VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Performance limitations in the robust servomechanism control problem for discrete and sampled data systems

Fundamental performance limitations for error tracking/regulation are obtained in the robust servomechanism problem (RSP) for sampled data systems and for discrete periodic systems. In studying these problems, the "cheap control" problem for a multi-input/multi-output discrete time system is initially studied, and explicit expressions for the limiting steady state solution of the associated algebraic Riccati equation (ARE), as the weight on the control energy tends to zero, are obtained. Application of these results is then made to the sampled system robust servomechanism problem, and the periodic discrete system robust servomechanism problem. In particular, explicit expressions for the limiting performance costs for error tracking/regulation for the RSP for sampled systems and discrete periodic systems are obtained. These limitations can be characterized completely by the number and location of the unstable transmission zeros. The results are then extended to the optimal linear filtering problem for discrete time systems, where the limiting variance of the estimation error for the optimal 'H'2 filter, is obtained. In addition, an explicit expression for the lowest achievable mean square error is obtained when the measurement noise is slowly varying and has intensity which tends to zero.
P1 ParB, the structural and functional domains of the P1 plasmid centromere-binding protein

The P1 prophage plasmid is stably maintained as a unit-copy plasmid in ' Escherichia coli'. Faithful maintenance of P1 requires an active partition system, 'par', that is encoded by the plasmid. The ' par' operon consists of two transacting factors, 'parA' and 'parB', and a centromere-like site called 'parS '. ParB is a multifunctional protein. It interacts with and stimulates the biochemical activities of ParA. ParB is a dimer in solution. Finally, ParB binds specifically to 'parS', along with the ' E. coli' integration host factor (IHF) to form a high affinity nucleoprotein complex called the partition complex, which mediates partition. ParB and IHF stimulate each other's DNA binding activity. In this thesis I examine the structural and functional domains of ParB. Using protein fragments, I show that ParB contains two independent multimerization domains, one at its C-terminus and one at its N-terminus. I also show that the extreme N-terminus of ParB is required for ParA-ParB interactions. By limited proteolytic digestion, I show that ParB has a distinct domain structure, with the C-terminal dimerization domain at its core. I have examined the architecture of the partition complex by investigating the DNA binding activity of various ParB fragments. A single dimer of ParB is sufficient for partition complex formation. The first 141 residues of ParB are dispensable for the formation of the partition complex. A fragment missing only the last 16 amino acids of ParB binds specifically to 'parS', but binding is weak and no longer stimulated by IHF. The ability of IHF to stimulate ParB binding to 'parS' correlates with C-terminal dimerization. Using full and partial 'parS ' sites, I have found that two regions of ParB, one in the centre and the other near the C-terminus, interact with distinct sequences within ' parS'. I propose a model of how the ParB dimer binds 'parS ' to form the minimal partition complex.
Ratite molecular evolution, phylogeny and biogeography inferred from complete mitochondrial genomes

The relationships within the ratite birds and their biogeographic history has been debated for over a century. While the monophyly of the ratites has been established, consensus on the branching pattern within the ratite tree has not yet been reached. To examine this problem, I sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes from a representative of each extant ratite lineage, one extinct lineage (moas) and two species of tinamous. Based on concatenated sequences, the moas were found to be the most basal ratite and the kiwis were found to form a clade with the emu and cassowary. It was less clear whether among the extant ratites the ostrich or the rheas were more basal. Application of a molecular clock found most of the speciation events were older or very close to the dates of the breakup of Gondwana and so a vicariant origin for these birds could not be rejected.
Biodiversity prospecting agreements, evaluating their economic and conservation benefits in Costa Rica and Peru

The conversion of tropical forests to agricultural production, timber harvesting, or human habitation is contributing to the loss of biological diversity. Activities that deplete biodiversity for short-term gain appear economically rational because many of the values of biodiversity are not recognized and accounted for in decision-making. Stemming the loss of biodiversity, therefore, involves extending markets to capture unrecognized values of biodiversity in conserved ecosystems. Biodiversity prospecting, the search for wild organisms from which pharmaceuticals can be developed, is one mechanism to generate revenues for biodiversity-rich developing countries and create incentives for conservation. This research quantifies the extent of benefits that suppliers of biological samples have received in a bioprospecting agreement between the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio) of Costa Rica and Merck Pharmaceuticals, and in the International Cooperative Biodiversity Group (ICBG) bioprospecting program operating in Peru. In both cases, the economic returns from bioprospecting are minor: Costa Rica earned $3 million from three contracts with Merck and now earns approximately $1 million per year from all its bioprospecting activities. Peru received only around $1 million over 5 years from the ICBG program. While in Costa Rica some funds are directed towards conservation areas, creating a link to conservation, in Peru the economic benefits distributed to those responsible for conservation are so limited that no incentive for conservation is likely to exist. Ultimately, bioprospecting generates significantly lower economic returns than alternative (destructive) land-use activities. Bioprospecting revenues are limited, in part, because agreements capture too small a portion of the total pharmaceutical value of species; much of the value accrues to the pharmaceutical companies and to the users of the pharmaceutical products, both located primarily in developed countries. Nevertheless, complementary income earning opportunities that could take place alongside bioprospecting need to be developed to augment earnings from conserved areas. Suppliers of biological resources also must find ways to gain access to advanced technologies that would allow them to process and add more value to their raw resources. Finally, suppliers could attempt to increase earnings by creating regional cartels to restrict the supply of biological inputs.
Quartic-spline collocation methods for fourth-order two-point boundary value problems

