VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
"Travel and transformations: rereading the prose of Jiří Weil."

This is the first book-length study of Jiří Weil's writing in any language, reintroduces a series of forgotten and under-appreciated texts to Czech and international readers. Through thorough analysis of Weil's most controversial novel, Moscow the Border, his most successful novel, Life with a Star, and discussion of his work as a whole, this dissertation argues that the importance of Weil's belletristic writing has yet to be fully articulated by critics of Czech literature. This loss in status is due in large part to judgments and generalizations from past eras that formed a palimpsest of assumptions. Most criticism neglects the full scope of Weil's texts by focusing exclusively on distinct elements such as autobiography and literature of fact, and ignoring Weil as a writer: a writer who plays with genres, blending and juxtaposing elements from different styles to create his own variety of literary composition that reflects ideas from both Socialist Realism and the avant-garde. This dissertation explores the effect on contemporary scholarship of the age Kundera referred to as the era of poets and executioners. Weil's reluctance to abandon Communism, and his difficulty in finding a Jewish identity, have not endeared him to Communists, Czech Jews, dissidents, or those readers in the West who are used to certain clichés. As one who was not a victim of the Holocaust, but a survivor who acquired his identity externally, through the sufferings of others and the dictates of the Nazis and anti-Semites in Czechoslovakia, Weil universalized the plight of Jewish victims in a manner that could apply to anyone demarcated as “the other.” This thesis avoids questions of Weil's political affiliations and religious identity that will forever remain obscure to the reader. Instead, it traces Weil's systematic exclusion from the canon of Czech literature to document the influence of the ‘literary executioners’ of the 1950s. By identifying the literary context of the Prague avant-garde that vanished when writers such as Weil were silenced, it reintroduces literature that escaped ‘the executioner,’ but which nonetheless remains obscure.
The clash between trade mark law and freedom of speech in cyberspace: does ICANN's URDP strike the right balance?

This paper seeks to explore the tensions between traditional trade mark law and the regulation of Internet domain names in cyberspace. It will evaluate the terms of the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy ("UDRP"), which was adopted by the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers ("ICANN") in 1999 to settle disputes between trade mark proprietors and domain name registrants. It will be argued that the UDRP in its present form unfairly favours trade mark proprietors by expanding the scope of traditional trade mark law, and fails to adequately protect the right of Internet users to engage in ordinary discourse and communication. The paper will conclude with a number of suggestions for the amendment of the UDRP, so as to better balance the myriad interests of an increasingly diverse global Internet community, and to promote the development of a more coherent normative framework for the resolution of domain name disputes.

Keywords: Trademarks
Internet domain names, Law and legislation
Dispute resolution (Law)
Fiat: A Christian perspective on the ecclesiastical application of sociology, with a particular focus on "natural church development" and "patterns in missional faithfulness" in the context of the marketization of the church

My thesis is that the Christian ecclesiastical sociologist needs to commit him/herself to an understanding of "objectivity" which is not only a refinement of the term as it has traditionally been understood in the natural sciences, but even a refinement of the term as it has come to be understood by critical theorists in the social sciences. Following Mannheim and Baum, the notion of "objectivity" that I am proposing exhibits both openness to totality as well as commitment to Jesus Christ. Throughout, I also propose a devotion to St. Mary as particularly helpful in this endeavour. To reach my conclusions about "objectivity", I consider the nature of truth and human beingness; faith, reason, and the challenge of the scientific revolution to the notion of telos in human life; the relationship between faith and sociology; ecclesiology and the Doctrine of the Church; and church growth vs. patterns of missional faithfulness, in the context of the global pressures of marketization.

Keywords: Christian sociology
Church
Church and social problems
Church marketing
Religion and science
Faith and reason
Response of brain and heart mitochondrial cardiolipin fatty acid profiles to alterations in dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids

Previous reports have shown that alterations in the amount of dietary linoleic acid (18:2n6) induced large and rapid changes in brain mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin 18:2n6 content in adolescent rats (Dyer, 1989). Mitochondrial membrane characteristics vary tremendously among tissues. For example, brain mitochondria have relatively fewer cristae and hence, less inner mitochondrial membrane where cardiolipin is localized, less cardiolipin and less cardiolipin 18:2n6 compared to the heart. Hence, mitochondrial membrane response to the same dietary challenge may vary amongst tissues. The purpose of this thesis was to test the hypothesis that the mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin fatty acid profile in peripheral tissue, specifically cardiac tissue, is more sensitive to alterations in dietary 18:2n6 than is the brain. This was achieved by assessing the effect, and the time course of, the proportion of dietary 18:2n6 in a 20% fat diet on mitochondrial cardiolipin 18:2n6 in both tissues. The effect of varying the total dietary fat content while maintaining the proportion of dietary 18:2n6 was also studied. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Diverse functions of caspases in beta cell homeostasis and type 1 and type 2 diabetes models

