VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Computationally efficient supervisor design for discrete-event systems

In response to the exponential computational complexity of supervisor design for discrete-event systems and the trend towards distributed control in applications, this dissertation extends current results towards a unified comprehensive theory of control architecture, enabling the design of decentralized controls with feasible computational effort. Major contributions include: (1) identification of universal primitive components, such as 'servers' and 'buffers' in a manufacturing (or similar) system, whose control actions are determined locally and which make up systems more amenable to nonblocking verification than general structures; (2) creation of a new modeling tool, control-flow net, that can exhibit the interconnection among plant components and specification via a graph, so that a system can be simplified and decomposed according to the net structure; (3) specification of the causal relation between system blocking and special net structure in the control-flow net, which enables the qualitative derivation of control logic independent of system numerical parameters; (4) a flexible decentralized and hierarchical supervisory control architecture based on control-flow net to reduce computational effort; and (5) application and extension of the 'observer' concept to constructing abstractions used in hierarchical control, so that the nonblocking property is strictly preserved. In the context of supervisory control theory, this dissertation has mathematically validated these 'common-sense' principles and confirmed their effectiveness through several examples.
Cognitive training using action video games: A new approach to close the gender gap

The under-representation of women in science and technology has been a world-wide problem for many years. Success or failure experiences in early childhood on tasks requiring cognitive abilities could have a strong influence on an individual's educational and career choices. This thesis focuses on the role of cognitive functions. In the first experiment, gender differences in performance on an ICT-relevant cognitive task---the Useful Field of View (UFOV) task---were discovered for the first time. The second experiment demonstrated that gender differences in UFOV may be reduced by training with action video games. Significant training benefits for women were also found on the Mental Rotation Test (MRT), which is another ICT-relevant cognitive task. Furthermore, attitudes toward ICT also became more positive after training. These findings suggest that training with action video games could form an important component of a new strategy for enhancing women's participation in science and technology.
An FPGA-based hardware development system with multi-gigabyte memory capacity and high bandwidth

FPGA-based hardware development systems are extremely useful for exploring exciting applications in vision, graphics, and many other computationally intensive problems. Experience with previous systems has shown that memory capacity, inter-FPGA bandwidth, host-to-FPGA bandwidth, and memory bandwidth are all critical to the successful implementation of high performance systems. This thesis presents the design, and implementation, of a new FPGA-based development system that was created with the goal of providing as much performance in these four areas as feasible. The design was built with 8GB of memory and its bandwidth performance was measured. The system has 17.6GB/s total aggregate memory bandwidth, and 154MB/s (read) and 266MB/s (write) host-to-FPGA bandwidth. The result is a working development system that is capable of implementing the applications of the future.
Law and technology: politics complexity, and legitimacy in online copyright reform

This thesis examines recent copyright law reform proposals in the context of a theory of technology. The theory posits that technology is political and complex. The paper argues that any law of cyberspace must consider these features of technology if it is to be effective and if it is to comport with norms in society. The paper ultimately posits a theory for the law of cyberspace drawing on the international law theory of legitimacy. Law for the internet that is 'legitimate' will be effective precisely because it does not require coercion. The thesis concludes that the challenges of regulating cyberspace can be overcome by taking into account the politics inherent in technology and the complexity of the internet.

Keywords: Software protection, Law and legislation
Intellectual property
Internet, Law and legislation
Computational protein structure prediction

How does a given protein sequence arrive at a native, low energy conformation from amongst the seemingly infinite number of possibilities? Proteins fold along a directed pathway, and do not sample all of conformational space. However, understanding how that pathway is chosen has eluded scientists. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate this question, the protein folding problem, taking the sampling and scoring aspects into consideration independently. A novel, speed-optimized method has been developed to sample protein conformational space by building probabilistic all-atom off-lattice protein models. This is accomplished through a kinetic random walk in either torsional or Euclidean space, optionally biased by secondary structure prediction. We demonstrate that the distribution of deviations from native state for small, globular proteins is an Extreme Value Distribution. This tells us the amount of sampling required to get within a given deviation. We have also applied our method to perform homology modelling, and coarse-grained unfolding of proteins. For four out of five proteins compared, our method reproduces the major unfolding events and predicts fold initiation sites as well as molecular dynamics does, in a fraction of the time. Having characterized the sampling portion of protein folding, one must also be able to pick out the best structure(s). Using a number of existing potentials, an extensive test of scoring functions on seventeen different folds was performed. Crease Energy was derived as an approximation to the steepness of the local free energy landscape at a given structure. We found that these are often able to select good structures based on energy score from large samples, but usually cannot pick out the very best. The Distributed Folding Project is a distributed computing project which samples conformational space and scores structures as they are built, attempting to pick out the best ones generated. Over 30 billion structures of over 20 proteins have been sampled, using 6000 CPUs across the world, making this the largest protein structure prediction computation to date. This project will serve as an ideal platform for rapidly testing and evaluating new sampling and scoring methods to develop better methods for the future.
Kaleidoscopic signs and hyperreal icons: the genesis of a national visual language on American television

