VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Laboratory measurements of the flow beneath microscale breaking waves

Microscale breaking wave are short gravity waves that break without air entrainment. Microscale breaking waves occur at low to moderate wind speeds (i.e. 4–12 m s−1) and are typically O(0.1–1)m in length. This work reports on a series of laboratory experiments investigating the flow field beneath microscale breaking waves. In this study, surface temperature measurements were made using infrared imagery and the two-dimensional velocity fields were simultaneously measured using digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV). Microscale breaking was found to generate strong near-surface vortices that produced the wakes visible in the IR images. The fractional area coverage of the wakes generated by microscale breaking waves was closely correlated with the wave slope and the turbulent kinetic energy, demonstrating that as the wind speed increases, the waves become steeper and this leads to more microscale wave breaking, which enhances near-surface turbulence. At a wind speed of 4.5 m s−1, 11% of the waves were microscale breaking waves, whereas, 91% of the waves were microscale breaking waves at a wind speed of 11.0 m s−1. It was shown that on average, microscale breaking waves are significantly larger in amplitude and steeper than non-breaking waves and that the turbulent kinetic energy generated by a microscale breaking wave was up to a factor of two larger than that generated by a non-breaking wave. The coherent structures generated by wind wave were detected and their statistical properties were used as an input to the surface renewal model to predict air-water gas transfer velocities. The predicted transfer velocities increased by a factor of eight over the wind speed range 4.5 to 11.0 m s−1 and were comparable with measured values. Our laboratory results showed that at wind speeds greater than 7 m s −1, more than 80% of the waves were microscale breaking waves, that more than 86% of the near-surface turbulent kinetic energy and more than 90% of the air-water gas flux was due to microscale breaking waves. This led to the conclusion that microscale breaking waves may prove to be the dominant mechanism that controls the rates of air-sea gas and heat transfer.
Studies of Ndt80, a meiosis-specific transcription factor and a target of the meiotic recombination checkpoint in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Sporulation is triggered in MATa/α cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in response to starvation for nitrogen and a fermentable carbon source. This process consists of meiosis followed by spore formation and depends on the sequential expression of sets of sporulation-specific genes. Ndt80, a meiosis-specific transcription factor, upregulates its own expression and activates expression of middle sporulation-specific genes that are required for entry into the meiotic divisions. In response to accumulation of recombination intermediates, such as double-strand breaks, a surveillance mechanism referred to as the meiotic recombination checkpoint is triggered, which leads to reduced expression and reduced phosphorylation of Ndt80. This prevents expression of middle genes and entry into the meiotic divisions. My thesis research addresses regulation of Ndt80 by this checkpoint. In Chapter 2, I describe my characterization of functional regions of Ndt80 and the role of phosphorylation of Ndt80 in regulation of its activity. I found that the region from residue 36-330 of Ndt80 sufficed for its DNA-binding activity. Carboxyl-terminal deletion analysis revealed that Ndt801-517 was compromised in some, but not all, Ndt80-dependent functions, whereas Ndt801-450 had no activity. Full activity could be restored to Ndt801-517 by increasing its level of expression. I resolved three distinct phosphoforms of Ndt80 and found that increased phosphorylation of Ndt80 correlated with increased activity of this transcription factor. However, a hypophosphorylated form of Ndt80 present in cells lacking Ime2 and Cdc5, two kinases that have been implicated in regulation of Ndt80 phosphorylation, was active. In Chapter 3, I present studies that address how the checkpoint prevents upregulation of expression of NDT80. I found that cells that generated a checkpoint signal but were engineered to express NDT80 either before or after the checkpoint was triggered were able to enter the meiotic divisions efficiently. This indicates that the checkpoint acts at least in part by preventing high-level expression of the NDT80 gene. I also investigated the role of Mek1 kinase, a putative effector of the checkpoint, in regulation of NDT80 expression. Deletion of MEK1 allows cells that would otherwise arrest at pachytene to repair double-strand breaks by the mitotic recombination machinery. By analyzing meiotic progression in cells that are unable to repair double-strand breaks by either the mitotic or meiotic recombination pathways, I found that Mek1 plays independent roles in downregulating NDT80 expression and in preventing mitotic-like recombination in meiotic cells.

