VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Processing of fibrous monolithic ceramics

This work examined the processing of ceramic composites to achieve a controlled microstructure with a fibrous morphology, referred to as fibrous monolithic ceramics. Such controlled microstructures offer the possibility of enhanced performance, such as improved fracture behavior. The processing steps included: powder/binder selection, powder/binder mixing, feedstock extrusion, fiber coating, molding of fibers, debinding via pyrolysis and sintering. Materials produced using this technique included nickel-zirconia and graphite-alumina composites. Load vs displacement curves of samples of these composites in three- and four-point bending show a graceful step-wise failure. The fibrous nature of these samples improved their overall toughness and resistance to cracking primarily through crack deflection between fibers. The binder removal or pyrolysis stage was the processing stage where most defects occurred. An experimental debinding map was constructed for 60-vol% alumina-polypropylene feedstock samples, which defined heating rate-temperature conditions for sample bloating. The significance of certain process variables for debinding was examined via statistical experimental design. The variables found to be statistically significant for constant temperature pyrolysis of compacts included: powder type, debinding atmosphere, binder composition, debinding temperature and specimen geometry. A response surface describing the effects of these variables on the debinding time was developed. Based on the experimental debinding characterization, a mathematical model was developed to predict the incidence of bloating in powder injection molded compacts as a function of sample geometry, debinding heating rate or debinding temperature, ceramic volume fraction and binder wax addition fraction. Transport coefficients were determined via iterative procedures fitting experimental weight loss data to model-predicted weight loss for a variety of debinding conditions. The model used a finite difference scheme, allowing for a concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficient; however, it was observed, that for the present case, this dependency was negligible. Model-predicted weight loss and bloating conditions for a variety of sample geometries and compositions under a variety of debinding conditions showed good agreement with experimental observations.
The politics of the veil

'The Politics of the Veil' is an attempt to undermine the negative stereotype, widely held in the West, that the veil is a symbol of Muslim women's oppression in Islam. My main argument is that the popular Western notion that the veil is a symbol of Muslim women's oppression is a constructed image that does not represent the experience of all those who wear it. My method in undermining the stereotype of the veil is eclectic. There are five chapters, each using a different methodology, to take a different tack in challenging the stereotype. Chapter One is a feminist ethnography of some Torontonian Muslim women, that uses women's experience as a foundation of knowledge. To stress the constructed nature of the anti-veil paradigm, Chapter Two traces the origins of the 'veil is oppressive' discourse in the West. I argue that attacking the veil was an essential part of the colonial project. Chapter Three is a survey of the contemporary 're-veiling' movement in the Muslim world that demonstrates that women cover for many different reasons, be they religious, social or political. Chapter Four is a critique of Moroccan feminist Fatima Mernissi's idiosyncratic perspective on the veil. Chapter Five is an effort toward formulating a positive theory of the veil. My eclectic methodology, in bringing together disparate literatures in a way that has not been done before is an important contribution to the various fields. My thesis gives a better picture of the meaning of 'hijab' for some women believers than the literatures (while important in themselves) do when read alone. So, this thesis aims to present an alternate and positive perspective on the veil and to show how such an alternative reading is possible within Islam.
The experience of collective transformations, the Women's Centre Sundine in eastern Germany during unification

The transition from socialism meant radical and rapid socio-political and economic transformations for East Germans and in terms of employment would disadvantage women due to the gendered restructuring of the workforce. A women's project movement surfaced in response to this development, attempting to create a grassroots network both to support women coming to terms with the new unified German society and to employ them on government sponsored work programmes. The study of a Women's Centre in Stralsund follows a heterogeneous constituency of women during this transformation, focusing on the experience of the institutional transformation of the Centre and the women's involvement, collective responses and practices between 1989-1994. Setting up projects channeled the women's movement's efforts into participating in the institutional transfer from West to East. The dependency on state funds partially contributed to depoliticize the movement and its projects as women prioritized the importance of these local projects and the opportunity to work on government sponsored work programmes over pursuing social change. The Centre was used by women as a public space to discuss their different ideas about women's issues and concerns in terms of their changing role in the unified Germany. Identifying the priorities in the agenda of women affiliated with the socio-political space of the Women's Centre addresses questions of the limits and possibilities for collective politics. The women's discussions concerning collective political practices and the purpose of the Centre were based on their heterogeneous experiences with the political system of the GDR as well as their diverse experiences of unification. Subsequently, social integration impacted on different sets of women differently, limiting possibilities for collective politics. Some women on the work programmes emphasize work collectivity over women's issues, relating to their experience of being integrated through work collectives of the past and the emphasis on work. In fact, work is central to how women at the Centre define their practices as "women's work". Women's diverse ideas about and their understanding of work do not just associate it with employment; the practice of "women's work" constitutes a political category and their ideas about work are connected to their political activism.
Comparative studies of protein structure and dynamics by molecular dynamics simulation, NMR spectroscopy and x-ray crystallography

