VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
A low-power CMOS fractional-N frequency synthesizer

Frequency synthesizers find wide applications in different communication systems. The demand for higher performance and speed from one side, and lower power consumption and cost from another side, makes the synthesizer's design a challenging task. In this thesis, a very low power integrated circuit fractional-N frequency synthesizer was designed which employs a $\Delta\Sigma$ modulator in its architecture to digitally control the output frequency and also to shape the noise of the dual modulus divider. The target application for this design is clock recovery in digital communication receivers in which the timing information is obtained in digital domain (such as baud-rate timing recovery method). This information has to be applied to a digitally-controlled frequency synthesizer which generates pulses to sample the incoming data for extracting the information. The center frequency of VCO is around 315 MHz which makes the system suitable for high speed applications (622Mb/s in case of 4-PAM modulation scheme). The chip is fabricated in a CMOS 0.35$\mu$ process and consumes only 8.5 mW power using a single 3.3 V power supply.
The physical and biological factors that influence the isomerization of lycopene

Epidemiological and dietary intervention studies demonstrate an inverse relationship between the consumption of tomato and tomato products and the incidence of cancer. The overall aim of this thesis was to evaluate the effect of physical and biological factors that influence lycopene isomerization. Following results were observed: (1) All-'trans' lycopene was the predominant isomer in tomatoes, tomato products and supplement. (2) Heating tomato juice in the presence of olive oil enhanced 'cis' isomerization of lycopene. (3) Tissue and serum samples had higher levels of ' cis'-isomers. (4) Peak lymph concentration of lycopene was observed 6 hours post-administration. These results suggest that 'cis'-isomers of lycopene may be responsible for the protective effect in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Intimacy and law, the role of victim-defendant relationship in criminal justice decision-making

Do some types of violent offenders receive more lenient treatment in the criminal justice system because of the relationship they share or shared with their victims? Many people believe that the answer to this question is yes--defendants who victimize intimates are treated more leniently than other types of defendants in cases of violent crime. Despite this belief, however, the findings of research to date have not allowed for any conclusive statement regarding the role of intimacy in law. Drawing from various perspectives, my research assesses whether and to what extent the relationship between the defendant and the victim affects criminal court outcomes and begins to explore commonly-held assumptions about intimacy and violent crime that may be relevant to criminal justice decision-making. I use the wide sample/deep sample approach that requires two partially-overlapping, but distinct data sets to examine these issues. The wide sample of cases comprises the total population of homicides in Toronto, Ontario that were dealt with through the criminal justice system between 1974-1996. These data are examined to determine the extent to which various types of relationships, ranging along a continuum of intimacy, affect legal outcomes. A deep sample of cases is selected from the wide sample and is used to determine how and why the relationship between a defendant and his/her victim may affect criminal justice responses to violence. Results indicate that: (1) the association between intimacy and law varies by type of victim-defendant relationship and stage of the criminal process examined; (2) outcomes at earlier stages of the process have implications for outcomes at stages; (3) intimacy does not always lead to more lenient treatment; (4) the lenient treatment of intimate violence has abated somewhat over time; (5) when cases are matched according to legal criteria, defendants who killed sexual intimates appeared to be treated more leniently than all other types of defendants, and (6) judicial rationales for punishment appear to vary by type of victim-defendant relationship. I discuss the theoretical and policy implications of these findings.
Interrogating the social construction of race and difference in Ontario public schools

This thesis examines the construction of race and difference in the Ontario public school system and interrogates how racism, in particular, intersects with other forms of oppression along the lines of gender and class. As an entry point to the discussion, the thesis further examines the existing ideological relations of Eurocentric power and dominance in learning as hegemonic and calls for a counter-hegemonic discourse through antiracism education. In that context, the thesis discursively engages research on how cohorts of black and minority students experience difficulties in school relations and how the school itself, and local communities are implicated in the struggle for equity, justice and fairness. Throughout the entire discussion, the thesis critiques the dominant view of what is considered "normal" and "stable" knowledge and provides an explanation for how minority students have come to be identified as "different" from the norm. Suggestions for reforming the school system and teacher education, in particular, are provided.
A novel leaky millimeter-wave linear slot antenna array

A novel leaky-wave antenna operating at 30 GHz is presented in this thesis. The proposed antenna is a coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed linear array of closely-spaced capacitive transverse slots. Wave propagation within periodic media is reviewed and the properties of leaky-waves and fast-wave guiding structures are examined prior to the design. Design equations are developed based on a loaded transmission line model of the antenna structure. The antenna design is subsequently refined through full-wave simulation. Finally, a test antenna is characterized both experimentally and theoretically in terms of fundamental antenna parameters. This type of tilted-beam antenna is well-suited for indoor broadband wireless communication systems.
A consideration of children as a social group liable to oppression

