VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Patterns of women's enrolment in university mathematics, engineering and computer science in Canada, 1972-1995

Gender imbalance in the fields of mathematics, science, and technology is an issue of educational equity. It raises the disturbing possibility that the education system functions in ways which discourage women from pursuing mathematical and scientific careers. If true, this situation is not only unethical, but it also closes an expanding job market to women and, hence, limits their career choices. This thesis examined female enrolment in mathematics in Canadian universities by level of study and registration status, in an attempt to present factual characterization of the situation as a first step to furthering our understanding of the deterrents women face in what is traditionally perceived as a male subject. Women's current representation, as well as the extent of change in this representation over the study period, were compared with (i) men's enrolment in mathematics, and (ii) women's enrolment in all programs during the same time period. Trends in women's enrolment in mathematics programs at each of the three levels of study and their progress through the education pipeline were contrasted with those in computer science and engineering programs. A factual characterisation of women's enrolment in the three fields is presented. Findings indicate that patterns of women's enrolment in these three disciplines are vastly different, a fact which suggests that factors specific to each discipline interact with and modify the effects of the more general sociological and psychological obstacles impeding women's participation in these disciplines. In the first chapter of this thesis, the objectives and the significance of this study are discussed. Chapter 2 offers a review of the relevant literature with the objective of furnishing a background for this study. In chapter 3, levels and trends of women's enrolment in all university programs, their enrolment in mathematics programs, and their progress through levels of study are investigated. In chapter 4, levels and trends of women's enrolment in computer science and engineering programs and their progress through levels of study are examined and contrasted with those in mathematics. Chapter 5 contains a discussion of barriers to women's participation in mathematics, engineering and computer science in light of the findings presented in chapters 3 and 4. This chapter also offers some recommendations and directions for future research.
Writing 'Kinography': Narrating the Self Through Family and Kin in The Woman Warrior and Disappearing Moon Café

Storytelling plays a vital role in the identity construction of the first and second generation narrators of The Woman Warrior and Disappearing Moon Cafe. Oral histories of family, passed from mother to daughter, form what Kingston deems 'ancestral help', or a complex weaving of the stories of female kin; through the reconstruction and subsequent writing of these stories, the narrators reconcile the Chinese and American mythologies that are a result of leading a dualized cultural existence. Thus a new genre is formed: neither a biography nor an autobiography, but rather a 'kinography', one which acknowledges the importance of family and kinship.
Biochemical and pharmacological studies on dopamine D1 and D2L receptors

D1 and D2L receptors expressed in Sf9 cells were pharmacologically indistinguishable from native receptors, and were shown for the first time to be posttranslationally modified by phosphorylation and palmitoylation. Further, direct evidence now showed the existence of dopamine receptor dimers, in equilibrium with receptor monomers, formed by intermolecular noncovalent interactions involving TM regions. The exposure of D1/cells to dopamine for 15 min resulted in the desensitization of the D1 receptor stimulated adenylyl cyclase system, which was attributed to the increase in phosphorylation and palmitoylation level of the receptor and uncoupling of the receptor from G protein. Following 60 min of agonist exposure, surface D1 receptors, comprising predominantly receptor monomers, were internalized into an intracellular light vesicular membrane fraction. Pretreatment of D1/cells with concanavalin A or sucrose completely blocked agonist-induced D1 receptor internalization without preventing agonist-induced desensitization indicating that these processes were temporally and biochemically distinct mechanisms regulating D1 receptor function. In marked contrast, the D2L receptor coupled adenylyl cyclase system was resistant to agonist-induced desensitization, and dopamine exposure mediated a paradoxical increase in surface D2L receptor density, involving translocation of intracellular receptors and possibly receptor dimerization. In cells coexpressing D1 and D2L receptors, no modulation of D1 binding in the presence of the D2L receptor, and no modulation of D2L binding in the presence of the D1 receptor, or D1 and D2L receptor heterodimerization was observed. However, in tissues containing both D1 and D2L receptors, selective activation of these receptors resulted in a synergistic adenylyl cyclase response. Under similar conditions, when dopamine was the activator, effector activity was the net effect of D1 receptor stimulation and D2L receptor inhibition. In summary, these findings showed for the first time that D1 and D2L receptors were posttranslationally modified, exist as dimers, and are subject to distinct patterns of regulation upon exposure to dopamine. These processes have not been demonstrated previously, and should prove to be of significant fundamental importance for understanding the function of D1 and D2L and possibly other G protein-coupled receptors.
System integration of automated mapping/facilities management at a utility

