VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Achieving government, community and institutional goals through the measurement of performance: accountability and performance indicators in Ontario colleges and universities

In 1998, the Ontario government established performance indicators for its publicly funded colleges and universities to both assess performance and distribute part of the public funds allocated to higher education. This initiative was consistent with the actions of governments throughout the world and has significance for both the systems of higher education and the individual institutions wherever it is in place. This study examined several issues including government motivation for measuring the performance of postsecondary institutions; a critical analysis of the Ontario accountability framework against both public policy goals for postsecondary education and established standards and criteria for performance measurement systems; perceptions of stakeholders regarding public goals and the efficacy of the current accountability system; and recommendations for changes to the Ontario performance indicator system based on research results. The study found that the perceptions of stakeholders regarding government goals for postsecondary education were reasonably consistent with those found in public documents. However, the lack of a clear statement of government goals, together with some misalignment of perceived goals and those the current performance indicators appear to be measuring, caused confusion and could also result in inappropriate steering effects on the behaviour of colleges and universities. The study also found that the current Ontario accountability framework was only moderately consistent with the standards and criteria for postsecondary performance indicators established in the literature. Other significant findings of the study include differences in perceived goals for colleges and universities but similar indicators to measure performance, the lack of provision for mission-related institutional goals contrary to recommendations in the literature, and that transferability from college to university, a clearly stated goal of the government, is neither measured nor rewarded by performance funding. The study relied on a review of government documents and related literature, and the results of a survey of stakeholders regarding government goals for postsecondary education, the relevance and reliability of the current performance indicators for measuring performance and influencing funding, and identification of other indicators relevant to assess the performance of Ontario colleges and universities. Recommendations for changes to the system and suggestions for future research are included.

Keywords: Universities and colleges, Evaluation
Universities and colleges, Ontario
Educational accountability, Ontario
Higher education and state, Ontario
A Green's function for theta-incomplete polynomials

Let K be any subset of CN . We define a pluricomplex Green's function VK, theta for theta-incomplete polynomials and establish its basic properties. We develop a pluripotential theory for incomplete polynomials. When K is a regular compact subset of RN, we show that every continuous function that can be approximated uniformly on K by theta-incomplete polynomials, must vanish on K \ supp(ddcV K, theta)N. There is a theorem of Siciak and Zahariuta that expresses the pluricomplex Green's function as a supremum of functions of the form 1n log.
Design and analysis of azobenzene-crosslinked peptides and proteins: Photocontrol over conformation and activity

Reversible photoregulation of peptide and protein conformation promises to be a powerful tool for probing molecular activities in complex biochemical environments. We have analysed a model peptide with an i-i+7 intramolecular azobenzene cross-link in which the helix content, as determined by CD spectroscopy, was observed to increase upon trans-to-cis photoisomerization of the linker. A standard suite of 2D homonuclear 1H NMR techniques was used to generate NOE- and coupling constant-derived restraints, as well as chemical shifts and NH temperature coefficients for the cis- and trans-forms of this photo-sensitive peptide. These data, employed in combination with molecular modeling, were useful in assessing the structure and dynamics of light-adapted (cis) and dark-adapted (trans) peptides. Detailed conformational analysis of the system leads to the conclusion that photo-control of helix content does not involve specific interactions between the linker and the peptide. Instead, the change in peptide helix content, caused by photoisomerization, can be predicted by comparing the effective length ranges of the cis and trans azobenzene isomers with the expected distance distribution of the attachment points in the intrinsic conformational ensemble of the peptide. Two novel azobenzene cross-linkers, 3,3'-bis(sulfonato)-4,4'-bis(chloroacetamido)azobenzene (BSBCA) and 4,4'-bis(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaboralan-2-yl)azobenzene (BTDBA) were synthesized as improved versions of the original diiodoacetamide azobenzene cross-linker. BSBCA, a water-soluble, thiol-reactive cross-linker, was shown to effect a similar degree of structural control on a model peptide helix system versus its nonsulfonated counterpart. BSBCA was successfully coupled to the guanine exchange factor Vav and to the DNA-binding domain of MyoD, and in the latter case, photoisomerization induced a 3400-fold reversible change in DNA binding affinity. BTDBA, an azobenzene linker with limited flexibility and a smaller cross-linked length range versus diacetamide azobenzene, was designed for tighter control over helix-coil switching and may be used as one reactive partner in Suzuki coupling to p-iodophenylalanine. Suzuki coupling between BTDBA and a model peptide did not furnish the intramolecularly cross-linked product but was successfully implemented to generate an intermolecularly cross-linked bisphenyl azobenzene dipeptide. Taken together, BSBCA and BTDBA expand the range of peptides and proteins to which photo-control can be applied.
Sexual selection and the evolution of sexual dimorphism

