VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Toward a critical pedagogy, the limits of traditional Marxist theory in education

The intent is to examine some of the theoretical limitations of educational analyses which primarily focus on the capitalist economy and its dominance over the education system. The author selects two traditional Marxist analyses--Nicos Poulantzas, and Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis--to develop a framework of capitalist development and show how the education system is ultimately linked to this process. By examining the imperative connections between the capitalist economy and the education system, the author questions if these predominantly economic analyses thoroughly provide for a realistic grounding for developing alternative structures through which the education system can be reformed. The author refers to Michael Apple to suggest that although theories aimed at uncovering economic connections are essential to understanding how the education system operates, they fall short in developing a critique of what occurs within the school itself. It is with an understanding of both the external connections between the school and the economy as well as the internal tensions within the school that educational reforms aimed at correcting some of the implications of capitalist development can be reached.
Protein induced suppression of food intake via CCK¦A receptors

The objective of this thesis was to test the hypothesis that in rats, the effect of dietary proteins on food intake is dependent on the time and duration of interaction between the protein source and CCKA receptors. Devazepide (a CCKA receptor antagonist) was given intraperitoneally to block CCKA receptors and was given 30, 60 and 90 minutes before rats were presented with their food cups. Casein, soy and albumin was given intragastrically either in their intact form or as hydrolysates 30 minutes prior to the introduction of the food cups. Food intake was measured during 0-1 h, 1-2h and 2-3h. The results showed that devazepide blocked the suppression of food intake caused by the protein. But, this effect of devazepide showed a time dependency that varied with the protein source. These results support the hypothesis that the effect of dietary proteins on food intake suppression is dependent on the time and duration of interaction between protein source and CCK A receptors.
Literature circles in the multicultural classroom, who's learning what?

In this case study, I take an in-depth look at what learning occurred when an innovative literacy unit featuring semi-structured small group literature discussions was implemented in a multicultural seventh-grade classroom in Southern Ontario. Specifically, I use "think description" (Denzin, 1989) to give the reader a sense of how each of the four literature circle groups featured in the study interacted during their literature discussions, and I present data from student interviews indicating how students themselves perceived the literature circles. I then analyze the data in order to draw tentative conclusions regarding the literary learning opportunities and the affective benefits afforded to each focal group. Additionally, I examine the nature of peer discourse in each group and highlight the problematic aspects of students' verbal interactions. Concluding the study, I explore the numerous contextual factors that impacted on students' learning and speculate on how learning with literature circles can be optimized.
Developing an alternate backing system made of fly ash composite for nickel shell moulds

Some injection and compression moulds are made using thin nickel shells, which require proper backing to withstand the pressures imposed by the moulding process. The main disadvantage of conventional backing fillers is the difficulty of rebuilding the mould in the event that the thermal lines need to be repaired or reconfigured. This thesis proposes an alternative backing system made of a fly ash:cement:sand composite. The operational factors that constrain the design of nickel vapor deposited (NVD) shells are first quantified and summarized in the form of design guidelines. The stiffness and strength behavior of the nickel shell is then investigated using experimental beam-bending and axial compression/tension tests, based on which a constitutive model is introduced. Mechanical testing is considered for two conventional backing materials: epoxy and polymer-concrete composites. Triaxial compression tests were conducted on epoxy composite specimens and a material model is proposed. Uniaxial compression strength tests were carried out on polymer concrete (type HTS05) specimens, and a strength envelope is presented. Design parameters of NVD backing fillers are illustrated in the context of strength versus stiffness considerations. Mechanical properties of different fly ash mixes are investigated for strength and stiffness behaviour using experimental testing. Based on the test results, a proposed mix design is engineered to meet the following properties: ease of placement, rapid curing, appropriate mechanical and thermal performance, and easy removal for mould repair. A numerical finite element technique is used to successfully calibrate a material model for the proposed backing based on triaxial test results. The new backing was then used in a prototype trial. Both sides (' Top' and 'Bottom') of a new mould were backed with the fly ash composite, and instrumented for strain, temperature, and displacement. Production part quality and the performance of the mould were monitored during the production trials. Test results show that the new fly ash composite backing is both mechanically and thermally suitable for backing nickel shells, under the conditions of the moulding process used. Mould performance was compared to 3D finite element models, which assisted in the interpretation of the collected prototype performance data, and in gaining better insight into the performance of the NVD mould (nickel shell + fly ash backing + frame) as a whole. Both experimental and numerical results are consistent in presenting the behaviour of the nickel shell mould under the conditions of the production trial.
Cloning and characterization of an Arabidopsis thaliana vacuolar Na§+/H§+ antiport-AtNHX3