This paper addresses the integration of an Automated Mapping / Facilities Management system at a utility. For any business, the integration of all information systems is crucial to its efficiency of operation and the integrity of its data. The acronym GIS/AM/FM stands for Geographical Information System / Automated Mapping / Facilities Management. The importance of integrating a GIS/AM/FM system with other corporate systems has only come into recognition in the past few years. Previously, GIS/AM/FM systems were generally thought of as high priced technology that, due to the nature of the data, must be maintained as standalone systems. The level of integration implemented at any site depends mainly on the company's needs, resources and existing technology architecture. This paper investigates different ways of addressing the various levels of integration of GIS with other corporate systems, and examines one approach in detail.
Process identification based on a new relay feedback experiment

A novel identification experiment based on relay feedback is proposed which automatically generates a nonperiodic binary process input signal by intermittently placing additional dynamics into the relay feedback loop. The input signal is rich in frequency content, permitting identification of a multiple-point frequency or step response model from a single experiment. The Frequency Sampling Filter (FSF) model is used to fit the models to the relay generated data using a least squares estimator. A recursive version of this algorithm has been incorporated into a prototype software application that combines the new relay experiment with on-line FSF model identification. The prototype has been applied to a pilot-scale, stirred tank heater process to demonstrate the new method in practice.
Explication et interpretation de la comédie au XVIII§e, pour une théorie sémiotique du comique

Cette étude vise à contribuer à résoudre le problème de l'insuffisance de la sémiotique devant le comique. Notre approche de cette tâche est tripartite: premièrement, il s'agit de réexaminer les fondements philosophiques de la sémiotique à l'instar de Georges Kalinowski, en établissant une distinction méthodologique entre l'objet concret et l'objet intensionnel, pour examiner ensuite une série de comédies dans une méthode spéculative qui exploite cette sensibilité ontologique, afin d'observer les structures comiques des pièces en question; deuxièmement, nous empruntons au logicien Richard Martin son métalangage intensionnel, qui est une "pragmatique quantitative" servant comme langage pour une sémiotique de l'imaginaire social; la théorie de Martin nous permet d'élaborer une méthode explicative rendant compte du fonctionnement et des mécanismes métalogiques et anthropomorphes du comique; finalement, nous nuançons cette méthode explicative en y intégrant une théorie du rire et une ontologie de la sémiotique "extensionnelle et intensionnelle", élaborant ainsi une méthode interprétative, afin de pouvoir décrire, en fonction de nos observations, l'esthétique de la comédie. S'agissant d'une mise en oeuvre de la méthode scientifique de Wilhelm Dilthey, considéré comme étant le fondateur des sciences sociales, notre travail s'oppose tant aux méthodes néo-positivistes qu'aux visions idéalistes ou anti-philosophiques de la linguistique et de la sémiotique contemporaines, dans le but de faire avancer la sémiotique en ajoutant à la discipline objective une part socio-culturelle. Dans ce contexte la sémiotique deviendrait un langage anthropologique, et notre théorie du rire une méthodologie ethnographique servant à décrire la grammaire d'une culture, bref l'ensemble de ses structures imaginaires.
A systems design approach for sustainable affordable housing

Engineers and scientists are continually searching for more efficient methods of resource management which promote sustainable living and the opportunity for a quality way of life for all people. Global increases in population are fueling the demand for housing, especially in developing nations, therefore the desire to provide an affordable house which utilizes resources in an efficient manner is a concern of civil engineers. By approaching the design of a home from a civil engineering systems perspective, considerable resources may be saved and a better quality product can be produced. A sustainable affordable house design is one which minimize cost and environmental impact while maximizing the social acceptability. Multiple design alternatives which assess the true need of the people, utilize appropriate building materials, consider the physical environment, and utilize methods of industrialization, should be synthesized. A multi-objective evaluation procedure may then be used to evaluate the alternatives based on life cycle cost, material life cycle and the functionality and familiarity of the design. The selected preferred alternative should then be optimized by changing individual design parameters, re-evaluating the design and observing the resulting change in system performance.
Development and evaluation of the Virtual Tape Measure for the Operating Microscope

Purpose. This thesis has two main purposes: (1) to describe the components of a unique measuring tool, the Virtual Tape Measure for the Operating Microscope, and (2) to objectively evaluate its performance during laboratory and simulated surgical procedures. Methods. To determine its mechanical performance and application performance, the VTMOM was used to measure dimensions of non-anatomical objects and aneurysm models respectively. It's efficacy for neurosurgery was evaluated during simulated cerebrovascular surgery. Results and conclusion. Excellent performance was obtained when the VTMOM was used to measure non-anatomical objects, but inferior when it was used to measure anatomical models. When the VTMOM was used during simulated aneurysm surgery, the surgeons' performance in estimating the most appropriate clip size did not differ significantly from the control condition. The differences in the mechanical and application performances may have been due to the differences in visual characteristics between the anatomical and non-anatomical objects being measured.
Atomic force microscopy studies of mesoscopic structures