In recent years, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations have been used successfully along with experimental methods for the joint investigation of the biophysical and biological properties of protein molecules. Here, the results of MD simulations of three protein systems are reported, in conjunction with, mainly, data from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. These three techniques are outlined in Chapter 1. The systems under study are: 'Bacillus stearothermophilus' L-lactate dehydrogenase (BSLDH), the C-terminal SH2 domain of phospholipase C-<math> <f> <rm><g>g</g></rm></f> </math>1 (PLCC), and 'E. coli' ribonuclease HI (RNase HI). A high-temperature MD simulation of BSLDH is used to investigate the mechanism of closure of a catalytically crucial loop, as this phenomenon is thought to be rate-limiting and essential for catalysis (Chapter 2). The phosphotyrosine-binding region of the PLCC domain is thought to account for most of the binding free energy of this domain complexed with high-affinity phosphopeptides. Consequently, three MD simulations of PLCC, in its free form and bound to either phosphate ion or phosphopeptide, are performed to elucidate interatomic interactions in this region and interpret experimental chemical shift data (Chapter 3). A comparison of an MD trajectory of RNase HI with NMR generalised order parameters of backbone amide bonds and crystallographic thermal factors is presented (Chapter 4). The relative accuracy and precision of MD and NMR amide order parameters are assessed through comparisons among three NMR and two MD independent data sets (Chapter 5). Furthermore, an ensemble of 15 NMR structures of the protein is searched for dynamic information through correlation with data from two crystal structures and the MD simulation (Chapter 6). The work presented herein demonstrates the value of the combined use of theoretical and experimental methods for studying protein structure, dynamics and function (Chapter 7).
Modeling ultrasound imaging of red blood cell aggregation in shear flow

The primary focus of this thesis is to gain an understanding of the effects of red blood cell (RBC) aggregation on the backscattered ultrasound signal from blood flow. In pursuit of this goal, this study consists of three distinct parts. First, an efficient and accurate method of simulating pulsed ultrasound imaging of tissue was implemented and validated, which calculates the backscattered ultrasonic signal by summing contributions from basic scattering units called "acoustic voxels". Second, a model of aggregation was developed, which takes into consideration the effect of shear rate, hematocrit, aggregate structure (as described by a fractal dimension), and cell adhesion strength on aggregate size. Simulations of blood flow in a large diameter tube using this model show that variations in average aggregate size across the tube diameter and downstream of the tube entrance arise due to the effect of flow streamlines having distinct shear histories. Finally, the results of an initial simulation study of the relationship between aggregate size distributions and packing statistics (as measured by RBC concentration variance) are presented. It is shown that the concentration variance is strongly affected by hematocrit, aggregate size and size distribution, as well as by aggregate shape. By combining these three parts, the backscattered ultrasound signal from blood flow in a large diameter tube was simulated. Good qualitative agreement between these simulation results and the experimental results reported by other investigators was obtained. In particular, these simulations yielded useful insights into understanding the aggregation-related "black hole" phenomena observed in ultrasound imaging of blood flow.
Gift of a daughter, change and continuity in marriage patterns among two generations of North Indians in Toronto and Delhi

