VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Interfacial electric phenomena and the thickness-shear mode acoustic wave sensor

Factors affecting the response of thickness-shear mode acoustic wave sensors operating in the liquid phase were investigated and analyzed. Electric phenomena at the electrode-solution interface were found to be responsible for the observations that cannot be explained by existing mass- and viscous-loading formulations. In a flow injection analysis configuration, the sensor with a gold electrode was treated with a variety of proteins and macromolecules to investigate the effect of size, shape, and hydrophobicity of the adsorbing molecules. The frequency shift for the globular protein, avidin, was different from that for a linear dextran of the same size; and from its non-glycosilated neutral form, neutravidin. The frequency shift was slightly larger for the adsorption of avidin on sensors with rough surfaces than with polished ones; but was not of a magnitude that would correlate with the increase in surface area. All of these experiments negate the mass-response effect as the sole contributor to the response of the device operating in a solution, strongly indicating a major role is associated with electric and/or acoustic effects at the electrode-solution interface. Using network analysis, the resonance frequencies and the equivalent circuit parameters of the device were monitored for a variety of electrolytes in the concentration range 1 to 3000 mM. A nonlinear and periodic dependence was found between both the series resonance frequency and the motional resistance parameter of the device with respect to concentration of electrolyte. Unlike the case of viscous-loading of the sensor, which is known to exhibit a linear and inversely proportional relationship between frequency change and motional resistance, the electrolyte loading of the device yields an unexpected spiral dependence of the two quantities. The periodicity was further confirmed by contrasting the sinusoidal and linear profiles produced in a concentration ramp setup for KCl and sucrose solution, respectively. The effect of surface charges was confirmed by incorporating ionizable and non-ionizable functional groups on the electrode surface, which resulted in a radically large response for the former at introduction to a suitable pH. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Shaping the North-South encounter, the training of Northern development workers

This study is an exploration of how Northern development workers facilitate pre-departure training for future Northern development workers. Through the lens of an interlocking theory of oppression, this inquiry into training Northern development workers is situated within a systemic analysis of power and privilege. As training programs are a critical site for future development workers to understand their professional roles, the focus of this study rests in working with facilitators who engage Northern development workers in an analysis of identity and its intersections with the historical, social and economic conditions in which development work is located. Combining relevant literature with participant experience, this study explores the complexities of training development workers and how these complexities are negotiated by facilitators. This inquiry into training programs is an effort to understand how facilitators intervene to shape Northern development workers understandings of what constitutes the North-South encounter in the context of development work.
Reduced interference in the Stroop effect, determining when a word is read automatically

Besner, Stolz, and Boutillier (1997) claimed to have eliminated Stroop interference by colouring only a single letter of an irrelevant word and requiring participants to name the colour of that letter. On this basis, they argued that word reading could not be automatic. Four experiments demonstrated that their manipulation reduces but in fact does not eliminate Stroop interference. It is argued that this reduction in Stroop interference is almost exactly offset by an equivalent increase in latency due to the added requirement of searching for the coloured letter. This two-process explanation adequately accounts for the Besner et al. (1997) results as well as other more recent results (MacLeod, 1999; Marmurek, 1999). Moreover, it is suggested that other aspects of the Besner et al. methodology may have produced the illusion that Stroop interference was eliminated. Irrelevant words are read even in the single coloured letter variant of the Stroop task.
Reactivity of two strained systems, sila[1]ferrocenophanes as precursors to cationic silicon centres and silacyclobutanes as precursors to supported zirconocene catalysts

Investigations of the reaction of the sila[1]ferrocenophanes fcSiMe 2 and fcSiFc2 with H(OEt2)(THF)TFPB led to the generation of the ferrocenyl-substituted, coordinated silylium ions [FcMe 2Si(THF)]+ and [Fc3Si(THF)]+. ' In situ' reaction of these ions with excess pyridine generated [FcMe 2Si(py)]+ and [Fc3Si(py)]+, respectively. These reactions demonstrate a novel route to silylium ions involving ring-opening protonolysis of strained silicon-containing rings. A fly-trap amine elimination reaction between (CH2)3 SiCp2 and Zr(NMe2)4, and subsequent reaction with a slight excess of Me3SiCl, led to the generation of a novel silacyclobutane-bridged monomer (CH2)3SiCp 2ZrCl2. Transition-metal catalyzed ROP of the monomer led to the production of insoluble polymer. Molecular weight control studies of the transition metal catalyzed polymerizations of both (CH2) 3SiCp2ZrCl2 and (CH2)3SiPh 2 were carried out using Et3SiH as a capping agent. The product of the polymerization of (CH2)3SiCp 2ZrCl2 was found to be a soluble capped oligomer Et 3Si-[(CH2)3SiCp2ZrCl2]' n'-H ('n' ~ 2-10).
Comprehension-driven software clustering