This thesis presents numerical methods for the solution of general linear fourth-order boundary value problems in one dimension. The methods are based on quartic splines and the collocation discretization methodology with the midpoints of a uniform partition being the collocation points. The standard quartic-spline collocation method is second order. Two sixth-order quartic-spline collocation methods are developed and analyzed. They are both based on a high order perturbation of the differential equation and boundary conditions operators. The error analysis follows the Green's function approach and shows that both methods exhibit optimal order of convergence, that is, they are locally sixth order on the gridpoints and midpoints, and fifth order globally. The properties of the matrices arising from a restricted class of problems are studied. Analytic formulae for the eigenvalues and eigenvectors are developed. Numerical results verify the orders of convergence predicted by analysis.
Embraceable me, reclaiming voice through reflexive writing and singing

'Embraceable Me' is my own story. It is a reflexive account in which I explore the silencing and reclamation of my voice, both my literal singing voice and the more figurative 'empowered voice.' By 'empowered voice' I mean the awareness of my thoughts, feelings and body in context, with the acceptance and expression of this authentic self in the world. This personal history account begins with an exploration of my seven-year-old framework. I then explore four critical turning points that led to epiphanies about my relationship to voice. (Listen to Compact Disc, Track 1). Through these epiphanies I consider my disconnection from (and reconnection to) my body, the dark feelings of grief and rage held there and the taking back of my own authority. I also look at the reflexive writing process as it opened me to self-compassion and in turn deepened my sense of empowered voice. While this is not a feminist analysis, it 'is' a story that is set in a patriarchal context, which links it implicitly with my take on feminism. It is a feminism that seeks to embrace the masculine and feminine dimensions of myself and of all forms of life. It is in this light of acceptance that I consider a shift from the dualistic thinking of good versus bad, to a more compassionate holding of the inherent paradox of life--the dark and light in the world and within me. It is a shift in self-forgiveness that enables me to look at my own reflection and see the embraceable me. I have explored this story on an enclosed compact disc. It includes narrative, song and excerpts from voice lessons intended to capture insights around both literal and figurative voice.
Biological actions of glucagon-like peptide-2

In the following set of studies, we demonstrate for the first time that exogenous administration of a human degradation resistant analog, h[Gly2]-GLP-2, attenuated intestinal damage in rodent models of small and large intestinal injury, and following the administration of chemotherapy in both non-tumour and tumour bearing mice. Several novel concepts have emerged from these experiments regarding the biology of GLP-2 'in-vivo': (i) In the experimental models that examined the effect of different GLP-2 treatment regimens on animal survival and intestinal growth parameters, the administration of GLP-2 as a pretreatment regimen was more effective then administration of GLP-2 concomitantly with or following the onset of intestinal injury. (ii) In addition to enhancing cellular proliferation within the small and large intestinal crypts, GLP-2 inhibited apoptotic cell death in a position-dependent manner within the crypt cell compartment and in heterologous cells expressing the GLP-2 receptor (BHK-GLP-2R cells). (iii) GLP-2 treatment attenuated the systemic dissemination of intestinal bacterial flora commonly observed following intestinal epithelial injury. (iv) GLP-2 treatment reduced intestinal proinflammatory TH1 and macrophage-derived cytokine levels, reduced neutrophil infiltration following the onset of intestinal inflammation, and attenuated chemotherapy and indomethacin-induced leukopenia. (v) Circulating levels of the GLP-2 degrading enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) were reduced in human patients with both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Changes in circulating DPP-IV activity, resulting in increased levels of biologically active GLP-2, emphasize the importance of endogenous GLP-2 clearance as part of the normal intestinal adaptive response to injury. Taken together, the experimental studies presented in this thesis have contributed novel insights into the actions of GLP-2 at the molecular, cellular, and whole organism level in the setting of intestinal disease. While many unanswered questions remain, the present set of studies raise the possibility of utilizing GLP-2 in the treatment of several human conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases and chemotherapy-induced enteritis, and provide a scientific rationale for future human experimentation.
Meanings of wheelchair use among elderly persons with stroke, a continuity theory analysis