Keywords: Molecular biology
Biochemistry
Intestinal mucosal adaptation in re-fed mice is dependent on the physiological actions of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2)

Our understanding of the intestinotropic actions of GLP-2 is based upon pharmacological studies, However, the physiological role of GLP-2 remains poorly understood. The antagonistic properties of the dipeptidylpeptidase-IV-derived metabolite, GLP-23--33 were determined in BHK-cells transfected with the GLP-2 receptor. To investigate the role of endogenous GLP-2 in gut adaptation, GLP-23--33 was administered to mice that were re-fed for 24hr after 24hr of fasting. Fasting mice exhibited atrophy of the small intestine, with a decrease in weight, crypt-villus height and an increase apoptosis. Adaptive growth in re-fed mice restored small intestinal weight, crypt-villus height, proliferation, and apoptosis to normal control levels. Concomitant treatment of re-fed mice with GLP-23--33 prevented the adaptive changes in small intestinal weight, crypt-villus height, proliferation and apoptosis. Endogenous GLP-2 is therefore a physiological regulator of the dynamic adaptation of the gut mucosal epithelium in response to luminal nutrients, through modulation of crypt cell proliferation and villus apoptosis.
Effect of muscle length on reflex responses evoked by noxious stimulation of neck muscles of the rat

To examine the effect of muscle length on reflex responses evoked by noxious stimulation, mustard oil (MO), a small-fibre excitant and inflammatory irritant, was injected into (1) non-stretched left deep neck muscles with the rat in a straight body position (Straight group); (2) into stretched left deep neck muscles with the rat's neck rotated 45° to the right (Stretched group); and (3) non-stretched right deep neck muscles with the rat's neck rotated 45° to the right (Relaxed group). The deep neck and trapezius muscles showed a larger MO-evoked electromyographic response when they were stretched than when they were not stretched. This finding suggests that noxious stimulation of rat deep neck muscles may result in larger reflex responses in deep neck and trapezius muscles when they are stretched. This enhanced muscle activity could be associated with changes in the susceptibility of the neck muscles to damage or pain.
Using data envelopment analysis in measuring project management performance

Measuring project management performance is challenging because of its multidimensionality yet critical for any organization to optimize its operations. Here, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) combined with the Earned Value (EV) technique is used as a tool for senior managers to assess the collective achievements of their project management practices. DEA measured the relative efficiency of 161 IT projects and used to test 7 hypotheses that incorporated the main measures of project efficiency. Efficiency scores greater than 0.6 were allocated to projects that aligned with their EVs. Unexpectedly, project efficiency was not negatively impacted by elevated complexity or lower levels of senior management involvement. Projects with Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 4 designation and those of Mandatory type got higher efficiency scores. Finally, Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) scores did not always agree with IDEA scores as not all the measures used for CSAT were available in this study.
A gestural three-dimensional modeling interface using fingers and a physical prop tracked in three-dimensions

In this thesis, we explore the design space of using direct finger input in conjunction with a deformable physical prop for the creation and manipulation of 3D models. The user manipulates virtual models by manipulating the space on, in, and around the physical prop, in an extension of the types of manipulations which one would perform on traditional modeling media such as clay or foam. The prop acts as a proxy to the virtual model and hence as a frame of reference to the user's fingers. A prototype implementation is presented which uses camera based motion tracking technology to track passive markers on the fingers and prop. The interface supports a variety of 3D modeling operations including deforming, smoothing, and grouping of meshes. All operations are performed using the unconstrained fingers, with command input enabled by a small set of finger gestures coupled with on-screen widgets.
The feasibility of a global sovereign restructuring regime

The author presents a proposal for a statutory mechanism for restructuring the debt of sovereign states by surveying the possible solutions for dealing with such debt and focusing on the principles and features of the Sovereign Debt Restructuring Mechanism proposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As a result of globalization and the multitude of economic stakeholders, the traditional course adopted by the international community to address financial crises is now unworkable. This paper explores the legal and practical issues surrounding the proposals for reforming the international financial architecture and their implementation into international and domestic law, focusing on the debate regarding the IMF's role in the mechanism. The author concludes by recognizing the SDRM as the most workable mechanism available to deal with sovereign debt. However the implementation of the SDRM must be subject to substantive modifications so as to achieve an equitable process.

Keywords: Debts, External
International finance, Law and legislation
Criminal prohibition of sex selection: a solution or a problem? : a critical analysis of the criminal law model as the means to address sex selection in India

In India the use of reproductive technologies for the purpose of male preference sex selection is a manifestation strong patriarchal norms that perpetuate son preference. Under the confluence of 'son preference' and 'population control policies', sex selection has come to be viewed as the most appropriate method of family balancing. In the context of widespread social acceptance for sex selection, this paper argues that the Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 criminalizing sex selection, does not provide an effective remedy to root out sex selection. Criminal prohibition just amounts to suppressing the symptom without addressing the underlying problem. The underlying problem remaining there, the symptom will persist. The paper explores the ineffectiveness of the criminal law based legislative approach to curb sex selection on the basis of social anthropological and criminal law theory that explains patterns of non-compliance with laws that are considered antagonistic to prevailing social norms.