Beta cell apoptosis is essential for homeostatic maintenance of beta cell mass and this cellular process is inappropriately exaggerated in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Caspases are the major molecules involved in apoptosis, and more recently their additional roles in other cellular processes have been described. Understanding the functions of caspases in beta cells is relevant for elucidating molecular mechanisms involved in beta cell homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In this thesis, gene targeted mouse models were used to study in vivo molecular functions of specific caspases in physiological and disease contexts. In chapter 1, the specific role of Caspase-3 (Casp3) in a type 1 diabetes mouse model was evaluated. It was found that Casp3-mediated beta cell apoptosis is a requisite step for T cell priming, a key initiating event in type 1 diabetes. In chapter 2, the specific in vivo and in vitro roles of Caspase-8 (Casp8) in beta cells were examined, under physiological and pathological conditions. It was found that Casp8 is essential for beta cell apoptosis in type 1 and type 2 diabetes models. In addition, a novel unexpected role of Casp8 in the maintenance of beta cell mass and insulin secretion was found under homeostatic conditions. The studies in this thesis define novel context-specific functions of Casp3 and Casp8 in beta cells. Together, the results presented in this thesis suggest that therapeutically targeting caspases in beta cells may be relevant for prevention and treatment of diabetes and for islet transplantation.
An empirical investigation of the effect of manipulating optical looming cues on braking behaviour in a simulated automobile driving task

Four simulated automobile driving experiments have been completed to investigate whether and how manipulation of optical looming of the retinal image of the lead vehicle (LV) might influence the following drivers' (FDs) braking behaviour. The goal is to advance our understanding of the role of looming cues in the control of locomotion, and in the meantime, explore a potential application of optical looming manipulation: a dynamic brake light for potentially reducing the rear-end collisions in automobile driving. The highlights of the results are summarized as follows, according to Experiments I-IV respectively: (1) In comparison to braking behind a size-constant LV, FDs were found to brake sooner while encountering a size-increasing LV, whose size was manipulated during its braking in a manner that created a retinal expansion of the same LV image, of constant size, but at a rate of change that corresponded to an effective virtual displacement of distance (DeltaD), e.g. as if its actual position were closer to FDs by a certain constant distance, even though its actual position was unchanged. (2) FDs were found to advance or delay their braking behaviour, to an extent corresponding to the magnitude of manipulation, while following a LV whose optical image was manipulated according to an effective virtual displacement of time (Delta T), e.g. as if the LV were closer to, or further away from, the FV in terms of imposed time shift. (3) The same DeltaT manipulation was applied to the brake light triangle formed by two lower ones and the higher one at the rear of the LV, as an approximation of the dynamic brake light concept. Results showed that this concept was most effective for poor visibility conditions for which LV brake lights were most salient. (4) To further investigate the effect of looming cue manipulation, three looming cue manipulation methods were compared relative to No Manipulation (NM): Manipulation based on displacement of Distance (MD), displacement of Time (MT), and simple Size change (MS). Results show that MT is the most effective and feasible way to positively influence FD's braking behaviour.
Real time digital simulation of a voltage source converter

When safety and cost considerations prevent tests from being carried out on the actual system, real time simulation provides an alternative for system or equipment testing. When a real time digital simulator, emulating a switched circuit such as a voltage source converter, is interfaced with a digital controller, the controller's firing signals may not be in synchronism with the simulation time step. Several methods to minimize the resulting inaccuracies have been proposed in the past. However, some of these approaches introduce unnecessary delays or generate artificial harmonics. In this thesis, a method is presented that yields a more accurate and faster algorithm to simulate a voltage source converter. Both the proposed, and a state-of-the-art method commonly used in industry are implemented in a Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation. They are both compared with the experimental results to explore the advantages and disadvantages of these two methods.
Canonical analysis of oil data and pH model building for CBM

This research focuses on the application of canonical analysis to oil data for Condition Based Maintenance (CBM). The canonical covariates, obtained from the canonical analysis of the oil data, can well represent the dynamic growth of the unit's deterioration process with reduced dimension and little correlation. This work consists of three parts. Firstly, fit a vector autoregressive time series model to the oil data. Secondly, apply canonical analysis to the fitted time series model to obtain canonical covariates. Thirdly, use the canonical covariates to build PH model (or CBM model in general) and obtain optimal replacement policies. The maintenance policies associated with canonical covariates are found to be very effective on both cost saving and failure reduction.
Development and stability study of multiple-fortified Ultra RiceTM formulations containing iron, zinc, and B vitamins