A common problem that the software industry has to face is that of maintaining and upgrading legacy software. The fact that the structure of most legacy software systems is not understood makes this a difficult task. However, it is essential that this knowledge be recovered in order to migrate a software system to a new hardware platform or programming language, or simply to enhance its functionality. The proliferation of reverse engineering projects that attempt to regain this knowledge suggests that this is an issue of great importance. One of the techniques that has been used to deal with the problems that arise from the sheer size and complexity of large software systems is software clustering. Decomposing a software system into smaller, more manageable subsystems can aid the process of understanding it significantly. In this thesis, we concentrate on a number of open questions related to software clustering, such as methods for evaluating the output of different software clustering approaches, study of the stability of various algorithms, and incremental clustering. We also present an automatic clustering algorithm that is designed to produce decompositions that help our understanding of the target system. This algorithm identifies clusters based on known patterns of decomposition that are observed in large software systems. It also produces clusters of bounded size and names clusters in an intuitive manner. The approaches presented in this thesis have been applied to real industrial software systems. The results we obtained demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of our techniques.
Understanding the role of caspase-3 in vivo

Apoptosis or programmed cell death (PCD) is an evolutionarily conserved cellular process that is essential for normal development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. Defects in the apoptosis signaling result in many diseases including autoimmune diseases and cancer. 'Caspases' (c_ysteinyl aspartate proteases ) are mammalian homologues of 'ced-3', a first pro-apoptotic gene found in the nematode 'Caenorhabditis elegans'. They are the executioners of apoptosis and 'Casapse-3' has the closest sequence homology to 'ced-3'. To better understand the role of 'caspase-3 in vivo', a genetic approach was taken to generate 'caspase-3' knockout (KO) mice. The findings presented in chapter two demonstrate that ' caspase-3' is required for activation induced cell death of peripheral T cells. In addition, experiments using different cell types with different death stimuli demonstrate that requirement for 'caspase-3' in apoptosis is context and cell type specific. Chapter 3 presents evidence that 'caspase-3' is required for Fas-mediated cell death of hepatocytes 'in vivo'. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ' caspase-3' plays a regulatory role in addition to the conventional executionary role in the apoptotic pathway. Data presented in chapter 4 illustrates a novel role of 'caspase-3' in cell cycle regulation. In peripheral B cells of 'caspase-3' KO mice, hyperproliferation without a primary defect in cell death is observed. Further examination showed that these activated 'caspase-3' null B cells have abnormal parameters of proteins involved in cell cycle regulation. These findings illustrate the complex role of 'caspase-3 in vivo' that need to be elucidated for ideal therapeutic designs for many diseases that result from defective apoptosis.
Chemical and biological characteristics of an organic film from Toronto windows

The organic film that develops as a thin layer on urban impervious surfaces, a novel environmentally-derived mixture that integrates atmospherically derived gas- and particle-phase compounds, was investigated for its ability to induce gene expression via the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The organic film from 21 sites in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was found to contain a complex mixture of environmental contaminants typical of urban environments. Using a reporter cell line, we found that crude extract and three fractions of organic film induce AhR-dependent gene expression in a dose-dependent fashion. Recombination of the fractions did not demonstrate the full activity of the crude extract. The interactions between a tonic dose of B['a']P (10-7 M) and each of the aromatic fractions were determined to be antagonistic following analysis by the method of isoboles. Our results suggest that organic film comprises a diverse array of compounds active at the AhR.
Unison Canadian choral compositions, selection and analysis for schools

The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to identify and describe criteria for selection and analysis of unison Canadian choral compositions. It was further expected that this investigation would discover and result in an analytical guidelist of unison Canadian choral repertoire published by Leslie Music Supply (1970-1995) suitable for performance by first-, second-, and third-grade Canadian elementary school pupils. Furthermore, the purpose of the study in this context was to describe the historical growth of Leslie Music Supply, Inc. of Oakville, Ontario over the period of time from 1970 to 1998. Data were collected by personal interviews, historical record search, investigator search and analysis, analysis by expert evaluators; and testing by classroom teachers. The findings suggest that the framework for analysis, the guidelines for analysis and the analytical selective guidelist of unison Canadian choral compositions published by Leslie Music Supply, Inc. (1970-1995) suitable for performance by first-, second-, and third-grade elementary school pupils have great utility for use in selecting unison choral repertoire and may assist the classroom teacher of music in taking on the role of teacher as curriculum maker. The results suggest that the framework for analysis and guidelines for analysis could be applied with consistency by elementary school teachers of music in the analysis of unison choral repertoire. The qualitative data provided a deep reflection on the historical development of Leslie Music Supply, Inc. as an important Canadian educational music publishing company. The findings of the study revealed how significant historical events, historical contexts, and criteria for publication shaped the quality, variety, and number of unison Canadian choral compositions published by Leslie Music Supply, Inc. available for selection and use with pupils. The results suggest that the co-owners of Leslie Music Supply, Inc. foster strong interpersonal relationships with composers, colleagues in the Canadian music publishing industry, and customers. The comparison of the music compositional criteria for the creation/selection of unison choral music by composers, publisher and expert teachers found that all three groups used common factors. Data showed that the criteria used for selection of music for publication included both music compositional concerns and anticipated marketablity. Results also emerged demonstrating the influence and power publishers have on teacher curriculum decision making. The results of this study also suggest that teachers have a vital role to play in impacting on the educational music publishing industry by influencing composers and by selecting and rejecting choral music judiciously. Findings of the present study suggest further research is required into the ongoing development of procedural knowledge of the novice music teacher in becoming the expert music teacher. Further research is also needed to more fully understand the exact music criteria used by educational music publishers in their selection of unison choral music for publication.
Mayan women and the politics of selfhood, the case of the Guatemalan National Women's Forum

