VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Poetry is not made of words: a study of aesthetics of the borderlands in Gloria Anzaldua and Marlene Nourbese Philip

This thesis explores an alternative critical approach as a way to overcome the limitations of North American cultural criticism in dealing with literature from the borderlands. Literatures that are in between two or more cultures are not well served by one established cultural context. Therefore, the parameters drawn from geopolitics, history, ethnicity, and gender of one culture are insufficient. The aesthetics of the borderlands creates a metaphorical space in which to explore the writings that emerge from the experiences of women who embody multiple cultural backgrounds. The poetry written by Marlene Nourbese Philip and Gloria Anzaldúa finds alternative forms to writing for reaching out to difference. Difference and writing are here recontextualized through the concept of the borderlands, which involves the language of myth and mythic consciousness once it transcends its territorial limitations. Anzaldúa and Philip's work is circumscribed by the sociopolitical realities being women, and a lesbian in the case of Anzaldúa, being mestiza or Black, and being writers. These three paradigms are juxtaposed in the borderlands of a collective historico-poetic consciousness. Within the framework of “exile,” from a mainstream audience, language proceeds by consciously remembering and defying a white culture and history that attempt to forget by violent erasure. The rearticulation of poetry, then, even transcends the displaced borderlands created between the lines, in the gaps, in the clusters of words that obstruct like rocks, and in the silences of awe and recognition that written forms conceal.
Mammalian time memory: temporal modulation of learning and performance

In golden hamsters, the expression of a conditioned place preference (CPP) is regulated in a circadian pattern such that the preference is exhibited strongly at the circadian time of prior training but not at other circadian times. We found that the same "time-stamp" phenomenon was expressed following context conditioning with an aversive stimulus (conditioned place avoidance, CPA). The results suggest that in hamsters, the emotional valence associated with the place where arousing stimulation (rewarding and aversive) is encountered is highest at the circadian time of occurrence. We further found that this rhythmic CPA performance is evident in hamsters made arrhythmic by lesioning the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Though the time-stamp in CPA performance is not dependent on the SCN, it is not independent of the effects of SCN timing in the intact animal. That is, the time stamp in CPA performance is maintained for a longer period of time when the time of training matches the SCN-determined peak in arousal. Further, a 24-hour CPA time stamp cannot be obtained in hamsters that are homozygous for the circadian clock mutation, tau. However, a 24-hour time-stamp is rescued following lesions of the SCN in these clock mutant hamsters. We present evidence that dopamine signaling may be an important neural substrate for the rhythm in CPA performance. Hamsters chronically treated with haloperidol do not display the rhythm in CPA performance, though CPA itself is intact. Finally, we demonstrate that CPP and amphetamine sensitization in the rat display a similar time-stamp, in that optimal performance is found when training and testing times match. The time of training appears to be a context feature that is registered during conditioning even though time itself is not an explicit discriminative cue in these experiments. Rodents therefore seem to be predisposed to anticipate the recurrence of arousing events at circa-24 hour intervals.
State responsibility for the violation of women's human rights: the case of domestic violence in Ecuador

Ecuador as any other state is held accountable by customary international law or the ratification of treaties and covenants. There exist specific obligations under CEDAW and the Convention of Belen Do Para to eliminate violence against women, but despite these obligations, executive, judicial and legislative powers deny these obligations in their decisions. This is a failure to comply with the obligations assumed in international agreements. Ecuador can be held accountable under International Human Rights Law given that most of Ecuadorian women reported to have been assaulted by their husband or partners. These victims disclosed a lack of diligence of the state to prevent and specially punish the perpetrators of domestic violence. Ecuador can be held accountable under CEDAW and Belem Do Para provisions not because of the high rate of domestic violence but for the lack of diligence in implementing measures to eliminate it.

Keywords: Abused women, Ecuador
Marital violence, Ecuador
Human rights, Ecuador
Women, Legal status, laws, etc
Women, Ecuador
Legal preparedness and proportionality of social distancing measures in Ontario's legislation

On the verge of a pandemic influenza, countries are engaging in public health renewal processes in an attempt to be prepared to face such a disastrous event. The importance that the law plays in these processes is evident, as it was demonstrated during the SARS outbreak in 2003. My thesis will examine Ontario's preparedness to implement measures of social distancing. My main argument is that Ontario's legal framework is not fully prepared to implement such measures in the event of a pandemic influenza. I will employ a two-pronged analysis to examine this matter, i.e. legal preparedness and proportionality. The legal preparedness analysis will determine the efficiency of the legal framework to impose measures of social distancing, while the proportionality analysis will help determine to what extent social distancing measures taken according to the actual legal framework are fair.
Barriers to and facilitators of osteoporosis investigation and treatment among older community-dwelling women in Ontario: Application of a health services utilization conceptual framework

