VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Constructing post-conflict justice, the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission as an ongoing invention of reconciliation and truth

This thesis examines the development of a language supporting the creation and the work of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Following Foucault and others it describes the extent to which this language affected and was affected by the practical reality of the institution and the socio-political context in which it had to operate. It explores four main areas of this construction process: (1) The definition of the social, legal and political environment of post-apartheid South Africa as incompatible with retributive, conventional justice. (2) The elaboration of an alternative model of action with the help of images and myths, especially that of the Chilean Commission on Truth and Reconciliation. (3) The integration of victims and perpetrators to this specific discourse of reconciliation and justice, the former through the appropriation of their victimization narratives and the latter through a readjustment of the TRC's discourse about moral rectitude. (4) The rhetorical function of the concept of national reconciliation as a positive moral signifier adaptable to practical context. The research follows these developments across different sites, in Parliament, in the TRC itself, and in different Committees of the TRC. Conclusions include: (1) The elaboration of the TRC was an ongoing, continuous readjustment of concepts, practices and discourse rather than the fulfillment of a strategy, and therefore its development is better understood as symbolic exchange and social action in context than as political decision-making. (2) The power of the TRC discourse and justice as reconciliation and truth resides in its ability to produce a unified, consistent worldview and not in its ability to "actually" produce reconciliation or truth.
Addition of Positively Charged Tripeptide to the N-terminus of Fos bZIP Domain, Implications on DNA Bending, Affinity and Specificity

GKH-Fos/Jun is a hybrid protein designed to contain a metal binding motif in the form of a GKH tripeptide at the N-terminus of Fos bZIP domain dimerized with the Jun bZIP domain. We examined the effect of the addition of positively charged GKH motif to Fos on the DNA binding characteristics of the Fos/Jun heterodimer. Comparison of the apparent dissociation constants of the unmodified control Fos/Jun (cFos/Jun) and GKH-Fos/Jun heterodimers reveals that GKH-Fos/Jun binds the AP-1 site with a 6 fold decreased affinity than does cFos/Jun. In addition, GKH-Fos/Jun exhibits a 4 fold increased affinity for nonspecific DNA in comparison to cFos/Jun. Furthermore, helical phasing analysis indicates that GKH-Fos/Jun and cFos/Jun both bend the DNA at the AP-1 site. However, the degree of the induced bend by GKH-Fos/Jun is greater than that induced by cFos/Jun. Our results suggest that the unfavorable energetic cost of increased DNA bending by GKH-Fos/Jun results in a decrease in specificity and affinity of binding of the heterodimer to the AP-1 site.
Dialogue and process consulting

This thesis documents the use of "Dialogue" among ten Process Consultants in organizational contexts in Canada, the United States, South America, and South Africa. While these Process Consultants cited vivid examples and benefits of its use in client organizations to build capacity for change, reconnect to purpose, reframe conflict, and sustain learning communities, dialogic discourse was perceived as anachronistic to elements of western information age organizational culture. As such, it was perceived to face some significant barriers to diffusion. Beliefs about the optimal organizational contexts for dialogic conversation were linked to how these individuals perceived or positioned themselves as Process Consultants in relation to their self defined niche or contribution to organizations.
Reliability study of the Laparoscopic Skills Index, LSI, a new measure of gynecologic laparoscopic surgical skill

This thesis deals with the construction and reliability testing of the LSI, a new multiitem measure of laparoscopic skills in gynecology to be used in the human model. 'Methods'. The construction of the LSI involved (1) item selection; (2) selecting a method to scale responses; (3) design; (4) choosing a scoring method. Reliability was evaluated in two phases (1) a 'pilot study' in which six raters reviewed six videotaped procedures (subjects), on two occasions, separated by one month; (2) a ' main study' in which four raters reviewed 20 videotaped procedures (subjects). The main study was conducted following efforts to improve the LSI reliability. 'Results of the main study'. Cronbach's alpha was 0.95 indicating a high level of internal consistency. A "best measure" reliability coefficient for interrater reliability was ICC = 0.77 (95 percent CI 0.56 to 0.90) which is considered to be very good. This result was attained after excluding one rater where a systematic bias was evident. The LSI appears to have the properties of a unidimensional index in which the item variables are true components of the overall attribute. Before entering into general usage, construct validity must be determined and the two methods of administering the LSI, in vivo and by videotape, must be compared.
Characterization of novel proprietary posterior composite materials

