VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Homosexual desire in revolutionary Russia, public and hidden transcripts, 1917-1941

This thesis is the first history of the early Soviet regime's legal, administrative and medical approaches to homosexuality, using psychiatric archival and criminal records. Treating the period from 1917 to 1941, it uncovers the subcultures of male and female homosexuals in social context. The totalitarian school's interpretation of Soviet Communism's handling of the issue is challenged on several grounds. The regime did not espouse a monolithic, hostile view of same-sex relations, but allowed multivalent approaches to coexist until the end of the First Five Year Plan and Hitler's accession to power. At that juncture, it adopted a gendered strategy on homosexuality, criminalizing male acts and indirectly compelling women toward heterosexual norms. Recriminalization was based on security concerns, but emerged in a context of urban deportations of socially dangerous elements. In contrast to assumptions that the antisodomy statute was uniformly enforced, the study suggests that judges and male homosexuals resisted its implementation with some success. Sodomy recriminalization and the Great Terror did not destroy a subaltern culture of urban homosexual relations. The study also contributes to queer historiography, by questioning Foucaultian theses on the history of sexuality, and by examining the left's historical relationship with gender dissidents. Russia did not follow the Western liberal path, and the nominative effect on homosexuals claimed by Foucault for medicine was weaker in tsarist and Soviet conditions. Homosexual self-awareness preceded medical nomination in Russia. Medical models enjoyed prestige immediately after 1917, coinciding with support for the sexual revolution. Some Russian experts promoted biological and emancipationist theories of the "intermediate sex". The dominant Bolshevik paradigm for human "anomalies" was nurturist, and justifications of the 1934 sodomy recriminalization relied on environmentalist models of homosexuality to counter fascist propaganda. Like many European socialists, the Bolsheviks had long refused to consider biological models of homosexuality for politically disloyal groups (Orthodox clergy, Islamic or so-called "primitive" peoples, and after 1934, the former bourgeoisie). A Russian homosexual culture survived Stalin's repressions, indicating that more research into Europe's queer cultures during the turbulent 1930s through 1950s is needed.
The control of moisture movement in buildings using the dynamic buffer zone

The performance and durability of building envelopes is significantly affected by their ability to control moisture movement. This is especially true for intentionally humidified buildings located in cold climates. Air exfiltration during winter months can cause serious damage to the building envelope. Inevitable flaws in conventional air barrier systems due to workmanship and/or design deficiencies make the control of air leakage a difficult task. The Dynamic Buffer Zone (DBZ) is an innovative air barrier system that can eliminate the potential deleterious effects of air exfiltration. The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of a DBZ system on wall surface temperatures. This was achieved by constructing and exposing a DBZ wall assembly to controlled temperature environments within a laboratory. The initial DBZ air temperature, the DBZ air flow rate and the DBZ cavity width were the key characteristics of the system that were investigated. The experimental results obtained indicate that the influence of the DBZ system on wall surface temperatures is dependent on the fluid and thermodynamic conditions of the DBZ Air within the cavity. For the conditions investigated, it was found that the DBZ system has a fairly insignificant impact on wall surface temperatures.
A case study of the institutional response to anti-gay/lesbian violence in Toronto

This thesis is a case study of the institutional response to anti-gay/liesbian violence in Toronto. The case study combines a comparative analysis of statistics on anti-gay/lesbian violence collected in Toronto with those obtained in other Canadian and American anti-gay/liesbian violence studies including a critical analysis of the institutions which respond to anti-gay/lesbian violence in Toronto such as police, the 519 Church Street Community Centre, the Wellesley Central Hospital, and the Metro Toronto Police Services Hate Crime Unit. An overview of the model of victim assistance developed by the volunteers and coordinator of the 519 Church Street Community Centre Community Response to Bashing Committee is given. A critique of the theoretical perspectives and the methodological approaches used to explain and create knowledge about anti-gay/lesbian violence is provided. The thesis ends with concluding remarks and policy recommendations to guide future research.
A computational approach to top-down hierarchical supervisory control of DES

'State Tree Structure' (STS) control theory is a structured framework which extends the main concepts of RW supervisory control theory. In the thesis, STS is used to build a consistent discrete-event system (DES) hierarchy top-down; based on this structured model, recursive algorithms are presented to solve complex control problems. We implement these algorithms and analyze their computational complexity. Our results demonstrate the efficiency tradeoffs, with special attention given to the synthesis problem. In general, the synchronization of two STS will flatten the hierarchical structure, which limits the application of STS control theory. In the thesis, we present a new theoretical approach to synthesizing controllers for a class of 'synchronous product' STS systems before synchronization. The resulting controllers are proved to be optimal.
Toward a model of effective responsive training for end-user computing, a constructivist approach to end-user training

