VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Eastern philosophy and holistic education

This study explores a philosophical foundation for holistic education from diverse perspectives of Eastern philosophy. While the holistic education movement has existed in North America since the late 1980s, my studies in fields of both holistic education and Eastern philosophy indicate that Eastern philosophy can significantly enlarge the scope of holistic education. To grasp the fundamental structure of Eastern philosophy, I examine the remarkable ideas of some Eastern thinkers including Suzuki, Nishida, Hisamatsu, and Izutsu (Chapter 2). The essential structure of Eastern philosophy lies in the multidimensional understandings of reality. Based on these understandings, I introduce a framework of holistic education called 'the five dimensions of reality' (Chapter 3), which intends to integrate both Eastern and Western perspectives. In short, 'Dimension I' is the objective reality of individual beings. 'Dimension II' is the social reality underlying the objective distinctions of individual beings. ' Dimension III' is the cosmic reality (nature, life, and the universe). ' Dimension IV' is the infinite reality as the metaphysical ground of all beings. 'Dimension V' is the universal reality in which the infinite reality manifests itself in all dimensions. According to this model, holistic education is defined as an attempt to explore multidimensional reality, namely, to attain the profound depth of one's existence and thereby to recover the wholeness of reality. From the viewpoint of this framework, I examine six orientations of contemporary holistic education (Chapter 4) and clarify that ecological and cosmological theories of holistic education remain in the third dimension of the cosmic reality and lack insights into the deeper dimensions of reality with which Eastern philosophy is mostly concerned. Also, I compare the idea of interconnection in contemporary holistic education with the idea of interpenetration in Buddhist philosophies to highlight the Eastern views of relationships (Chapter 5). Furthermore, I explore Eastern views of pedagogical concepts such as educational aim, nature, language, learning, and development (Chapter 6). Finally, I explore the practical aspects of the multidimensional holistic education in the light of the Eastern ways of contemplation and art (Chapter 7), and the Eastern ways of action and compassion (Chapter 8).
High-yield pulp of hybrid poplar wood by integrating steam explosion process as a pre-stage to alkali pulping

High temperature and pressure treatment of chemically impregnated wood chips has been investigated as a pre-treatment prior to kraft and soda pulping to achieve higher yield. The experimental study was carried out in four phases--the pre-treatment of raw material; physical analysis of pre-treated wood; micro-pulping, to identify the effect of process variables on delignification and pulp yield; and small scale pulping to confirm the trend from micro-pulping and evaluate the pulp properties. Small uniform fragments were obtained upon pre-treatment and the wood architecture was disrupted due to the collapse of a large number of vessel elements present. Lignin structure appeared to break down to a certain extent. Mathematical models, based on micro-pulping experiments, are proposed to predict the dependency of yield and lignin removal on process variables. Pretreatment of raw material is found to have advantages over untreated material through improved pulp yield and reduced chemical and energy requirements.
V-Horn, a Horn-based second-order theory of arithmetic

In this thesis we present a second-order theory of arithmetic ' V'-Horn, which encompasses polytime reasoning. It is equivalent in power to Zambella's 'P'-def and Cook's 'QPV' or 'PV'1; however, whereas those systems contain function symbols for all polytime functions, 'V'-Horn achieves the same power by restricting the comprehension scheme to 'SO'-Horn (as defined by Grädel) formulae. Our theory is possibly weaker than <math> <f> V<sup>1</sup><inf>1</inf></f> </math> and, equivalently, <math> <f> S<sup>1</sup><inf>2</inf></f> </math>, in that it does not necessarily prove their comprehension (or induction) schemes. We describe how to encode a run of Horn-SAT algorithm on a 'SO '-Horn formula by a <math> <f> SO&exist;</f> </math>-Horn formula, and use this result to demonstrate that 'SO'-Horn is probably closed under complementation. The same method can be used to show that 'V'-Horn provably defines all polytime functions. We also show that some descriptive complexity results about ' SO'-Horn logic, in particular the collapse of 'SO'-Horn to its existential fragment, are formalizable in 'V'1 -Horn, a restriction of 'V'-Horn.
The effect of the ketogenic diet on animal seizure models

