VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Optimal shape design of aerodynamic configurations: a Newton-Krylov approach

Optimal shape design of aerodynamic configurations is a challenging problem due to the nonlinear effects of complex flow features such as shock waves, boundary layers, and separation. A Newton-Krylov algorithm is presented for aerodynamic design using gradient-based numerical optimization. The flow is governed by the two-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations in conjunction with a one-equation turbulence model, which are discretized on multi-block structured grids. The discrete-adjoint method is applied to compute the objective function gradient. The adjoint equation is solved using the preconditioned generalized minimal residual (GMRES) method. A novel preconditioner is introduced, and together with a complete differentiation of the discretized Navier-Stokes and turbulence model equations, this results in an accurate and efficient evaluation of the gradient. The gradient is obtained in just one-fifth to one-half of the time required to converge a flow solution. Furthermore, fast flow solutions are obtained using the same preconditioned GMRES method in conjunction with an inexact-Newton approach. Optimization constraints are enforced through a penalty formulation, and the resulting unconstrained problem is solved via a quasi-Newton method. The performance of the new algorithm is demonstrated for several design examples that include lift enhancement, where the optimal position of a flap is determined within a high-lift configuration, lift-constrained drag minimization at multiple transonic operating points, and the computation of a Pareto front based on competing objectives. In all examples, the gradient is reduced by several orders of magnitude, indicating that a local minimum has been obtained. Overall, the results show that the new algorithm is among the fastest presently available for aerodynamic shape optimization and provides an effective approach for practical aerodynamic design.

Keywords: Aerodynamics, Mathematics
Engineering design, Mathematical models
TREX: a small antenna RF spectrometer

TREX (21 cm Reionization EXperiment/Trail Reflection EXperiment) is a digital spectrometer with a broadband antenna optimized for frequencies of 70–250 MHz. A frequency-independent rectangular approximation of a two arm conical spiral antenna has been designed, built and tested. I have developed a short integer fast Fourier transform which performs faster than any other known algorithm on Intel platforms. There are two primary scientific goals for TREX: detection of the reionization epoch, and observations of forward scattering of meteors at multiple frequencies. A method to detect the reionization signature via the red-shifted 21 cm hydrogen line is discussed in detail. If the spectrum signature due to this line is in the form of a sharp "temperature step" of ∼ 0.02 K, it should be possible to detect it by using two specially designed antennas each rescaled by 1% in the frequency range of 150-250 MHz. I have measured the levels of noise in Algonquin Park, Canada, and concluded that activity in the sporadic E layer of the ionosphere seriously affects observations of the 21 cm reionization signature. Meteor forward-scattering is a well known method of detecting meteors using a radio telescope to receive signals emitted by distant transmitters and scattered from a meteor trail. If the same meteoroid is detected at additional frequencies due to forward scattering of rays coming from spatially separated transmitters, it is possible to estimate where the scattering occurred, and find the meteoroid velocity vector. Previously, there were no known methods to estimate orbital parameters from forward-scattering observations. In this project, a pipeline to find orbital parameters from the observations is developed. I performed a set of meteor observations at the Algonquin Radio Telescope site and used data to demonstrate the method of measuring the speed of a meteoroid. The data gathered show increased activity during the Lyrid meteor shower as expected. Finally, no evidence was found for the Pegasid shower.
Super junction LDMOSTs for smart power ICs

This thesis deals with the design and implementation of Super Junction Lateral Double Diffused MOSFETs (SJ-LDMOSTs) targeting a wide range of smart PIC applications. The off-state performance of SJ-LDMOSTs implemented on finite resistivity substrates is affected by substrate-assisted-depletion effects. Original solutions to eliminate and/or suppress these effects are proposed in this thesis and lead to device structures which break the established Silicon Limit in terms of specific on-resistance (Ron.sp) and breakdown voltage (BV). One proposed solution is the use of an insulating sapphire substrate, to eliminate charge coupling from the substrate and achieve charge compensation between the opposite polarity SJ pillars comprising the drift region. The uniform electric field distribution achieved in the SJ drift region and the high doping concentration in the SJ pillars result in a significant improvement in the Ron.sp for a given BV, particularly at high pillar height to width aspect ratio. To verify the viability of the structure, the design and implementation of SJ-LDMOSTs on silicon on sapphire (SOS) substrates using a custom 7 mask CMOS compatible process are described. The SJ pillars are generated using multiple high energy ion implantation to achieve well-defined vertical pillars. Experimental devices with drift region lengths of 66 mum and pillar width to height aspect ratio of 1.2 mum/0.7 mum exhibit R on.sp of 0.82 O.cm2 and BV ranging between 500 and 600V corresponding to less than 8.5% charge imbalance in the pillars. A third solution to integrate SJ-LDMOSTs in mainstream CMOS technology using bulk silicon substrates is proposed. The device features a terminating RESURF region, inserted between the SJ drift region and the n+ drain to alleviate substrate-assisted-depletion effects. Simulation results on such devices predict that a significant reduction in Ron.sp for a given BV is achieved, as compared to conventional RESURF-LDMOSTs, using pillar height to width aspect ratios of 10 mum/1 mum. In a second proposed solution, a 170V SJ-LDMOST implemented in a commercial 0.5 mum, CMOS/SOS process is presented to demonstrate that high voltage SJ-LDMOSTs can be fully integrated into a standard CMOS process. Fabricated devices featuring overlapping SJ pillars with drift regions of 10 mum and pillar aspect ratios of 0.3 mum/0.12 mum (effective width/height) exhibit Ron.sp of 87 mO.cm2 and BV of 170V.
Imaging of EBNA1 and EBP2 throughout mitosis