In the world today, children experience various forms of social injustice and human rights violations such as poverty, forced labour, torture and even death. This thesis builds an argument based upon Iris Marion Young's conception of social groups that children are also a social group in ways similar to other groups claiming to be oppressed. Using Young's definition of oppression, this thesis further establishes that children experience oppression in the forms of exploitation, marginalization, powerlessness, cultural imperialism and violence. It examines the implications for adults of the oppression of children, especially for teachers and parents and offers a rationale and suggestions wherein such conditions can be mitigated or removed.
Robust and intelligent control of mobile manipulators

In recent years, there has been considerable research performed in the area of mobile manipulators subject to kinematic constraints. This thesis addresses the position control problem of mobile manipulators subject to kinematic constraints. The main objective is to develop practical controllers that can be easily implemented on a mobile manipulator in the presence of parameter uncertainty and unmodeled disturbances, such as terrain irregularity and unknown payload. In this thesis, two mobile manipulator controllers are developed: (i) a neural network-based hierarchical intelligent controller; and (ii) a hierarchical robust controller, each aiming at different control purposes. The proposed hierarchical intelligent controller is based on 'radial basis functions'. As such it has very good learning ability and adaptability, thus it is especially suitable for applications where mobile robots move in unknown and changing environments. When the adaptability is less demanding ('e.g.', the environment is partially or completely known), or when the available system resources, such as size of embedded memory and on-board computational capability are restricted, the hierarchical robust controller is suggested as an alternative. It has a simple control structure and a low computational load. Both proposed controllers require the measurement of velocity signals. In practice, velocity sensors may have to be omitted due to considerations of size and weight. In this case the velocity signals are determined by a first-order numerical differentiation of available position signals. This may introduce significant noise in the control signal and degrade its performance. To resolve this problem, in this thesis we propose a new reduced-order adaptive observer-based velocity measurement technique requiring only position measurements. Rigorous stability and performance analysis of the developed theory is also provided in the thesis. In addition, extensive experiments were conducted on a four-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.
The presence of myth in the Pyramid texts

The Pyramid Texts, written on the walls of the entrance corridors, antechambers, and funerary chambers of the royal pyramids of the late Fifth and entire Sixth Dynasties, are filled with mythic statements and allusions, without using prose or poetic narrative. They functioned as a holistic group, each distinct from the other, yet each working within the group to create a situation paralleling the mythic, celestial world of the afterlife. By this means, the king (and later, queen) were caused to enter and assume their rightful place in the afterlife as deities. The language of the texts provides evidence for the process by which this takes place: aligning the royal with the deities by means of family terms, and using various literary methods of inserting the king into the world of the myth. The placement of the texts has proved to be of interest because, while certain spells of protection or offering were placed around entrances or around the stone sarcophagus, the majority of the spells show by their content that no specific placement was intended. Many spells are found on different walls in different pyramids; in fact, rarely are the same spells found in the same place in two pyramids. Ultimately, the Pyramid Texts functioned as a passageway into the afterlife, creating a mythic existence for the king (and queen), with the rooms of the pyramids used as the vehicle for this creation.
Family satisfaction with long term care facilities, psychometric properties of the Family Evaluation Survey

The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Long Term Care Family Evaluation Survey. The Family Evaluation Survey, with 31 items in 5 domains was examined for reliability, content validity, and construct validity. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and validity was assessed using Principal Axis Factoring with orthogonal and oblique rotation techniques. The Survey demonstrated moderate to high reliability; alphas between 0.63 and 0.95 and mean inter-item correlations between 0.32 to 0.73. The factor analysis, however, revealed four underlying factors and these demonstrated consistently high internal reliability (alphas over 0.90). The results suggest that the Family Evaluation Survey, as developed by the research team, is a psychometrically valid and reliable instrument and that it should provide a useful way to capture family members' views of quality of services provided by long term care organizations.
Separation of oryzanol from crude rice bran oil

