VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Parallelization and performance of interactive multi-player game servers

An important application domain for online services is interactive, multi-player games. An essential component for realizing these services is game servers that can support large numbers of simultaneous users in the same game world. In this work, we use a popular 3D interactive multi-player server, QuakeWorld, to study this important class of applications. We develop a benchmarking methodology appropriate for this class of applications. We evaluate the server and find that current systems can support a few tens of users. The primary bottleneck is compute cycles. We present the design and implementation of a multi-threaded, parallel version of the sequential game server. We examine the challenges in this class of applications, mainly in task decomposition and synchronization. We present preliminary performance results for a server with up to eight processors. We find that parallelization is challenging and the 8-thread server can support over 25% more players than the sequential server.
Asperger's syndrome and the transition to adulthood: An examination of equity issues and program effectiveness within the Ontario secondary school system

This study examined programming 'effectiveness' within Ontario secondary schools to determine how well adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) are being prepared for their transition to adulthood. More specifically, this research questioned whether education, as a site of social learning, enables youth with AS to obtain a positive identity and set of skills to prepare them for life beyond high school. Through the analysis of interviews conducted with two samples (one sample being high school graduates with AS, the other were professionals working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders), this study serves to report on, and open up a space for, research about AS within the social considerations of educational settings. This study attempted to show where educational programming can nurture adolescents with AS, however, the purpose of this inquiry was based upon the assumption that secondary school education may not be doing enough to prepare these students for the reality of adulthood. Through the analysis of varied programming measures used within Ontario secondary schools (specifically in areas of special education) this study's foundational assumptions were confirmed, and accordingly, several issues have been proposed for further investigation.

Keywords: Asperger's syndrome in adolescence, Social aspects
Asperger's syndrome in adolescence, Ontario
Teenagers with disabilities, Education (Secondary)
Teenagers with disabilities, Ontario
Educational equalization, Ontario
Discrimination in education, Ontario
Long-term stability of surgical counterclockwise rotation of the maxillomandibular complex

Thirty consecutive patients undergoing surgical counterclockwise rotations were examined. Pre- and post-surgical changes compared with results at mean 1.5year follow-up. Sample comprised of 21 female and 9 male subjects (mean age 20.9years). The mean amount of mandibular advancement for the entire sample was 12.5mm (7.3-17.9) at B-Point. Pogonion underwent 15.2mm (8.7-19.9) and 20.2mm (13.0-26.1) for non-genioplasty and genioplasty groups, respectively. 80% of patients showed relapse of ?2mm as it pertains to maxillary landmarks. Incorporation of a genioplasty reduced the amount of horizontal mandibular relapse at B-Point. Females had greater horizontal and vertical mandibular relapse vs. males. Horizontal mandibular incisor advancements greater than 11.65mm seen in 78% of those who relapsed at B-Point. 62% of those showing relapse of occlusal plane/Wits appraisal had mandibular body-ramus angle of <121.7Â°. Surgical counterclockwise rotations of the maxillomandibular complex offer long-term stable results and should be considered a viable treatment option in appropriate cases.
A preliminary investigation of the role of the brain reward system in the comorbidity of alcoholism and depression

Depression and alcoholism are associated with certain neurobiological deficits such as decreased dopamine levels and a dysfunctional brain reward system (BRS). Study 1 investigated the role of the BRS in alcoholics and depressed alcoholics through the administration of d-amphetamine, a dopaminergic probe for this system. Results indicated that those with comorbid alcoholism and depression exhibited an increased responsiveness to d-amphetamine, whereas those with alcohol dependence exhibited a decreased responsiveness, thus indicating the comorbid group was able to identify with the drug's rewarding effects while the alcohol dependent group was not. Study 2, a meta-analysis examining the use of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of comorbid alcoholism and depression, found little evidence supporting the use of antidepressant treatments in this population for neither depressive symptoms nor alcohol dependence. Together these results indicate that the unique relationship between alcoholism and depression is very hard to unravel and even harder to treat.
Disability and the dimensions of work

People labeled disabled face exclusion in almost all aspects of their lives. This social exclusion is particularly true in the labour force, where people with disabilities typically face high rates of unemployment and underemployment. This paper not only seeks to critically analyze the labour market inequity experienced by bodies marked â€œdisabledâ€ , but also to illustrate the social process behind this â€œdisablement.â€ In doing so, this paper advances an understanding of disability oppression in which social, cultural, and economic structures are scrutinized and their role in social exclusion highlighted. In order to illustrate the dynamics of disability and work, this paper will explore in depth the following three labour market conditions: unemployment, underemployment, and unpaid labour. By doing so, this paper will illustrate how a sociological approach to disability oppression uncovers the root causes of labour market inequity, and thus allows us to lay the foundations for social justice.