In 'Arabidopsis', overexpression of vacuolar Na+/H+ antiport, AtNHX 1, increases salt tolerance of the plant. Genomic DNA database search indicates that there are four other genes that are homologous to 'AtNHX1'. In this thesis, the cloning and characterization of 'AtNHX3' is reported. The ORF of 'AtNHX3' is about 1.5 kb, coding for 521 amino acids. AtNHX3 protein shares about 35% identical sequence with AtNHX1 and AtNHX2. Western blotting shows that AtNHX3 is located on tonoplast. Northern-blotting and semi-quantitative RT-PCR suggest that AtNHX3 mRNA is in root, stem, leaf and flower, and there is no significant difference for mRNA levels between young seedlings and adult plants. Furthermore, AtNHX3 mRNA levels do not change in response to salt treatment. AtNHX3 can complement a yeast salt sensitive mutant, [Delta]nhx1, and overexpression of AtNHX3 in 'Arabidopsis' greatly increases salt tolerance of the plant. Yeast complementation studies suggest that C-terminus of AtNHX3 is necessary for the full function of this antiport.
High-order spatial discretization methods for the shallow water equations

We present new numerical methods for the shallow water equations on a sphere in spherical coordinates. In our implementation, the equations are discretized in time with the two-level semi-Lagrangian semi-implicit (SLSI) method, and in space on a staggered grid with the quadratic spline Galerkin (QSG) and the optimal quadratic spline collocation (OQSC) methods. When discretized on a uniform spatial grid, the solutions are shown through numerical experiments to be fourth-order in space locally at the nodes and midpoints of the spatial grids, and third-order globally. We also show that, when applied to a simplified version of the shallow water equations, each of our algorithms yields a neutrally stable solution for the meteorologically significant Rossby waves. Moreover, we demonstrate that the Helmholtz equation associated with the shallow water equations should be derived algebraically rather than analytically in order for the algorithms to be stable with respect to the Rossby waves. These results are verified numerically using Boyd's equatorial wave equations with initial conditions to generate a soliton. We then analyze the performance of our methods on various staggered grids--the A-, B-, and C-grids. From an eigenvalue analysis of our simplified version of the shallow water equations, we conclude that, when discretized on the C-grid, our algorithms faithfully capture the group velocity of inertia-gravity waves. Our analysis suggests that neither the A- nor B-grids will produce such good results. Our theoretical results are supported by numerical experiments, in which we discretize Boyd's equatorial wave equations using different staggered grids and set the initial conditions for the problem to generate gravitation modes instead of a soliton. With both the A- and B-grids, some waves are observed to travel in the wrong direction, whereas, with the C-grid, gravity waves of all wavelengths propagate in the correct direction.
Boron tethered radical cyclizations and potassium organotrifluoroborates in organic synthesis

