VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Connection in the therapeutic relationship, sharing a subjective world

While a positive therapeutic relationship is necessary to successful therapeutic outcome, it remains a variable that is not well understood. A review of the theoretical and empirical literature indicates that the relationship's interactive, subjective, dynamic nature has been largely ignored. This study attends to the relationship's essential yet elusive nature by exploring clients' and therapists' experiences of 'connection' in the therapeutic relationship. Twelve participants were drawn from the OISE/UT Depression Project. Consistent with a two-person model of relationship, 'both ' clients and therapists in six therapeutic dyads were interviewed about their experiences of connection in actual videotaped therapy sessions. Interpersonal process recall (IPR) interviews were conducted in order to capture the moment-by moment, subjective meaning and experience of connection for the participants. A grounded theory analysis was utilized in order to integrate both the clients' and the therapists' subjective experiences of connection. The resultant theory determined that 'connection in the therapeutic relationship is the experience of sharing a subjective world'. The moment by-moment experience of connection ranges from the ordinary to the profound, and it is grounded in the relationship in which it exists. Therefore, the experience of connection in the therapeutic relationship is defined by the unique, asymmetrical boundaries of the therapeutic frame. For both participants in a dyad, sharing a subjective world in the therapeutic relationship is coming to know, and interact with, the client's inner world. The process of connection closely parallels the process of psychotherapy and, while the therapeutic process facilitates connection, connection facilitates the therapeutic process. The mutual work of therapy is connecting, as is the interactive process of building the therapeutic relationship. Connection is, and is a result of, all the 'shared' and 'interactive ' choices participants make to 'open' up their ' subjective worlds'. The culmination of these choices is the experience, for 'both' client and therapist, of connecting with the client's subjective world. For the therapist, this is the experience of meeting and sharing another's inner world. For the client, this is the experience of knowing his/her own inner world. Therefore, in connecting with another, one ultimately connects with oneself. This is the significance of connection in the therapeutic relationship.
The necrotic and apoptotic injury of cardiac xenotransplants caused by human serum

Xenotransplants are injured by preformed immune components found in the serum of the recipient. Human serum mediates the necrosis of a xenotransplant by the activation of the complement cascade by preformed xenoantibody. This form of immunological rejection is called hyperacute rejection (HAR), which has been attributed to cause endothelial cell necrosis. In the absence of HAR there is the onset of delayed xenograft rejection (DXR). The pathological mechanism of DXR remains controversial, however apoptosis has been implicated as a possible mechanism of injury. These studies investigate the role of human serum in mediating both necrotic and apoptotic injury to xenotransplants and the participation of these processes in HAR and DXR. Monoclonal antibodies directed against human xenogeneic IgM antibodies (anti-XeIgM) significantly reduced xenogeneic IgM (XeIgM) binding to cultured porcine endothelial cells (PAEC) as much as 83.2 ± 2.1%, as measured by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. There was no significant reduction in IgG binding by any antiXeIgM. The reduction of XeIgM also reduced complement mediated cell cytotoxicity of PAEC 'in vitro', and prevented HAR 'in vivo'. The pathological analysis of heart biopsies from mice that received human serum treated with anti-XeIgM revealed no signs of necrosis and no classical signs of HAR. Heart biopsies from mice transfused with human serum were examined for the presence of apoptosis 'in situ' by terminal dUTP nicked end labeling (TUNEL). Mice in whom HAR was prevented had approximately a ten fold increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells (% apoptosis) 18 hours post injection compared to animals given saline, and a four fold increase over animals that experienced HAR. Administration of cobra venom factor (CVF) decomplemented human serum did not significantly (p > 0.05) alter the % apoptosis demonstrating that the classical mediators of HAR, namely antibodies and complement, do not participate in xenograft apoptosis. The addition of 20 mM Gal Ã 1,3 Gal to human serum significantly (p < 0.05) reduced % apoptosis to levels observed in saline treated control animals. Human serum induces apoptosis of isolated pig and mouse rod shaped cardiomyocytes, but not cultured human cardiomyocytes 'in vitro'. Supplementation of culture media with recombinant human TNF-Ã did not induce apoptosis of xenogeneic cardiomyocytes at concentrations found in normal human serum. These results demonstrate that human serum initiates both a necrosis and an apoptosis via two separate pathways to injure the cardiac xenograft.
The effects of job insecurity on beginning secondary school teachers

The purpose of this study is to consider the effects that job insecurity is having upon beginning teachers. It is focused on teachers with less than four years of teaching experience and employed, under contract, in the secondary panel of public schools. This study looks at both professional and personal effects of insecurity. The teachers who are involved in teaching while facing insecurity are the primary source of qualitative data, through interviews. These interviews will provide details about what they perceive as the effects of job insecurity. The stories and experiences of the teachers will be analyzed to identify recurring themes or ideas that the participants discuss. This research will help administrators and colleagues to understand and support beginning teachers through uncertain times.
Functional neuroanatomy of delay tasks, delayed response, delayed alternation and object alternation

