the learning of ethical conduct through the "I" and "eye" of physiotherapists
Keywords: Physical therapy, Moral and ethical aspects
Medical ethics, Study and teaching
Professional ethics, Study and teaching
Physical therapists, Training of

Most participants also had little formal understanding of ethics, ethical issues or ethical decision making, and they did not consciously define ethical decisions as ethical. Rather, they thought of their ethical decisions as clinical decisions and used their tacit knowledge of ethics to make ethical decisions implicitly. Stepping out of the Shadows: The Learning of Ethical Conduct through the "I" and "Eye" of Physiotherapists is an empirical examination of how, when and where physiotherapists learn ethical conduct. Using a grounded theory approach, both narrative inquiry and deliberative inquiry were used to understand the practice of physiotherapy and the learning of ethical conduct in the profession from the point of view of 16 participants. Participants' narratives showed that physiotherapists learn ethical conduct experientially throughout their personal lives and professional careers, with most of the difficult learning occurring early in their careers. Learning ethical conduct is primarily self-taught; regardless of when they were educated, most physiotherapists received no explicit ethics education in either their formal or their continuing education. Despite this, most physiotherapists make good ethical choices. This is probably because physiotherapists rely heavily on their own life experiences and on a broad, supportive network of family members, friends, colleagues and experts to "teach" them about ethical conduct. Given these findings, a narrow view of ethics teaching or education should be avoided. Ethical conduct should instead be learned in a supportive environment where students, physiotherapists and other colleagues model ethical behaviour, share their stories of experience and discuss ethical issues with those they trust to advise and guide them. This supportive environment should extend to personal networks, professional resources and understandable, accessible information on ethics. Taken together, these findings point to a need to balance, or rebalance, the profession's current emphasis on science and evidence in the direction of greater emphasis on or development of the social science, qualitative and humanistic aspects of the profession. My research also found that ethical conduct is best learned when physiotherapists are competent in reflective practice, including self-awareness and self-evaluation, and equally comfortable with the humanist and evidence aspects of the practice of physiotherapy.
How preschool autism programs work: parent and staff perceptions
Keywords: Parents of autistic children, Attitudes
Autistic children, Behavior modification
Teachers of children with disabilities, Attitudes
Preschool children, Services for

The interviews were then analysed in greater depth in order to produce a grounded theory. Three overarching categories emerged in this analysis: stakeholders' roles, attitude toward early intervention, and attitude toward autism. Examination of stakeholders' understanding of each other's roles revealed that many parents were unclear about the role of psychologists in TPAS. Moreover, there was a diversity of opinions regarding parental involvement in the program. Analysis of stakeholders' attitudes toward early intervention revealed that most stakeholders, parents and staff alike, did not subscribe to the basic principles of early intervention. Finally, analysis of stakeholders' attitudes toward autism revealed that a medical/deficit approach to autism prevailed. A different approach, viewing children with autism as having different motivations and needs, was markedly less dominant. The medical/deficit approach dominated stakeholders' understanding of autism, of early intervention, and of the way TPAS works. The objective of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of parent and staff perceptions of preschool autism programs. Forty-eight individuals who were involved with the Toronto Preschool Autism Service (TPAS), a preschool intervention program serving children ages two to six in the Greater Toronto Area were interviewed for this study. Guided by the "logic model" approach, the qualitative analysis produced two alternative models that described the way the program works. These models were presented to the stakeholders in three focus groups where stakeholders had the opportunity to generate a theoretical model based on their understanding of the findings brought before them. These models were synthesized into a final model that was again presented to stakeholders and finalized. The final logic model is an important product of this dissertation with implications for program evaluation, and further research in this field. The model suggests that the emphasis in the literature on intelligence as the foremost outcome indicator of program success is unwarranted. Instead, the model suggests more emphasis on mediating factors such as quality of implementation and child and family characteristics, as well as on evaluating several short- and long-term goals. Additional specific recommendations regarding future quantitative evaluations based on this model are outlined in the body of this work.
Court-connected alternative dispute resolution: the Ontario mandatory mediation program and the German obligatory settlement procedure. Approaches to achieving early case settlement: a comparative analysis
Keywords: Dispute resolution (Law), Germany
Mediation, Ontario
Mediation, Germany