Among the most prominent legacies of the twentieth century is the astonishing renaissance of the picture as manifested in a ubiquitous visual legacy. With the advent of television, pictorially-based communication ultimately seized the central role in both entertaining and informing American society. However, due not only to its sheer quantity, but also to its puzzling quality, the imagery of the past stubbornly resists scientific evaluation. In offering a new theoretical approach to the nature of visual communication, the thesis proposes a novel scientific corset tailored for analyzing the pictorial sources as truly sign-based artifacts. The argument centers on the notion of dialectically interconnected visual signs, whose meanings are generated in a historically dynamic process of creating, collecting, and cultivating a pool of general, semantic expressions, before they are possibly able to specify any relevant information in their actual immediate detail.

Keywords: Television, Semiotics
Visual communication
Analysis and design of watermark-based multimedia authentication systems

Multimedia authentication techniques are required to protect the integrity and origin of digital multimedia data. In watermark-based multimedia authentication systems, a source-dependent authenticator is invisibly embedded within the protected data itself, in order to alert unacceptable distortions on the data and to authenticate the legitimate source. This thesis investigates the design and analysis of such systems. We formulate the authentication problem as error detection coding with robustness to certain types of legitimate channel noise. System performance requirements such as semi-fragility, security, key payload, embedding distortion, and algorithm complexity are all investigated in the unified framework to obtain best tradeoffs among them. In the analysis of multimedia authentication systems, we demonstrate how lattice codes can be used to address semi-fragile requirements and embedding distortion in a practical scheme. Security against possible malicious attacks is considered at the code level, and cryptographic techniques are incorporated to construct secure codes. We propose a novel security enhancement strategy based on nested lattice codes that results in secure and efficient authentication algorithms. Unconditional security is also investigated. We provide a formal methodology using composite hypothesis testing to balance robustness and fragility objectives with respect to legitimate and illegitimate distortions that is superior to existing approaches. We show that a quantization-based watermarking scheme is more appropriate for achieving semi-fragility. In system design, we propose two practical watermark-based authentication schemes for natural images: one for uncompressed images, the other for JPEG compressed ones. Our proposed algorithms are able to distinguish incidental distortions, such as JPEG compression and image enhancement filtering, from malicious tampering such as image object removal and substitution even in a small portion of the protected images. Our algorithms are secure against an active attacker, and are able to determine the degree of distortion and its location. In addition, our proposed joint compression and authentication scheme for compressed images is able to increase compression efficiency while keeping practical robustness to mild incidental signal processing changes. Effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated by simulations and comparison with existing schemes.
Chasing the new economy dream: New Brunswick and Ireland, 1988-2000

This thesis constitutes a study of public policy efforts in Ireland and New Brunswick to increase economic development in the area of information and communications technologies. The thesis considers the two polities as peripheral regions due to their sparse populations and geographic locations on the outskirts of Europe and North America. The public policy efforts are framed within the context of â€˜glocalizationâ€™, a term used by numerous authors to describe a process whereby local and international institutions gain increased influence while the relevance of national institutions wanes. The differing rates of unemployment and economic growth in both places, combined with the differing types of employment that the two places have succeeded in attracting suggest that regional development policy in the so-called â€˜new economyâ€™ is plagued by many of the same problems as in previous decades.
Examining the case fo a journalist-source privilege: a comparative analysis of the level of protection afforded to journalistic sources in the UK, the US and Canada

The vexed question of the appropriate level of legal protection for journalistic sources is currently the subject of global debate. There are various ways to afford protection to sources, but this thesis is concerned particularly with a proposed journalist-source privilege. This paper contends that such a journalist-source privilege is fundamentally desirable, whether qualified or absolute. It analyses the costs of a privilege and balances them against the disadvantages of having little or no protection for sources. The thesis examines the differing levels of protection offered by three different jurisdictions. It discusses the situation in the United Kingdom, in the United States and finally in Canada. It is suggested that the law relating to journalist-source privilege (or source protection) remains unsettled in each of these major jurisdictions. In recent years journalists in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada have come under increasing pressure to reveal their sources, and this thesis argues that a journalist-source privilege is necessary to ensure that freedom of the press does not become an empty ideal.

