VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Back to basics: Equality, neutrality, and the welfare state

Liberal egalitarians are typically regarded as having two aims: to propose a theory of justice in accordance with the liberal political morality, and to employ this theory as a basis upon which to justify the redistributive transfers definitive of the welfare state. In this thesis I show that these two aims are in tension with one another, or rather, that because liberal egalitarians take neutrality to be central to the liberal political morality, they thereby encounter considerable difficulty when it comes to grounding the welfare state. I begin by offering an account of the welfare state according to which its central function is the relatively direct provision of a baseline of basic needs. I go on to argue that the liberal egalitarian theories proposed by John Rawls, Ronald Dworkin, and Philippe Van Parijs, fail to ground the welfare state in this central function. I show that a commitment to neutrality leads these theorists to the view that the state ought to distribute resources in their most abstract form possible and refrain from distributing resources entirely whenever this would privilege any one individual's particular conception of the good. This commitment, I argue, thus underwrites the liberal egalitarian failure to justify the welfare state's direct and unconditional provision of basic needs. Although I show that liberal egalitarians are unable to offer grounds for state welfare, I argue that we need not abandon egalitarianism altogether. The problem, on my view, is that liberal egalitarians take their principle of equality to mandate strict neutrality in all redistributive matters, and I maintain that while neutrality is indeed appropriate with respect to satisfying the wants people have in accordance with their various conceptions of the good, a commitment to equality also mandates non-neutral attendance to the necessities without which people would be unable to formulate, revise, and make rational decisions in accordance with such conceptions in the first place. Insofar as they have failed to recognize this, I conclude, liberal egalitarians committed to neutrality can be said to have presupposed the welfare state rather than having justified it.
On being both with us and against us: Preliminary tests of a normative conflict model of dissent

Although past research has demonstrated a positive relationship between collective identification and conformity to norms, there may be circumstances in which strongly identified members do not conform, but instead choose to challenge group norms. In Chapter 1, I propose a theoretical model which distinguishes between non-conformity due to dissent (challenging norms to change them), and non-conformity due to disengagement (distancing oneself from the group). The normative conflict model predicts that strongly identified members are likely to challenge group norms when they experience conflict between norms and alternate important standards for behaviour, and, in particular, when they perceive norms as being harmful to the group. This is in contrast to weakly identified members who are expected to psychologically and/or physically disengage from the group when they experience high levels of conflict with group norms. In Chapter 2, I present data from three studies that collectively provide preliminary evidence for the central prediction of the normative conflict model; namely, that strongly identified group members are on occasion willing to challenge group norms in an effort to improve their groups. Participants in a retrospective study reported expressing disagreement more often in groups with which they were strongly than weakly identified and indicated that they did so in order to help or protect these groups. In an experimental study, strongly identified group members who were asked to think about why a particular group norm might be harmful to their group were subsequently more willing to challenge the norm than weakly identified members, as well as strongly identified group members who thought about why the norm might harm individuals. Finally, data from a sample of websites demonstrated that people often accompany criticism of their countries with expressions of strong identification. Chapter 3 outlines three mechanisms by which extraneous variables may influence the operation of the normative conflict model, and presents preliminary data on how non-conformity relates to a number of individual differences. In Chapter 4, I conclude by addressing a number of theoretical nuances and extensions of the normative conflict model and link the model to contemporary perspectives on self and identity.
Elements of corporate debt policy: taxation and credit ratings

A firm will take into consideration several factors when establishing its debt policy. Two of these factors are the tax consequences of the debt and the credit rating that a bond issue will receive. As the integration of financial markets continues, these elements must often be viewed in an international context. This thesis aims to increase our understanding of the tax consequences of cross-border borrowings and the role of credit ratings in both domestic and global environments. The first paper illustrates that the interest rate parity condition cannot hold on both a before and after tax basis. The cost of borrowing in alternative locations is rarely equivalent after taxes have been considered. The discrepancies between alternative costs of debt widen when foreign exchange gains are taxed differently than income. Using Shell Canada's New Zealand dollar transaction as an example, I illustrate the tax benefits of borrowing in foreign currencies and discuss how these benefits have changed under recent budget recommendations. In order to secure cross-border debt, it is essential that companies obtain a bond rating from an agency viewed credibly by foreign investors. In the second paper, I examine the impact of Standard and Poor's acquisition of the Canadian Bond Rating Service on the securities of the rated firms. I suggest that the positive abnormal stock returns at the time of the acquisition are evidence of the benefit that a globally recognized rating agency may bring to Canadian firms. The precise role of credit ratings is examined within the final chapter of this thesis. While some argue that a rating's primary function is to help investors set parameters for the institutions investing on their behalf, others believe that ratings provide additional information to the market. This chapter tests whether rating downgrades have valuable information content for equity securities. It does so in a unique way that depends on first estimating the likelihood of downgrade and then examining stock price reactions conditional on this likelihood. I find no evidence that information is revealed by rating changes.