Keywords: People with disabilities, Employment
Discrimination against people with disabilities
Discrimination in employment
Characterization of three genes showing altered expression levels in parthenogenetic embryos

Three genes showed altered expression patterns in a differential screen performed by Mann et al, (1995), using parthenogenetic and fertilized blastocysts. The results of allelic expression assays performed on two of the genes, Cytochrome oxidase VIIc (CoxVIIc) and Pyruvate kinase M (PkM) are described here. Reciprocal crosses of two strains of mice that contained a polymorphism for each gene were made, and allele specific expression was assessed. CoxVIIc showed biallelic expression from blastocysts and adult tissues. An analysis of PkM revealed a slightly more complex situation likely resulting from the strains of mice used rather than genomic imprinting effects. Preferential expression from the maternal allele of PkM was revealed in early stages of development of heterozygous F1 embryos crossed in one direction. However, equal levels of expression from maternal and paternal alleles were evident in the F2 backcrossed embryos functioning as our reciprocal cross. These results may be due to heterochronic differences in the expression pattern of PkM between the two strains of mice used, or alternatively may result from a genomic imprinting effect in one of the two strains of mice used. Nonetheless, although CoxVIIc and PkM showed altered expression patterns in parthenogenetic embryos, CoxVIIc and PkM do not appear to be imprinted as predicted. A targeted null mutation in Protein Phosphatase 1cγ (Pp1cγ) in mice reveals that this gene is not imprinted in mice, but is required for spermatogenesis. Experiments described in this thesis attempted to identify the cell type(s) in mammalian testis that are defective in Pp1cγ−/− mutants. Chimera aggregations and germ cell transplants indicate a requirement for Pp1cγ in both germ cells and Sertoli cells. These results underscore the intimate relationship between germ cells and Sertoli cells in mammalian spermatogenesis. Thus, although the genes analysed in this study all display altered levels of expression in parthenogenetic embryos, none appear to be imprinted in mouse development. Various speculations exist regarding why each of these genes was isolated in the differential hybridization screen exist; however, the most likely cause may pertain to the pathological state of parthenogenetic embryos.
Losing the plow: African developing countries, multinational enterprises and the transfer of technology

Possession, control or access to the world's advanced technology resources is a key factor in securing global competitiveness. African Less Developed Countries (LDCs) find themselves in a disadvantaged position as they attempt to access appropriate technologies. Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) are recognized as the principle holders of commercial technologies and the wherewithal to transfer these to economies of their choice. Therefore, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) is a priority for most countries. Restatements of Raymond Vernon's Product-Cycle theory propose that where MNEs are given significant freedoms to wholly-own their subsidiaries they are likely to invest more capital and transfer more advanced technology. However, as the availability of private capital continues to decrease, MNEs are channeling their investments to industrialized countries leaving African LDCs out of the global investment framework. Underlying the paucity of FDI flows to Africa is the absence of an attractive investment climate. Thus, a reversal of the economic decline that has visited the continent will require the consistent application of selective economic policies geared towards improving the investment climate. This endeavor will also require the support of the international community.

Keywords: Technology transfer, Developing countries
Foreign licensing agreements
International business enterprises, Law and legislation
International business enterprises, Developing countries
Synthesis and characterization of dye-labeled poly(vinyl acetate-butyl acrylate) latex particles and their application to film formation and polymer interdiffusion

Different dye-labeled latex particles were synthesized. Donor-labeled P(VAc-BA) latex particles were prepared with phenanthrene (Phe) as the donor group. Attempts to synthesize latex particles labeled with anthracene (An) as the corresponding acceptor group failed because An derivatives inhibited VAc polymerization. New polymerizable dimethylaminobenzophenone (NBen) derivatives were developed. These NBen derivatives proved to be useful energy transfer acceptors for Phe and they were compatible with VAc polymerization. A broad series of P(VAc-BA) latex particles labeled with Phe and with NBen were prepared. These latex particles contain significant amounts of gel. This gel has a strong influence on polymer diffusion in latex films. The amount of gel in the polymer could be reduced or eliminated by adding a chain transfer agent to the polymerization reaction. This thesis describes experiments that examine film formation and polymer diffusion in poly(vinyl acetate-butyl acrylate) (P(VAc-BA)) latex films. From a practical perspective, this copolymer was chosen as a model for architectural coatings. From a theoretical perspective, this polymer allowed us to investigate polymer diffusion in films of randomly branched polymers. Polymer diffusion was studied by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (ET) measurements. This methodology requires latex particles labeled with donor and acceptor dyes. Fluorescence decay measurements of ET efficiency were used to study polymer diffusion in films of these latex samples. The most important variables that affect the polymer diffusion rate are temperature, molar mass, the nature of phase separation in the latex polymers, and the presence of gel. It was found that temperature enhances the rate of polymer diffusion, while high molar mass and a phase-separated morphology largely slow the rate of polymer diffusion. The presence of gel limits full mixing of polymers in these latex films.
Occupational performance needs of older persons: implications for program development