The separation of oryzanol from crude rice bran oil was investigated with the ultimate goal of industrial application. The oryzanol was concentrated from the crude oil and then isolated by silica gel column chromatography. Preparation of the oryzanol concentrate was attempted by the extraction of unsaponifiable matter, solvent extraction and step-wise elution chromatography. Methanol, ethanol and dimethylformamide were each evaluated for the solvent extraction. The column chromatographic separation was optimized with respect to mobile phase, flowrate, column height, and column width. The dimethylformamide extraction of the crude oil proved to be the optimal method of oryzanol concentration with respect to oryzanol recovery and concentration in the extract. This method produced a fraction containing 8.4 $\pm$ 0.6% oryzanol, concentrating oryzanol by a factor of 9.7 $\pm$ 0.6 from the crude oil. The column chromatographic system, with the mobile phase toluene/ethyl acetate 90:10 by volume, separated oryzanol from the less polar compounds in the extracted concentrate. However, oryzanol could not be isolated from the more polar components. Variations in flowrate, column height, and column width did not significantly enhance the separation. Scale-up of the dimethylformamide extraction did not affect oryzanol recovery. Furthermore, extractions with fresh and recycled solvent showed no difference in the extracted oryzanol concentrate. Therefore, pilot-plant scale-up of this extraction should be considered. Isolation of oryzanol from the concentrate by column chromatography should be further investigated with the use of reverse-phase silica as the adsorbent.
Myocardial buffering capacity & hydrogen ion accumulation during global ischemia, are there gender differences?

Despite a 2-fold higher LV BC in females compared to males, during global ischemia, hydrogen ion accumulation ([Delta][H+]) appeared to be higher. In addition, in females, lactate levels (30 min. ischemia) were 11% less in the LV and 65% less in the RV, than males. The ovarian stages estrus and metestrus demonstrated a 50% lower BC compared to proestrus, with the lowest [Delta][H+] levels in estrus. Within ventricles, females displayed exaggerated LV-RV differences with respect to [Delta][H +] and lactate levels (30 minutes ischemia). Female hearts may be at a greater risk of ischemic injury in the LV which may also depend on the ovarian stage of the cycle.
Osteology, phylogeny and biogeography of Parioglossus (Perciformes: Gobioidei)

'Parioglossus' (Perciforms, Gobioidei) is a group of small fishes that inhabits warm temperate to tropical regions of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Sixteen species and one undescribed species ('P '. sp A) were identified during this study. The taxonomy, external characters, osteology, phylogeny and biogeography of the genus were investigated. A parsimony analysis of the 17 species generated three most parsimonious trees. All trees support the following relationships between species: (((((' P. dotui, P. neocaledonicus')'P. nudus')'P. marginalis') 'P. lineatus')'P. triquetrus'); which is the sister group of (('P. nudus, P'. sp A) ' P. philippinus'); the grouping of (('P. interruptus, P. palustris ') 'P. taeniatus'); their relationship with ' P. raoi' and 'P. sinensis' is unresolved; ' P. verticalis' is the sister species of all other ingroup taxa. A biogeographical analysis of the genus suggests that western-Pacific was not the centre of origin, but rather has overlapping biotas from different areas.
Collaborative action research on enhancing student communication in mathematics, building a teacher-researcher community

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships of three teacher-researchers as they developed a small community of practice while conducting action research on student communication in mathematics. The teachers set specific goals for instructional improvement. Their reform-based interventions were monitored, as were student mathematics learning logs. Simultaneously, activity and reflections of the teacher-researchers were documented over eight months. A grounded theory approach was used to analyse data through the processes of open, axial, and selective coding. An overarching model for collaborative action research was generated from the data. Sources of data included interviews, observations, group meetings, learning logs, and teacher-researcher journal entries. The main finding of this study was that successful instructional change required: (1) an active reflective stance by the participants; (2) a small supportive community of practice; and (3) the obviation of sources of tension.
Effects of compliant material properties and nozzle geometries on SailRail air bearing performance

The SailRail system is a compliant, air-lubricated linear thrust bearing, which is capable of achieved coefficients of sliding friction as low as 0.2%. Development of this system has been done on a trial-and-error basis over the last 30 years; the present work is aimed at understanding the theory of operation of the bearing. Two avenues are explored: a simplified-geometry model of the bearing is designed and used to study the effects of material properties on air-bearing action. Also, a representative configuration is used to investigate nozzle geometry on effective friction. Results show the current compliant material, cellulose tissue, exhibits better performance than cast urethane or sheet polyethylene; in addition, tissue exhibits excellent moment-recovery properties. A new radial nozzle geometry, simpler than the currently-used one, is shown to not have an adverse effect on performance; in some cases, performance is enhanced.
Organizational responses to illegitimacy, the case of needle exchange programs in Ontario