Investigations into the use of temporary boron connections for facilitating radical cyclization processes produced a viable alternative to previously reported silicon tethered radical cyclization methodology. It was shown that a covalent C-B-O linkage could serve as a removable tether for the catalytic tributyltin hydride (Bu3SnH) and stoichiometric tris(trimethylsilyl)silane [(Me3Si)3SiH] mediated radical cyclization of di(haloalkyl) ('E')/('Z')-alkenylboronates and diallyl/dipropargyl (Ã-haloalkyl)boronates respectively. Following exclusive 5-, 6-, and 7-'exo'-trig/dig closures, trimethylamine 'N'-oxide or basic hydrogen peroxide oxidation of the C-B bond resulted in a variety of 1,3-, 1,4-, and 1,5-diols respectively in high yields. In certain instances of di(haloalkyl) ('E')/('Z')-alkenylboronate cyclization, a novel intramolecular homolytic substitution (SHi) reaction at boron was observed. Stereoselectivities were comparable to those observed for analogous silicon (or otherwise) tethered systems in all cases involving the generation of chiral diol products. Potassium allyl-, ('E')/('Z')-crotyl-, vinyl- and aryltrifluoroborates were synthesized from the corresponding boronic acids with the intent to develop air and moisture stable organoboron allylating, crotylating, vinylating, and arylating agents. In a process promoted equally well by catalytic and stoichiometric quantities of boron trifluoride-diethyl etherate (BF3·OEt2), potassium allyltrifluoroborate was found to add efficiently to a variety of aldehydes at low and room temperature, producing homoallyl alcohols in high yield. Potassium ('E')/(' Z')-crotyltrifluoroborates reacted with similar efficiency, and with high stereoselectivity. Mechanistically, the intermediacy of a highly reactive allyl- or crotylboron difluoride species is proposed. Catalysis of these additions with stoichiometric quantities of aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCl) was also possible. In addition, potassium vinyl- and aryltrifluoroborates showed high reactivity in Rh(acac)(CO)2/dppb and Rh(acac)(CO)2/dppf catalyzed additions to both enones and aldehydes at elevated temperatures, producing ß-functionalized ketones and allyl/benzyl alcohols in high yields. Similarly, potassium vinyl- and aryltrifluoroborates were added to enones and aldehydes at room temperature under Rh(acac)(CO)2/'t'Bu3P catalysis. However, only potassium aryltrifluoroborates were found to be reactive in additions to aldehydes at room temperature under catalysis with (activated) zinc dust, a process further facilitated by a number of Lewis acids. A distinct procedural advantage intrinsic to all the addition processes involving potassium vinyl- and aryltrifluoroborates is the option of using water as the exclusive reaction solvent.
Resistance to hepatocarcinogenesis in Copenhagen rats

Several genes have been identified that play a role in the susceptibility of humans to various types of cancer, but relatively little is known about genes that confer resistance to cancer. This thesis describes studies on the Copenhagen (Cop) strain of rat, which is resistant to hepatocarcinogenesis and provides an excellent model to study inherited resistance. Initially, I discovered that Cop rats are highly resistant to the growth of preneoplastic liver lesions following treatment with the resistant hepatocyte (RH) protocol. Although these lesions grow at the same rate in Cop and susceptible F344 rats initially, Cop lesions then stop growing whereas F344 lesions expand ~10-fold. I found that the rate of lesion remodeling (redifferentiation into normal appearing liver) was markedly higher in Cop rats and this may play a role in their resistance. I also explored the genotype of Cop resistance by testing the susceptibility of Cop X F344 F1 rats and backcrosses to the RH protocol. I showed that Cop resistance is inherited in an incompletely dominant manner and is likely to involve at least 4 loci, one of which demonstrates evidence of recessive epistasis. Next, I examined the expression of hepatic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in Cop and F344 rats during lesion growth. I found that MMP-1, 2, and 9 expression increased in both strains, but the increases were smaller in Cop than in F344 rats. However, batimastat, an inhibitor of MMP activity, was unable to inhibit lesion growth in F344s. I concluded that the increases in MMP expression seen are likely a result of lesion growth rather than a means by which the RH protocol causes lesion growth. Finally, I showed that Cop rat resistance is not due to the action of cytotoxic T-cells. F2 rats were produced by crossing Cop rats to an athymic nude rat and interbreeding the resulting F1 animals. One quarter of these F2 rats were nude and some carried a Cop resistance gene(s). All the nude F2s were as resistant as non-nude F2s and Cop rats, showing that T-cells are not necessary for Cop rat resistance.
The effects of pre-task planning on foreign language performance