Keywords: Journalists, Legal status, laws, etc
Journalists, Great Britain
Journalists, Legal status, laws, etc
Journalists, United States
Journalists, Legal status, laws, etc
Journalists, Canada
Attribution of news
Study of new ruthenium and iridium hydride complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbenes as ligands

New ruthenium and iridium hydride complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands were prepared and their structure and reactivities were studied. RuH(SIMes)(PPh 3)2 (SIMes = 1,3-Bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene), RuH(IMes-H)(PPh3)2 (IMes = 1,3-Bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), and RuH2(ItBu)(PPh3) 2 (ItBu = 1,3-Bis-(tert-butyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) have been synthesized from RuHCl(PPh3)3. The complex RuH(IMes-H)(PPh3)2 shows interesting C-H bond activation through cyclometallation with the IMes ligand and formation of an Î· 2-benzylic bond. The NMR of RuH2(ItBu)(PPh 3)2 shows fluxionality through an agostic interaction with the ItBu ligand, confirmed by variable temperature studies. The complex IrH5(IMes)(PiPr 3) was synthesized and is the first reported polyhydride complex bearing an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand. The reactivity of RuH(IMes-H)(PPh3)2 was studied. Depending on conditions, reaction with carbon monoxide led to the formation of the two carbonyl complexes RuH(CO)(IMes-H)(PPh3)2 and Ru(CO)3(IMes)(PPh3). Reactivity with the slightly acidic phenol resulted in the formation of the novel complex RuH(IMes)(PPh 3)(C6H5OÂ·C6H5OH) in which the phenol is bound to ruthenium in an Î·6-fashion.
Effect of Src activation on NMDA receptors containing different NR2 subunits

Src is known to potentiate NMDA currents in the hippocampus. This study examined the effect of Src on different NMDAR subtypes. My hypothesis was that Src can induce up-regulation of current in NR2A and NR2B containing receptors. To characterize current conducted by different NMDAR subtypes preferential inhibitors NVP-AAM077 and Ro 25-6981 were separately applied to cultured neurons. In SFK activator peptide treated neurons the up-regulated component of NMDA current was partially sensitive to inhibition by Ro 25-6981 and NVP-AAM077. The analysis of inhibition lead me to the conclusion that Src-induced potentiation of NMDA current is mediated by NR2B-type receptors and other non-NR2B NMDAR subtypes. This implies that Src-induced up-regulation of NMDA current is not a property of a particular NMDAR subtype. Treatment of neurons with Ro 25-6981 before the activator peptide application prevented NMDAR potentiation. This implies that NR2B-type receptors are required for the initiation of Src-induced NMDARs potentiation.
Mechanistic link between intestinal insulin signaling and lipoprotein metabolism in a model of insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is known to cause intestinal dyslipidemia. It is unclear whether the intestine experiences aberrant insulin signaling during the insulin resistant state. To investigate the effect of insulin on intestinal lipid metabolism, in vivo and ex vivo studies were conducted in the fructose fed (FF) hamster model. The normal chow fed hamster model was able to respond to the inhibitory effects of insulin and a decrease in circulating levels of apoB48-containing lipoproteins occurred. However, the FF hamster model was unresponsive to the insulin-induced downregulation of apoB48 synthesis suggesting intestinal insulin insensitivity. The FF hamsters experienced a downregulation of IRS-1 and AKT expression. The p110 subunit of PI3 kinase, PTP-1B and basal levels of phosphorylated ERK were increased. MEK1/2-inhibition led to a decrease in apoB48 synthesis and secretion. The FF hamster displays intestinal insulin insensitivity and aberrant insulin signaling that may be mediated through the activation of the MAPK pathway.
Relapse and recovery in anorexia nervosa: the patients' perspective

The purpose of this study was to explore the subjective accounts of weight-recovered female patients, who met DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa, regarding their views of their illness following weight restoration (BMI ge; 19) in a structured inpatient program. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were administered to 15 participants (7 weight-recovered; 8 weight relapsed) to ascertain their perspective of the factors that either contributed to their maintaining a healthy weight, or the factors involved in their having lost weight and relapsing over the follow-up period. Qualitative analyses revealed 6 core categories: a wish to change and the willingness to let go; motivation and dedication; value of the treatment experience; reaching out, developing trust, and supportive relationships; awareness and tolerance of emotion; and self-acceptance/self-worth. This study provides valuable information about the way in which patients experience their illness. These findings can help clinicians develop a more comprehensive understanding of relapse and recovery in anorexia nervosa and help direct more tailored treatment.
Exploring the operation of negative frequency-dependent selection on the rover-sitter polymorphism of Drosophila melanogaster