Ultra Rice(TM), a micronutrient-fortified, manufactured rice product, holds great promise for alleviating micronutrient deficiencies, which are recognized as serious threats to the health, development, and productivity of millions of people worldwide. The goal of this program was to develop a feasible and stable Ultra Rice(TM) formulation multiple-fortified with iron, zinc and B vitamins. The interactions of the micronutrients with the matrix, and each other, were investigated, in an effort to minimize micronutrient loss, and sensory quality degradation. The technical feasibility of incorporating B vitamins, iron, and zinc into Ultra Rice(TM) has been demonstrated. The choice of iron compounds had the greatest effect on thiamin stability, oxidative rancidity, iron bioavailability, and colour of the final product. The optimal formulation balancing all requirements contained FeNaEDTA as the iron source and BHA/BHT and STPP as the antioxidants. The formulation retained essentially all vitamin B1 and zinc while maintaining essentially complete iron bioavailability after 20 weeks of storage.
Formation flight control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles with motion synchronization

In this thesis, the synchronized position tracking controller is incorporated in formation flight control for multiple flying wing UAVs. With this technology, the performance and effectiveness of the formation controller are improved when the virtual structure approach is utilized to maintain formation geometry. Simulations are conducted on the nonlinear model of two flying wings to verify the proposed controller. Implementation on the actual flying wings prototype system using a GumStix computer enable real flight test scenarios to be conducted for verifying the designed formation controller autonomously. Results from the actual experiments confirm the performance improvements of the formation controller when the motion synchronization control technique is incorporated.

Keywords: Aerospace engineering
Utilizing discrete-event simulation to evaluate colon cancer surgical capacity

The introduction of Ontario's colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program in 2007 is expected to increase demand and possibly wait times, for cancer services. A discrete-event simulation model was developed to aid Cancer Care Ontario in surgical capacity planning to keep wait lists at current levels. Modelling the colon cancer surgical pathway for one year, from the patient's referral from a general practitioner to the patient's first surgery, identified pre-surgical procedures as the bottleneck in the system. Hence, increasing pre-surgical capacity needs to occur alongside changes to surgical capacity. Furthermore, the model showed that introducing temporary surge surgical capacity at the beginning of the year could result in acceptable wait lists by the end of the year. This model can continue to be used as a decision support tool for Cancer Care Ontario to assist with surgical capacity planning in future years as surgical demand from the CRC screening program changes.
Fundamental kinetic and mechanistic studies of the stable free radical polymerization (SFRP) process

Stable Free Radical Polymerization (SFRP) is one of the living radical polymerization (LRP) processes developed to synthesize structurally well-defined polymers with predetermined molecular weights and narrow polydispersities. Knowledge of the fundamental kinetic processes of the polymerization enables a preassessment of the potential success of a given SFRP process. This dissertation is composed of two main categories: first, the synthesis, purification and characterization of three series of styrene based low-molecular-weight alkoxyamine model compounds, ST series, BST series and BSST series. Second, the kinetic studies of the alkoxyamine model compounds: (1) the diastereoisomeric interconversion kinetics of the dimer alkoxyamines, (2) C-ON bond dissociation kinetics, (3) alkoxyamine decomposition kinetics. To explore the C-ON bond dissociation kinetics and determine the rate constants k d of the alkoxyamine model compounds, we designed a high resolution 1H NMR process using one atmosphere pure oxygen as a transient alkyl radical scavenger. The efficiency and completeness of oxygen irreversible trapping was tested by taking advantage of the equilibrium that exists between the diastereoisomers of the dimer alkoxyamines. The effects of alkoxyamine stereochemistry and chain-length on the C-ON bond dissociation kinetics were also demonstrated. In contrast to existing FSR methods, the 1H NMR procedure allows for the simultaneous determination of multiple kd values in a single experiment.
Surface lignin on kraft wood pulp fibres