Keywords: Finance
Dissertations, Academic, Canada
A low-voltage low-power programmable gm-C filter using dynamic gate biasing

This thesis discusses a novel, low-voltage analog circuit technique based on charge pumps called Dynamic Gate Biasing (DGB). The main contributions of this thesis are in three areas: experimental verification of DGB, development and application of a programmable filter methodology using first order perturbations, and theoretical as well as experimental investigation of the voltage ripple resulting from DGB. Overcoming the voltage ripple from the charge pumps used in DGB is necessary in order for the technique to succeed in low-voltage analog applications. A mathematical analysis of the origins of voltage ripple is given for multi-phased clocked charge pumps showing that a relatively small parasitic capacitance mismatch will result in a sufficiently large output error ripple. A simple method for eliminating the ripple caused by a mismatch of parasitic capacitance is presented. The principle of DGB is experimentally verified through the implementation of a low-voltage, programmable gm-C biquad filter.
Evolution of sexual colour pattern dimorphism in the ambush bug Phymata americana

The occurrence of sex differences in trait expression (i.e. sexual dimorphism), especially cases where the trait appears to be exaggerated, represent some of the most spectacular examples of diversity within and among species. While evolutionary biologists typically invoke selection as the cause of such diversity, sufficient demonstrations of the role of selection for shaping this variation in nature remain elusive. Here, I investigated the possible role of selection for the evolution of sexual dimorphism in colour pattern in the ambush bug Phymata americana, an insect species in which males exhibit heightened expression of certain components of dark colouration. I show that increased levels of pigmentation result in higher mating success in wild males, indicating that contemporary sexual selection pressures can account for the observed sexual dimorphism. While the direction and form of sexual selection varied considerably within and between years, the strength of sexual selection covaried strongly with demographic factors, consistent with the notion that ecological factors play a crucial role in determining the relative fitness of phenotypes. Investigation of the mechanisms underlying sexual selection suggest that colour pattern played no role in mediating direct male-male interactions or male-female interactions. Instead, experiments provided evidence to support the novel hypothesis that sexual selection in this species is mediated by the effects of colour pattern on thermoregulatory performance and, consequently, mate searching success. While the benefit (for males) of increased pigmentation is clear, the persistence of trait variation in males and the absence/reduction of pigmentation in females suggests substantial fitness costs associated with colour pattern. I tested the prediction that sexually selected male traits should exhibit heightened sensitivity to resource availability (i.e. condition dependence) relative to non-sexually selected traits. In accord with this prediction, experimental manipulation of resource availability revealed that males in high condition were able to achieve greater trait expression than did their poor-condition counterparts. Furthermore, increased resource availability had positive effects on female lifespan but negative effects on male lifespan, suggesting a trade-off in males, between allocation to the sexually selected trait and allocation to survivorship.
Non-linear analysis of circular FRP-confined concrete columns using finite element methods

Concrete columns, confined by Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) sheets and lateral steel reinforcement, were analyzed using finite element methods. A computer program was written for this purpose. Twelve columns with different lateral reinforcement, tested at the University of Toronto, were selected and analyzed to study the effect of lateral confinement. Constitutive models for concrete are based on Modified Compression Field Theory. Equations for Pre- and Post-peak curves of confined concrete, strength enhancement and variable Poisson's ratio were selected from the conclusions of parametric study done earlier for steel confined columns. Relation for maximum value of Poisson's ratio and confinement modulus was proposed. Results achieved from finite element analysis were also compared with three existing models for FRP-confined columns. In general, good agreement with experimental results was found.
The role of 4-1BBL and TRAF1 in the maintenance of CD8 T cell memory

