VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Enforcing maternal health rights in Nigeria: options and challenges

Proceeding from the premise that the high maternal mortality rates in Nigeria has not been significantly conceptualized as a human rights issue, either as part of the broader right to health or of mainstream women rights issues (given its highly gendered impact), this thesis contends that a human rights strategy offers the best hope to reducing the high matemal mortality rates. It explores options and challenges of effectively adopting a holistic human rights approach---one that seeks to enforce maternal health rights through more recognized human rights norms such as rights to life, non-discrimination and freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment. A human rights approach, this work argues, will advance maternal health by elevating the suffering of women in the public policy arena and possibly exposing policies, actions and inactions that endanger the lives and health of women.

Keywords: Maternal health services, Law and legislation
Maternal health services, Nigeria
Women, Legal status, laws, etc
Women, Nigeria
Mothers, Mortality
Mothers, Nigeria
Enriching the desktop metaphor with physics, piles and the pen

We explore making virtual desktops behave in a more physically realistic manner by adding physics simulation and using piling instead of filing as the fundamental organizational structure. Objects can be casually dragged and tossed around, influenced by physical characteristics such as friction and mass, much like we would manipulate objects in the real world. In addition we explore giving icons the affordances of paper supporting crumpling, creasing and pinning up to the walls for annotation. To manipulate and browse piles we integrate advances in techniques and propose our own novel set. We present a prototype, called BumpTop, that coherently integrates a variety of interaction and visualization techniques optimized for pen input we have developed to support this new style of desktop organization. Encouraging results of a user evaluation are also presented in which participants were able to complete 88% of tasks and find the interface enjoyable and satisfying.
Analysis of the role of the recombination signal sequence in the fidelity of V(D)J recombination

B and T lymphocytes assemble antigen receptor genes through a series of DNA rearrangements that target DNA recombination signal sequences (RSSs). This process, termed V(D)J recombination, plays a central role in lymphocyte development and the generation of a diverse immune repertoire of B cell immunoglobulins (Ig) and T cell receptors (TCR). While it is a critical operation, the recombination also poses tremendous risks. Aberrant rearrangement can contribute to the development of various lymphoid malignancies. To gain insight into the basis of V(D)J recombination specificity, I have investigated whether incorrectly targeted DNA sequences can be detected after they have been cleaved by RAG proteins. Using a murine extrachromosomal recombination system, I have observed that sequences incorrectly targeted and cleaved are not as efficiently rejoined as are authentic RSSs, indicating that sequence specificity exists beyond cleavage. Furthermore, these sequence requirements differ from those for binding and cleavage. In another study, I wished to learn how the RSS permits unusual rearrangement at the chicken immunoglobulin locus. I revealed a potential role for the RSS spacer sequence, which is the component of the RSS that was previously thought not to contribute to the specificity of V(D)J recombination. Rearrangement is mediated by the pairing of RSSs, one of which has a 12-bp spacer (12-RSS) and one of which has a 23-bp spacer (23-RSS), a feature known as the 12/23 rule. I introduced the chicken sequences into the murine recombination system and observed that the 12/23 rule can be violated to permit 12/12 rearrangement outside of the chicken. After performing sequence alignments of human and murine spacers and determining consensus sequences, I propose that the spacer sequence is a factor in RSS targeting. My research has extensively examined the role of the RSS in supporting efficient V(D)J recombination. I have provided evidence that unusual rearrangement at the chicken IgH locus is mediated by RSSs, and not by chicken-specific proteins. Furthermore, I have contributed in vivo support for a V(D)J recombination post-cleavage complex involving the RAG proteins, suggesting that a late-stage consequence of DNA mistargeting is the interruption of recombination and/or reduced cellular survival.
Role of iroquois homeodomain transcription factors, irx2 and irx5 in the mammalian heart

Iroquois homeodomain proteins are a conserved family of transcription factors involved in patterning and regionalization of embryonic. Although these proteins are expressed in distinct spatio-temporal patterns in the heart, their functional relevance in cardiac development or physiological maintenance is still unknown. The cardiac role of two Iroquois genes, Irx2 and Irx5, was assessed using murine gene ablation studies. Irx2 is not required for cardiac morphogenesis or function in mice. In Irx5 null mice, abnormal ventricular repolarization was observed, due to aberrant patterning of potassium channel gradients. This data implicates Irx5 as an important regulator of signalling cascades mediating ventricular repolarization. Electrical heterogeneity across the ventricular wall is required for normal cardiac function, the absence of which results in fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Little is known about its cellular or molecular regulation. Elucidating a role for Irx5 in establishing ventricular ionic gradients will help understand the mechanisms mediating cardiac rhythm.
From educational reformers to community developers: the changing role of field education officers of Aga Khan Education Service Chitral, Pakistan