Modern information technology and data processing systems and the ways in which they are used, are changing very rapidly. With this fast pace of technological innovations, it is the end-user who is facing the challenge to stay on par with technological advances but, typically, is not able to keep up with this race. Unfortunately, the support measures available for the end-user are often insufficient, and the typical end-user ends up relying on the support of other end-users who managed to overcome the obstacles and proceed to a "higher" level of understanding. Such informal support from other end-users is referred to in this thesis as 'Responsive Training.' This qualitative study used a grounded theory method to explore the efforts of the end-users to become self-sufficient in this continuously evolving technological age. It explored the problems the end-user faces, the user's needs resulting from these problems and the type of support that is needed in response to these needs. This study examined effective and ineffective training methods and defined the elements of 'effective responsive training' as a constructivist training approach addressing the user's problems and needs. The data collection methods employed included participant observations, focused observations, open and semi-structured interviews, case studies and experiments with various trainers and trainees. The results presented in this thesis have important implications for the general field of training and instructional theory, and, specifically, end-user training in the face of rapid technological change. The questions and findings that emerged from this study could be of major significance for "Human Factors" research as well as for the implementation of new technologies in the workplace and at home. More generally, this study highlights the need to revisit training and educational theories and especially to bridge the gap between them.
Molecular characterization of the mechanisms of adhesion of Helicobacter pylori, a model of environmental regulation of bacterial attachment

Incubation of acid-treated 'Helicobacter pylori' with lipid receptors 'in vitro', showed a change in the pattern of binding usually observed at neutral pH. The major lipid species recognized at pH 2.0 and pH 2.5, which is the pH of the stomach lumen, were sulfatides (sulfogalactosylceramide, SGC), one of the most abundant glycolipids of the human stomach mucus. The suspicion that the SGC binding of 'H. pylori' was a stress induced response is supported by the finding of a similar change in binding specificity when the organisms were briefly exposed to heat-shock treatment. Following stress stimulus, the change in glycolipid binding specificity was prevented by the inclusion of protein synthesis inhibitors, or by incubation of acid-treated 'H. pylori' with anti-Hsp antibodies. Expression of Hsps in surface extracts of 'H. pylori', and bacterial surface reactivity with anti-Hsp antibodies, correlated with the change in glycolipid binding specificity. Previous experiments in our laboratory which showed binding of heat shock proteins members of the Hsp70 family to sulfatide, led the investigation of the role of the 'H. pylori' Hsp70 (DnaK) in the acid stress induction of SGC binding. The 'H. pylori' DnaK gene was cloned and sequenced, and its level of transcription and translation following acid stress determined. A single transcript, of approximately 1.9 kb in size, not detected under non stress conditions, was induced in 'H. pylori', exposed to 42°C and pH 2.5. Analysis of metabolically labeled proteins, induced by incubation of 'H. pylori' at acidic conditions (pH 2.5), showed a typical post-stress pattern of protein synthesis. Two major electrophoretic bands induced by these conditions corresponded to the heat shock proteins Hsp60 (GroEL) and DnaK. Preliminary characterization of PE-binding adhesins which correspond to a second phase of 'H. pylori' colonization, that is the attachment to the epithelial cells surface and the entry into intercellular spaces, identified several proteins including the enzymes catalase and urease, as well as a 62 kDa protein with an N-terminal sequence similar to an internal sequence present in bovine serum albumin (BSA) and TB66, a protein identified in 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis'.
The social network structure and social exchange of inter-personal help in co-acting work groups

This thesis develops a theory about the social network structure of helping and other Organizational Citizenship Behaviours (OCB) and provides the results of an empirical study which tested several predictions derived from the theory by focussing on the exchange of inter-personal helping behaviours; among the members of work groups in a telecommunications company. Two models describe how social network structure creates a social context in which the performance of OCB is embedded. One model suggests that different kinds of relationships create two role systems in an organization: (1) A system of instrumental roles in which individuals experience work interdependencies and view each other as organizational members, and (2) a system of expressive roles in which individuals take part in an organizational community and view each other as friends. Consistent with the argument that these role systems create a social identity context for different kinds of exchange behaviour, the empirical study found that network structures which defined instrumental roles predicted OCBs which benefit the organization, while network structures which defined expressive roles predicted OCBs which benefit other individuals. A second model proposes that position and involvement in social networks create a context in which the social exchange of helping behaviour is simultaneously enabled and constrained. The theory identifies and describes several social exchange and social influence processes that underlie opportunity for and constraint on helping behaviour. An empirical investigation of helping behaviour provides evidence that individuals perform helping behaviours more frequently if they occupied a prominent position in the social network of the group and if they were involved extensively in intimate or cohesive relations. Furthermore, the study showed that patterns of reciprocating help mediated the relationship between network position and involvement on the one hand, and helping behaviour on the other. Individuals who performed more helping behaviours maintained balance in their exchanges of help towards other individuals in the group and overall towards the group as a whole. These results show that helping behaviours involve both, role making and social exchange processes, and that the social exchange processes combine status dynamics with communal and equality principles of exchange.
Studies of mammalian brain development by fate mapping and mutant analysis