The maintenance of memory T cell populations is critical for long term protective immunity. This report examines how 4-1BB/4-1BBL interactions regulate memory responses by rescuing CD8 effector cells from apoptosis. I show that IL-15, a cytokine involved in CD8 memory T cell homeostasis, induces 4-1BB expression on CD8 memory T cells in the absence of antigen. Transfer of in vitro generated OT-I CD8 memory T cells into un-immunized 4-1BBL-/- hosts revealed a 2-3 fold survival defect compared to wild type hosts. CD8 memory phenotype cells were also reduced in the bone marrow of 4-1BBL -/- hosts. I propose that memory CD8 T cells encounter a source of IL-15 in the bone marrow, allowing them to receive a feedback survival signal through 4-1BBL. 4-1BB signaling is mediated by TRAF1 and TRAF2, adapter proteins that link the receptor to downstream signaling pathways. We demonstrate that TRAF1 plays a crucial role in memory CD8 survival in vivo. TRAF2 has been shown to be essential for downstream signaling from 4-1BB, yet the role of TRAF1 had not been elucidated. We report that in primary CD8 T cells, TRAF1 deficiency results in a partial reduction of cell division in response to 4-1BBL stimulation as well as decreased T cell recovery. 4-1BB mediates two different survival mechanisms regulated by TRAF1: nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB)-dependent induction of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent down-modulation of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein Bim. Taken together, the results of this thesis demonstrate a critical role for TRAF1 in the T cells and 4-1BBL in the host in maintaining CD8 memory T cell survival.
Characterization of xenobiotic uptake, metabolism and exudation in Arabidopsis

A critical factor for the bioactivity of small molecules in vivo is their level of absorption, metabolism and excretion. To survey these facets of small molecule biology in Arabidopsis, I characterized 412 biologically active and inactive drug-like molecules. My results show that bioactive compounds are more likely to show uptake into plants. 23% of compounds show evidence of metabolites and 15% of compounds show evidence of extracellular metabolites. Four compounds with extracellular metabolites were characterized further; seedling transfer experiments after drug-loading suggest that 3 of the 4 metabolites were excreted from the root, possibly in an ATP dependent manner. Mass spectrometry of the extracellular metabolites identified them as either chlorinated, reduced, glycosylated, or potentially lysine-conjugated metabolites of the parent compounds. My results provide a foundation for future elucidation of the mechanisms involved in xenobiotic exudation in Arabidopsis and suggest the existence of a previously unrecognized xenobiotic-metabolite efflux system in plants.
Beyond rapport: how therapist empathy contributes to outcome in the treatment of depression

For decades, psychotherapy research has demonstrated a link between therapist empathy and treatment outcome. Theoretical views regarding how therapist empathy facilitates changes in clients' functioning to contribute to positive outcomes continue to build, however, few have ventured forth to empirically test these theories. The current study responds to this gap and builds on previous research by examining how therapist empathy functions in psychotherapy to contribute to positive outcomes in the treatment of depression. The hypothesis that therapist empathy indirectly affects outcome through its facilitation of client affect regulation was specifically tested. Data for the current study was drawn from the Watson, Gordon, Stermac. Kalogerakos, Steckley (2003) treatment study of depression. The sample consisted of 66 clients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-IV). Path analysis was used to test whether the effect of therapist empathy on treatment outcome is mediated by clients' affect regulation (as measured by the O-MAR, a new measure created for the purpose of this study and future research, Watson Prosser, 2004). Treatment outcome was defined in terms of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, dysfunctional attitudes, interpersonal problems, and problem-focused reflective, suppressive, and reactive coping styles. Total effects of all explanatory variables in the path model tested in the current study accounted for small to moderate proportions of total variance in outcome variables. Results indicated that perceived therapist empathy facilitates clients' affect regulation which in turn leads to positive treatment outcomes, as reflected in level of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, dysfunctional attitudes, and problem-focused reflective, suppressive, and reactive styles of coping, but not in level of interpersonal problems. Direct effects of perceived therapist empathy on treatment outcomes were also noted for dysfunctional attitudes, interpersonal problems, and problem-focused reflective and suppressive styles of coping. These findings advance current understanding of how therapist empathy contributes to positive change in outcome for the treatment of depression and highlights the importance of clients' affect regulation as a focal point for change in therapy. Preliminary psychometric findings for the O-MAR as well as implications and areas for future research are also discussed.

Keywords: Depression, Mental, Treatment
Empathy
Psychotherapist and patient
Emotions
Affect (Psychology)
Characterization of an in vitro model of early placental development in the mouse

The main function of the placenta is to facilitate the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. In mice this exchange occurs at the labyrinth, which separates the maternal and fetal circulations via two layers of syncytiotrophoblast (SynT). In vitro systems that recapitulate SynT differentiation in the mouse are lacking. The aim of this thesis was to characterize an in vitro culture system designed to model murine labyrinth development. The current belief is that SynT differentiation and labyrinth morphogenesis requires contact between the allantois and the trophoblast cells of the placenta. I found that early mouse placentas co-cultured with the allantois, as placental explants or as whole conceptuses, were not viably maintained nor stimulated to differentiate into SynT in vitro. We concluded that contrary to our hypothesis, the allantois is insufficient to trigger syncytial formation in the mouse placenta in vitro under the conditions tested.
Reclaiming democracy for the Longschoolhouse