This qualitative study investigated the lived experience of elderly stroke survivors who used prescribed wheelchairs in their home and community. The study involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews that were conducted with ten participants, aged 70 to 80, who had used a wheelchair for a mean of 5.6 years. Findings were interpreted using the life course continuity theoretical framework. Three different categories of acceptance of wheelchair use were identified; reluctant acceptance, grateful acceptance, and internal acceptance. The wheelchair use meanings of increased mobility, varied social response, and loss of some valued roles were common to all three wheelchair use acceptance categories. Aspects of independence, freedom, and spontaneity varied in degree among the three acceptance categories. Community participation was both positively and negatively affected by wheelchair use. As the wheelchair provided opportunity for increased continuity in the lives of these stroke survivors, it was accepted and appreciated more fully and viewed more positively.
Long-term rotational effects on the shape of the Earth and its oceans

The centrifugal potential associated with the Earth's rotation influences the shape of both the solid Earth and the oceans. Changes in rotation thus deform both the ocean and solid surfaces. The equilibrium form of the rotating Earth is generally computed using hydrostatic theory that treats the planet as an inviscid body. I have found that a thin elastic shell acts to reduce the flattening of the equilibrium form relative to the value obtained from the traditional hydrostatic calculation. Furthermore, this perturbation is large enough that the excess non-hydrostatic flattening of the Earth, defined as the difference between the observed and hydrostatic forms, may be a significant underestimate of the departure of the observed form from its equilibrium state. The ocean surface and the Earth's solid surface deform by different amounts in response to an applied potential load and thus a relative sea-level change is produced. Due to the presence of the elastic lithosphere and slowly decaying modes of viscous relaxation within the mantle, even geologically long potential forcings can produce a non-negligible sea-level signal. Using the geologically constrained history of rotational variations over the past 130 million years (the Cretaceous-Tertiary) I have found that the sea-level signal induced by true polar wander may be as large as the sea-level change that has been observationally inferred for that time. True polar wander produces a long wavelength global pattern of sea-level trends that may be mistaken for a uniform signal. The well-documented, and presumed global, Cretaceous-Tertiary sea-level cycle should therefore be reinterpreted as a combination of a globally uniform and a spatially varying true polar wander signal. Furthermore, the distinct pattern of the induced sea-level variations enables the use of regional sea-level records as a test of, often contentious, true polar wander events proposed on the basis of paleomagnetic data. A preliminary sea-level test of a proposed Early Cambrian inertial interchange true polar wander event found good general agreement between predicted and observed sea-level trends. Observational sea-level constraints were not found to provide consistent support for a rapid true polar wander event proposed for the Late Cretaceous.
Unheard voices, open eyes, a study of ethnic minority women in higher education in northwest China

China is a land of many nationalities and languages. In the past, studies of this great nation were conducted using quantitative research methodology. At present, a particularly challenging area of research is on China's minority peoples. This thesis investigates minority education through the eyes of fifteen participants who work in the field of higher education in China. A feminist qualitative methodology is used to capture the stories, opinions and reflections of the participants about their involvement in higher education. The entry point of this work is through the joint Canada-China Special University Linkage Consolidation Project 1996-2001 (SULCP). Participants come from five ethnic groups including: Han, Hui, Zhuang, Manchurian and Tibetan. By listening to participants' experiences it is possible to glimpse what is really happening at the grassroots level of minority education. The frontline workers, the teachers and administrators, are key players in the development of minority education in China.
Coordination among substance abuse and mental health services, multiple perspectives