To date, little L2 research has investigated either pre-task planning processes or application of pre-task plans. To fill this gap in research literature, this study examines, among 40 Grade 11 Thai EFL students, the effects both of pre-task planning conditions and levels of cognitive and linguistic demand of tasks upon: (1) the participants' pre-task planning processes; (2) their application of pre-task plans; and (3) the complexity, accuracy, and fluency of their produced monologues. Data were collected, using a 4-by-2 research design with four pre-task planning conditions and two task types. Three of the four pre-task planning conditions were established based on their particular focus: content focused (CFPP), language focused (LFPP), and content and language focused (CLFPP). The fourth, minimal pre-task planning, was a control condition. The two tasks had, respectively, a low and a high level of cognitive and linguistic demand (LCLD and HCLD). Results regarding the effects of the CFPP, LFPP, and CLFPP conditions show that: (1) the pre-task planning processes underlying these three conditions were consistent with Levelt's (1989) speech production model; (2) the CFPP and CLFPP conditions promoted participants' application of their pre-task plans; (3) the CFPP and CLFPP conditions promoted complexity, respectively, in the low and high tasks; and (4) the three conditions promoted accuracy and fluency, either in one, the other, or both tasks. Results concerning task demand show that: (1) the LCLD task was more effective than the HCLD task in influencing participants to direct their attention towards content planning; (2) the LCLD and HCLD tasks did not differently affect the participants' application of their pre-task plans; and (3) the HCLD task promoted complexity while the LCLD task promoted accuracy and fluency. The results support the claim of previous research that pre-task planning has the potential to improve EFL learners' speech performance. They also suggest that Levelt's (1989) model of speech production is relevant for: (1) analyzing EFL learners' pre-task planning process; (2) explaining its effects on the learners' application of pre-task plans and produced speech; and (3) guiding pedagogy on pre-task planning implementation.
Synthesis of fluorinated BINOL ligands and asymmetric catalysis with its derived catalysts

The effect of fluorine substitution at the 5, 5', 6, 6', 7, 7', 8 and 8' positions of 2, 2'-dihydroxy-1, 1' -binaphthyl (BINOL) on its catalytic activity in titanium-mediated ethyl glyoxylate-ene reaction was examined. A highly enantioselective catalyst was formed by mixing BINOL with 5, 5', 6, 6' , 7, 7', 8, 8'-octafluoro-2 ' 2'-dihydroxy-1, 1'-binaphthyl (F8BINOL) in one system. Kinetics and crystallization evidence were found to support pseudoracemic assembly of BINOL, F8BINOL, and Ti(O' i'Pr)4. A synthetic route to 5, 6, 7, 8-tetrafluoro-2, 2'-dihydroxy-1, 1'-binaphthyl (F 4BINOL) was developed. Homochiral F4BINOL and its derivatives were synthesized. Catalytic asymmetric glyoxylate-ene reaction and sulfoxidation of sulfides were carried out to study the sense of chiral induction of F 4BINOL/Ti(O'i'Pr)4 derived Lewis acid.
Incorporating the affective to enhance the cognitive: A case study of exemplary teaching