This qualitative study investigates self-described democratic educators' conceptions of the core qualities of democracy, democracy in education, and their claims to educating students in and for critical participatory or Longschoolhouse democracy. Data was collected from an experienced and diverse sample of ten educators, one Haudenosaunee Elder, and secondary and primary sources which examine the nature and practice of democracy, and democracy in education. This thesis argues that the participating democratic educators' philosophies of democracy, democracy in education, and claims to democratic practice reveal both possibilities and obstacles for the realization of Longschoolhouses. I have concluded by identifying a number of catalytic and telling areas for future research, including the need for a curriculum of biophilia or the love of all life forms in educational philosophy and practice, the possible influence of educational experience on educators' conceptions of democracy, and the influence of personal experiences of oppression and discrimination in framing and forming educators' conceptions of, and practice of democracy.

Keywords: Indians of North America, Education
Democracy
Student participation in administration
Large-scale morphological profiling of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

"Phenomics" is defined as a genome-wide effort to examine aberrant phenotypes. Morphological phenotypes provide insight into fundamental biological processes such as cell cycle progression, cell polarity, organelle inheritance, cell signaling and nuclear migration. This thesis describes aberrant cellular morphology phenotypes that result from genetic perturbation by gene overexpression or gene deletion. Through systematic single gene perturbation, resultant aberrant cellular phenotypes may infer gene function. This thesis is divided into two parts: In the first part, I examine the morphological consequences of gene overexpression in sim;800 toxic overexpression strains by manual scoring. I find that the identification of aberrant overexpression phenotypes largely reflects a gain-of-function. In the second part, I describe a novel high-throughput, automated imaging technique to examine and quantitatively score mitotic spindle phenotypes. I systematically examine the single gene deletion collection for aberrant spindle dynamics and identify novel gene candidates involved in this process.
Educating politics: reading John Rawls as educational theorist

Concerns regarding the role of education have always been a part of theorists' investigation into politics and the state. John Rawls is no exception. This thesis examines two levels of education found in Rawls' Political Liberalism. First, one level reveals the role of education as underlying political liberalism, and, thus, demonstrating education as an essential component of the theory. This form of education includes educationally formed ideas that constitute significant aspects of the theory. These include such aspects as the account of the institution of education and its function in relation to the basic structure of society, the political conception as educator, citizen support as stability, and the development of the citizen through moral psychology. This form of education works informally through the basic institutions of society as citizens experience and interact within these institutions to educate the citizen to his or her role as a participating member of political society. Presenting an analysis of education found to be foundational to political liberalism exemplifies the essential position it has in the execution, development, and maintenance of justice and the basic structure, and thus, without which the state could neither unfold nor endure. Second, Rawls also presents explicit ideas on education, such as the teaching of historical texts and civic virtues, which come together to build a picture of civic education for the liberal democratic state. This form of education is formal and educates the citizen-to-be to take on his or her role as future citizen. After an attempt to form a complete educational picture of both citizen-to-be and citizen education, it is revealed that significant problems in the relationship between these two forms of education surface. There lies a disconnect between these two levels of education that result in what we call a gap between citizen-to-be education and citizen education. The problems associated with this gap are addressed by looking at the work of Eamonn Callan and Stephen Macedo who draw from liberal democratic theory to discuss education. The depth of their search into liberal theory, which comes close to the depth of analysis of education in Rawls' theory presented in this dissertation, is able to deal with some of the most pressing of problems in Rawls' education. They are able to solve these problems because they, unlike Rawls, focus on the goal of successfully educating the citizen. Still, even with the work of these two theorists, some problems remain.
Influence of satellite dialysis units on utilization and modality selection

This study aimed to determine the effect of constructing satellite hemodialysis units on local rates of renal replacement therapy (RRT) with a retrospective cross sectional design. Dialysis service areas were constructed by assigning patients to geographic regions based on where patients received hemodialysis. Regions served by dialysis units built before and after 1995 comprised the control group exposure groups respectively. The standardized change in rate of RRT between 1995 and 2002 was calculated for both groups. The means of the rates were compared with a t-test. The mean increases in dialysis rates between 1995 and 2002 for the control and exposure groups were 4.01 and 4.36 per 10,000 people respectively (p=0.8). Areas of Ontario without initial local hemodialysis access showed a trend towards being underserved but his was not statistically significant. The implementation of satellite hemodialysis units did not increase local utilization of hemodialysis beyond the baseline rate.