In the latent infection of the Epstein Barr virus, the viral DNA replicates as a circular episome in dividing cells and segregates through association with the cellular chromosomes. The mechanism of this association involves interaction with hEBP2 protein, which was identified in a yeast two-hybrid screen and implicated in the segregation activity of EBNA1. To further investigate the details of this interaction, I attempted to visualize both EBNA1 and EBP2 in throughout mitosis. The goal of my study was to elaborate on the timing of their association and dissociation by immunofluoresecence. My results revealed that the two proteins did not visibly co-localize at the early stages of mitosis, but co-localization was visible in the later stages of mitosis. These results tie in with the data already available regarding the interaction between EBNA1 and hEBP2 but at the same time suggests the involvement of other proteins in the function of segregation.
Making the case for mandatory disclosure in the regulation of capital markets of developing economies: An assessment of the Ugandan legal framework

The use of mandatory disclosure requirements in the regulation of capital markets is a contentious issue. On the one hand their use is viewed as an irrelevancy that drives up the cost of issuing securities. On the other hand they are regarded as an indispensable tool that protects the rights of investors and boosts their confidence. Developing economies face the challenge of growing their fledgling capital markets by protecting investors' interests without placing onerous obligations on issuers. This thesis examines the arguments for and against mandatory disclosure. It reviews the extent to which the securities regulatory framework in Uganda provides for mandatory disclosure. It then examines factors peculiar to Uganda that affect the efficacy of a securities regulatory framework in order to come to a conclusion as to what is the optimal means of regulating the Ugandan capital market.
Speech motor skills in persons who stutter

The purpose of the current research is to explore speech motor behaviours in persons who stutter (PWS) and those who do not (PNS) with the assumption that if PWS have limitations in speech motor skills then they would differ from PNS on tasks that put specific demands on these skills. To this end, three specific research questions were identified and tested. These related to the ability of PWS to use and benefit from practice, their ability to compensate and adapt to changes in oro-motor task demands as induced by a bite-block, and their dependency on sensory (auditory, proprioceptive and tactile) feedback for the control of speech movements. These three research questions were examined in five studies, which utilized kinematic, acoustic and perceptual measurements to assess the speech motor behaviours in PWS and PNS in response to task demands.

Keywords: Speech therapy
Language, environment and community in storytelling of Khekhoe = vbm0; Khomani, English and Afrikaans in Southern Africa

This thesis opens a new dimension to the challenges faced by comparative literature, where the processes of categorization of stories and the consequent generic divisions across languages inhibit comparison. Khoekhoe and = vbm0; Khomani literatures of oral performance, are classic literatures of Southern Africa if viewed from the local perspective. This perspective sees the other literatures as lacking that unique understanding of the local environment and those who live in it. To show this classic nature of Khoekhoe and = vbm0; Khomani literature, the thesis compares the literatures of four distinct languages found in Southern Africa, = vbm0; Khomani, Khoekhoe, English and Afrikaans, with regard to how reality, truth, fictionality and the environment are presented in the respective stories. In order to develop a sense of the very close relationship between oral and written traditions, I compare the oral stories of = vbm0; Khomani and Khoekhoe on the one hand, with the mainly written traditions on the other. Differences in oral and written traditions have received much attention, and most of the findings exaggerate these differences. The result is that they are often seen as almost opposing traditions that do not co-occur in communities, with each affiliated to either of the two as if they do not have anything in common. The thesis establishes areas of mutual concern in which all these seemingly incomparable literatures share common ground. Basically, the literatures from these languages here compared are of the same genre and in that all literatures are products of the human race, they have so much in common that difference will be limited to historical, geographical and linguistic differences. The comparison shows how different literatures incorporate reality in fiction. The motivation for storytelling or story writing is also compared in terms of audience, target group and the sociopolitical considerations that influence literary traditions. Lastly, the environment also presents diverse ways in which the content of the stories is influenced. What is presented as a stable and predictable environment that provides continuity in the Khoekhoe and = vbm0; Khomani tales, is used by the Afrikaans and English storytellers as an exotic force to alienate the new comer.
The universal sl₂ link homology theory