The findings capture three realms of the FEOs' world: (a) the FEOs' role as external change agents, (b) their daily practices of change, and (c) their conceptual underpinnings of change. In the first realm, the study finds that the FEOs play a unique role, that of educational reformer and community developer, stimulating change in both schools and in local communities. These FEOs are authorized by AKES, P's district management; therefore, it is mandatory for AKES, P schools and schools' communities to accept their interventions. In the second realm, analysis of the FEOs' specific actions and key methods for change reveals four distinct strategies the FEOs adopt for school change---Teacher-Centered, Moral Persuasion, Pragmatic, and Leadership---and three main strategies for community development---Participatory, Training, and Power-Laden. All seven strategies illuminate the FEOs' understanding of change at the level of practice. In the third realm, this study explores the FEOs' underlying assumptions, core values, and key concepts of change; it reconstructs three broad chance orientations---Political, Technical, and Spiritual---into which each FEO's theoretical understandings and conceptual frameworks of change are categorized. The study's findings derive from empirical data collected through qualitative research methods, such as semi-structured interviews (individual and focus-group), non-participant observations, post-observation discussions, informal conversations and analysis of relevant documents. This study explores 5 Field Education Officers' (FEOs) understanding of their dual roles as educational reformers and community developers in the rural, mountainous district of Chitral, Pakistan. In particular, it examines the 5 FEOs' specific actions and methods (strategies) and their underlying assumptions and core values (orientations) of change. These FEOs work as change agents in schools and in the local communities where the schools have been established by the Aga Khan Education Service Pakistan (AKES, P), a non-profit philanthropic organization dedicated to providing educational and community development programs in disadvantaged parts of the developing world. Examining the interrelatedness of the 5 FEOs' roles, strategies, and change orientations reveals that each FEO's change orientation serves as a lens through which that FEO views and approaches change, defines his role and shapes his strategies for change. Despite their distinct orientations, unique role, and particular strategies, all 5 FEOs operate within a common broader framework of Socio-Educational Change or more, specifically, Community-based School Change.

Keywords: Educators, Pakistan
School improvement programs, Pakistan
Community development, Pakistan
Educational change, Pakistan
Rendezvous guidance for robotic interception of moving objects

A novel method for online, robotic interception of moving objects using visual feedback is proposed in this thesis. No prior knowledge of the motion of the object is assumed. For time-optimal interception, a novel rendezvous-guidance technique that takes the dynamic limitations of the robot into account has been developed. In the proposed methodology, first, a parallel-navigation rule, originally introduced in the missile-guidance literature, is applied to generate a set of instantaneous task-space velocity commands, which, if executed, would keep the end-effector on a collision course with the object. Subsequently, a rendezvous-guidance method is utilized to reduce the original command set to one with velocity-matching capability. Finally, the fastest velocity command in the reduced set is chosen such that the dynamic limitations of the actuators of the robot are not violated. The proposed algorithm results in a fast and robust interception as shown by simulation examples in 2D and 3D workspace.
Applying dynamic contact angles to a three-dimensional VOF model

This thesis presents a three-dimensional numerical model to simulate the dynamic behaviour of moving contact line phenomena. The model consists of an adaptive mesh discretization of the time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible two-phase flows with a volume-of-fluid technique for interface tracking. Surface tension is modelled as a volume force acting on the interface. The height function methodology is utilized to accurately estimate the normals and the curvatures at the fluid/fluid interface and at the contact line. Contact angles are imposed as a boundary condition at the contact line. An early version of "GERRIS", which is based on an adaptive mesh method for the incompressible Euler equations, was used as the basis for the development of the numerical method. Algorithms for evaluating surface tension and variable-viscosity shear stresses were incorporated into the code. The code was then used as the basis for developing the contact line methodology presented in this thesis. In particular; (i) a two- and three-dimensional height function-based approach is developed to apply a specified contact angle, and (ii) based on an analytical model, a velocity and mesh-dependent contact angle model is developed to properly apply dynamic contact angles. Equilibrium results of two- and three-dimensional droplets with various contact angles are presented first. Simulation results are compared with known solutions and the convergence behaviour of the model is studied. The model is then used for the development of a numerical methodology for the simulation of dynamic wetting/dewetting lines. The goal is to investigate the effect of the contact angle boundary condition on the dynamics of spreading. Key factors, mechanisms by which the contact line motion occurs, are investigated. These mechanisms include: the slip of a moving contact line on the solid surface and the dynamic behaviour of the contact angle. A dynamic contact angle model is then presented that leads to results that converge with spatial refinement. The thesis concludes with the model applied to small sliding droplets on a partially wetting surface. Results are presented of sliding droplets on an inclined plane with dynamic contact angles. The effect of the inclination angle on the distribution of the contact angle along the droplet perimeter is presented.
The role of late gestation lung 1 (lgl1) in late fetal lung development