I first examined the diversity and interactions of sexual selection mechanisms. Among these, male mate choice is especially poorly understood. By synthesizing relevant theory and data, I found that male choosiness is predicted and observed in a wide variety of taxa. I also investigated the co-occurrence of multiple sexual selection mechanisms in seven species of piophilid flies. Focusing on one species, the sexually dimorphic fly Prochyliza xanthostoma, I investigated how multiple sexual selection mechanisms interact. I found that males with relatively elongated heads were at a disadvantage in combat, but were attractive to females and transferred more sperm. Thus, contrary to long-held assumptions, multiple mechanisms of sexual selection may be in conflict. Moreover, P. xanthostoma females obtained direct fitness benefits by ingesting part of the ejaculate, which suggests that male head shape may be an honest signal of mate quality. I used both theoretical and empirical approaches to investigate the evolutionary consequences of sexual selection. Existing theory predicts positive allometry in most sexually selected traits. However, I developed new theory (with Troy Day) which suggests that allometric patterns (and associated phenotypic parameters) are difficult to predict without detailed knowledge of fitness functions. I also developed theory on the evolution of genetic architecture in sexually selected traits, predicting that intra-locus sexual conflict may select for genomic imprinting, favouring silencing of trait alleles inherited from the weakly-selected or opposite-sex parent. I used P. xanthostoma to compare the phenotypic expression and genetic architecture of sexually dimorphic traits employed in sexual competition with other traits that are not. Male head shape exhibited strong condition dependence, potentially explaining the correlation between male head shape and ejaculate size. As predicted by theory, condition dependence increased with the degree of trait exaggeration. Results also suggested an inter-sexual genetic correlation for condition dependence. Trait inter-sexual genetic correlation decreased with degree of trait sexual dimorphism, as predicted by evolutionary models. However, two male sexual traits exhibited striking differences between maternal and paternal heritabilities. These patterns contradict ordinary Mendelian assumptions, but support the new imprinting theory. In this dissertation, I ask how sexual selection shapes the phenotypes and genetic architectures of sexually dimorphic traits.
Metabolic abnormalities associated with protease inhibitor therapy in HIV-infected children

Objectives. To investigate the extent and severity of reduced insulin sensitivity (IS) and associated metabolic abnormalities in HIV-infected children and determine if protease inhibitor (PI) therapy is associated with the development of these abnormalities. Methods. The study was cross sectional in design. Insulin sensitivity was determined using the insulin-modified frequent sampling intravenous glucose tolerance test. Serum lipids, glucose, insulin, proinsulin and C-peptide were measured in the fasting state. Abdominal fat distribution was assessed by computed tomography. Results. After adjusting for other explanatory variables, the IS of PI-treated children was significantly lower than that of PI-naïve children (p = 0.0333). PI therapy was a significant correlate of IS in pubertal (p = 0.0163), but not in prepubertal children (p = 0.41). Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but not visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio were significantly higher in PI-treated than PI-naïve subjects. Conclusions. In HIV-infected children, PI therapy is associated with reduced IS, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
Learning democracy: The political resocialization of immigrants from authoritarian regimes in Canada

The results are unequivocal. First, immigrants from authoritarian regimes need to learn democracy. Compared to the local population, they are less likely to express opinions and more sceptical about citizen competence. Moreover, many do not believe that the government would listen to them if they were to speak out. Furthermore, immigrants who have little experience of democracy are more likely to have positive views about authoritarian regimes. At the same time, however, they are strong supporters of democracy and of Canada's political institutions. Second, immigrants' understanding of democracy is somewhat deficient upon arrival in Canada, but they successfully respond to the challenge of learning the norms of the host-political system. With the passage of time, their political outlooks slowly start to resemble that of people socialized in a democracy. And third, it seems that immigrants who successfully adapt to a democratic environment accomplish this transition by relying in part on their resources and political awareness. The vast majority of immigrants now arrive in Canada with little democratic experience; they have been socialized in authoritarian regimes. What is the impact of such a socialization under authoritarian regimes on immigrants' political beliefs? Do these newcomers learn democracy? And how do they learn democracy? This dissertation addresses these three questions. This dissertation has major implications for social science research. It provides crucial insights to immigration research in Canada and other Western democracies; it helps understand the dynamics of democratization; and sheds light on what it means to be a democratic citizen. Finally, this dissertation contributes to a rehabilitation of political socialization as a field of study.
The role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of aromatic hydrocarbon receptor expression and function

The aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mediates the toxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). This laboratory showed previously that hepatic AHR protein levels are decreased in hypophysectomized rats, suggesting that pituitary-dependent hormones regulate AHR expression. Adrenal glucocorticoids are candidates as they have been shown to modulate AHR levels and cytochrome P450 1A inducibility. I examined effects of the glucocorticoids corticosterone (CORT) and dexamethasone (DEX) on AHR expression and function in mouse hepatoma Hepa-1 cells. CORT and DEX increased specific [3H]TCDD binding by the cytosolic AHR, and DEX stimulated a comparable elevation in AHR cytosolic immunoreactive protein and mRNA levels. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486 inhibited DEX's effects at the ligand binding and mRNA levels. Activation of the GR was confirmed by analysis of tyrosine aminotransferase induction. This work suggests that glucocorticoids act through the GR to increase AHR expression at a pre-translational level, and may thereby influence sensitivity to AHR ligands.
The moduli space of flat G-bundles over a nonorientable surface

In this thesis, we study the topology of the moduli space of flat G-bundles over a nonorientable surface Sigma, where G is a compact Lie group. This moduli space may be identified with the space of homomorphisms Hom(pi 1(Sigma), G) modulo conjugation by G. In particular, we compute the (rational) equivariant cohomology ring for Hom(pi1(Sigma), G) and its image under localization to the fixed point set of a maximal torus when G = SU(2), SO(3) and U (2), and use this to compute the ordinary cohomology groups of the quotient Hom(pi1, G)/ G.A key property in these cases is that the conjugation action is equivariantly formal. More generally, for G a connected compact group, T sub; G a maximal torus, we determine a description of HT(Hom(pi 1(Sigma), G)) as a subring of H T(Hom(pi1(Sigma), T)) which is valid whenever this equivariant formality property holds.
GISTT: GPS-GIS integrated system for travel time surveys

For the purpose of collecting travel times, GISTT (GPS-GIS Integrated System for Travel Time Surveys) is developed in this study. The study focuses on the development of a software package that collects the link travel time data both in static and dynamic modes. GPS (Global Positioning System) technologies have been increasingly used in various applications of transportation planning and operations. One such application is travel time studies. When combined with GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS data can be matched with spatial map features such as highways and roads for collecting travel times on those desired links. The static mode refers to the case where a previously dispatched vehicle equipped with a GPS data logger is used to collect travel times along a specified road. The dynamic mode refers to the real time monitoring of probe vehicles on the links using a GPS and Wireless-Internet equipped probe vehicle.
Analysis of rice yellow mottle virus satellite circular RNA:Modalities of expression and role in the degradation of Escherichia coli RNA(s)

Rice yellow mottle virus satellite circular RNA (scRYMV), is a covalently closed, highly self-complementary RNA, often associated with rice yellow mottle sobemovirus (RYMV). A head-to-tail trimer clone (pET52) of the 220 nt scRYMV, was expressed in E. coli to study its protein coding capacity, translational strategy and hammerhead ribozyme activity. Besides the expected 19 kD fusion protein generated from the scRYMV open reading frame (ORF) fused with the S bull;Tag/thrombin ORF in plasmid pET29, this study showed the synthesis of a secondary 16 kD minor product, likely via internal translation initiation. Additionally, in vitro experiments suggested that termination suppression may also occur to generate an 18 kD extended version of the 16 kD protein. Furthermore, expression of pET52 in E. coli was observed to induce host RNA fragmentation (20-75 nt). Subsequently, the expression of a transcript carrying a small hairpin-loop was shown to be sufficient to trigger the fragmentation phenomenon.
Augustine's theory of affectivity

An elaborate and consistent theory of affectivity is recognizable across different styles of texts over a period of about thirty years of Augustine's writing career (392–c. 420), as is witnessed by the De Civitate Dei, the Sermones, the Enarrationes in Psalmos , and portions of other texts. Augustine preserved certain essential elements of the Stoic theories of affectivity and action recorded in his Latin sources (Cicero, Seneca, and Gellius), but he transformed these theories by developments and additions. The result is not only an undeniably ‘rational psychology’, but a theory of affectivity which identifies a transcendent goal for human life, and a theory of human action with an inextricable affective component. He agreed with the Stoics that emotions are hormai, in the sense that they are judgments about good and evil which immediately cause feelings, and that emotions are susceptible of moral evaluation depending upon the truth or falsity of such judgments. He endorsed the Stoic idea that there are reflex-like non-consensual affective reactions, described variously in Stoic sources as the results of past passions (“shadows” or “bites”) and as “precursors” of full-blown passions (propatheiai). Augustine enriched the Stoic account with a metaphysical distinction between temporal and eternal goods which is Platonic in spirit, and with a Christian view of human history; this yielded a more complex description of the propositional content of various affective reactions. He developed a more sophisticated and complete version of the Stoics' category of non-consensual affects by positing and describing in detail a cognitive cause for them, and by widening the category to include preliminaries to morally good emotions. He also adapted the Stoic notion of ‘ceding’ (cedere/ eixis), describing various forms of ‘ceding’ that are consistent with the exercise of rationality, and put it to extensive use in his account of preliminary emotions. While eschewing affective hedonism, Augustine made affective delight essential to his theory of action; for he held both that the desire for perceived good and beautiful things which we lack (Platonic erōs) is the root of human action, and that delight is a necessary condition for such love.
Predicting waiting time for home care in Simcoe County