Background. Osteoporosis (OP) is a major public health problem leading to fractures causing considerable morbidity and health care costs. Early identification of those at high risk for OP-related fractures is possible by measurement of bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Primary objectives. (1) To estimate the proportion of older women being investigated for OP by DXA testing and being treated for fracture prevention (taking a bisphosphonate, calcitonin and/or raloxifene), and (2) To identify the barriers and facilitators to OP investigation and treatment using a conceptual framework of health services utilization. Methods. Community-dwelling women aged 65-90 years residing within two regions of Ontario, and able to complete the standardized telephone interview, were eligible. Data collection began in May 2003 and lasted one year. Potential correlates were grouped by type as: predisposing characteristics, enabling resources or need factors. Hierarchical entry of variables, grouped by type, was used in model building with logistic regression. Results. Of the 871 participants (72% response rate), 55% had been investigated by DXA testing and 20% were receiving treatment. Adjusting for need factors, significant inequities in access to DXA testing and OP treatment were identified. Barriers (lack of enabling resources) to DXA testing included poor regional access, lower income and having a male primary care provider. Factors facilitating DXA testing (predisposing characteristics) included higher education, younger age and having preventive health care check-ups. Most of the variation associated with OP treatment was related to need factors, primarily identified by DXA test results. In addition to inequities associated with suboptimal DXA testing, barriers to OP treatment included lack of private drug coverage and shorter duration of relationship with primary care providers. Primary language being English, however, was identified as a facilitator to OP treatment. Conclusions. Multiple level preventive health care interventions are needed to reduce inequities in OP care. These should target educating older women about OP diagnosis by DXA and effective treatment options, and providing resources to physicians to better enable them to manage OP and communicate the results of DXA testing and the need for treatment to reduce fracture risk with their patients.
Implementation of an affine-invariant feature detector in field-programmable gate arrays

Feature detectors are algorithms that can locate and describe points or regions of 'interest'---or features---in an image. As the complexity of the feature detection algorithm increases, so does the amount of time and computer resources required to perform it. For this reason, feature detectors are increasingly being ported to hardware circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), where the inherent parallelism of these algorithms can be exploited to provide significant increase in speed. This work describes an FPGA-based implementation of the Harris-Affine feature detector introduced by Mikolajczyk and Schmid [36, 37]. The system is implemented on the Tra,nsmogrifier-4, a prototyping platform developed at the University of Toronto that includes four Altera Stratix S80 FPGAs and NTSC/VGA video interfaces. The system achieves a speed of 90--9000 times the speed of an equivalent software implementation, allowing it to process standard video (640 × 480 pixels) at 30 frames per second.
Ex vivo repair of injured donor lungs for transplantation

Clinical success of lung transplantation as a treatment for end stage lung diseases is limited by the availability of suitable organs for transplant. The majority of potential donor lungs are injured and attempts to utilize them for transplantation leads to a high risk of severe acute lung injury and mortality after transplantation. Herein we present a novel strategy to repair injured donor lungs after organ retrieval using ex vivo human interleukin-10 (hIL-10) gene therapy. We first developed a technique in which we were able to maintain pig and human donor lungs ex vivo for extended periods of time (12 h) under normothermic conditions without causing further damage. Using this technique, we were able to interrupt ongoing ischemic damage as demonstrated by preservation of the cell tight junction protein Zona Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and significant attenuation of reperfusion injury after transplantation. In contrast to traditional hypothermic preservation, this system allowed for effective ex vivo hIL-10 (a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine) gene transfer to the lungs, and provided improvement of injured human donor lungs. These findings demonstrate a novel strategy to repair injured donor lungs which may have a significant impact in alleviating organ shortage and improving outcomes in lung transplantation.
Differentiating children with and without a history of repeated problematic sexual behaviours following adult reprimand

The goal of the current study was to determine factors that differentiate children who repeated and did not repeat inappropriate sexual behaviours following adult reprimand. A literature review revealed 33 factors likely related to repeated sexual behaviours. Predictive accuracy of these factors was investigated in 62 children (9 females) recently assessed for problematic sexual behaviours. The children were divided into those with and without a history of repeated problematic sexual behaviours following adult reprimand. A relationship was found between eight individual factors and group membership and the combination of these factors demonstrated accuracy in identifying group membership. The results indicate factors that may assist in identifying children who require intervention and those likely only requiring adult reprimand to deter continued problematic sexual behaviours.