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are given to hasten lung maturation in the fetus and preterm infant; however, they have several adverse side-effects. Lgl1 (a GC-inducible gene highly expressed in the late-gestation lung) may aid lung maturation without undesirable side-effects. I therefore sought to determine if lgl1 affects the biochemical and morphological maturation of the late gestation lung. The lungs of fetal mice that express transgenic (TG) and endogenous lgl1 were compared to their wild type littermates (WT) with respect to levels of surfactant protein (SP)-B, glycogen, lamellar body, dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine content, and lung morphology. All parameters were comparable except SP-B mRNA levels which were significantly higher and the tissue-to-air ratio which was significantly lower on postnatal day (PN) 0 in TG versus WT. In conclusion, I have provided evidence consistent with a role for lgl1 in the biochemical and structural maturation of the mammalian lung during late gestation and the immediate perinatal period.
Adaptive naturalization of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) populations from northern Lake Superior tributaries

Complementary life-history and genetic diversity (microsatellite DNA loci) were used to assess potential sources of extant phenotypic variation of eight naturalized steelhead populations from northern Lake Superior tributaries. Supplemental stocking subsequent to colonization, which occurred by 1920, has been very limited, thereby providing opportunities for genetic and phenotypic divergence. Populations exhibited high genetic diversity and similar allele size ranges, indicating a highly diverse common ancestor colonized the area. Furthermore, significant hierarchical divergence existed among populations. Five life-history parameters that are used to distinguish between native stocks of steelhead varied significantly among the study populations. Life-history variation was inconsistent with genetic variation and consistent with geographic distance among populations. Assuming that differences among tributary biophysical environments are positively associated with geographic distance these results support the hypothesis that reported life-history variation is the result natural processes (phenotypic plasticity, adaptation, drift and migration) and not contingent upon ancestry.
Governing through the family: a Foucaultian approach to New Labour's anti-social behaviour policy, 1998--2004

This dissertation examines the development of Michel Foucault's work by governmentality writers and focuses upon how governmentality enables a fresh response to criticisms of Foucaultian political theory. The project follows governmentality in approaching Foucault's work through a study of a current political issue and presents New Labour's youth justice, public order, and anti-social behaviour policies as an example of the government through family practices. The study focuses on the role expertise has played in these policies and argues that, to date, governmentality has not fully acknowledged how expert knowledges modify power through practices of freedom. The study charts the development of New Labour's project of "joined up government" and considers the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act as a pivotal piece of legislation. A Foucaultian perspective notes the spatial dimension of these policies and the sense in which the family is governed according to a twofold strategy. Family practices appear simultaneously as a cause of disorderly conduct, allowing for its containment within the private household, and as a foundation for community via the extension of family civility. Viewing these policies in relation to new professional partnerships demonstrates how the social work and police professions acted as a crucible from which changes in family governance were launched. Recent responses from within the social work and police professions illustrate dilemmas family practices pose for a Foucaultian, governmentality perspective, since in each case the modification of policy appears partial and one-sided. Where social workers have opposed the family's role in containing disorder, they have drawn upon the extension of family civility in redefining their own professional identity. Conversely, where police officers have challenged the extension of family values, their redefinition of their own role re-emphasised the family as a private concern. The possibility that family practices might be accommodated within a Foucaultian view, committed to upholding both difference and reciprocity, is thus opened to reconsideration.
Variation in genes involved in neural plasticity -- risk for childhood psychiatric disorders