Mice lacking 'Engrailed-1' or 'Gli3' exhibit severe brain malformations, demonstrating that these molecules play key roles in mammalian brain development. The mouse 'En' genes are expressed in a band around the embryonic midbrain-hindbrain constriction. This region is involved in patterning of the midbrain and cerebellum and can act as an organizer region to induce midbrain and cerebellar development. Fate-mapping experiments in chick indicate that the cerebellar primordium is located anterior and posterior to the midbrain-hindbrain constriction, whereas midbrain precursors lie more anteriorly. Fate mapping in mice is complicated by the inaccessibility of the postimplantation embryo. I report a new 'in vivo' approach using the Cre/'loxP ' recombination system to map the fate of the mouse midbrain-hindbrain constriction: E9-12 cells originating in the dorsal midbrain-hindbrain constriction contribute significantly to the medial cerebellum. The feasibility of using a recombinase-based lineage-tracing system for fate mapping in mouse is demonstrated. Mice homozygous for a loss-of-function 'Gli3' mutation exhibit defective neural-tube closure in midbrain and forebrain regions, and later exencephaly. I show that: (1) 'Gli3-/-' mutants display transient ectopic 'Sonic hedgehog' (' Shh') expression in early dorsal neural folds, suggesting that Gli3 normally acts there to repress 'Shh' expression, (2) Gli3 is involved in the control of cell proliferation or cell death in the dorsal neural tube of rostral brain structures, and (3) Gli3 restricts ventrolateral expansion of 'Shh' and Shh-responsive gene expression at ventral midline in the brains of E9.5-11.5 embryos. Thus, Gli3 plays a role in the development of both dorsal and ventral neural tube at the rostral level. ' Gli3-/-' embryos were also found to exhibit abdominal heterotaxia, indicating that 'Gli3' is essential for the establishment of gut sidedness. Early somite-stage 'Gli3-/-' embryos exhibit a downregulation of 'nodal' but not ' lefty' expression in left lateral-plate mesoderm, suggesting that ' Gli3' is required for 'nodal' activation downstream of 'lefty' or in a separate pathway of left-right specification. Together, these data support the view that Gli3 genetically acts as both a repressor and activator.
The effect of tyrosine and prior protein intake on the measurement of phenylalanine metabolism in vivo

The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the effects of alterations in tyrosine and prior protein intake on measurements of phenylalanine metabolism, with a view to developing less invasive study protocols for use in vulnerable groups. In the first study, the current isotope model of phenylalanine hydroxylation was modified for use in the fed state and applied to investigate the effect of differences in the balance of aromatic amino acids fed in a TPN fed piglet model. Piglets fed TPN solutions low in tyrosine showed rates of hydroxylation equal to or greater than phenylalanine intakes, indicating net tissue protein breakdown. However, body protein gain was 11 g·kg-1·d -1 in this study, leading to the conclusion that rates of hydroxylation may be overestimated when a low level of tyrosine is fed. In order to further improve on the current study protocol it was necessary to investigate the effect of prior protein intake on the measurement of phenylalanine metabolism. Subjects were fed each of three protein intakes for two days before being studied using identical protocols at a protein intake of 1g·kg -1·d-1. Results suggest that prior protein intake has a significant effect on phenylalanine flux, indicating that protein intake should continue to be controlled prior to studying phenylalanine kinetics. To define the effect of tyrosine intake on hydroxylation measured using an oral isotope infusion protocol, a fixed phenylalanine intake (9 mg·kg -1·d-1) was fed with seven graded intakes of tyrosine. The rate of phenylalanine hydroxylation decreased significantly with increasing tyrosine intake. However, at low intakes of tyrosine, rates of hydroxylation were greater than phenylalanine intake. Preliminary data indicates that sampling of the plasma pool to measure precursor and product pool enrichments result in an overestimation of the rate of phenylalanine hydroxylation. It is clear that the development of a new model of phenylalanine hydroxylation is required for use in the fed state. The application of this new model will provide essential information about disturbances in aromatic amino acid metabolism in vulnerable groups.
Behold the men, Nietzsche's psychohistory of Jesus, Paul, and the birth of Christianity