We explore the complex associated to a link in the geometric formalism of Khovanov's (n = 2) link homology theory, determine its exact underlying algebraic structure and find its precise universality properties for link homology functors. We present new methods of extracting all known link homology theories directly from this universal complex, and determine its relative strength as a link invariant by specifying the amount of information held within the complex. We achieve these goals by finding a complex isomorphism which reduces the complex into one in a simpler category. We introduce few tools and methods, including surface classification modulo the 4TU/S/T relations and genus generating operators, and use them to explore the relation between the geometric complex and its underlying algebraic structure. We identify the universal topological quantum field theory (TQFT) that can be used to create link homology and find that it is "smaller" than what was previously reported by Khovanov. We find new homology theories that hold a controlled amount of information relative to the known ones. The universal complex is computable efficiently using our reduction theorem. This allows us to explore the phenomenological aspects of link homology theory through the eyes of the universal complex in order to explain and unify various phenomena (such as torsion and thickness). The universal theory also enables us to state results regarding specific link homology theories derived from it. The methods developed in this thesis can be combined with other known techniques (such as link homology spectral sequences) or used in the various extensions of Khovanov link homology (such as sl(3) link homology).
TGF-B1 regulation of alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in fibroblasts is dependent on the deformability of the substrate

Wound contraction is a fundamental process in wound repair and is required for closure, but the interactions between the inflammatory cytokines that regulate this process and the cytoskeletal elements in fibroblasts that provide the contractile forces are poorly understood. I examined the effect of TGF-$\beta$1 on the ability of human gingival fibroblasts to contract collagen gels in vitro and on the expression of the putative fibroblast contractile marker, $\alpha$-smooth muscle actin ($\alpha$-SMA). TGF-$\beta$1 (10 ng/ml; 3 days) increased $\alpha$-SMA protein and mRNA 2-3 fold, as determined by western and northern blots and normalised for $\beta$-actin content. Western blots of cells in anchored collagen gels also showed a TGF-$\beta$1-induced increase of $\alpha$-SMA content but the effect was reduced compared to collagen-coated plastic. In floating collagen gels, TGF-$\beta$1 exerted no significant effect on $\alpha$-SMA protein. Notably, TGF-$\beta$1 increased the rate of contraction in anchored and floating collagen gels in serum-free cultures by 50% and 30% respectively but the difference was not evident in serum-containing cultures. Using an ELISA, active and latent forms of endogenous TGF-$\beta$1 were detected in all 3 models. Addition of exogenous TGF-$\beta$1 stimulated its own production. The highest levels of endogenous TGF-$\beta$1 were detected in monolayer cultures and the lowest levels in floating gels. Blocking $\alpha$2 and $\beta$1 subunits with monoclonal antibodies abolished the effect of TGF-$\beta$1 on $\alpha$-SMA expression. Collectively these data indicate that TGF-$\beta$1 may regulate wound contraction by affecting the cellular content of the contractile protein, $\alpha$-SMA and that generation of intracellular tension may regulate expression of specific cytoskeletal genes involved in cell contraction.
How can effective international environmental governance be promoted in harmonization with trade governance?: A case study of the biosafety regime

The purpose of this thesis is to explore how international environmental governance can be promoted in concert with trade governance. The first part analyzes the structural characteristics of trade and environmental governance, and identifies the overlap or synergies between the two areas of governance. The second part takes the emerging biosafety regime as a case study of the potential for both conflict and synergy between a multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. In particular, the focus is on the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the WTO agreements. The third part looks at ongoing attempts to create interaction between trade and environmental governance, based on the biosafety case study. Additionally, by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing international environmental governance, it asks how international environmental governance can establish a mutually supportive relationship with trade governance.

Keywords: Environmental law, International
International trade
Numerical study of planar shock reflection over wedges

The transition between regular and Mach reflection for a planar shock reflection from a wedge is investigated numerically by using computational fluid dynamics code for perfect gases without viscosity and heat conduction. The predicted transitions are compared to theoretical transition criteria and other experimental data. The predicted transitions are close to the theoretical criteria and show no significant persistence of regular reflection in the absence of viscosity and heat conduction. This result supports the experimental result by F.J. Barbosa B.W. Skews.