Needle exchange programs (NEPs) are controversial Human Immunodeficiency Syndrom. (HIV) prevention programs. This study focussed on how NEPs in Ontario identify and respond to illegitimacy and the impact of responses on service delivery. Neo-institutional theory and the strategic response literature were used as frameworks. Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 59 NEP workers, managers and Medical/Executive Directors. Data were transcribed and entered into Ethnograph. Data were coded based on theoretical and emergent concepts. Data analysis involved an iterative process of comparing data with theory and theory with data. Results show that NEPs are situated in an environment dominated by the discourses of abstinence and criminal justice. NEP clients, injection drug users (IDUs) are a highly stigmatized group believed to be undeserving of publicly funded disease prevention programs. As a result, NEPs, are often regarded as illegitimate. NEPs use varied strategies to overcome the perception of illegitimacy. NEPs try to prevent labelling as illegitimate by demonstrating conformity with institutional expectations using strategies such as imitation. Other NEPs, seek external endorsements. NEPs also try to co-opt institutional authorities and manipulate institutional demands. However, attempts to prevent illegitimacy are not always successful. Questions about the effectiveness of needle exchange, behavioural goals, and the 'worthiness' of clients represent threats to NEP legitimacy. Responses vary from attempts to demonstrate conformity with expectations to negotiation, avoidance, defiance and manipulation of the institutional environment. NEPs also contend with questions about legitimacy from clients. Responses reflect a blend of manipulation of institutional demands and compliance with client demands. In particular, NEPs adopted an outreach model and have redefined the service-provider client relationship. Efforts to redefine this relationship have created opportunities, but also strained the non-judgmental stance espoused by NEPs. Slowly, NEP workers and managers are trying to influence the social discourse with respect to IDUs and appropriate social responses to drug-related harm. NEPs seek to increase the constituency of individuals who perceive NEPs as legitimate programs and IDUs as valuable members of society. Increased support for NEPs and experimentation with different models of service delivery may increase the potential for HIV prevention in Ontario.
A new method for generating the cyclopropylmethyl radical, and generation of ketenes with Proton Sponge

Generation of cyclopropylketene (28) from a Wolff rearrangement and reaction with a stable aminoxyl radical such as TEMPO (10), has provided a new method to generate a cyclopropylmethyl radical clock. After initial attack on the ketene by the radical at the carbonyl carbon generating an enolic radical, this radical can either be trapped by TEMPO leading to ring closed products, or can ring open and subsequently be trapped. The rate of ring-opening can then be calculated from the ratio of products, the rate constant for diffusion controlled processes and the concentration of TEMPO. Generation of ketenes from their corresponding acid chlorides with Proton Sponge has led to a new method by which to produce ketenes in high yields without dimerization (Leckta, et al., 'J. Am. Chem. Soc'. 2000, 122, 7831). Heptafulvenone (10), vinylketene ( 11), butadienylketene (12), allenylketene (13), and the novel bisketene (14) have all been generated by this protocol with Proton Sponge and observed as rather longlived species in solution. Trapping with the free radical TEMPO has led to some rather unusual products.
Design and generation of a recombinant hepatitis B-based viral vector system for use in cellular receptor studies

The hepatitis B virus remains a prevalent global problem despite the availability of recombinant vaccines. One of the greatest challenges facing hepatitis B researchers is the unavailability of an in vitro hepatitis B virus replication system. As a result, initial viral entry steps as well as the cellular receptor for HBV remain undefined. In this study, construction and generation of recombinant hepatitis B viral particles carrying a reporter gene has been attempted. Different immortalized cell lines were tested for their ability to drive hepatitis B promoters. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was placed under control of the different hepatitis B promoter regions and transfected into Chang Liver, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO), HeLa, Hepatoblastoma G2 (Hep G2), Human Hepatoma 7 (HuH-7), Ost-7, and Sf9 cells. Only Hep G2 and HuH-7 cells were capable of driving EGFP expression under all HBV promoters. Recombinant baculoviruses carrying replication-defective HBV genomes and HBV packaging genes were generated to deliver HBV DNA into Hep G2 and HuH-7 cells. The ability of these cell lines to secrete replication-defective HBV particles was confirmed using specific PCR reactions and electron microscopy. Further development of this viral system would eventually provide us a useful tool to help elucidate the early stages of the hepatitis B virus replication cycle. This, in turn, will further the development of drugs and therapies for those infected with the hepatitis B virus.
Quality of life, exploring the perspective of persons with spinal cord injury

This descriptive-exploratory study, guided by the human becoming theory, explored quality of life (QOL) for six persons within twelve weeks of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Four themes emerged: (1) resolving to prevail, (2) considering alternative views, (3) dwelling with enriching affiliations, and (4) bewildering uncertainty. Participants' perspectives shifted post-injury. An awareness that view and approach to life shaped QOL, and the determination to overcome limitations was expressed. Beyond presence, thinking and talking about important relationships contributed to QOL. Uncertainty pervaded the participants' experience. Themes are consistent with research related to the experiences of continuing through difficult times and life altering illnesses. Health professionals may contribute to QOL by facilitating links to important others, by engaging in discussions to surface changing views of a situation, by witnessing the struggle to overcome limitations, and by listening to how others live with uncertainty. Additional research on QOL will continue to build knowledge.