Packable composites have been introduced by various manufacturers of dental resin composites as 'improved' restorative materials simulating the favorable handling properties of amalgam through variations in resin composition, particle distribution and/or content of the incorporated fillers. In addition to the quality of packability, the materials are claimed to have superior physical and mechanical properties and are said to demonstrate a reduction in polymerization shrinkage as compared to universal use resin composites. To verify these claims independently, the aim of this thesis was to characterize these new materials and determine whether the alterations made to the resin composites were made at the expense of any other physical or mechanical parameter. An attempt was made to define the concept of 'packability' and establish a standard for the future testing of packable restorative materials. Lastly the materials were tested for changes in adaptation to tooth structure and gap formation on simulated clinical restorations.
The evaluation of contractors based on financial data using Data Envelopment Analysis

The increased number of business failures in the construction industry reflects the need to develop new tools to evaluate contractor performance. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a powerful analytical tool that has the versatility to give a single measure of performance while simultaneously handling the multiple inputs and outputs that represent the most significant factors involved in a construction company's activities. The goals of this work were to develop a model based on DEA methodology capable of accurately assessing the financial performance of contractors and to utilize the model to provide a set of financial benchmarks. This provided insight into the performance levels being achieved in different locations across Canada and in different segments of the industry, namely, building, heavy civil, and specialty construction. The results of this study have provided benchmarks that managers can utilize to increase company efficiency in the construction industry, thereby, promoting an environment of excellence.
Turbulence modulation in gas-particle flows, a comparison of selected models

The problem of turbulence modulation, the process whereby the gas-phase turbulence is modified by the presence of particles, is investigated. Experimental trends are examined and parameters affecting turbulence modulation and the mechanisms by which turbulence modulation occurs are identified. A new model that accounts for the crossing trajectory effect is presented. This model and the turbulence modulation models of Chen and Wood [4], Tu and Fletcher [45], and Mostafa and Mongia [30] are investigated using the TASCflow CFD code. The models are compared with the experimental results of Tsuji et al [44]. The model of Tu and Fletcher is not able to reproduce either general experimental trends or the experimental results, while the other three models can predict the general experimental trends but cannot reproduce the experimental results. Analysis shows that the turbulent viscosity, [mu]'t', plays an important role in modifying the turbulence intensity profiles. The new model was not able to capture the crossing trajectory effect for the flow considered.
An ethnography of assessment in elementary schools

My thesis exposes the interconnections underpinning the daily hum of elementary school classroom life. This organization extends beyond the class room. Invisible links maintain and control its current flowing from the Ministry of Education to school boards, to school principals, and ultimately to classroom teachers. This current then extends out into the community to students' homes. It ultimately returns to schools to children's teachers. The child's report card is central to the organization of these interconnections, this movement back and forth. My research focuses both on the informal and formal assessment work of teachers. I explore how a seemingly simple, straightforward piece of paper--the report card--contributes to a classroom organization by investigating with teachers how they do the informal work of assessment in their classrooms as well as the formalized, periodic assessment that are ultimately entered on to the report card form. I "recover" teachers' everyday school related experiences and "problematize" them to show how they are ultimately shaped by much larger social relations emanating from beyond the local, neighborhood school. An educational discourse organizes, co-ordinates, regulates, and guides what happens in schools. This great organization is accomplished through the use of a myriad of texts. At the heart of this thesis is the report card. It is a small yet powerful and active document. The thesis explores how the categories, concepts, and ideologies found on a child's report card are articulated to the teacher's daily work of assessing students in the classroom. It describes the actual work of producing the text of a report card, and the part played by relations between teacher and principal and teacher and parent. A textually-mediated discourse is substituted for actual events. The texts that it generates become the institution's knowledge of the child.
Partitioning and transport of organic compounds in air-plant-soil systems

The mass transfer and equilibrium phenomena experienced by semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in an air-plant-soil system were investigated with the objective of compiling a comprehensive mass balance model of the relevant processes. Quantitative-Structure-Property-Relationship (QSPR) methods were developed to estimate relevant physical chemical properties of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for modelling purposes. Activity coefficients in air, water and octanol were correlated with molecular structure using group contribution techniques. Activity coefficients for PCBs in octanol, ãO, were independent of chlorine number and an average value of 3.6 was determined. To establish the validity of treating plant saps as equivalent to water in vegetation models, solubilities of 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene, 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene and pentachlorobenzene were measured in sucrose solutions (artificial plant saps) of various concentrations at three temperatures. The presence of sucrose induces either a positive or a negative effect on aqueous solubilities with no general trend. The magnitude of the effect is small. Enhanced mobility of organic compounds in certain plant species cannot be attributed to the presence of sucrose. Diurnal fluctuations in atmospheric concentrations of PCBs over grassland were modelled successfully using a sinusoidal function. An average terrestrial surface-air mass transfer rate constant of 0.25 h-1 or greater was estimated. Two field experiments were performed to measure the uptake and clearance processes in air-grass exchange. The uptake results, in which growing grass was segmented and analysed according to age, showed higher concentrations in the more exposed six-week-old tips, but relatively constant concentrations in less exposed one- to four-week-old segments. PCBs with log 'K OA' (octanol-air partition coefficient) greater than 9.2 fail to approach equilibrium in six weeks. Clearance rates of PCBs from artificially contaminated grass were measured and showed rapid initial clearance from the surface (corresponding to halflives of 0.95 to 5.0 h) followed by a much slower clearance from the inner leaf. Rates were independent of 'KOA ' but dependent on temperature. Two fugacity-based models were developed to interpret these field results. Major resistances in air-grass exchange were indicated as being present between the surface and the inner leaf; and between the canopy air and the air above. Diurnal temperature variations influenced concentrations in grass significantly.
A postmodern exploration of the discourse(s) of childhood and how they produce the active child's body, a case study of Toronto parks and recreation documents