The purpose of the present work was to develop an animal seizure model of the ketogenic diet that could be used in future experiments to study its mechanism of action. In the first experiment proconvulsant effects were seen in rats when the effects of the "medium chain triglycerides" ketogenic diet were tested in 4 standard seizure models (maximal electroshock, electroconvulsive shock threshold, metrazol threshold and maximal metrazol). It was hypothesized that these proconvulsant effects were due to the weight differences between the ketogenic diet and control subjects. In the second experiment, weight differences were eliminated, and anticonvulsant effects were seen in the electroconvulsive shock threshold test. In the third experiment, the "classic" ketogenic diet of Bough et al. was tested in the metrazol infusion model, and shown to have anticonvulsant effects. In the fourth experiment, the "classic" ketogenic diet was found to be anticonvulsant in two different seizure models--the electroconvulsive shock threshold model and the maximal metrazol model. Thus anticonvulsant effects of the ketogenic diet can reliably be seen in animals when the weights of the ketogenic diet and control subjects are equalized, and when sensitive tests are used. Experiments related to mechanism can now proceed.
Finding meaning places for healing, toward a vigilant subjectivity in the practice of a nurse educator

"In order to reflect theoretically upon my practice, it is not required that I change physical contexts. It is required that my curiosity become epistemological. (Freire, 1997b, p. 96)" Nursing originated within the realm of healing and care. During the early 1900s, the practice of nursing was highly influenced by the medical model and driven by traditional empirical research. The care of the individual was, and still remains, directed by the diagnostic representation of illness. Yet many of the seekers of health care claim to be unheard when attempting to describe their own personal experience with illness and to express their wishes or opinions regarding treatment and healing. This research study explores published and/or public artistic, poetic, and narrative representations of those who have been touched by health or healing challenges with the intent to review literature and examine issues surrounding illness/healing representation in health care. The research then focuses upon the autobiographical data, which consists of my own poetic representations, and questions the work of representation as an agent of subjectivity for the practitioner/healer in the development of the healing relationship with the seeker of care. The overall purpose of this research is to uncover the possibilities for understanding healing and the healing relationship through the development of a vigilant subjectivity that embraces an ethic of care that listens to and receives the subjectivity of Other. The central questions of my research are: (1) What might the exploration of aesthetic narratives of the self of the practitioner, and of the seekers of care as interpreted by the self of the practitioner, bring to light about the ethics of care and the healing relationship? and more specifically, (2) What is the work of aesthetic representation, as an agent of subjectivity, in the fostering of an understanding of healing for the practitioner/healer and for the seeker of care? The methodology works with critical autobiographical narrative approached through a phenomenological attitude, one which raises questions about the nature of human experiences in an effort to uncover deeper meaning structures within them. The autobiography will encompass multiple voices in dialogue, including the voice of my poetic representations written in a time period from 1994 to present; the voice of journalistic notes written immediately after certain poems; and my current voice as researcher. As well, this dialogue calls upon the "voices" of Other which emerge from the published/public textual representations previously examined by the researcher. Thus, although the data is autobiographical, it invites other text into dialogue. This research keeps in mind Freire's (1997b) recognition of the primacy of dialogue, specifically that dialogic experience implies a critical posture and is fundamental for building epistemological curiosity.
Accumulation of Hypophysiotropic Hormone mRNAs in Somatotroph Pituitary Tumors, Biological, Clinical and Prognostic Implications

The behavior of somatotroph pituitary tumors greatly varies, however, the events/mechanisms underlying this variability remain poorly understood. These tumors arise from transformation of somatotrophs, the growth hormone (GH) producing pituitary cells. The secretory and proliferative capabilities of the normal somatotroph are governed by two hypothalamic (hypophysiotropic) hormones: growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SRIF). We have shown that the neoplastic somatotroph can, in a nonrandom fashion, assume the capacity to transcribe and translate genes encoding GHRH and SRIF, the mRNA levels of which are associated with prognostically relevant differences in tumor behavior. In 100 adenomas studied by in situ hybridization, the distribution of GHRH and SRIF mRNA transcripts was quantified, and their clinicopathologic correlates determined; protein translation was confirmed by Western blotting. GHRH transcripts were found to preferentially accumulate within aggressive tumors. Specifically, GHRH mRNA signal intensity was: (i) linearly correlated with Ki-67 tumor growth fractions; (ii) linearly correlated with blood GH levels; (iii) higher among invasive tumors; and (iv) highest in those tumors in which postoperative remission was not achieved. Alternatively, SRIF transcripts were found to preferentially accumulate among clinically favorable variants; the SRIF mRNA signal was: (i) inversely correlated with Ki-67 tumor growth fractions; (ii) inversely correlated with preoperative GH levels; (iii) higher in noninvasive tumors; and (iv) highest in tumors amenable to surgical remission. From the GHRH and SRIF mRNA signal intensities, several significant logistic models of postoperative outcome were fitted and validated in a second population of 30 somatotroph adenomas. The pattern of GHRH and SRIF transcript accumulation permitted tumors to be meaningfully grouped into aggressive and favorable variants; aggressive variants expressed high and low levels of GHRH and SRIF transcripts, respectively; favorable variants expressed high and low levels of SRIF and GHRH transcripts, respectively. That the latter clinically favorable state could be approximated pharmacologically with presurgical therapy an SRIF analog. This agent was associated with an antiproliferative effect and reductions in GHRH mRNA and protein expression. The nonrandom and prognostically informative patterns of GHRH and SRIF transcript accumulation supports an autocrine/paracrine regulatory role for these hypophysiotropic hormones in this tumor system.
Point-sampling algorithms for simulating motion blur