Keywords: Children and sex
Problem children
Discipline of children
Child sexual abuse
Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance studies of select electrolyte interactions with phospholipid bilayer membranes in various model membrane systems

Several select interactions between electrolytes and phospholipid bilayer membranes were investigated by a variety of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The incorporation of charged amphiphiles into bilayered micelles (bicelles), a new model membrane system, was investigated by a combination of phosphorus-31 (31P) and deuterium (2H) solid state NMR spectroscopy. 31P NMR results confirmed that, in the presence of sufficient ionic strength, charged amphiphiles can routinely be incorporated into bicelles and that they retain the ability to spontaneously align within strong magnetic fields. 2H NMR spectroscopy revealed that the changes in quadrupole splittings of head group deuterons in response to changes in membrane surface charge were consistent with the phosphocholine head group functioning as a molecular voltmeter. The interaction of the paramagnetic lanthanide ion Eu3+ with bicelles of various lipid compositions was investigated by 2H NMR spectroscopy and several different effects were observed. First, there was a progressive change in α- and β-deuteron quadrupole splittings in response to Eu3+ binding. Second was the observation of paramagnetic shifts in the isotropic chemical shifts of the observed deuterium signals. Third was the observation of a reorientation of the bicelles in the magnetic field in response to Eu3+ binding. Fluorescence experiments quantified the binding of Eu3+ so that the relative proportion of the two differently oriented phases could be correlated directly with the amount of Eu3+ bound. Additional experiments involving bicelles explored temperature effects on the 2H NMR spectra, in addition to 2H longitudinal and transverse relaxation measurements. A separate line of investigation probed the binding of Al3+ to phospholipids by employing several different NMR techniques. The amount of Al3+ that bound to phospholipid membranes was determined by means of an aluminum-27 (27Al) NMR difference assay. It was found that anionic membrane surfaces significantly increased the degree of Al3+ binding. Fast magic angle spinning (MAS) 31P NMR experiments quantified the amount of POPC and POPG that were bound by Al3+ and a distinct preference for POPG over POPC was observed. Slow MAS 31P NMR experiments indicated the potential to determine the relative proximity of Al3+ to the phosphate center of the phospholipid head group. 31P NMR two-dimensional (2D) exchange experiments allowed for a calculation of the lifetime of the Al3+-phospholipid complexes, with the Al 3+-POPG complex having a lifetime approximately 2.5 times greater than that for the Al3+-POPC complex. One final avenue of experimentation focused on observing and quantifying the rate of lipid lateral diffusion through the application of 2D 31P 2D exchange experiments under static or slow MAS conditions. Results from the latter experiments, coupled with a new spectral simulation program, identified lipid diffusion constants on the order of 5 * 10−8 cm2/sec.
From the contamination of soil to the contamination of morals: The Canadian print media's portrayal of Malvern and the spatialization of crime

This thesis takes as its starting point the intersection of work on crime, race and place in the disciplines of geography, criminology, sociology and media studies. I take up these literatures in a case study of Malvern, a racialized and classed inner suburban neighbourhood in Toronto that has received much media coverage in recent years. My content and discourse analyses of media coverage of this neighbourhood highlight the shifting media narratives of Malvern's place identity, from being a space of environmental contamination to a place of moral contamination. The prevalence of discourses of racialized 'otherness'---particularly through the use of 'disease' as a framing concept---contributes to the media construction of Malvern as an outside place. In highlighting this, I argue that media discourses of crime and race intimately affect understandings of place identities in ways that have important policy repercussions and relevance to people's everyday lives.
The relationship between the victimization history and sexual offences of male adolescent sexual offenders: a focus on sexual victimization, and sexual intrusiveness and force in offences

The present study was focused on exploring the relationship between the prior victimization experiences and subsequent sexual offences of male adolescent sexual offenders. A specific focus was included regarding the relationship between various characteristics of prior sexual victimization and both penetration and physical force in sexual offences. A total of 180 male participants ranging in age from 12 to 19 were included in this study. A series of chi-square analyses was employed to investigate the relationship between various victimization characteristics and two specific sexual offence variables of interest: Penetration and Physical Force. A relationship was discovered between prior sexual abuse and both penetration and physical force in offences, prior physical abuse and physical force in offences, prior emotional abuse and penetration in offences, and the duration of sexual victimization and physical force in offences. In addition, the relationships between specific sexual acts in the victimization and offences were investigated with significant relationships discovered for vaginal penetration in victimization and offending and anal/vaginal penetration in victimization and offending. Findings also indicated that two or more types of prior victimization might be of importance in male adolescents' commission of intrusive and forceful sexual offences, and that the sexual offences that are committed by male adolescents can be highly intrusive, forceful, and comprised of a variety of sexual acts. A series of exploratory analyses using the ERASOR 2.0 suggested that prior sexual victimization, physical victimization, and neglect might be important in clinicians' ratings of sexual offence recidivism. It was suggested that the results of this investigation are consistent with a social learning/cognitive approach. Future directions were recommended regarding the use of posttreatment information rather than pretreatment information in investigations regarding male adolescent sexual offenders' offence characteristics. It was also indicated that, given both the limitations and the findings of the present investigation, further exploration is necessary regarding both the specificity of the victim-to-victimizer phenomenon and the sexual intrusiveness and forcefulness involved in the sexual offences committed by previously victimized male adolescent sexual offenders.