This postmodern exploration of the discourse(s) of childhood and how these discourse(s) produce the active child's body seeks to fill a gap in the research on children and sport which has been based on traditional developmental assumptions about children. Document analysis of staff training manuals for the Toronto Department of Parks and Recreation reveals the myth that children's recreation ought to be competitive sport and the myth that sport develops children into 'good' adults. These myths are conveyed and produced by the discourses of patriarchy, capitalism, the cure for social problems discourse and the discourse of development. Children's bodies are also marked by power relations in terms of age, ability, gender, race, and social class, and these Parks and Recreation documents mark children's bodies in ways which privilege the dominant male, white, middle class body. These power relations also organize and constrain children's recreational experiences in the Parks and Recreation programmes. The concluding chapter suggests avenues for resistance and liberation by children through recreational activities.
Molecular events involving p27§k§i§p¹, p53, HER-2/neu, and ER in multistep progression of breast cancer

Despite a wealth of research resources including tissue cultures, cell lines, and antibodies, the genetic alterations responsible for the development and stepwise progression of breast cancer are still unclear. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses have failed to identify consistent gene deletions, mutations, translocations, or amplification in sporadic cases of breast cancer. Earlier work using monoclonal antibodies has however provided a basis for ' in vitro' characterization of breast cancers by defining a variety of breast cancer-associated molecular events. These events mediate important functions such as growth regulation, cell-cell adhesion, differentiation and proteolysis. In this study, the analysis of some of the most well characterized molecular markers in breast cancer has shown that molecular events involving the Estrogen Receptor (ER), p27Kip1, p53 and HER-2/neu are mainly involved in the progression from low grade disease to high grade disease as assessed by their immunohistochemical expression. As a result, there seems to exist a more well defined dissociation between the mechanism of intraductal progression and the mechanisms involved in the progression to invasion in breast cancers. Future functional studies of these individual molecular events will lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of breast cancer and of potential targets for rational therapy.
Development of lipopeptide detergents for the solubilization and crystallization of membrane proteins

Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) are involved in numerous cellular functions. Knowledge of their 3D structure is crucial to understanding their mechanism of action. X-ray crystallography is the most powerful technique used to solve the 3D structure of IMPs to atomic resolution. However, IMPS represent less than 1% of the protein data bank structures. The bottleneck in obtaining these structures is the inability to generate well-ordered crystals. IMPs have large hydrophobic domains that are solubilized with detergents which do not favor crystal formation. This thesis presents a new class of detergents, lipopeptide detergents (LPDs), designed to improve the crystallization properties of IMPs. Their design, synthesis and purification are presented. Their secondary structure, pH stability, micelle size and ability to solubilize lipid bilayers are characterized. Finally, this thesis presents evidence demonstrating that LPDs are superior to a traditional detergent, octylglucoside, in maintaining the solubility and stability of a model IMP, bacteriorhodopsin.
Sex differences in surgical risk, an analysis of strokes after stroke prevention surgery

This thesis compared the surgical complications of carotid endarterectomy in men and women, using Ontario administrative data as well as data from two randomized trials. The administrative database analysis indicated that women were more likely to be institutionalized after surgery (odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.13, 1.72, P = 0.003), and were more likely to have an extended length of stay (odds ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval 1.09, 1.31, P $<$ 0.001). The trials database analysis found a trend towards an increased risk of perioperative death or stroke in women compared to men, but this was not statistically significant (odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 0.75, 2.38, P = 0.32). These results suggest that the risk of some adverse perioperative events is greater in women than in men.
Anoxia reduces whole cell permeability in cortical neurons of the anoxia tolerant turtle, Chrysemys picta belli