Motion blur refers to the effect in which a moving object appears blurred along its trajectory in a photograph. Motion blur serves to convey a sense of movement in still photographs, and to "smooth out" motion over an animated sequence of frames. In the pursuit of photorealism, it is essential for rendering algorithms in computer graphics to simulate this effect. Many algorithms have been proposed to simulate motion blur, the most successful of which rely on point-sampling the spatio-temporal rendering function. Unfortunately, most existing sampling strategies tend to produce excessive noise and banding artifacts when applied to the problem of motion blur, due to temporal discontinuities in the visibility component of the rendering function. In this thesis, we apply and expand the principles of Ouellette and Fiume's Random Seed Bisection adaptive sampling algorithm for the purpose of generating motion-blurred images. By adaptively seeking out the temporal visibility discontinuities, our algorithm can produce smoothly blurred images free of excessive noise and banding artifacts for the same computational cost as existing algorithms. An electronic version of this thesis can be found at http://www.dgp.utoronto.ca/~jrmeredi.
Justice and diversity in Northern Ireland, concepts, constitutions, and judgments

This dissertation is concerned with issues of justice in diverse societies, with a particular focus on Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland provides a useful context for exploring the tensions and puzzles that arise for justice when political and cultural diversity is figured at the centre of democratic practice, and not at the margins. Recent debates in political theory (led by Charles Taylor, Iris Marion Young, and Will Kymlicka) have explored the theoretical background to, and the tensions that arise for justice from the challenges posed by minorities and marginalized groups. This dissertation brings these two conversations--Northern Ireland and political theory--into dialogue with one another. Bringing the two conversations together relates the practical problems of democracy to the theoretical frameworks underlying democratic norms and institutions. So, this study brings theory and practice together and critically evaluates what they have to say to each other. The theory-practice nexus is analytically tracked by exploring the links between concepts, constitutions and judgments. This approach demonstrates how theoretical norms construct patterns of democratic practice, and how these norms can either impede or support the process of securing just outcomes in diverse societies, particularly for minorities. This analysis is brought to bear on three features of contemporary Northern Irish politics: the concept of parity of esteem, the constitutional settlement outlined in the ' Good Friday Agreement', and parades. In arguing 'for' the constitutional settlement outlined in the 'Agreement', it is argued that Young's theoretical framework offers most support to the reconceived approach to justice in Northern Ireland. From this perspective, Young's theoretical framework offers a compelling account of the relationship between political theory and democratic practice in the face of diversity. Examining Northern Ireland demonstrates that conceptual foundations and constitutional frameworks have a crucial bearing on the nature and practice of democratic politics. It is concluded that if the theoretical foundations of democratic practices are just, with respect to political and cultural diversity, then the institutions and practices that emanate from these foundations are more likely to render just outcomes for a diverse citizenry.
Design of low-profile transformers for high-frequency operation

This thesis is concerned with the design of low profile transformers for high frequency operation that we used in dc/dc resonant converters. The first objective of this work is to examine three different available design methods for high frequency transformers, mid to make a comparison of the results for a specific design. A comparison with the Finite Element analysis results is also done in order to see if these methods are accurate in terms of predicting losses. The second objective of this work is to develop an algorithm that generates design curves for a class of high frequency transformers that are height constrained. The key starting point in developing this algorithm is that an optimal design can be achieved when copper and core losses are in a certain ratio dictated by the constants that characterize the specific loss curve of the magnetic material. A set of design curves, developed using the proposed algorithm for a specific power level, is presented at the end of this thesis.
Antisocial behaviour in youth, influences and recommendations