The functional neuroanatomy of human performance on 4 delayed response tasks (spatial/object delayed response [DR-S/DR-O] and spatial/object alternation [DA/OA]) was investigated using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Tasks were presented to 5 healthy participants (Mean age = 20 years; 3 males) in a blocked design while in a 1.5T scanner. Dorsolateral prefrontal activations were noted in Brodmann areas 8, 9, 10, 46 for all tasks. Several areas were specifically correlated with object-based task performance and included Brodmann areas 32, 6, 40 (OA) and the thalamus bilaterally (DR-O). Neither mnemonic domain (Goldman-Rakic, 1987) nor processing (Petrides, 1996) theories of functional specialization for working memory within the prefrontal cortex were supported. Findings were consistent with a model of functional dissociation between memory selection and maintenance processes in prefrontal cortex (Rowe et al., 2000). Anterior cingulate activations during OA are consistent with studies implicating this structure in response inhibition and cognitive control.
Rectification of circles, spheres, and classical geometries

The goal of this thesis is to describe all local diffeomorphisms mapping a collection of circles (res. spheres) in a neighborhood into straight lines (res. hyperspaces). This description contains two main results. The first is a complete description of the general rectifiable collection of circles in 'R'3 (or spheres of codimension 1 or 2 in ' Rn' passing through one point. It turns out that to be rectifiable all circles (or all spheres) need to pass through some other common point. The second main result is a complete description of geometries in which all the geodesics are circles. This is a consequence of an extension of the Beltrami theorem by replacing straight lines with circles.
Unforgiving remembrance, the concept and practice of Eingedenken in Walter Benjamin's late work

The aim of this study is to develop an integrated perspective on Benjamin's philosophy of memory. Although nowhere subjected to a substantial treatise in its own right, the theme of memory occupies a ubiquitous position in Benjamin's late authorship. It plays a central role in his works of literary criticism, in his studies of material culture, in his sociology of modernity, in his philosophy of history, and in his quest to politicize the past through a controversial fusion of historical materialism and theology. The focal point of the study is the concept of 'Eingedenken'--a neologism which Benjamin first employs in translation of Proust's ' mémoire involontaire' but which in the course of the 1930s becomes associated with a "Copernican revolution" in the philosophy of memory. The thesis argues that Benjamin employs Eingedenken in a "systematically oriented" fashion to distinguish a concept of memory that is true to the experience of modernity (characterized by a prevalence of shock phenomena and a decentring of subjectivity) and that posits a radical obligation to the past paradoxically as a means of activating the present. The important conceptual counterpart to this is Hegel's concept of Erinnerung. Like the latter, Eingedenken displays a dialectical structure, but it does this in accordance with Benjamin's notion of "dialectics at a standstill." Against the mediating, conciliatory thrust of Erinnerung, Eingedenken remains true to suffering in the past by refusing reconciliation with past wrongs. Structurally, the study is divided into two main parts with three chapters each. Chapters 1-3 develop the 'context' of Benjamin's philosophy of memory and chapters 4-6 develop the ' concept' of Eingedenken. The contextualizing chapters examine, firstly, the general parameters of Benjamin's politics of the past; secondly, the Hegelian backdrop to this; and thirdly, Benjamin's analysis of experience in the context of modernity. The three chapters on the concept of Eingedenken, in turn, examine a moment identifying Eingedenken as involuntary memory; a moment oriented towards 'seizing' the involuntary; and a moment of mobilizing Eingedenken as a political/redemptive force. Benjamin identifies Eingedenken as a 'weak' messianic power; the present study probes the implications of this.
Adaptive Turbo-Bit-Interleaved Coded Modulation for Wireless Channels

The use of bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) over Doppler fading channels has been analyzed. We show that bit-interleaving outperforms symbol interleaving in both slow and fast fading channels with one propagation path. In multipath, slow fading channels, which characterize third generation wireless environments, we show that bit-interleaving is again better than symbol interleaving when a RAKE receiver is employed and the number of resolved paths is small. We generate a simulation model for 3G propagation environments and show that inter-symbol interference (ISI) induces an error floor when a large number of propagation paths are used in RAKE reception. Furthermore, an adaptive channel scheme has been designed for use in third generation (3G) wireless systems. Our system, based on punctured turbo bit-interleaved coded modulation, provides spectral efficiencies between 2/3 and 16/5 bits/symbol/2D and operates at symbol signal-to-noise ratios as low as -1.4dB. Using small data block sizes required for 3G (5000 bits was chosen), our system tracks capacity to within 2dB at BER = 10-3 and 2.85dB at FER = 10-2.
The role of 4-1BB/4-1BB ligand costimulation in T cell responses