Keywords: Shock waves
Sensing-system planning for the surveillance of moving objects

The surveillance of a manoeuvring target with multiple, mobile sensors in a coordinated manner requires a method for selecting and positioning groups of sensors in real time. In this context, this thesis outlines a comprehensive approach to planning sensor systems. The problem is addressed in two parts. The first part aims to optimally configure the sensing system for a particular task. This is accomplished through a simulation-based optimization procedure conducted off-line. Given a priori information about the expected object trajectories, the sensor set and initial sensor poses are determined such that the effectiveness of the sensing system is maximized. Using the optimally configured sensing system as a starting point, the second part updates the sensor poses and coordination strategies in real-time, reacting to the object motion. The principles of dispatching, as used for the effective operation of service vehicles, are adopted for this purpose. The predicted object trajectory is first discretized into a number of demand instants (data acquisition times), to which groups of sensors are assigned, respectively. Dispatching uses two complementary strategies. The coordination strategy determines which sensors will be assigned to a demand, while the positioning strategy specifies the pose of all sensors. The proposed approach aims to improve the quality of surveillance data in three ways: (1) The assigned sensors are manoeuvred into "optimal" sensing positions, (2) the uncertainty of the measured data is mitigated through sensor fusion, and (3) the poses of the unassigned sensors are adjusted to ensure that the surveillance system can react to future object manoeuvres. Two different sensor dispatching methods are developed. One uses heuristics, while the other learns appropriate strategies using reinforcement learning techniques. In addition, a method by which the two approaches may be used synergistically is introduced. Comprehensive simulations and experiments demonstrate the advantages of dispatching dynamic sensors over similar static-sensor surveillance systems.
Recasts in classroom interaction: a teacher's intention, learners' attention, and second language learning

This thesis investigates the nature, roles and effects of a native speaker teacher's recasts in relation to adult learners' second language (L2) learning. The recast's role as linguistic corrective feedback is controversial in second language acquisition (SLA) research: although experimental studies found recasts effective for facilitating L2 learning (e.g., Mackey & Philp, 1998), classroom-based SLA studies suggested that the learner did not react to the teacher recasts (e.g., Lyster, 1998b). The present small-scale study investigates the recast in the interaction occurring in a theme-based communicative L2 classroom, focusing on the teacher's intentions for providing, and the Japanese college students' attention to, recasts. The data are composed of videotaped classroom observations, stimulated recall interviews, the students' uptake claim surveys, results of customized grammaticality judgment tests based on the classroom discourse, and two stimulated recall interviews with the teacher. Recast episodes identified in the classroom discourse were then related to the students' recalls of their attention and to their grammaticality judgment test results. The teacher's recalls were also coded in relation to the types of recast episodes. The data analyses were conducted and reported in two different theoretical frameworks: cognitive-interactionist and socio-cultural. In contrast to the findings from other recast studies, the teacher in this study provided feedback less frequently. The students were found more attentive to the recasts in group than in teacher-fronted contexts. The effect of recasts for L2 learning in the cognitive-interactionist SLA framework was mixed. However, in the socio-cultural approach to examining the relationships among the feedback types, the students' attention, and their test results, the teacher's and students' agency in their L2 teaching and learning manifested itself. It was not the linguistic input (i.e., recasts) that facilitated L2 learning; it was rather the interaction between the teacher and learners using mediational means that was important. This thesis raises problems with the cognitive-interactionist approach to SLA focusing exclusively on the linguistic environment in contrast to the socio-cultural approach focusing on human agency using language. Further, the teacher's conscious feedback iii response to the learner's needs is suggested as one of the pedagogical implications of this research.

Keywords: Linguistics, Psychological aspects
Linguistics, Social aspects
Second language acquisition
Verbal learning
Interaction analysis in education
Discourse analysis
Estradiol induced enhancement in progenitor cell proliferation is mediated through estrogen receptors in the dentate gyrus of adult female rats

High levels of estradiol enhance cell proliferation i n the dentate gyrus of adult female rats within 4 hours of administration, and, then suppress cell proliferation within 48 hours via an adrenal steroid dependent mechanism (Ormerod, Lee & Galea, 2003). We examined whether estradiol enhances progenitor cell proliferation through its effects on estrogen receptors using the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI). Ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were given two subcutaneous injections of either vehicle + vehicle (VEH; sesame oil); VEH+ICI (500ug); estradiol benzoate (EB;10ug) +VEH; or EB +ICI. The cell synthesis marker, 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (200mg/kg) was administered four hours later. Animals were perfused 24hrs after injection of BrdU, and cell proliferation assessed following immunohistochemistry processing. Relative to vehicle, estradiol increased BrdU-labelling by approximately 50%. This estradiol-induced increase was partially blocked by ICI 182,780 treatment. Our results demonstrate that estradiol enhances cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of adult female rats by activating estrogen receptors.