Keywords: Sex preselection, Law and legislation
Sex preselection, India
Criminal law, India
Maternal allostatic load and infant physiological and behavioral outcomes

Anxiety, depression as well as stress during pregnancy have been associated with a number of adverse outcomes, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of maternal adversity (depression/anxiety/stress) on infant physiological and behavioural outcomes, and to explore some of the potential underlying biological mechanisms. Women (n=106) were recruited during mid-pregnancy and identified as either Adversity (n=65) or healthy, Control (n=41), based on depression/anxiety scores and lifetime psychiatric history and were followed until 3-months postpartum. Baseline assessment included: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI); Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ); Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS); the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A); the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS); Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); morning salivary samples for measurement of stress mediators (cortisol, DHEA, salivary alpha amylase). Women were reassessed between 25--31 weeks, using the EPDS, STAI, salivary samples, and a 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram (ECG). Infants were assessed at 6 weeks (30-minute ECG recording) and 12 weeks of age (Infant Behaviour Questionnaire; salivary samples during laboratory stress test). Women experiencing adversity showed a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, as indicated by reduced 24-hour heart rate variability (HRV), which was normalized in those receiving antidepressant (AD) medication. Higher maternal depression and early child abuse scores were associated with lower morning cortisol and DHEA levels, which were also normalized in those taking AD. Both maternal psychosocial and physiological variables predicted less optimal birth outcomes. Infants born to women experiencing adversity showed autonomic dysfunction, and behavioural changes, as indicated by reduced resting HRV at 6-weeks of age, and lower orienting and behavioural regulation scores, respectively, which were normalized in infants exposed to maternal AD medication. Maternal baseline cortisol levels during pregnancy predicted infant baseline cortisol levels at 3-months of age. These data suggest that maternal adversity is associated pathophysiological changes consistent with an allostatic load. The compromised maternal physiological function may affect healthy fetal development, which may be improved with AD medication. Further studies as well as the long-term follow-up of this cohort may help to clarify the mechanisms involved.
Circuit design and modeling of ferroelectric memories

This thesis explores three areas of research in ferroelectric memories: behavioral modeling of ferroelectric capacitors, circuit design, and architecture. We propose a behavioral macromodel for ferroelectric capacitors that can be integrated into HSPICE for both small-signal and large-signal circuit simulations. The proposed model relies on both hysteresis loop and pulse measurements of the capacitor. We demonstrate the accuracy of the model by predicting the bitline voltage in a ferroelectric memory array testchip. We use the model, in conjunction with HSPICE, to verify the functionality of our proposed circuits throughout this thesis. We propose a new reference generation scheme, for a 1T-1C ferroelectric memory architecture, that is less sensitive to device imperfections of the ferroelectric capacitors. The proposed scheme uses reference current signal, instead of reference voltage, for higher linearity and accuracy. We propose new architectures for both binary and multiple-valued Ferroelectric Content-Addressable Memories (FCAM). We provide detailed circuit-level designs for these architectures, and evaluate their performance by circuit simulations. The proposed multiple-valued architectures can be searched not only for a stored data item that is equal to the reference data, but also for stored data that is either greater-than or less-than the reference data. All proposed architectures offer nonvolatile storage with a real-time programming feature suitable for write-intensive applications.
The role of American libraries post-September 11th: Respecting cultural diversity, guarding civil liberties, and advocating dissent

A content analysis of a five-year period (October 2001 to December 2006) of American Libraries, the flagship journal of the American Library Association, shows that the events of September 11th, 2001, had a significant impact on the way in which librarians conceptualized their role as information providers and advocates in their communities. Libraries defended civil liberties, advocated respect for cultural diversity, and resisted many of the anti-terrorism efforts in the "war against terror." Using the analytical frameworks present in Stuart Hall's Representation (1997) and Edward Said's Orientalism (1978), the representation of Arab Americans and Muslim Americans is assessed in the post-September 11th political climate and compared to the representation of other "enemy aliens" during other times of conflict in American history, especially World War I and World War II. The study concludes by analyzing how American Libraries framed the debate on the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 between libraries and government officials.