A systematic study of the surface lignin of kraft wood fibres is reported in this thesis. The existing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methodologies for surface lignin analysis were critically evaluated, and a modified XPS methodology was established. A novel technique has been developed for imaging lignin distribution on the fibre surfaces and across the fibre walls, using fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The origins of fibre surface lignin were investigated, and the mechanism of lignin adsorption on the fibres in pulping and pulp washing was studied. It was found with both XPS and CLSM that lignin was highly concentrated on the surfaces of various kraft pulp fibres which were produced in lab or in commercial pulping. CLSM revealed that lignin was concentrated not only on the exterior surfaces of fibres, but also on the fibre lumen surfaces and the borders of fibre pits. In conventional kraft pulping, middle lamella was found to be completely removed, so the influence of middle lamella remaining on the fibre surface lignin is negligible. Lignin adsorption occurred under both pulping and pulp washing conditions, and it was identified to be the primary cause for high lignin concentration on the fibre surfaces after kraft pulping. Under conventional kraft pulping conditions, the concentration of the adsorbed lignin on the fibre surfaces was as high as 16–18%, appearing to be a 2 nm thick monolayer on the fibre surface. Lignin adsorption in the bulk fibres was 0.8–1.0% of the fibre mass, which accounts for 20–30% of residual lignin in unbleached kraft pulp. When the calcium ions in the system exceed a certain concentration threshold, they cause lignin coagulation and, in turn, lignin precipitation on the fibres. The findings obtained from this work are crucially important for developing technical measures for preventing lignin adsorption on the fibres in pulping and pulp washing. It also sheds light on the potential impact of surface lignin on bleaching, papermaking, and paper properties.
Analysis of mode split and related factors for selected study areas in the Greater Toronto Area

This study examines the effect of spatial markets and other travel-related factors, including demographic, socio-economic, urban activity system, mobility and trip characteristics, on the travel mode choice patterns observed in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) between 1986 and 2001. The entire GTA is rezoned into twelve zones based on types of Toronto Transit Commission service coverage in that area. Results suggest a declining trend in transit mode share in most of the areas except around the Yonge subway line. Three findings may explain this phenomenon: (1) It is the only region that shows a stagnant trend in licenced drivers of both genders. (2) Home-based school trips have increased since 1991. (3) There is relatively low availability of free parking spots within the area. Coupled with fast development of high-density residential buildings, the transit competitiveness is expected to remain around the Yonge subway area in the near future.
Modelling semantic knowledge for a word completion task

To assist people with physical disabilities in text entry, we have studied the contribution of semantic knowledge in the word completion task. We have first constructed a semantic knowledge base (SKB) that stores the semantic association between word pairs. To create the SKB, a novel Lesk-like relatedness filter is employed. On the basis of the SKB, we have proposed an integrated semantics-based word completion model. The model combines the semantic knowledge in the SKB with n-gram probabilities. To deal with potential problems in the model, we propose the strategy of using salient terms and the ad hoc algorithm for the OOV recognition. We tested our model and compared with the model using n-gram probabilities of word and part-of-speech alone and found that our model has achieved significant performance improvement. In addition, test experiments on the algorithm for OOV recognition present a notable enhancement of the system performance.
Gesture communication in social robots: A case study of a robotic teddy bear

Understanding how humans perceive robot gestures will aid the design of robots capable of social interaction with humans. This thesis examines the generation and interpretation of gestures in a simple robot capable of head and arm movement using four experiments. In Study 1, four participants created gestures with corresponding messages and emotions based on 12 scenarios provided. The resulting gestures were judged by 12 participants in a second study. Ratings of liking were higher for gestures conveying positive emotion and with more arm movements. Emotion and message understanding were relatively low, but situational context considerably improved message understanding and to a lesser extent emotion recognition. In Study 3, five novices and five puppeteers created gestures conveying six basic emotions which were shown to 12 Study 4 participants. Puppetry experience had minimal effect on emotion recognition. The results obtained are used to develop design guidelines for gesture communication in social robots.
Efficient content-based publish/subscribe for distributed workflow management

Two challenges faced by content-based publish/subscribe systems are the expressiveness of subscription languages and the ability to handle a vast amount of dynamic information with limited system resources. These deficiencies restrict the publish/subscribe paradigm to narrow application domains. We extend the subscription language with composite subscriptions, which allow subscribers to express interests by describing event patterns occurring in a distributed environment. The extended subscription language together with the loosely-coupled nature of publishers and subscribers makes publish/subscribe a natural fit for many distributed applications, such as workflow management and business process execution systems. Furthermore, covering and merging-based routing are proposed and applied to subscriptions in order to reduce routing table size and network traffic. A distributed workflow management architecture based on the publish/subscribe model, which integrates with composite subscriptions and covering and merging-based routing, is presented as a case study to validate the approach. Deployment, execution and monitoring of workflow are performed in the publish/subscribe layer. The architecture avoids a centralized manager and leads to flexible and efficient workflow management. The prototype is implemented using PADRES, a distributed content-based publish/subscribe system.