Simcoe County Community Care Access Center (SCCCAC) is under pressure from rising demand for home care services coupled with the Ontario government's unwillingness to increase their budgets without quantitative proof of the impact. In response, the SCCCAC has requested help predicting the expected waiting time of their patients under varying conditions and budget assumptions. A Microsoft Access based tool is created to address this problem. The model predicts monthly referral rates using linear regression and seasonality and waiting times using an analytical queueing solution. When validated against 2001 data, the model predicted average waiting time of patients on adult waiting lists well, but children's waiting times were not predicted accurately. Similarly, the forecast of referrals was much more reliable for adult waiting lists than for children's waiting lists. The errors in inaccurately predicted waiting lists can be largely attributed to data integrity issues and deviations from the SCCCAC's standard processes.
Factors affecting the adoption of alternative programs in publicly-funded school boards

Four cases were studied in which proposals for alternative programs were made to publicly-funded school boards in Ontario. A review of the school choice and innovation adoption literature indicated that the decision to accept/reject a proposal was influenced by the following themes: Context, Nature of the School Board, Characteristics of the Advocates, and Nature of the Program. My hypothesis was that an alternative program requires an internal advocate with clout and must not challenge sacred roles and relationships. I concluded that the decision to accept or reject the proposals was most influenced by factors related to: Context, Nature of Program and Characteristics of Advocates. Of the ten factors within the Nature of Program theme, only one was found to be clearly significant: challenges to roles and relationships. Within the Characteristics of Advocates theme, six factors were found to be significant. The relative importance of the three themes was not determined.

Keywords: Alternative education, Ontario
School boards, Ontario
School choice, Ontario
Early Archaic

In this study, I describe the lithic reduction sequence from a series of archaeological assemblages recovered from around the west end of Lake Ontario. All these assemblages were recovered in association with variants of the Kirk Corner-notched projectile point type and so these are inferred to represent debris produced during a single technological horizon from the Early Archaic of the region. These assemblages appear to represent debris and tools discarded during manufacture and/or reworking. These types of deposits can therefore be used to analyse the technological system of manufacture.

Keywords: Archaeology, Canada
Systematic kinetic studies on Ruthenium and Rhodium carbonyl complexes

Detailed kinetic studies on reactions of carbonyl complexes of ruthenium and rhodium are presented. In Chapter 2, chelation kinetics of bidentate phosphine ligands on Ru(CO)4L where L is a bidentate phosphine ligand are examined in detail. Activation parameters, particularly the entropy of activation (ΔS‡) was used to assess the relative amounts of bond making vs. bond-breaking taking place in the transition state. Entropy values range from quite positive to slightly negative. This contrasts to the CO-dissociative reactions of analogous Ru(CO)4L complexes when L = monodentate P-donor ligands. The chemistry of O2 oxidation of BINAP (BINAP = 2,2 ′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binapthyl) on (BINAP)Rh(CO)Cl and its potential use as a catalyst for the production of BINAP monoxide and dioxide are presented in Chapter 3. Detailed kinetic studies of reactions of (BINAP)Rh(CO)Cl in the presence of excess BINAP and various O2/N2 and O2/CO mixtures were used to elucidate a likely mechanism. A stoichiometric mechanism is proposed that involves initial formation of an O2 adduct, followed by oxygen atom transfer to both phosphorus atoms of BINAP or to one phosphorus atom and the CO ligand trans to it. To the best of our knowledge, this chemistry represents the first example of a reaction exhibiting oxygen atom addition from O2 either to both phosphorus atoms in a bisphosphine ligand or to one phosphorus atom and a CO ligand in the same complex. In Chapter 4 a systematic kinetic study of associative substitution reactions of phosphine nucleophiles with Rh4(CO)12 was undertaken. The reactions were monitored using UV-vis stopped flow techniques and the results are correlated using a linear free energy relationship. The data fit well to a QALE (Quantitative Analysis of Ligand Effects) analysis developed by Giering et al. and Poë et al. New graphical methods of presenting results are proposed. These reactions are very fast and characterized by low activation energies (ΔG‡ ∼ 9–11 kcal mol−1 @ 10°C).