Court connected mandatory mediation programs are becoming increasingly important in the realm of civil litigation in Canada. The German legislature has recently tried to further early case settlement with the introduction of a settlement procedure. However, the idea of making an attempt at reaching a settlement in a mediation session compulsory is still rejected. Relying on the Ontario mandatory mediation program and its official evaluation, this thesis argues that mandatory mediation has proven successful with regard to a reduction of time and cost spent in the civil litigation process. It concludes that a mandatory mediation pilot project in civil matters should be implemented in Germany. In addition, this thesis suggests a framework of aspects for a hypothetical mandatory mediation program in German civil litigation.
Plato's code: philosophical foundations of knowledge in education
Keywords: Oral tradition
Written communication
Education, Greek
Education, Philosophy
Philosophy, Ancient

This thesis examines the philosophy of education presented in Plato's dialogues. It dates the composition of these writings to the time of the transition of Greek culture and education from orality to literacy following the adoption of the phonetic alphabet. It shows that an awareness of this revolution in the technology for storing and retrieving communication has not been incorporated into our paradigm for interpreting Plato's philosophy. The study takes Homer as an example of a literature with roots in an oral tradition. It explains how poetry functioned as a technology for preserving culture, and how formulas, the sequential ordering of topics, and the geometric ring structure were techniques used by the poets to recite the epics from memory, and by the audience as a guide to reception. Applying to Plato an understanding of the principles of the oral traditional style used to structure the verse in Homer allows us to see, in the dialogues, certain characteristic mnemonic patterns that have not been noticed until now. Recognizing the oral patterns in these writings opens the door to a comprehension of the “unwritten doctrine” of principles attributed to Plato by Aristotle, which scholars in the modern era have had difficulty finding in the dialogues. The analysis centers on the instructions in Plato's Sophist for drawing the lines that divide the definition of “art” ([special characters omitted]) into a sequence of topics, The study shows that this geometry provides the framework for the mnemonic ring composition. The ideas classed in each topic in this definition make up a sequence that recurs in every dialogue. This same series is repeated in Xenophon's Memorabilia and in Aristotle's Poetics. It is also present in the Chuang Tzu and in Genesis 1–3 of the Old Testament. The frequency of the occurrence of this multi-part sequence makes it unlikely that it is either random or accidental. That it turns up in four other ancient works that have been dated to the same time period (428–301 B.C.E.) adds even more weight to the conclusion. These different treatises were all shaped by the techniques and conventions of an oral traditional system of philosophy.
Reading comprehension abilities in adolescents with reading disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Keywords: Reading comprehension
Reading disability
Attention-deficit disorder in adolescence

Reading comprehension difficulties have been inconsistently described in two common developmental childhood disorders: Reading Disabilities (RD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The etiology, however, of these difficulties is not well understood and the explanation is made more obscure by the high rates of comorbidity between these groups. This study investigated the nature of oral and silent reading comprehension abilities as well as reading related components in the RD and ADHD populations. Participants included 96 adolescents: 32 ADHD, 20 RD, 19 ADHD and RD, and 25 normal controls. A number of standardized measures were used to compare abilities across reading comprehension, reading and language component skills, working memory ability, and attention. Regressions analyses were used to examine the relationship between different reading and language component skills and reading comprehension. Commonality analyses were conducted to explore the interrelationships between the predictors of reading comprehension. Adolescents in the RD groups (RD only and ADHD + RD) had lower scores on measures of reading comprehension relative to normal controls, although these scores remained within the average range. Adolescents in the ADHD group showed more difficulties on silent reading comprehension compared to normal controls, but their scores also remained within the average range. Both the RD group and the ADHD group had significantly lower scores on word reading efficiency compared to the normal comparison group, although the scores for the ADHD group were average. The RD group had significantly lower scores across naming tasks while the ADHD group experienced particular difficulties on nonalphanumeric naming tasks. Adolescents in the RD groups demonstrated more difficulties on language tasks, whereas, the ADHD group shared difficulties with the RD group on an expressive language task requiring the organization of language. Word reading efficiency and language abilities were significant predictors of reading comprehension abilities. Additional reading and language components, such as verbal working memory and inattention, did not make significant contributions beyond reading efficiency and receptive language. Results are discussed with respect to theoretical, clinical, and educational implications. The study emphasizes the importance of targeting interventions for fluency and language weaknesses to address reading comprehension difficulties.
Numerical simulation and stability of flow in a collapsible channel
Keywords: Fluid mechanics, Mathematical models
Stability, Mathematical models
Turbulence, Mathematical models