4-1BB is expressed on activated T cells, whereas its ligand, 4-1BBL is expressed on activated antigen presenting cells. Following 'in vitro ' peptide stimulation, both transgenic CD4+ and CD8 + T cells maximally expressed 4-1BB at 48 h, although expression was more transient in the latter. 'In vitro' studies demonstrated that 4-1BBL augmented CD4+ T cell responses which resulted in enhanced IL-2 production, CD28-independent, while IFNã production remained CD28-dependent. T cell responses to influenza infection in wildtype, 4-1BBL-/-, and CD28-/- mice were assessed. At the peak of response, wildtype and 4-1BBL-/- mice showed similar expansion, whereas CD28-/- mice showed a decrease. At 3 weeks post-infection followed by restimulation, both 4-1BBL-/- mice and CD28-/- mice showed decreased numbers of influenza-specific T cells compared to wildtype mice. Thus, 4-1BBL and CD28 appear to share non-overlapping roles in the response to influenza with CD28 playing a role in initial expansion, and 4-1BBL later in the response.
Drug research in pediatrics, overcoming the ethical challenges

The American Academy of Pediatrics recognized that failure to conduct pediatric drug research may deprive children of significant therapeutic advances. However, several ethical questions need to be addressed if we continue to undertake pediatric drug research. In studies requiring repeated blood sampling, issues of potential risk, invasiveness, and pain management strategies need to be addressed. To characterize the pharmacokinetic parameters of amlodipine in children, a population pharmacokinetic design was utilized in order to address the issue of repeated blood sampling. Subsequently, a comparative bioavailability study of two formulations of amlodipine was completed in adult volunteers instead of a pediatric population due to ethical concerns. In order to offer additional pain treatment options for children before blood sampling procedures, the topical local anaesthetic amethocaine was studied in adults. This thesis attempts to show that research in children is ethically defensible, but adults must sometimes be used to answer pediatric research questions.
The evaluation of evaluation, a critical perspective on management aspects of teacher evaluation in Ontario's school systems

As illustrated in the literature review, the professional literature in both education and management is surfeited with methods of evaluation, both hypothetical and established, in addition to criticisms and meta-criticisms of those methods. As far as is generally known, little has been done to correct or improve teacher evaluation from a management or systems perspective since the majority of evaluations is still done by principal observation. This position is thoroughly outlined in the section on the literature review. The present study, as described in the methodology section, through probing and assertive interview techniques rooted in strategically-selected, literature-based provocation-hypotheses, attempts to investigate that situation. Those segments of the study, the data and the analysis, are, without apology, designed to expose those defensive attitudes that seem to have been inculcated upon both the teachers and principals. As evidence in the thesis illustrates, overall those attitudes are seen to be present as part of a general culture of compliance. Not only has this environment of acquiescence in that culture acted to reinforce the status quo, but it also may have given rise to a complementary, even more specific culture of mythology heavily focused around the whole topic of evaluation. Those portions of the study, the data and the analysis, reveal serious flaws in management's planning of evaluation. The discussion segment immediately following seeks to highlight serious deficiencies in management, which could possibly be corrected within most modern management systems. The focus on these flaws is outlined with respect to the current literature and extrapolated further into implications, recommendations and suggestions for future studies. Additionally, a systemic gap in efficiency seems to exist when other more established professions and the teaching profession are contrasted. It is the judgement of this study that the practices still prodigiously defended by principals and sometimes by teachers have already been abandoned by other professions. These other university trained professions, notably engineering, law and medicine, have recognized the pernicious effect of avoiding serious, consequential evaluation. It is in the last segment, however, speculation on implications and recommendations, that the outline for future studies are detailed. There, suggestions are offered that describe possible solutions. Those proposed projects could be instrumental in restructuring the culture and the environment of teacher evaluation. It is hoped that this thesis will at least provide some impetus to begin the initial process that might help establish a solid link between teacher evaluation and teacher effectiveness.
Laozi, re-visiting two early commentaries in the Hanfeizi

The 'Laozi' or 'Daodejing' is the foundational text of both philosophical and religious Daoism, and is one of the most important books in Chinese history. The earliest extant commentaries on this text form chapters 20 and 21 of the 'Hanfeizi,' a prominent text of the Legalist tradition. These commentaries, 'Jie Lao' ('Explaining 'Laozi'') and 'Yu Lao' ('Illustrating 'Laozi''), are surrounded by questions of authenticity, and have often been misunderstood by scholars who interpret them in the spirit of Han Fei's Legalist philosophy. Therefore, this thesis re-visits these commentaries and analyzes each in isolation, considering their dating, authorship, and philosophical affiliations in order to better situate them within the context of Warring States intellectual history. Stylistic and doctrinal coherence are taken into account, as well as the impact of recent archaeological finds, including those at Mawangdui (1973) and Guodian (1993). Finally, complete new annotated translations of the commentaries are provided.
Middle class community in Tehran, social networks, social support and marital relationships