Objective. This study seeks to answer three questions: (1) What are the occupational performance needs of older persons in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure? (2) What do these needs suggest for program development? and (3) How useful is the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in identifying needs for the geriatric population? Methods. Twenty-five geriatric patients on the Reactivation Unit of a large Toronto teaching hospital participated in the study. The sample was comprised of males and females, with various diagnoses, living arrangements and limitations. The COPM and a demographic instrument were administered by the researcher in patient interviews. The COPM ratings were analyzed statistically and participants' comments were examined for themes. Results. Results indicated that the elderly participants desire independence in self-care, productivity and leisure. The need to be independent in the three occupational performance realms was more profound for those elders who lived alone, were discharged home or had limited community support. Furthermore, it was identified that losses in the elderly had substantial impact on function, coping and adapting. Unique coping mechanisms were instrumental in maintaining quality of life. Conclusions. The discussion highlights strategies and directions on how results could be utilized to develop therapeutic programs which would assist in realizing the needs of elders. Selecting target domains, acknowledging sense of control, including coping/adaptation strategies and addressing barriers to program development are four pinnacles of the discussion.

Keywords: Age and employment
Performance standards
Ability, Influence of age on
Older people, Employment
Employees, Rating of
Employees, Effect of technological innovations
Accounting for disparity: Essays on agricultural development and racial earnings inequality

This thesis consists of three essays which focus on accounting for the sources of economic inequality in various contexts. The first two essays focus on disparity of agricultural labour productivity across the developing countries, while the third analyzes racial earnings inequality. The main goal of these essays is to shed light on some of the mechanisms which have generated these types of inequality, in order to better design policies for ameliorating them. The first essay is empirical, while the second and third essays construct general equilibrium models so as to quantitatively assess the importance of proposed sources of inequality. The first essay finds that a large proportion of the variation of the level and growth of agricultural labour productivity across a sample of developing countries can be explained by variation in input use across countries. I demonstrate that our understanding of disparity of labour productivity in developing country agriculture can be significantly improved by accounting for variation in the adoption of high-yielding seed varieties and for correlation between input use and technological change across countries. The second essay analyzes the factors which have contributed to agricultural stagnation in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite productivity improvements in agriculture in other developing regions. I construct a quantitative model which can match average Sub-Saharan African trends of agricultural labour productivity, crop yields and input use from 1965 to 2000. The model points to key factors which have constrained agricultural productivity growth over this period, and to the need for diverse yet concerted policies to arrest this stagnation. The third essay presents a quantitative model which sheds light on racial earnings inequality in the U.S., South Africa and Brazil. This model indicates that a large proportion of the racial wage gap in these three countries can be attributed to differential human capital accumulation by race. Most notably, distortions created by the explicit, racially-biased education system which existed in South Africa during Apartheid can explain roughly three quarters of the racial wage gap in South Africa in the early 1990's.
Genetic determinants of caffeine consumption behaviour

Genetic variability in the enzymes that break down caffeine, or in the receptors primarily involved in the mechanism of action of caffeine, may explain some of the inter-individual variability in caffeine consumption behaviour. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the role genetic polymorphisms of the enzyme responsible for the metabolism (CYPIA2 -163A>C), and the targets of caffeine action (ADORA2A 1976T>C and DRD2 957C>T) play in likelihood of reporting the acute effects and withdrawal symptoms of caffeine. Subjects with the T/T genotype of the 957C>T polymorphism are more likely to report the anxiogenic effects of caffeine at all habitual intake levels and the arousal effects of caffeine at habitual intake levels> 200 mg/d. The polymorphisms were not associated with caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Our findings suggest that habitual intake levels and the DRD2 gene play an important role in mediating the mood and behaviour altering properties of caffeine consumption.
Towards a critical constructivist theory of legal "norm-internalization": two cases from early Republican Turkey