Keywords: Library surveillance, United States
Library users, Legal status, laws, etc
Library users, United States
Librarians, Attitudes
Librarians, United States
September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001, Social aspects
September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001, Political aspects
The effects of climate change on the northward range expansion of the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and the consequential impacts on native fish populations

Increases in temperature due to climate change will have large implications for aquatic ecosystems. Warmwater fish species, such as smailmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu, may have access to additional favourable thermal habitat under increased surface-water temperatures, thereby shifting the northern limit of the distribution of the species further north in Canada and potentially negatively impacting native fish communities. A database comprised of over 50,000 lakes was assembled consisting of data on geography, lake morphology, water chemistry, climate, and fish community composition. Based on a comparison of several statistical approaches (multiple regression, regression tree, artificial neural networks, and Bayesian multiple regression) and several climate-change scenarios, water temperatures were predicted to increase by as much as 18°C by 2100, with the greatest increase in water temperature in northern Canada. By 2100, smallmouth bass thermal habitat is predicted to shift to the north with the majority of Canadian lakes expected to contain suitable thermal habitat. A comparison of logistic regression, classification tree, linear discriminant analysis, and artificial neural networks indicated that smallmouth bass distribution is predicted by winter and summer air temperatures. Climate-change modeling, in conjunction with artificial neural networks, predicted that smallmouth bass will have suitable thermal habitat throughout the majority of aquatic systems in the continental United States and Canada by 2100. The presence of smallmouth bass will negatively impact native fish communities, particularly native lake trout populations. Lake trout populations residing in smaller lakes are more vulnerable to the effects of smallmouth bass establishment due to the decreased presence of alternate prey resources. Examination of the pelagic and littoral forage fish communities identified nearly 9,700 lake trout populations threatened by 2100AD under climate-change scenarios, due to the potential invasion of smallmouth bass. The current range expansion of smallmouth bass has been facilitated by stocking by governmental agencies, unauthorized and accidental introduction by anglers, and dispersal through drainage networks. This stresses the importance of intensifying public education and regulation to limit the potential dispersal of invasive species, such as smallmouth bass.
Interactions between herbal medicines and conventional drug therapy in a memory clinic population

Objective. To explore the perceptions around safety of herbal medicines and identify preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) as a result of herb drug interactions (HDI) in patients suffering from dementia. Results. Around 52% were current users of herbal medicines, of whom 30.2% were at risk for at least one potential herb drug interaction. Herbal users reported greater beliefs in the safety of herbal medicines than the non-herbal users (P
Growing up brown: negotiating identity as a second generation South Asian in Toronto

This study seeks to understand the development of cultural identities of second generation South Asians in Toronto. Voices of twelve interviewees are woven into the author's narrative and discussed with reference to academic literature. What emerges is a picture of a dynamic group of young people who have established complex, multifaceted personalities that enable them to achieve success in a variety of domains. This picture stands in stark contrast to literature on this group that positions them as embroiled in culture conflicts and clashes. This thesis suggests that a new approach is needed that takes into account the ways in which such youth occupy multiple selves calling upon appropriate cultural personas for given situations with grace and fluidity. This new approach must do more than simply polarize notions of Indian and Canadian but rather account for the changing and complex nature of cultures.

Keywords: South Asians, Ontario
Children of immigrants, Ontario
Minority women, Ontario
Identity (Philosophical concept)
A stochastic spray model for radio frequency inductively coupled plasmas

The model was used to predict the outcomes of droplet collisions of a water spray. The results agree well with the experimental and the analytical results. The model predicts that droplet collisions can increase the average droplet size of both mono-disperse and poly-disperse sprays. For dense sprays, droplet collisions delay the spray evaporation. For thin sprays, the effect of droplet collisions on the spray evaporation could not be predicted before the calculation. The model was also used to predict the height of complete evaporation of aqueous sprays in a 1.0 kW argon plasma. The results show a good agreement with the experimental observation. The results show that the injection of liquid sprays into the plasma leads to a temperature decrease in the spray area. This temperature decrease increases with the increase of the liquid mass injected into the plasma. The temperature decrease results in a delay on the spray evaporation. The results also show that the height of complete evaporation for liquid sprays in the plasma increases linearly with the increase of central gas flow rate, while it decreases by an approximately inverse relationship with the increase of the forward power. A stochastic spray model has been implemented into a time-dependent, 2-D radio frequency inductively coupled plasma model. Plasma-droplets interactions, droplet collisions, and droplet breakup were included. The plasma model was solved using the Eulerian method. The spray model was solved using the discrete parcel method combined with a stochastic Monte Carlo technique. Finally, the evolution of liquid sprays in high-power plasmas was studied. The effects of the spray parameters on the local cooling of the plasma and the spray evaporation were investigated. It was found that the liquid mass flow rate and the droplet size were the most important factors that influenced the spray evaporation. The model was also used to predict the evaporation and the droplet collisions of hydrocarbon sprays in the plasma. The results suggested that the collision model should be extended to include the characteristics of hydrocarbon droplet collisions.