The atomic force microscope (AFM) allows both qualitative and quantitative images of a sample's topography. Unfortunately, the imaging process suffers from distortions due to geometric interactions when the sample size range is comparable with that of the AFM tip, specifically from 2 to 500 nm, which is typical for colloids and biological systems. This thesis identifies these distortions, presents some examples, and provides some solutions to the predicament. Two simple numerical procedures for separating the probe tip geometry from images obtained by AFM are presented. The procedures described are of general applicability: they make no assumptions about the tip geometry and require no pre-treatment of the data, such as filtering. The importance of this is twofold: first, it provides a way of visualizing the probe tip in a nondestructive manner, which is useful in eliminating artifacts, and second, it enables the deconvolution of the probe tip from the image, resulting in a more accurate picture of the sample. Examples of deconvolution using both an idealized tip and a real tip are given. The efficacy of such schemes is explored with the use of simulations of the tip-sample interaction using simple geometric considerations. Images taken of paired helical filaments (PHF) using AFM have shown the apparent existence of both left and right-handed filaments. Computational simulations of the images obtainable have been carried out to explain these findings and to confirm them as instrumental artifacts. When carried out using ideal spherical tips, the images of the structures are distorted in their lateral dimensions but retain their helicity. The fine structure of the sample is often lost for tips which are slightly oblong, resulting in beaded structures. In some instances, the image distortion is such that the handedness of the structures appears to change. These findings illustrate the applicability or lack thereof to determine the helicity of a sample using AFM. A digitized representation of the tip, similar to that afforded by deconvoluting AFM images, can allow calculations of the long range van der Waals forces between the tip and surface plane. By approximating the volume of the tip as an arrangement of rectangular columns, various geometries were investigated and compared to analytic solutions. The results indicate that this columnar representation of the tip can generate adequate results for most models considered. Measurement of the elasticity of collagen fibers during their initial stages of growth by extending the AFM to function as a force/displacement transducer proved unsuccessful due to the limitations imposed by the length scales involved.
Case II sorption in glassy polymers, penetration kinetics

The penetration kinetics of methanol in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads has been examined in detail, which reveals a size dependence in the induction time during the initial phase of the Case II sorption. In addition, the induction time and front penetration rate are inversely related. Similar size dependence and inverse relationship between induction time and front penetration rate have also been observed in several other systems including methanol in crosslinked PMMA beads, higher alcohols in uncrosslinked PMMA beads, and n-hexane in polystyrene (PS) beads. This suggests that the induction time is not a material constant as previously assumed by existing theories. A new phenomenological. analysis of front penetration kinetics further substantiates that the induction time and front penetration rate are inversely related for any given system. Our results also show that the volume swelling ratio in the swollen region of the bead remains constant during the propagation of the penetration front. This supports the notion of a uniform concentration distribution in the swollen region during Case II sorption. This volume swelling ratio also shows a slight increase with temperature. As confirmed by SEM and AFM observations, the dependence of induction time on size is not caused by changes in surface morphology since there is no detectable difference in surface morphology for PMMA beads of different diameters. The inverse relationship between induction time and penetration rate as derived from our phenomenological analysis is in agreement with that predicted from a molecular theory. The phenomenological analysis further confirms that the induction time and its relationship with the initial front penetration rate depend on both the geometry and dimension of the polymer specimen in the penetration direction. The length of induction time for slab and cylindrical geometry approaches that of the semi-infinite geometry more than that of the spherical geometry. Consequently, this size dependence may become insignificant when the dimension of the cylindrical discs and slabs is comparable to the diameter of the beads. Based on our results, a quantitative criterion has been formulated for the occurrence of Case II sorption. A new phase diagram has also been constructed to predict the occurrence of Case II behavior. It provides a qualitative definition of the upper temperature limit for Fickian diffusion as well as a lower temperature limit for anomalous diffusion in glassy polymers.
Standards of living in the commune of Namur, 1263-1429