Keywords: Juvenile delinquents
Child sexual abuse
Sex crimes
Juvenile delinquents, Abuse of
Male sexual abuse victims
Surviving in a male-dominated organizational culture: A feminist perspective, a case study

Based on a case study and multiple-methods research that extends over a period of four years, I explore and examine the cultural assumptions and structures of the T. Eaton Co. Ltd., a mainstream, for-profit organization. I explore and examine the cultural management styles and real-life experiences of three women, members of the T. Eaton Co. Ltd. I explore their strategies, interactions with their colleagues, peers and subordinates as they function on a day-to-day basis they create sub-cultures within their departments within a male-prescribed dominant culture. Individuals with different backgrounds, worldviews, skills and responsibilities, two respondents are in lower-level Management-Buyer positions, and the third is in an upper-level position as a Corporate Vice President of Public Relations. My findings indicate that while the company enjoyed a renowned reputation as an employer within the retail industry, with a culture that was uniquely caring in the treatment of employees, the traditional sexist assumptions and norms inscribed in mainstream bureaucratic organizational culture prevailed, as did the token woman syndrome, and the exclusion of women from upper-level positions. The value in this study may be found in identifying the sexist assumptions that are manifested as structural barriers that are inherent in the traditional mainstream bureaucratic organization, and their impact on women in management-levels or women aspiring to management roles and their. I conclude that the real work toward achieving a more woman-centered culture within the traditional dominant, male-prescribed, mainstream, for profit organization lies in revisioning women's characteristics as life-strategies, uniting them with those of their male counterparts. It is my hope that the insights raised in this study will contribute to raising the gender-awareness of managers in decision-making levels and generally men and women at all levels in the workplace. Also, with expectations of young adults, men and women, studying for careers in management, this study may be a useful case study.
Opera in Montreal and Toronto: a study of performance traditions and repertoire, 1783-1980

This thesis presents a study of the traditions of opera performance in Montreal and Toronto, and to a lesser degree, Quebec City. In addition, a commentary is offered on selected operas written and produced in the two main centres. Points of reference in exploring the subject are: the formation of the local amateur stock company, the strolling players occasionally forming seasonal stock companies to augment the efforts of the amateurs, the rise of the star system, the resident and/or touring company, the consolidation of the combination system culminating in the syndication of large touring monopolies, the eventual decline of the touring phenomenon, and the developements which came about as compensation for the loss of the tours, namely, the revival of the resident company and the growth of a national repertoire. Further subjects are the morality of opera, theatres, standards of production, opera in the vernacular, standard vs. novel repertoire, opera at popular prices, and funding for performance and later for composition. Part I deals with the dominance of the operatic touring phenomenon and its eventual decline in the mid-1960's. Developments discussed include opera as "afterpiece" to a play, "costumed" concerts, unstaged opera with piano accompaniment, fully staged performances of opera with modest and later complete production accessories. In addition, the contribution of the first resident operatic associations in Montreal and Toronto is assessed. Part II deals with the formation of various performing associations in the post-1918 period until 1980. These have ranged from local stock companies performing light opera to stock/star ensembles producing grand opera. In addition, smaller alternative associations were founded after 1945 to present chamber opera and new music theatre as well as opera in concert and on tour. Schooling for opera and the contribution of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation since the 1940's are topics also examined. Part III discusses operas composed in Montreal and Toronto, and concludes with studies of five operas written and produced there: Charles A.E. Harriss' Torquil (Montreal, 1896), Healey Willan's Deirdre (Toronto, 1944-46, rev. 1951, rev. 1962, 1964-65), John Beckwith's Night Blooming Cereus (Toronto, 1953-58), Jean Vallerand's Le Magicien (Montreal, 1961), and Harry Somers' Louis Riel (Toronto, 1964-67).