Over the past 10 years, policy documents have recommended increased coordination among Ontario's addiction and mental health services as a way to improve service delivery for people with concurrent substance abuse and mental health problems (CD). The impetus for this dissertation was the lack of guidelines for increasing coordination and the vague and outdated definitions of coordination offered in the literature. From a community development perspective, the purpose of the study was to increase our understanding of interorganizational coordination (IOC) and to produce guidelines that community developers could use to assist agencies in developing protocols for increasing IOC. Through a detailed analysis of the (IOC) and CD literatures, a theoretical/contextual framework was developed, including urban/rural differences and environmental issues currently affecting Ontario's addiction and mental health services. A re-conceptualization of (IOC) was also created, however one of its major limitations was that it only reflected the views of the authors in the literature: primarily administrators, theorists, and researchers. To address this limitation, a focus group was conducted to obtain the views of eight clients/consumers, and semi-structured individual interviews were used to obtain the views of 12 service providers and eight IOC planners. From an interpretive standpoint, the views of each of these stakeholder groups were examined, compared, and incorporated into the existing (IOC) framework and re-conceptualization. Overall the participants' views were consistent with the literature and the author's re-conceptualization of IOC. The most compelling finding was that all three groups placed greater priority on training and having a place for people to go than on building linkages across programs. Clients/consumers were concerned about the risks of sharing client information. Service providers questioned whether there were many clients who simultaneously received services in both systems. These findings suggest that in the community in which this study took place, a priority may be to increase internal organizational capacity rather than focusing on ways for two separate services to work together with the same client. The thesis concluded with recommendations for how community developers could use the revised framework and conceptualization of IOC for specifying objectives during the planning of IOC initiatives.
Identification, characterization, and mapping of novel members of the Siglec family

The sialic acid binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec) family is a recently described member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Within this Siglec family there exists a subgroup of molecules which bear a very high degree of homology with the molecule Siglec-3 (CD33), thus designated the Siglec-3-like subgroup of Siglecs. Members of this subgroup have been localized to chromosome 19q13.4, primarily through in situ hybridization. Through our investigation of chromosome 19q13.3-13.4, we identified, and precisely characterized three genes belonging to this Siglec-3-like subgroup. We identified the novel Siglec-9, located adjacent to the human Kallikrein gene family on chromosome 19q13.4, and the previously reported Siglec-8 gene downstream of Siglec-9, for which we characterized a novel transcript. Finally, we identified and mapped another novel Siglec-like gene, and characterized two splice variants. From preliminary studies, all Siglec-3-like subgroup members may play an inhibitory role of haemopoietic cell proliferation, and have some utility in antineoplastic therapy.
Adults Mentoring Adolescents, a Conceptual and Practical Clarification

Youth workers, big sisters, and social workers among others are attempting to facilitate the personal development of adolescents. Mentoring is a relationship that has potential in these endeavors, but the concept has not been explored specifically in the area of adults mentoring adolescents. This thesis argues that the mentoring of adolescents is significantly different than other forms of mentoring. It does so by identifying the special needs of identity formation in adolescents. An initial sums of the history and literature of mentoring is used to identify several markers of mentoring. Three of these markers are found to be helpful in identity formation of adolescents. These markers include the type of power, dialogue and modeling in the relationship. Each of the above markers is examined in the following chapters. The markers are clarified as referent power, dialogical relationship and identification modeling. In each case further clarification of the markers are made by contrasting them with other adult-adolescent relationships, such as teachers, coaches, and parents. The final chapter of the thesis takes the conceptual analysis of mentoring adolescents and makes recommendations to mentors and mentoring programs, bringing a greater degree of clarity to the practice of adults mentoring adolescents.
The resurrection of Our Lord, a study and dual-text edition

This thesis is comprised of a study and edition of 'The Resurrection of Our Lord', a sixteenth-century Protestant play which survives in fragmentary form in Folger Library MS V. b. 192. Though previous editors were tempted to attribute the play to Bale, it is probably an example of the parish drama that flourished in England during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The thesis sets forth several contexts for 'The Resurrection of Our Lord' before turning to analysis of the play itself. First, a study of parish drama draws on evidence of single-subject biblical plays, particularly the Easter plays of four churches in the Thames valley, to illustrate possible auspices for the play's production. Second, analysis of biblical drama in the Reformation period examines the ways reformers taught Protestant doctrine through traditional dramatic forms. Finally, a survey of the English resurrection play tradition places the play in its generic context. This tradition originated in the tenth century with the liturgical 'quem quaeritis ' tropes, and included cycle plays as well as free-standing dramas which were performed in schools, churches and households. It extended well into the sixteenth century with Protestant interpretations such as Nicholas Grimald's 'Christus Redivivus' and 'The Resurrection of Our Lord'. 'The Resurrection of Our Lord' probably began as a traditional resurrection play which was then adapted to a rapidly changing religious milieu. Much of its doctrinal teaching emerges in the lines of its expositor figure, Appendix, whose very name suggests added material. Passages addressing lay access to vernacular scripture, the significance of the Eucharist, and the nature of spiritual manifestations reveal affinities with Zwinglian theology and indicate that the play took its present form between 1535 and 1543. In order to meet the needs of textual scholars as well as generalists interested in the play's historical, theatrical and religious significance, the edition provides both an old-spelling text and a facing-page version in modern-spelling. Together, this edition and study demonstrate how the early political and religious reformations in England affected the Bible not only on the page, but also on the stage.