Indian marriage has maintained a traditional form over a course of centuries. Studies have shown that most Indian marriages at the close of the 20 th century continue to be arranged within traditional structural boundaries defined by family characteristics. The present study for the first time makes an attempt to study changes and continuities in marriage patterns among two generations of North Indians living in two diverse geographical locations, namely Toronto and Delhi. Besides relying on the ideal marriage system and its rituals as given in the epics, the study uses various studies and indigenous theories relating to issues like 'kanyadan' (gift of a virgin), hypergamy, and dowry, peculiar to the North Indian marriage system. The study also uses McCall's (1966) Exchange and Bargaining perspective and the Choice and Exchange theory of Nye (1979) to examine trends in the marital behavior. A total of 56 families (28 each in Toronto and Delhi) were screened. From each family one informant each from the first and the second-generation were interviewed making a total of 56 respondents. The present analyses show that although arranged marriage is still a way of life, certain modifications have been introduced in the process of marriage of the younger generation. Movement in the direction of giving freedom to the young in the selection of their spouse was found in both Toronto and Delhi samples, and among both males and females. It is argued that the reason for the slow change could be due to the high costs associated with not conforming to the group's expectations and since the alternatives also seemed to carry heavy costs most respondents were found to have generally followed the existing norms and values of the East Indian society. Generational differences in behavior are interpreted here as a process of secular change over time and across generation. In general while the first-generation data indicate towards the adherence to a more traditional pattern of marriage; the behavior of the second-generation suggests a weakening of some traditional norms. Also while the young seem to be experimenting with the Canadian culture (in Toronto) and Westernization (in Delhi), high premiums continue to be placed on traditional norms associated with marriage.
The Biafran frontier, trade, slaves, and Aro society, c. 1750-1905

For 400 years, African societies supplied the labour needs of the Americas through forced migration. This reality provokes basic questions, such as how Africa supplied so many captives, the organization of the trade in the hinterland, the trade's political, social and cultural implications, its gender and other composition, and how African societies adjusted to the suppression of the trans-oceanic traffic in the 19th century. This study addresses these questions as they relate to the Bight of Biafra, a major exporting region. The region is of special interest because its trade developed relatively late, expanded dramatically from the mid-18th century onwards in the absence of large centralized states, and drew a higher proportion of females than any other region. This enquiry describes the system that produced the individuals who were forced into Atlantic slavery. Based on mariners' journals, quantitative data sets, archival material, oral data, and scholarly literature, this work demonstrates that the rise and expansion of the Aro merchant group primarily influenced the character of the Biafran trade. Unlike previous studies, which explain the organization of the hinterland trade on the basis of presence or absence of state systems, this analysis associates it with the dynamics of a trade diaspora. Seeing Aro settlements in the context of a trade diaspora throws light on crucial aspects of trade organization, commercial politics, institutional change, and cultural development. The gender structure of the Biafran trade was a function of the prevailing socio-cultural processes and the specific configuration of slave markets--domestic, Saharan, and Atlantic. Unlike existing studies of the slave trade which have sought to explain the modes of enslavement by reference to export samples alone, this work incorporates the categories of captives retained in the region. The study maintains that the means by which a person became captive was the principal determinant of his or her destination.
International relations between Egypt, Sinai, and Syria-Palestine during the Late Bronze Age to Early Persian period (dynasties 18-26: c.1550-525 B.C.), a spatial and temporal analysis of the distribution and proportions of Egyptian(izing) artefacts and pottery in Sinai and selected sites in Syria-Palestine

Our current understanding of Egypt's relations with the Sinai and Asia (1550-525 B.C.) relies heavily upon the extant textual-pictorial record, and has mostly neglected the full potential of the archaeological record, even during periods of relatively few or no contemporary historical sources. In contrast, the nature, proportions, and spatial and temporal distribution of Egyptian and Egyptianizing artefacts (from occupation, mortuary and cultic assemblages in the Sinai and a regionally representative selection of Levantine sites) are compiled from 19 subdivisions of the Late Bronze Age to early Persian period in comparison to the relative quantities of the extant preserved textual-pictorial sources and the nature of Egypto-Asiatic relations (i.e., distribution of products and personnel) recorded in these sources during the corresponding subdivisions of this time span. An examination of the overall Egyptian(izing) artefact proportions from individual and combined contexts at Levantine sites displays peaks in Egyptian activity during LB 1B (1450-1400 B.C.), late LB 2B to iron 1A (1250-1150 B.C.), early Iron 2B (925-850 B.C.), and late Iron 2B-C (750-600 B.C.). Broad patterns also emerge from regression analysis and confidence testing (i.e., standard error) of the maritime and overland dispersal of Egyptian(izing) artefacts in the Levant. During most periods under study Egyptian(izing) artefact proportions (including various ranges of potential error) decrease from south to north along the Levantine coast, except in early-mid Iron 1B (1150-1050 B.C.) when a reverse regression occurs. This reverse regression may indicate a dispersal of Egyptian(izing) products from northern Phoenician sites, or the existence of northern maritime centres maintaining greater contact with Egypt. In contrast, the more complex west to can overland routes between the Levantine coast and inland sites in the southern Arabah, Negev, and Levant, yield a (64.1%) of reverse regressions (i.e., increasing Egyptian[izing] artefact proportions) during the period of Egyptian imperialism (c.1550-1150 B.C.), and a (74.1%) of standard regressions (i.e., decreasing Egyptian[izing] artefact proportions) during the post-imperial period (1150-525 B.C.) of little or no Egyptian domination (excepting isolated Egyptian military activity and the early Saito period of renewed imperialism).
Multidimensional project-based teaching in core French, a case study