This paper presents a theoretical review of research findings concerning predisposing influences for the development of antisocial behaviour in youth, and recommendations for intervention and prevention. An interdisciplinary literature review showed that a number of biopsychosocial factors in the areas of family systems, school/community, and genetics/neurology coalesce to predispose to aggression and violence. In the area of family systems, antisocial influences include family discord and disruption, poor early attachment, parental pathology, and weak family relationships (poor communication, low cohesion). Among the strongest predisposing family variables were paternal involvement with the criminal justice system, harsh and aggressive parenting practices, and paternal alcohol abuse. Parent-child bonding (or attachment) was found to be affected by maternal depression, parents' isolation, maturity levels, understanding of child development/care, and socio-economic status. Difficult temperament in children may be both an outcome of, and a contributor towards, family stress. Violence in the family exerted profound impact on children, leading to indirect and direct aggression. Single-parent families were found to be at greater overall risk, as were families with high levels of adversity. Violence in the media was found to impact on aggression learned in the home. Influences in the arena of school/community included co-existing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reading difficulties, and poor performance on neuropsychological tests. Socioeconomic disadvantage was correlated with a wide range of negative outcomes including family stress, indirect aggression, academic difficulties, emotional disorders, higher hyperactivity scores, and delinquent behaviour. In terms of genetic/neurological elements, it has been discovered that the most extreme type of antisocial behaviour--psychopathy--is associated with an inherited structural abnormality in the frontal lobes and/or a chemical imbalance of the brain. A confluence of variables in these three categories will almost certainly put children on a trajectory towards antisocial behaviour. Without help, their lives can become a downward spiral of delinquency, aggression, and criminal offending. Successful interventions establish early universal screening processes, utilize a multimodal educational and therapeutic approach involving the child, family, school and peers, and provide both immediate support and continuing follow-up. The costs of such interventions are minimal in comparison to the effects of chronic offending over a lifetime. Such offending currently amounts to annual costs of $46 billion dollars in Canada and $425 billion dollars in the United States.
Passivation studies of AlGaAs materials for high power laser diode development

The systematic development of a S passivation process for application in AlxGa1-xAs high power lasers is discussed. The treatment process consisted of a wet chemical etch, and a low damage dielectric coating using Electron cyclotron resonance plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (ECR-PECVD) technique. Its effectiveness in controlling non-radiative recombination near the surface of a series of AlxGa1-x As epitaxial structures was determined by photoluminescence (PL) and photoreflectance (PR) measurements. Nominally undoped, low x treated surfaces showed large PL enhancements, while the thick native oxides of high x surfaces rendered the treatment less effective. PR measurements indicated a reduction in the surface electric field in p-type materials, and increased band bending in n-type materials which was consistent with a passivation model. Initial application of the treatment process to laser diodes highlighted problems, as determined mainly by light output versus current tests. A decrease in the output power and an increase in threshold current after treatment was attributed to diffierential etching of the epitaxial layers in the S solution, and facet microroughness due to the pre-etch. However, under appropriate processing conditions, high power lifetime tests s how an improvement in reliability with treated lasers showing an average ~0.14% degradation compared to ~34% for "as is" lasers.
Homogeneous catalysis in alkaline water electrolysis

The effect of addition of a transition metal salt, chromium, as a homogeneous catalyst, to the electrolyte in alkaline water electrolysis, for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on commercial purity Ni-200 and an amorphous alloy (Ni50Co25P15B10) was investigated. Chronopotentiometry showed that electrolyte impurities such as Fe lowered the cathode overpotential but in the presence of catalyst additions, Fe reduced the catalyzing effect. An increase in catalyst concentration from 5 to 500 p.p.m. chromium led to a potential drop at the Ni-200 cathode of 160 to 400 mV and at the Ni50Co25P15B10 cathode of 170 to 390 mV. Tafel measurements indicated a change in reaction after catalyst addition although the mechanism is still unclear. An increase in exchange current density from 3.10 mA/cm2 in the absence of catalyst, to 3.74 mA/cm2 after addition of 500 p.p.m. chromium was observed for Ni-200 while for Ni50Co25P15B 10 the values were 2.95 mA/cm2 and 4.17 mA/cm 2, respectively. After catalyst addition scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed the presence of several chromium species on the cathode surface in the Cr0, Cr3+ and Cr 6+ states. Chromium additions to the electrolyte catalyzed the HER through competing reaction mechanisms.
Emotions in everyday life, their relation to depression and anxiety states

The emotional experiences of depressed, non-depressed, and previously depressed individuals were examined. This thesis was based on the data from a previous research study (Smith, 1995) that primarily focused on the relation between severe life stress and major depression. I extended Smith's work by examining the emotional variables and conducting a content analysis of thought and memory. The role of ruminative thought and generic memory as they occur in everyday emotional experiences was related to the occurrence of depression. I found depressed individuals' emotional experiences to be more similar to those of non-depressed individuals than previously suspected. Key differences were also uncovered. Depressed individuals experienced longer durations of anger and sadness as well as fewer episodes of happiness than non-depressed individuals. Similarly, depressed individuals had significantly higher levels of rumination than non-depressed individuals and most individuals who reported rumination also reported generic memories. Depressed individuals also had significantly higher levels of generic memory. Ruminative thoughts and their associated memories frequently shared common themes. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to investigate the issues this study has presented.