The effect of wall inertia on stability in a collapsible channel flow is investigated by solving the linearized one-dimensional flow and wall equations. This is a continuation of an earlier study where these equations were solved numerically and it was discovered that numerical stability holds only for collapsible channels which are impractically short. As a remedy for this, we implement a third-order scheme and demonstrate numerical convergence and stability for longer length tubes. The numerical scheme is used to simulate flow in a collapsible channel representative of a human trachea. We demonstrate static divergence in a collapsible segment and notice that in the presence of wall inertia, an incompressible flow model will predict an infinite wave speed.
"From crying to laughing": the transpersonal curriculum. Sharing experiences of transformative learning with participants in an "Art of Living" course: A holistic program for self-directed change in adult learners
Keywords: Holistic education
Life change events
Breathing exercises
Mind and body
Stress management
Meditation
Transpersonal psychotherapy
Yoga

The focus of this study is grounded in recognition of the emotional impact of issues facing members of vulnerable populations and of the need to address the affective dimension of adults' experiences of personal growth and transformative processes. In a qualitative inquiry involving hermeneutic phenomenology, reflections on the lived experiences of participants in a holistic breathing and meditative course entitled, the "Art of Living" course, attempt to provide insight into the affective correlates associated with transformative learning experiences, and particularly the manner in which a synergistic relationship between elements of holistic curricula may contribute to personal change and growth. In view of the need to provide alternatives to atomistic and impersonal social programs, it is hoped that this information will be of relevance to educators and other professionals concerned with the design and delivery of holistic learning programs across multiple disciplines and target populations.
Contrasting parental versus sibling influences on the development of children's conflict management strategies
Keywords: Sibling rivalry, Ontario
Conflict management, Ontario
Parental influences, Ontario

The influences parents and siblings have on the development of children's conflict management strategies in the context of sibling disputes was examined with 34 families at two time points. The siblings were approximately 2- and 4-years old at Time 1, and 4- and 6-years old at Time 2. In-home observations of naturally occurring sibling disputes were collected and conflict management strategies were coded. Results indicate that parental intervention in sibling conflict (both rate and type) was unrelated to changes in the frequency and quality of sibling disputes over time. In contrast, the siblings exerted a powerful and direct influence on each others' use of conflict strategies across the two years. The sibling effects are interpreted in light of sibling status differences and reciprocation of fighting behaviour. The absence of long-term parental influences on children's conflict strategies is discussed.
Exploring the protective effects of positive sibling relationships on child adjustment in stressed families: a longitudinal assessment
Keywords: Brothers and sisters
Families
Dysfunctional families
Life change events
Stress in children
Friendship in children

A two-wave longitudinal design was used to examine the protective effects of positive sibling and peer relationships on child adjustment for children whose families experienced negative life events. At Time 1, mothers provided information about negative life events experienced in the previous twelve months, closeness of the target child to their peers, and the target child's emotional and behavioural adjustment. Older siblings assessed the quality of relationship between themselves and target children. Two years later, mothers provided information about the target child's current emotional and behavioural adjustment. Results revealed that sibling affection moderated the relationship between exposure to negative life events and internalizing outcomes but closeness to peers did not. Notably, the protective effect of sibling affection was evident regardless of the relationship quality between mother and the target child. Neither sibling affection nor closeness to peers moderated the relationship between exposure to negative life events and externalizing outcomes.
Facing the legacy of the 'Dirty War': A truth commission for Mexico
Keywords: Criminal justice, Administration of, Mexico
Rule of law, Mexico
Truth commissions, Mexico