The western painted turtle, 'Chrysemys picta belli,' is one of the most anoxia tolerant species presently known. It has been postulated that anoxia tolerant species can acutely reduce membrane ion permeability (Channel Arrest) as a means of reducing energy requirements during anoxia. To test this, whole cell conductance (Gw) was measured in turtle neurons using a whole cell patch clamp technique. Perfusion of cortical sheets with control (normoxic) saline did not result in any significant changes in Gw. However, anoxic and adenosine (200[mu]M) perfusions significantly reduced Gw, an effect which was inhibited with the inclusion of EGTA (5mM) in the recording electrode. Additionally, perfusion of cortical sheets with high levels of extracellular calcium (4,8mM) also reduced G w. To determine if the observed changes in Gw can be attributed to changes in gap junction permeability, a whole cell patch clamp technique was employed to measure changes in whole cell capacitance (Cw) during normoxic, anoxic, high adenosine (200[mu]M and high calcium (4mM) perfusions. Whole cell capacitance values calculated under these conditions did not change significantly when compared to control values. Additionally, injection of lucifer yellow into turtle brain neurons did not show dye propagation to neighbouring cells during either normoxic or anoxic perfusion. These data suggest that whole-cell conductance does decrease with the transition to anoxia in turtle brain and that the response is not entirely intrinsic to the tissue but may be systemic. Furthermore, the lack of dye propagation during conditions that decrease Gw suggests that gap junctions are not involved in the observed anoxia-mediated changes in Gw.
Native and non-native speakers' participation in educational asynchronous computer conferencing, a case study

This thesis presents a case study of graduate students' participation in optional course-related asynchronous computer conferencing (ACC) in the theoretical framework of Activity theory. The investigation was concerned with both native and non-native speakers of English. It was found that the main factors that influenced participation in ACC were students' goals, motives, attitudes and beliefs. For example, students who believed the community had great importance in cognition, participated actively in ACC. The motives for participation ranged from interest in discussing the issues in the course to concerns about one's own position in the academic community. In the conference, students engaged in activities such as status-building, knowledge-gaining, knowledge-building and community-building. All non-native speakers of English in the class took part in ACC with Knowledge Forum, while only 41.6% of the native speakers did so. Further, the perceived benefit of computer conferencing was greater for the non-native speakers. Most of them reported they could express their ideas better in ACC than in face-to-face discussions and pointed out computer conferencing was beneficial for their language and academic development.
Tharu, the starting point on the Ways of Horus

This thesis concentrates, on the identification of the fortress of "Tharu", the capital of the 14th nome of Lower Egypt and the starting point on the Ways of Horus in North Sinai. In Chapter 2, ancient references to the "Ways of Horus" are discussed. An interpretation of the inscriptions of Seti I is presented. Chapters 3 and 4 focus on ancient references to "Tharu", as well as the orthography and meaning of the name. Chapter 4 also reviews the scholars' predominant view being that Tell Abu-Seifa, was ancient Tharu. The hypothesis that Tell Haboua I is actually Tharu is put forward. Chapter 5 discusses the SCA excavations at Tell Abu-Seifa, revealing a Graeco-Roman fortress, settlement, magazines and harbour. In Chapter 6, the SCA excavations at Tell Haboua I are reviewed. Chapter 7 highlights the recent discoveries at Tell Haboua II, which revealed a smaller New Kingdom fortress dating to the time of Seti 1, as well as magazines and a settlement. This fortress may be identified as the "Dwelling of the Lion", the second station on the Ways of Horus. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Current-mode circuit technique for SenseFET application in BLDC drive

This thesis presents a novel approach of current sensing in smart power integrated circuits with current-mode circuit technique. The proposed system is to be used for brushless DC motor drive for the application of integrated intelligent motion control. By virtue of a current conveyor, the current information is obtained from a current sensing power MOSFET (SenseFET). Current signal conditioned for the purpose of control and protection is quantized by a switched-current 2nd order [Sigma]/[Delta] A/D converter. The use of current mode signal processing technique eliminates conventional current sensing resistor to increase sensing accuracy. In addition, this current data acquisition system makes the integration of small signal processing, control logic and power parts into single chip with CMOS compatible fabrication technology a possibility. The introduction of an innovative current memory cell to switched-current A/D converter greatly increases the current signal handling capability and reduces the power consumption and silicon area. The advantages of the new memory cell are verified by mathematical analysis and Hspice simulations. The data acquisition system was implemented in TSMC 0.35[mu]m CMOS process. The simulation result verified functionalities of the proposed system, however, chip testing is needed to evaluate the performance of the design.