This thesis is a case study of exemplary teaching. It is an interpretive inquiry that aims to understand the teaching practices of one teacher who teaches students who have multiple disabilities. It is an inquiry that seeks to recognize, understand, and learn from the multi-faceted dimensions that underlie an experienced teacher's practice with students who have complex multiple disabilities and learning needs. In this inquiry, I worked as a participant-observer with Maria over five months as she taught six primary-aged students who have multiple disabilities, are non-speaking, and use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to express themselves. My interpretations and understandings of Maria's teaching practices are filtered through my experience as a special educator and a consultant in the field of AAC and developed in consideration of the research literature on teacher knowledge, beliefs, and practices. I convey my understanding of Maria's teaching by sharing anecdotal details of the teaching events in her classroom which I witnessed, and Maria's own explanations of her practice. In sharing my understanding of Maria's teaching practice, I confirm the interdependent and interactive nature among Maria's knowledge, beliefs, and teaching practices. Further, I highlight the role of the unanticipated and seldom-researched affective dimension of teaching. I propose several implications arising from this inquiry. These implications serve to broaden our understanding of the construct of exemplary teaching and to inform the teaching practices which are necessary to meeting the diversity of learning needs in today's special education and inclusive classrooms.
Worldview research with technology teachers

Following a theoretical interpretation of worldview construction, two models are developed for understanding the context of technological education as a subject in the curriculum (the 'product paradigm') and the role of technological teachers in the secondary system (the 'technician paradigm'). The role of cultural discourses around 'fast-capitalism' and postmodern 'productivism' on the development of teacher worldviews and the curriculum are discussed and critiqued from a critical-emancipatory knowledge perspective. The implications of both of these discourse streams on education for sustainability initiatives is also explored. A critical '' eco-technological'' model for technological education is proposed. Employing both standard quantitative and innovative qualitative research methods, the worldviews of forty-eight secondary technological studies teachers are then presented. The worldview orientations of teachers are compared and contrasted along a number of dimensions related to ecological, social, and economic sustainability. The analytical framework for the qualitative research component included interviews and the development of a number of novel cultural worldview elicitation strategies using cartoons, images, concept mapping exercises and advertisement analysis. The worldviews of three teachers are explored in detail to demonstrate the efficacy of the intersubjective techniques and to support the conclusions regarding teacher worldviews and 'sustainability thinking.' Recommendations concerning the development of pre-service and in-service education of technological teachers with respect to sustainability are also explored.
Gender differences in HIV-related attitudes, knowledge, and perceived risk of infection among adolescents in day-treatment for substance use, and their effect on response to preventive intervention

This thesis presents a secondary analysis of data (n = 120) collected in a study conducted through the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario. This thesis seeks to (1) investigate gender differences in AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and perceived risk among adolescents in day-treatment for substance use, and (2) determine whether gender differences affect the outcome of HIV-prevention interventions. At pre-test, females were more likely than males to have positive HIV prevention and condom use attitudes, consider themselves at higher risk of contracting HIV, have ever had a sexually transmitted infection, and to have engaged in high-risk sexual behaviours in the six months prior to interview. Males were more likely than females at pre-test to have used a condom at last intercourse. At post-test, males showed significant improvement in AIDS-related knowledge and condom attitudes regarding promiscuity, while females showed a significant increase in attitudes concerning condom use in relationships. In multiple linear regression models, gender was a significant predictor of change for seven scales. Significant gender interaction were also present in certain models. Results may have implications for the development of gender-specific HIV prevention programs among substance-using youth. Further investigation is required to validate or dispute the existence of gender differences in HIV-related attitudes and behaviour in this population.
Learning federalism, the experience of New Brunswick's 19th century judges

This is a study of how New Brunswick judges interpreted the BNA Act in the first decades of Confederation. Particular attention is paid to ' The Queen v. Chandler' (1869), to 'City of Fredericton v. The Queen' (1979), and to the opinions of William Johnstone Ritchie in early constitutional cases of the Supreme Court of Canada. It concludes that constitutional adjudication in New Brunswick: opened deep fault lines in the province's legal culture on the relationship between legislatures and courts and the definition of constitutional law; produced a clash of constitutional visions based on different understandings of how confederation made federalism and the English constitution consistent; revealed the influence of a provincial rights understanding of confederation that linked federalism and constitutional interpretation to the protection of individual rights; produced indigenous understandings of the BNA Act that anticipated the achievements of provincial rights in Privy Council cases.