In this thesis I analyse Mexican transitional justice policies adopted in 2001 by the Fox administration. After facing a legacy of human rights abuses perpetrated by public authorities, the new democratically elected government undertook an ambitious plan to deal with the past. The main objectives of this endeavour were delivering justice, uncovering the truth and providing reparations. To accomplish these goals, a Special Prosecutor Office was created and conceived as the key actor. After assessing the strengths and flaws of the transitional justice policies implemented, particularly in light of their ineffective results, I propose the creation of a truth commission as an instrument to promote democratic values, such as accountability and rule of law. I examine some of the possible contributions of a truth commission in the Mexican context. Finally, I suggest a holistic approach, in which a truth commission co-exists with criminal prosecution and other transitional justice mechanisms.
Copyright law, digital technology and the future of entertainment
Keywords: Downloading of data
Copyright infringement, Prevention
Copyright, Performing arts
Copyright, Music
Copyright, Motion pictures
Peer-to-peer architecture (Computer networks)

Evolutions in file sharing technologies and the Internet are transforming the way that entertainment content is delivered and used by consumers. The traditional control that the entertainment industry was able to exert over content is being usurped as music and movies become increasingly digitized and freely and instantaneously accessible around the globe. Once content is made available in this way, it can be reproduced with perfect fidelity, thereby undermining the exclusive rights to which creators and owners of such content are entitled pursuant to copyright laws. This thesis will critically examine the legality of downloading unauthorized entertainment content over the Internet. This thesis concludes by recommending a compulsory licensing scheme with a "sunset" provision that not only compensates rights holders, but also encourages the use and further development of various technologies, including Digital Rights Management and Peer-to-Peer file sharing systems.
Adapting to changing workscapes: exploring the experiences of people making adjustments to changing work situations
Keywords: Organizational change, Psychological aspects
Employees, Attitudes
Adjustment (Psychology)

At the beginning of the 2000s a rapidly changing work climate has become standard in North America. The work stage has become fluid for a variety of reasons: the Internet has had an impact on all sectors, particularly on broadcasting, commerce, communication, education, finance and health care; many public institutions are merging in order to cut costs, and most corporations are affected by technological changes and globalization. This study seeks to identify key characteristics of people who have successfully navigated the current work environment. The study uses a qualitative methodology involving interviews over a two-year period with six study participants and six co-participants. It is about learning, ingenuity and growth. The findings indicate that the participants are socially and emotionally aware, project a confident, healthy image, have a strong set of values, and are sensitive to their own and others' needs. They are creative problem-solvers and active learners. The participants are members of familial, social and professional networks, are open and available emotionally to their families, friends and co-workers and are willing to judiciously share thoughts and feelings. The participants are all highly skilled in their areas of expertise and continue to seek learning to stay current. The study participants have experienced challenging situations, yet they maintain a positive attitude towards their work lives. They admit feeling fear when confronted by threatening work situations, but they do not allow fear to paralyze them; instead, they deal with the situation with strength, charm and wisdom. Overall, they approach their work situations as creative not reactive endeavours. The study found that each participant shares a set of competencies, values and attitudes which make up a WHOLE profile: The participants' WHOLE profiles are unique and fit into personal, spiritual, learner/thinker and social spheres. The implications of this study suggest that change is successfully handled by people who have balanced personality aspects. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Adapting instruction: general educator's responses to variability in the academic ability of their students
Keywords: Teaching, Instructions and study
Ability, Testing
Students, Rating of
Academic achievement

The main purposes of this study were threefold: to investigate the range of student academic and behavioural ability in general education classrooms; to examine the level of instructional adaptation provided by teachers; and to explore the relationships between a set of teacher variables and the amount of adaptive instruction teachers are making in response to the range of student learning needs. Twenty-nine teachers and 451 students from schools in southern Ontario participated in the study. Teachers described the level of students' academic ability, and acceptable behaviour as well as the level of instructional adaptations they provided their students. Measures of effective teaching behaviours, teacher attitudes and beliefs and teaching efficacy were also obtained. Results indicated that there is a diverse range of student ability and behaviour present in classrooms and also that teachers are exhibiting more curricular adaptations in response to greater variability of student academic ability.