In its broadest theoretical dimension, this thesis is an exploration of the potential for political unity among differently positioned women in Guatemala. It examines the processes of identification which transpire between a political collective and its differently positioned members, i.e., the Guatemalan National Women's Forum and Mayan women together with ' Ladina' women. It thus takes up one of feminist scholarship's central concerns, the meaningfulness of the category "Woman." It explores some of the theoretical concerns that arise in an examination of an "authentic" form of political selfhood (i.e., Mayan women) and its links to the potential for collective action undertaken by this group with other differently positioned women. This thesis takes as its starting point the historical exclusion of Mayan women from full participation in Guatemala's socio-political processes (including from the practices of citizenship) and draws upon the Forum as one example of recent efforts to redress such exclusions.
Incorporating time into computer cartography: A digital atlas of history

This thesis describes the design and implementation of a prototype digital atlas of history. The core of the project involves the design of a data model for temporal geographic information. The system we design can form the basis of a robust and extensible temporal geographic information system. This work represents a significant innovation in modelling temporal geographic data in that it combines vector representation of map data with a novel system of incremental storage. Our model also employs a system for the efficient representation of shapes on a map using unique boundary segments. This is also a feature not seen previously in the literature. In addition, this thesis demonstrates the feasibility of the design by actually implementing it in the form of a prototype application program.
Progesterone as an anti-convulsant

Progesterone (P4) has been successfully used as an anticonvulsant. Its use, however, has been limited to patients whose seizures are exacerbated by varying hormonal states in the menstrual cycle. Its anticonvulsant mechanism of action is unclear. Therefore, the following studies were designed to increase the understanding of the mechanism of action of P4 and promote its broader use in a clinical setting: (1) 'Effect of P4 on Amygdala-kindled seizure'; (2) 'Effect of chronic low doses of P4 in various seizure models'; (3) ' Effect of gender and age on the anticonvulsant activity of P4'; (4) 'The role of GAGA and the classic intracellular receptor in mediating P4's anticonvulsant action'. These studies indicate that P4 is an effective anticonvulsant in males and infants. Clinical trials in non-catamenial adults and children would be warranted. Its mechanism of action may involve the newly discovered cell-surface P4 receptor and may provide the possibility of new targets for future drug development.
Fundamental studies of polyurethane - aluminum adhesion, phenyl isocyanate interaction with prepared aluminum oxide surfaces

Carbamate bond formation has been postulated as one of the key mechanisms in polyurethane-aluminum adhesion. Reactions between phenyl isocyanate (PIC) and aluminum foils after three different surface treatments (room temperature air exposure, boiling water, and boiling water followed by drying) were studied as a model system for polyurethane-aluminum interactions. These oxides were analysed for surface hydroxyl concentration using XPS and SEM. PIC vapour was dosed on the surfaces, at a constant pressure, with varying exposure times. The adlayers were analysed using XPS, ER FTIR and TPD MS. The Boiled sample had the highest surface hydroxyl and water content, and adsorbed the most organic material upon PIC dosing. The MS, ER FTIR and XPS analyses showed the surface adsorbate in all cases was 1,3-diphenylurea. The bonding of the adlayer was sufficiently strong to promote adhesion.
Development and characterisation of a novel biodegradable IPC biomaterial