Many factors contributed to a favourable standard of living in Namur during the Dampierre period: primarily, its geographical location, its political history and its ecclesiastical affiliation. Chapter II deals with the administration of the commune, an oligarchy under the count but sensible of the commune's ancient charter of freedoms. Minting was a privilege which the count did not delegate, but while he profited from debasing the coinage, he was moderate compared with the excesses of some French kings and Flemish counts. The financial policy was directed either towards re-building town fortifications against the threat of Liège or satisfying extraordinary comital demands. Its legal system, however, was a better safeguard of Namurois welfare. Chapter III discusses the role of the magistracy in maintaining public order and sanitation, and the contribution of beguines and tertiaries to the care of the aged, ill and infirm. Lepers were segregated but not quarantined. The role of the regular and secular orders of the Church was also important. Its schools, solemnities, festivals and processions all promoted the solidarity of the commune. So also did the pastimes of the Namurois, the description of which concludes the chapter. Chapter IV describes the different classes of townspeople, with descending degrees of privilege: count, aristocracy, bourgeoisie, artisans and marginals. Shelter, clothing and food varied with rank. Chapter V concludes that the Namurois were fortunate in being spared major wars and famines, if not recurring plague. Society was stratified and yet there was some opportunity to improve one's lot. There was for most people some of that "capability" identified by Amartya Sen as the most important mark of a desirable standard of living. And if we judge the worth of a society by the care given to its 'pauperes', medieval Namur enjoyed a better standard of living than larger, industrial cities in the North.
Optical solitary waves in a photonic band gap material

A detailed analysis of finite-energy solitary waves in two- and three-dimensional nonlinear photonic band gap (PBG) structures is presented. Solitary waves in a photonic crystal exhibiting a nonresonant Kerr response with a two-dimensional (2d) square and triangular symmetry group as well as a 3d fcc symmetry group, are described in terms of an effective nonlinear Dirac equation derived using the slowly varying envelope approximation for the electromagnetic field. Unlike the case of one dimension, the multiple symmetry points of the 2d and 3d Brillouin Zones give rise to two distinct classes of solitary wave solutions. Solutions associated with a higher-order symmetry point of the crystal exist for both positive and negative Kerr coefficient, whereas solutions associated with a two-fold symmetry point occur only for positive Kerr nonlinearity. We obtain approximate solutions using a variational method. The nonlinear wave equations are then solved numerically using the Ritz-Galerkin method. An analytical stability criterion is obtained for a spinor field satisfying a nonlinear Dirac type of equation. Our study suggests that, for an ideal Kerr medium, 2d solitary waves in a band gap are stable whereas 3d ones are stable only in a certain region of the band gap. We derive the properties of self-induced transparency (SIT) solitary waves in a one-dimensional periodic structure doped uniformly with two-level atoms. In our model, the electromagnetic field is treated classically and the dopant atoms are described quantum mechanically. Solitary wave formation involves the combined effects of group-velocity dispersion (GVD), nonresonant Kerr nonlinearity, and resonant interaction with dopant atoms. We find three distinct types of propagating solitary wave pulses. Far from Bragg resonance, we recapture the usual McCall-Hahn soliton with hyperbolic secant profile when the Kerr coefficient is set to zero. However, when the host Kerr coefficient is nonzero, the optical envelope function deviates from the hyperbolic secant profile and pulse propagation requires nontrivial phase modulation. When the laser frequency and atomic transition frequencies are near the photonic band edge, the additional effect of the GVD facilitates the propagation of a SIT-Gap soliton. The soliton structure changes dramatically as the laser frequency is tuned through the atomic resonance. A distinct type of near-band-edge solitary wave can propagate when the Kerr coefficient is zero. This third type of solution arises from the balance between GVD and the resonance interaction with the dopant atoms.
Effects of incomplete fuel-air mixing on the performance characteristics of mixed compression, shock-induced combustion ramjet, shcramjet, engines

An investigation of the effects of incomplete fuel-air mixing in a mixed compression, shock-induced combustion, ramjet (shcramjet) model was carried out. The variable equivalence ratio is applied to a planar, inviscid, chemically reacting, shcramjet flow-field. This flowfield is simulated numerically with a Lower-Upper Symmetric Gauss-Seidel (LU-SGS) scheme to solve the Euler equations at steady state. The chemistry model consists of 33 reaction and 13 species. The results show that incomplete fuel-air mixing leads to longer ignition lengths in the combustor section for rich mixtures $(\phi > 1)$, for both shock-induced and detonation wave combustion. In the extreme fuel rich regions, combustion is inhibited by the amount of fuel in the flow. Lean mixtures $(\phi < 1)$ result in little combustion towards the centre of the flow. Acceptable losses in the overall performance characteristics are demonstrated when compared to other mixed and external compression shcramjets, with homogeneous and inhomogeneous fuel-air mixtures. With the effects of incomplete fuel-air mixing, the mixed compression shcramjet remains a viable concept for hypersonic propulsion.