The overall objective of this field-based process-product case study is to examine the effectiveness of Stern's multidimensional curriculum as it has been applied to teaching core French in one school district in Canada. The study compares the pedagogical approaches of four grade 9 core French teachers. Students completed tests of general French proficiency and a questionnaire at the beginning of the study. The same tests and questionnaire were readministered near the end of the school year. The four classes were observed over an 8-week period during which each teacher implemented the same project-based instructional unit based on the principles of the multidimensional curriculum. I collected observation data using the MOLT (multidimensional orientation of language teaching) observation scheme based on the multidimensional curriculum as a theoretical framework and project-based learning as the guiding pedagogical principle. Students also completed achievement tests following the observation period based on the objectives of the instructional unit. Two teachers were classified as multidimensional project-based and two as less-multidimensional. Statistical analyses compared student outcomes (linguistic, affective, cultural, strategic objectives) across classes according to their teachers' pedagogical approach. Students from the multidimensional project-based classes obtained higher test scores, as compared to the less-multidimensional classes, on some components of the French proficiency and achievement tests. Similarly, questionnaire data indicated that a multidimensional project-based program may lead to more satisfactory outcomes with respect to the general language education objectives in core French. However, there was no evidence to suggest that multidimensional project-based teaching leads to more satisfactory outcomes in terms of attitudinal and cultural objectives. Possible confounding variables are discussed in the final chapter. It is not possible to conclude with certainty that project-based multidimensional teaching was the single cause of superior test performance and more positive questionnaire results by the students from the multidimensional project-based classes. However, this study represents a first step in the investigation of multidimensional project-based core French classrooms with respect to second language and affective outcomes.
An exploration of design parameters, the development of a temperature-responsive prostaglandin E¦1 implant for treating penile erectile dysfunction

The objective is to make a penile implant which would release drug on demand to treat erectile dysfunction. The triggered delivery of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and a model drug, propranolol (PRO), across a temperature-responsive membrane, and the stability of PGE1 were examined. Porous polyethylene (PE) membranes were absorbed with an alkane, the melting point of which corresponds to the release-trigger temperature. The alkanes were selected because of their inertness which would maintain PGE1 stability in the implant. Permeability through these membranes can be controlled by varying the temperature above or below the melting point of the absorbed substance. PRO permeabilities through docosane-absorbed PE membranes at 37°C and 45°C was reproducible, giving an on-off permeability ratio of 378 (±65). Similarly, the on-off permeability ratio through docosane-eicosane-absorbed membranes at 37°C and 42.5°C was 235 (±56). However, PGE1 permeation through these membranes was undetectable, primarily due to its low docosane/water distribution coefficient. The membrane concept can be applied to the delivery of other drugs.
Modeling of synchronous machines for system studies

This thesis proposes a new method for modeling synchronous machines for system studies and analysis. The new approach is based on machine dimensions and material properties. A sectoral model of the machine is developed. A linear reluctance matrix is used to relate the flux and magnetomotive force throughout the different sectors of the machine. The saturation effects are evaluated according to the iron sections' properties and dimensions, and then used to adjust the flux distribution. Skin-effect models are developed and used to describe the eddy current distribution and depth of penetration. A new frequency-domain modeling approach is proposed and used to predict the operational inductances of the machine. The effect of magnetic saturation on the frequency response of the machine is investigated. The results of the developed modeling approach are compared with measurements made for a large turboalternator. The model results are essentially as accurate as can be expected from the reported measurements. The thesis also presents a new set of equivalent circuit models for the frequency-domain analysis of the synchronous machine. The new circuit models are thought to be more physically appropriate for describing the machine performance. The accuracy of the developed circuit models is comparable to that of the third order conventional circuit models, but with a fewer number of circuit parameters.