The objective of this study was to develop a biodegradable interpenetrating phase composite (IPC) for the potential use as a biodegradable, load-bearing implant for bone augmentation and segmental replacement. Calcium polyphosphate (CPP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were selected for the development of the IPC biomaterial. Porous CPP discs were produced by cold pressing and sintering amorphous CPP powders. The discs were pressure-infiltrated with PCL to yield the IPC. A 14-day in vitro degradation study was performed in a tris-buffered pH 7.4 solution at 37$\sp\circ$C. The degradation was characterised by three-point bend testing and the phosphorus levels of the degradation media were quantified by colourimetric analysis. The mechanical testing ascertained the IPC to possess superior bending strength, strain to failure and 'toughness' relative to the porous CPP. The mechanical properties were found to decline with degradation; however, in general the IPC maintained greater mechanical properties in comparison with the monolithic CPP ceramic.
A study of loop nest structures and locality in scientific programs

This study evaluates four techniques that improve the structures of loop nests, in order to make transformations targeting perfect loop nests more applicable. These techniques are code sinking, loop distribution, loop distribution with scalar expansion, and loop fusion. This study also examines the subscript expressions of array references, in order to conclude whether spatial locality can be enhanced. This research is conducted on 23 applications from the Perfect Club, Nas, Spec92 and NCSA benchmark suites. The results indicate that code sinking and loop distribution--with or without scalar expansion--can be effective in increasing perfect nests, in more than half of the benchmark applications. The overhead introduced by loop distribution is negligible, while the overheads of code sinking and especially of loop distribution with scalar expansion are found to be prohibitive for some applications. Furthermore, in more than half of the benchmark applications, it is found that the array references exploit locality effectively. In only a quarter of the applications, loop permutation may be beneficial to spatial locality. Similarly, flexible data layout may be beneficial in only a quarter of the applications.
Representing Irish women in colonial and counter-colonial texts of the seventeenth century

This dissertation examines the rhetoric of colonial control as it operates in and shapes 17th century representations of Irish women in English colonial texts on Ireland. Primary English works analyzed are Spenser's 'View of the State of Ireland' (1596), Rich's 'A New Description of Ireland' (1610), Gernon's 'Discourse of Ireland' (1620), Shadwell's 'The Lancashire Witches' (1682) and Jonson's ' The New Inne' (1631). The study includes a contrapuntal approach by evaluating Irish women in counter-colonial texts written by Irish writers; primary texts are Gráiine Ní Mháille's 'Petition to Queen Elizabeth' (1593), Philo-Philippa's "To the Excellent Orinda" (1667), and Ó Bruadair and Ó Rathaille's poetry. My study suggests that in many English colonial texts representations of Irish women are manipulated strategically to justify England's colonial enterprise in Ireland. Due to the "proximate" relationship between Ireland and England, articulated by Andrew Murphy, English colonial writers needed to find ways to establish and heighten differences between themselves and their colonial subjects. My study suggests that the Irish woman is used to accentuate these desired differences. While 'discovery' literatures typically utilize the discourse of barbarism to indicate colonial otherness, I show that English colonial writers reinvent this discourse to interrogate Irish women's leadership, cooking, dressing, loving, working and cleaning styles. My analyses indicate that colonial and patriarchal discourses intersect in representations of Irish women to render them a privileged site of colonial interrogation and validation. To make these arguments, I analyze Irish women as tropes and as literary and actual historical women within seventeenth-century verse, political tracts, fictional narratives, travel journals, pamphlets, and memoirs. In Chapter I, I indicate how both English and Irish writers use the trope of feminized land as a way to critique Ireland's colonial relationship with England. In Chapter II, I argue that English writers reinvent Irish women's labour into proof of their barbarity; and in Chapter III, I reveal that they dissect the private lives of Irish women and create examples of their liminality. In Chapter IV, I abandon these mostly hegemonic representations to identify the disparity between representations of Irish women produced for English audiences and those for Irish ones.
Motherwork, subsistence learning

This study examines the lived experience and learning of motherwork through art-informed inquiry. The central argument is that the lived experience of motherwork is a site of knowledge creation, where subsistence-oriented work, learning and personal transformations take place. An important part of adult education links learning to change and transformation for individuals as well as for society. Personal transformation often begins with a disorienting dilemma, which subsequently evolves. In order to effect change in society, many adult educators recognize that the goals of transformation are embodied in the day-to-day lives of people who challenge existing oppressive societal systems. Therefore, this study explores the links between personal agency in lived experience and public effectiveness. Women who provide primary care to children were invited to tell stories of significant turning point moments of change that took place within their work as mothers. In order to maintain the wholeness of the women's experience, capture their intensity and appeal to the emotions of readers, findings are represented in art-informed ways that include poetic narrative, reflective poetry and short stories. Collectively, women identified the development and maintenance of relationships with their children as key to their learning. The focus of their work centres on ethical principles and practices that include reciprocity, democracy and mutual respect. Further, some of the women reported that it was the life-affirming work of caring for, and advocating on behalf of children who faced life's struggles, that nudged them to develop increased self-trust, learn to take action and fight for justice.