The question of what maintains genetic variation with fitness consequences is a longstanding problem in evolutionary biology. Negative frequency-dependent selection (NFD) is theoretically capable of maintaining genetic variation under a broad set of conditions. Here, I examine the empirical evidence for NFD as a mechanism promoting genetic variation in viability-mediating traits, and find that few studies have succeeded in demonstrating a causal link between frequency and fitness in heritable traits. Recently, NFD was shown to operate on the rover-sitter polymorphism of Drosophila melanogaster when larvae were reared in low quality food. I explore the conditions in which NFD acts on this polymorphism and find evidence for NFD in complex populations consisting of flies and adults in one of three trials conducted. My experiments attempting to discern the broad mechanism underlying NFD in this system were inconclusive.
Mechanisms of cardiac remodeling and failure: role of the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3

TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases) are complex endogenous biomolecules that contribute to the regulation of tissue architecture and remodeling in both health and disease. Of the four TIMP species, TIMP-3 is unique and its role in the adult heart is undefined. We hypothesized that TIMP-3 plays a key role in initiating, coordinating, and maintaining maladaptive cardiac remodeling in the failing heart. To establish a proof-of-concept that TIMP-3 influences myocardial remodeling and dysfunction, mutant mice lacking TIMP-3 by gene deletion were assessed for altered cardiac structure and function with aging. Cardiomyopathic human and hamster myocardium was similarly assessed for architectural, cellular, and molecular indices of maladaptive remodeling in relation to TIMP-3 expression. The profile of TIMP expression was then assessed in vascular smooth muscle cell-transplanted cardiomyopathic hamster hearts to identify a mechanism through which cell transplantation limits the progression of heart failure. TIMP-3 gene deletion in mice triggered progressive cardiac dilatation and dysfunction consistent with human dilated cardiomyopathy. At the cellular level, loss of TIMP-3 expression resulted in profound cardiac matrix disruption and cell death. At the molecular level, loss of TIMP-3 activated matrix metalloproteinase-9 and the pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha cytokine system. TIMP-3 was reduced in both human and dilated cardiomyopathic hamster myocardium in association with maladaptive cardiac remodeling. In hamster cardiomyopathy, cell transplantation partially restored deficient TIMP-3 and limited maladaptive matrix remodeling. These results suggest that TIMP-3 directly influences matrix homeostasis and cytokine bioactivation in the heart. Altered TIMP-3 expression in the failing heart may directly contribute to maladaptive myocardial tissue remodeling, cardiac dysfunction, and the progression to heart failure. Replacement of deficient TIMP-3 by gene or cell therapy may provide a novel approach to prevent disease progression in patients at risk of heart failure.
A comparison of the effects of lesions of the dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatum on appetitive instrumental learning

Based on the pattern of findings, it is concluded that the dorsolateral striatum is necessary for stimulus-response learning, while the dorsomedial striatum has little or no involvement in this form learning. This thesis investigates the role of two regions of the dorsal striatum in instrumental learning. Previous research has identified the dorsal striatum as being important for some forms of learning and memory. Functionally, a wide range of evidence has also suggested that the dorsal striatum can be thought of as consisting of two distinct regions, based on a medial-lateral topography. Despite such evidence, very little research has been conducted to investigate how these two areas of the dorsal striatum might differ in regards to their roles in learning and memory. One drawback to these experiments was the inability to rule out the possibility that the deficits seen in animals with lesions of the dorsolateral striatum were due to an impairment in skilled motor responding. Thus, the remaining experiments sought to assess the extent to which the impairments seen in experiments 1 to 3 were due to deficits in skilled motor ability. Experiments 1 to 3 investigated the effects of excitotoxic lesions (quinolinic acid) of either the dorsolateral or dorsomedial striatum on the acquisition of a variety of learning tasks, designed to differ in the extent to which they required the use of stimulus-response learning. Experiment 1 utilized a conditional discrimination task, thought to require the development of stimulus-response associations. Experiment 2 utilized a conditioned place preference task, thought to require the development of stimulus-outcome, and not stimulus-response, learning. Experiment 3 utilized a mixed discrimination task, which is likely to involve both stimulus-response and stimulus-outcome learning. Animals with lesions of the dorsolateral striatum showed a pattern of impairment which consistent with the notion that this area of the brain is involved in stimulus-response learning. In contrast, animals with lesions of the dorsomedial striatum showed little impairment on any of these tasks.