The main goal of this study is to examine the characteristics of the networks of Tehrani men and women (structure, composition, and content), their effects upon the flow of resources, and the association between the structure of network and marital relationships. In addition to studying the effects of network structure on housework division, this thesis examines other possible explanatory factors (time availability, gender role ideology, and the power resources of couples) in order to identify the effects of network characteristics on division of housework. This thesis focuses on different aspects of personal networks. Using a personal network approach, it analyzes the characteristics of middle class community in the Islamic and Middle Eastern context of Iran, and it provides detailed information about the social networks of middle class individuals. As such, it contributes to the scarce existing network literature dealing with middle-class networks in developing countries. The analysis is based on 318 structured, face-to-face interviews that were conducted with individuals from the 159 households. Both husband and wife from each household were interviewed. The sample represents Tehran's middle class households who were randomly chosen from five districts (10 neighborhoods). The approach is similar to the approaches developed by Fischer (1982) and Wellman and Wortley (1989, 1990) with a few revisions to suit Iranian conditions. Findings show that women and men do not differ with respect to the structure and composition of their networks. However, they differ in the relational characteristics of their networks; e.g., the way of contact, and the level of multiplexity. Women and men's networks contain a large proportion of kin overall. This may not be a matter of their individual preferences but a result of the opportunity structure. Middle class Tehranis' networks principally provide advice, emotional aid, and companionship. Men and women perform different supportive roles both within the family and outside. While women provide "feminine" types of support (e.g., services) men are the main provider of the more "masculine" types of support (e.g., financial support). Gender is the most important determinant of household tasks. The findings also indicate that the nature of the support network, and time availability are associated with the gendered division of domestic tasks, the results are different for men and women. Network density and time availability are significant predictors of men's involvement in housework, while total spousal support is the main predictor of women involvement in domestic tasks. The impact of social and economic changes on Tehranis' networks is discussed.
A study of absenteeism in the Toronto Board of Education, 1850-1997

This case study was an examination of the role, function and structure of absenteeism in the Toronto Board of Education, using both historical inquiry and quantitative analysis of contemporary student data. Multi-method triangulation was used, a research process using multiple measures or methods to examine a research question where a single data set might not be appropriate. There were three directions. Firstly, a literature review found little agreement among researchers on the role and importance of absenteeism. Secondly, an historical overview of Toronto Board policy on absenteeism examined documents relating to absenteeism, 1850–1997. Absenteeism was at the core of Toronto Board educational policy from the 1850's to the 1940's. Policy towards “truant” students was at first retributive, but in the twentieth century policy was changed to societal and family interventions, resulting in the foundation of most of the board's current student support services. However, absenteeism disappeared as an important educational issue by the 1970's. Thirdly, an analysis of Toronto Board administrative data looked at student absenteeism from several directions: datasets of 75,000 students registered 1996–97; Grade 9 students followed 1991–1996; and 11 year old students followed 1992–1997. Among the findings: (1) There is a consistent relationship of age to average absenteeism, which is linear for students 13 and older. (2) Gender was a minor influence on absenteeism. Students who lived in two-parent households were significantly less likely to have above-average absenteeism than those in other types of households. Among Grade 9 students, post-secondary plans, hours of homework and part-time work, home language, type of high school, and academic level also influenced levels of absenteeism. (3) Absenteeism was strongly linked to credit accumulation and other achievement patterns. Students with high absenteeism in Grade 9 were much more likely to drop out, and less likely to graduate. Absenteeism in any given year was moderately linked to absenteeism in the previous school year and the following school year, but the relationship faded over time. (4) Contemporary secondary absenteeism is higher than that of historical records from the 1960's. This may be due to the increasing retention in the secondary school of traditionally `at risk' students, a process similar to that which occurred in the primary school system in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Keywords: School attendance
History
Fréquentation scolaire
Histoire
Application of neural networks to the modeling of water treatment particulate removal processes

This study examined the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to particulate removal processes. Using data collected from the Manheim Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and the Britannia WTP, ANNs were developed to model settled water turbidity and post-filter particle counts. Particle counts in certain size channels of the instrument may be used as a surrogate for pathogens such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Once modelled, the underlying relationships learned by the ANN were established by determining the sensitivity of the particulate quantity to the network input parameters, such as pH, alkalinity, temperature, coagulant dosage, coagulant aid dosage, and flow rate. These underlying relationships were then used to obtain optimal alum and polymer dosages, or filter flow rates in order to achieve a pre-selected level of post-filter particle counts. Furthermore, given the cost of the coagulant and coagulant aid, the underlying relationship may be utilized for cost minimization.