Of the 60,000 scholarly studies of the life of Jesus that appeared in the 19th century, one of the most unusual and fascinating was Friedrich Nietzsche's 'The Antichrist'. Unfortunately, a number of factors combine to virtually ensure that Nietzsche's reflections not only on Jesus, but on St. Paul and the earliest Christian community, have not received the attention they deserve. The vocabulary Nietzsche employs in his treatment of Christianity's principal protagonists is very often so deliberately confrontational as to be off-putting, while his entire methodology is highly unorthodox. He repeatedly announces that what he is advancing is not a traditional philosophical analysis, but the first 'psychology' of Christianity and its key players. While Freud would soon popularize the psychoanalytic ' psycho-history'--where the researcher studies a famous individual's statements and life-experience and advances hypotheses concerning that person's mind and possible motivation--such endeavors were virtually unheard of in the 1880's. The objective of the present study is three-fold. First, to bring order to Nietzsche's scattered reflections on the personalities responsible for the birth of Christianity. Second, to look at the intellectual reality ' behind' Nietzsche's deliberately confrontational remarks concerning early Christianity's principal protagonists. And thirdly, to simply take seriously Nietzsche's cardinal claim that what he in fact is advancing is a psychology of Christianity. What we discover is that considered 'en masse' and on their own (psycho-historical) terms, Nietzsche's reflections on Jesus, Paul, and the first Christians do indeed warrant attention from philosophers. (1) They constitute a sizable portion of an aggressively original, profoundly ' psychological' philosophy of religion. (2) They routinely serve as entrees for discussions of topics traditionally of great interest to philosophers (love, morality, power, etc.). (3) And lastly, as is the case with his similar treatments of Socrates, Schopenhauer, and Wagner, by studying exactly what it is that Nietzsche celebrates, criticizes, and often 'identifies with' in the life and message of Jesus, and so violently attacks in the case of St. Paul, one is afforded real insight into the mind and the philosophy of one of the 19th century's most original thinkers.
Literary primitivism, its function in the early works of Vladimir Mayakovsky and other Russian cubo-futurists

A clarification of the notion of "literary primitivism" is attempted through a brief analysis of the history of primitivism and its manifold applications in modern art and literature. An effort to condense the term into a useful model is based on a consideration of various modernist works as well as on a critical review of existent scholarship on the subject. A brief analysis of the creative output of major Russian cubo-futurists is conducted to reveal elements of literary primitivism. Some hypotheses related to the psychological roots of primitivism in Mayakovsky's early work are formulated through a thorough analysis of his early biography. It is determined that the death of Mayakovsky's father was a turning point in the poet's emotional development and may have influenced the blooming of his creative abilities. An attempt to resolve the conflicts and contradictions of his adolescence stimulated him to seek an expression of his feelings through poetry. The convergence of the poet's inner world with the collective unconscious manifested itself in a particular primitivist mode which we identify as "psychological primitivism". The recurrent primal images in his early work, along with the prominence of Mayakovsky's poetic persona suggest analyses from a Jungian outlook of developmental archetypes and a Freudian perspective of multi-stage emotional development. As revealed in the course of this analysis, these archetypes offer insights into the poet's psyche and deepen our understanding and appreciation of his verse. Within this framework, a comprehensive analysis of Mayakovsky's literary primitivism from various perspectives, including. linguistic, psychological, literary, artistic, historical, and anthropological is given. These methods are combined in an attempt to shed light on the roots of artistic process and the modalities of creative perception, and to deepen the understanding of the broad epistemological background of the poet's work.
Democratisation in Tanzania, women's associations and the potential for empowerment

This work is an exploratory study mapping the emerging relationship between women's empowerment and democratisation in Tanzania, from a class perspective. It explores the impacts of the political reform process, which began in the mid-1980s, on the organisational capacities of women in Dar es Salaam and the new opportunities emerging for these women to meet empowerment goals. Middle-class women are self-consciously addressing and transforming political, legal and cultural gender power relations as well as initiating practical strategies for women. Poor women are engaging mainly in strategies to meet their practical economic needs, empowering themselves in a more indirect fashion. The distinction between strategic and practical gender interests, developed by Caroline Moser (1989, 1993) and the structural framework formulated by DAWN (Sen and Grown 1985) are operationalised and critiqued to help evaluate strategies most likely to result in the realisation of empowerment. The determination of what strategies and outcomes can be evaluated as empowering is in this study weighted towards the opinions and experiences of the women involved. The practical/strategic distinction as used by Moser is unable to account for empowering outcomes that emerge from practical strategies at both class levels, but most significantly for women working in the informal sector. The DAWN model is ill equipped to address political environment, the middle-class women's movement as a whole, or lower-income women's organisational activities. Transformations within the culture and the economy, and new policies responding to areas identified as of gender concern are resulting in an overall increase in the number of women's empowerment objectives being met at the levels of the family, civil society and the state. Nevertheless, concerns remain with the limited nature of reforms, which have implications for a continued and sustained deepening of both democracy and the potential for women to formulate and realise empowerment goals. However, in comparison with women's movements in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Tanzanian movement is seen as most promising due to its high level of unity and a more supportive political environment.