The thesis aims to problematize existing applications of constructivist social theory to legal "norm-internalization" processes in international and comparative law by way of an analytical discussion and two case studies involving early Republican Turkey. The author begins by demonstrating that current forms of constructivist theory in international and comparative legal scholarship tend to sideline consideration not only of the mechanisms through which European/Western legal norms have been made to serve the interests of colonialism and imperialism, but also of the techniques through which local forces have appropriated and manipulated such norms for the sake of achieving a variety of objectives. The author then brings this critique to bear upon two case studies, examining the manner in which the Turkish Civil Code of 1926 was prepared and promulgated and providing a close reading of Turkey's submissions to the Permanent Court of International Justice in the Case of the S.S. "Lotus "

Keywords: Constructivism (Philosophy)
Social sciences, Philosophy
Civil law, Turkey
Characterization of the human telomerase complex

Telomeres are the nucleoprotein structures located at eukaryotic chromosomal termini. Their presence is required at chromosome ends to ensure genomic stability. Telomeric DNA is synthesized de novo by the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) enzyme known as telomerase. This study focuses on characterization of the human telomerase complex. Endogenous human telomerase was partially purified from cells using an anti-sense affinity selection (AAS) technique. Electrophoresis of the AAS purified material on a nondenaturing gel revealed an RNP particle containing the human telomerase RNA subunit. The mobility of the RNP particle was coincident with that of telomerase activity and varied according to purification conditions. UV cross-linking analysis was also performed on the partially purified material using primers containing photoreactive nucleotides. Three proteins were observed to cross-link specifically to telomeric DNA. The biochemical activity of partially purified human telomerase was examined in the second part of this study. Both ciliate and yeast telomerases have an associated nucleolytic activity that is capable of removing telomeric or nontelomeric DNA from the 3' end of an oligonucleotide substrate. In these organisms, an endonuclease is responsible for the cleavage function. The activity is thought to reside within the catalytic core of the enzyme since it copurifies with ciliate and yeast telomerase over several steps and is associated with ciliate telomerase synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL). The nuclease is thought to assist in proofreading and/or re-initiation of a stalled polymerization complex. In this study, partially purified human telomerase was found to associate with a similar nucleolytic activity. Various chimeric oligonucleotides, containing telomeric and nontelomeric DNA, acted as cleavage substrates. These data are consistent with nucleolytic cleavage occurring at or near the boundary between telomeric and nontelomeric DNA, creating a substrate for subsequent elongation by telomerase. A nuclease activity is also associated with human telomerase synthesized in RRL. These findings suggest that the nuclease activity serves an evolutionarily conserved function in substrate utilization by telomerase.
Three contributions to the theory and practice of operations management

This dissertation is a collection of three essays in Operations Management and Management Science. Chapter 3 explains the empirical phenomenon that the constraint programs resulting from the real-world problems in Chapter 2 always had solutions. From the worst-case perspective this need not be the case for in most cases there exist instances with few (e.g., three) attributes where balanced groups cannot be constructed. However, via a variety of techniques (dynamic programming combined with simulation, analytical upper bound and empirical lower bound) we find that the probability that a random instance similar to those observed in practice can be partitioned into balanced groups is effectively 100 percent. Chapter 2 studies the problem of constructing balanced work groups (i.e., containing approximately equal proportion of members with different gender, age, cultural backgrounds, and other relevant attributes), based on a practical problem of assigning MBA students to study groups. We view balancing requirements as constraints, develop efficient user-friendly software, discuss its implementation and report major improvements in all aspects of students' group work. We also discuss a problem of creating multiple lists of non-overlapping groups, which is unique to our work. Chapter 1 considers a problem where consumers learn about the possibility of "last-minute" discounts (typical of travel industries) and strategically wait for them. We present a stylized model of aggregate consumer behavior where the firm puts a number of units on sale to maximize its current and future revenue, given that the fraction of customers waiting, and, hence, the revenue in the future, changes depending on the firm's decisions. We formulate the problem as a dynamic program and develop a novel solution approach. We consider several model variations and show that the firm's optimal policy depends on the learning behavior: it is either "passive", where the firm puts some units on sale and allows consumers to "self-regulate" future waiting, or it is an "active" "bang-bang" policy, where the firm intermixes the periods with many units on sale with those with none and thus manages consumer waiting. We discuss managerial insights and show that the firm can strategically allow overbooking to increase its revenue.

Keywords: Operations management
Dissertations, Academic, Canada