Deficits in neural plasticity, the ability of neural networks to modify structurally and functionally in response to internal and external stimuli, have been suggested to predispose individuals to psychiatric disorders. Two receptors, the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and the receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) are critical to neural plasticity pathways. First, this thesis tested the hypothesis that variation in the NMDAR subunit gene glutamate receptor, ionotropic N-methyl D-aspartate (GRIN2A) is involved in genetic susceptibility to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Linkage between GRIN2A and ADHD was not observed. In addition there was no significant evidence of a relationship between GRIN2A and three cognitive phenotypes, verbal short-term memory, verbal working memory and inhibitory control. This thesis tested a second hypothesis that variation in the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 (NTRK2) gene, which encodes TrkB confers susceptibility to childhood-onset mood disorders (COMD). There was no significant evidence of association between NTRK2 and COMD.
The effect of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition on post-myocardial infarction cardiac function, remodeling and gene expression

Background. Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with ventricular hypertrophy and poorer survival. Matrix-metalloproteinases inhibition (M) has been implicated in post-MI remodeling. Methodology. Rat model, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (A) and M were administered [both(A/M); neither( -/- ); alone(A/-, -/M)] to both MI and Sham (Sh) operated rats. Function assessed by Langendorff apparatus and echocardiography, remodeling by echocardiograms and H E slides, collagen by Picosirius-red staining. DNA microarray analysis to determine changes in gene expression. Results. All data: Sh( -/- ), MI( -/- ), MI( -/M). Langendorff developed pressure, positive and negative dP/dT demonstrated similar trends. Statistics: significant difference (P lt; 0.05) between Sh( -/- ) and MI( -/M) and between MI( -/- ) and MI( -/M) and no significance between Sh( -/- ) and MI( -/- ) for any parameters. Echocardiography (function and morphometry), H E morphometry and collagen: P lt; 0.05 between MI and Sh but no difference between drug treatments. Microarray: altered gene expression classified in areas of apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, structural and novel. Conclusion. The results suggest similar improvements with both A and M on MI hearts.
Gypsum scale formation and control during continuous sulphuric acid neutralization

A fundamental study on gypsum scale formation and control during neutralization was performed. Through the use of the OLI simulation software and a solubility study, it was shown that it is possible to accurately model gypsum solubility (and hence, predict scaling potential) in Ni, Mg, and even Zn containing solutions over a wide range of temperatures (25°C--90°C) and solution concentrations (0--6 m). The model also was extended to model several different neutralization configurations. The optimum configuration determined using the model was a two stage neutralization with all the base added in the first stage. Seeding was effective up to a 100% seed recycle. A non-base-added final polishing stage (reactor) added at the end of any neutralization configuration was modelled to be the most effective for ensuring that the outlet stream had a minimum supersaturation. The OLI software package was used to predict calcium sulphate conductivity over a range of concentrations, temperatures, and slurry densities through the use of the modified mean spherical approximation equations. Ion size parameters for the calcium and sulphate ion pair were determined by regressing experimental conductivity measurements, in order to predict conductivities in undersaturated, saturated, and supersaturated calcium sulphate solutions. The effect of solids on conductivity was modelled using Maxwell's equation. The conductivity model was used to convert conductivity measured in situ during pure sulphuric acid neutralization into supersaturation. This enabled the elucidation of the mechanism of gypsum scale growth and demonstrated the relationship between reactor conditions and scale growth. A gypsum growth equation of the form GCaSO4= = k(S-1)2.5 relating growth to supersaturation was found to best fit experimental data. The activation energy for growth was found to be 86 kJ/mol. The effect of seeding (adding extra solid gypsum seed to the neutralization reactor) also was proven with the new conductivity technique. The kinetics in the continuous neutralization reactor, determined using the conductivity technique, were used to build a population balance model for gypsum crystallization during neutralization. This model is able to explain many of the trends in gypsum scale growth.
Teaching balanced literacy as a way of promoting a love of learning

A student/teacher reflects on the experiences she has had that led her to the belief that teaching children to read can and should be an enjoyable and successful experience that naturally lends itself to promoting a love of reading and ultimately a love of learning. Having experienced an education based on promoting this love coupled with training and experience of teaching a balanced literacy program this paper examines the kinds of experience children need in order to learn to read and to love to read. Each component of the balanced literacy is reviewed and shown how it can naturally lend itself to maintaining a child's natural love of learning. This paper is a compilation of the thoughts and research of many of the key players that have published material on teaching literacy interwoven with the experiences I have had within the classroom both as a student and a teacher.