VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Becoming AIR-BORNe: women co-creating, ex-pressing and in-forming our lives

This is an arts-informed reflexive inquiry where metaphors, words and images meet to co-create and collectively tell about the paradox of being an educated woman. To be educated is to have knowledge, power and authority and to be a woman is to lack and long for the same things. The paradox of being an educated woman often forces us to live alongside "irreconcilable oppositions". One way we may harmonize this paradox is to take on, as a woman, a "fictitious self". This is the story of my relationship with three co-researchers as we co-created art, told stories and together explored the paradox of being an educated woman. This tale, like our lives, is always in progress and in the process of becoming---therefore, incomplete. We come to accept that there are things that we will never know and acknowledge that knowing is itself paradoxical---the more we know, the more we come to realize that we don't know. Here uncertainty fills the air, questions are born(e), given utterance and made public. These are flights away from fragmentation towards wholeness, wonder and faith. Commitment to a creative research process and the research relationship requires faith and trust beyond what we can see or know for certain. These flights move towards the artistry of embodiment and the forms revere life and the beauty of a life---they reveal what or whom we wish to know. The chapters in this thesis, presented as flights, help us understand more about the deep connection that exists between body and mind, art and science, and real and fictitious selves. As you move through the flights, you will encounter many forms (dance, sculpture, photography, painting, box-collage, story and poetry). These co-created embodied forms, both real and fictitious---born(e) of women---are about dwelling in the mystery and being "enchanted in the art of knowing". This telltale asserts that you can only know the things you love and love the things you know intimately. Knowing is rooted in relationship and the interconnectedness of life. To know deeply is to know intellectually, somatically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, artfully and aesthetically.
Nonblocking supervisory control of state tree structures

It is well known that the optimal nonblocking supervisory control problem is NP-hard, subject in particular to state space explosion that is exponential in the number of system components. In this thesis, we propose to manage complexity by organizing the system as a State Tree Structure (STS). STS are an adaptation of statecharts to Supervisory Control Theory (SCT). Based on STS we present an efficient recursive symbolic algorithm that can perform nonblocking supervisory control design (in reasonable time and memory) for systems of state size 1020 and higher. The resulting controllers are tractable and highly comprehensible.
Racing critical disability discourse

This thesis began with the desire to respond to developing criticisms of critical disability as a white centered politics. I use interpretive methods of social inquiry to study textual renderings of disability politics since text offers a unique opportunity to study the systems of thought structuring the sensibility of any given appearance in and of our world. In this way I treat the appearance of race and disability as malleable, dialectic social achievements rather than pre-cultural, self-evident manifestations of biology. While I remain respectfully cognizant of the many ways that disability has been located outside the realm of whiteness, I locate the non-raced, universality and apparent whiteness of disability politics in the spaces of discursive convention. I show how both exclusive and inclusive discursive conventions structure what it is possible to know think and say about who and what counts as disability politics
Capturing details of short-term synaptic plasticity in simple schemes

Rhythmic activity of different frequencies in the brain is associated with behavioural states. Networks of inhibitory cells are critical controllers of rhythmic activity. Better understanding of how changes to the inhibitory connections affect network dynamics is needed since they are known to be affected by many pharmacological agents that have profound behavioural consequences. Such an understanding may provide clues to controlling and predicting system effects of changes in these dynamics. Mathematical models describing the dynamics of these connections have been developed, but their complexity inhibits both computational and mathematical analysis. The aim of this study is to reduce a detailed kinetic scheme describing the dynamics of inhibitory connections to a simple scheme. The results include new simulation software, a reduction technique, and a reduced model for three versions of the detailed scheme.
Predicting career progression amongst high potential employees: Job performance, career clarity, developmental implications

Through the exploration of the job performance-career potential relationship, this study was designed to build both a theoretical and practical bridge in the area of career development so as to integrate differing perspectives on the various fields of study that have explored the topic. The sample consisted of 127 mid-level managers in a large Canadian-based global corporation who recently participated in a high potential early identification development program. No significant relationship was found between participants' level of current performance and potential for career progression. Participants' career potential ratings were significantly predicted by those variables measuring numerical critical thinking, the personality factors of Career Driver and Independent Thinker, and age. Varying competency and development profiles emerged for participants at differing levels of career potential. Competency areas of differentiation included strategic thinking and leadership aspects of executive functioning (higher career potential) versus tactical and individual contributions to the organization (lower career potential). In terms of development, areas of differentiation included a focus on obtaining on-the-job experience (higher career potential) versus skill acquisition and Career/Life Planning (lower career potential). No significant relationship was found between participants' level of career motivation and commitment and current performance ratings. When other variables were accounted for, participants' level of career motivation and commitment was most explanatory in terms of the variance in career potential ratings. These findings illustrate the central importance of individual factors---particularly the concept termed "Career Clarity"--When it comes to integrating various perspectives on the career development process. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed within the context of an integrative framework using systems theory. Limitations of the research results are also presented.

Keywords: Career development, Forecasting
Employees, Rating of
The role of work stress as a moderating variable in the chronic pain-depression relationship

This Master's thesis examined the role of work stress and sex differences in the chronic pain-depression association. Using the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Cycle 1.1, of 78,593 working individuals, 8% reported having major depression versus 12% in the sample with chronic pain. Both depression and comorbid chronic pain and depression were twice as prevalent in women than in men. Unexpectedly, overall work stress, decision authority, or psychological demands did not moderate the chronic pain and depression association. There was a trend towards poor skill discretion as a moderating variable of chronic pain and depression. No sex effects were observed for any of the domains of work stress as a moderating variable in the chronic pain-depression link. In terms of the etiology and management of depression, the impact of work stress alone and the potential role of poor skill discretion in those individuals with comorbid chronic pain, should be considered.
Unpacking the black bag: Rural medicine in the Maritime provinces and northern New England states, 1900--1950

This dissertation looks at the social transformation of rural medicine in the Maritime provinces of Canada and northern New England states between 1900 and 1950. It begins by examining the history of the country doctor as a cultural archetype in popular fiction, film, and television, and then looks at how rural physicians and their biographers responded to this archetype in life-writing. The response suggests that the archetypal country doctor is a kind of political embodiment of social anxieties about rural health care access in a period which saw the centralization of care, and the rise of specialties. ...

Keywords: Medicine, Rural, History
Medicine, Rural, Maritime Provinces
Medicine, Rural, History
Medicine, Rural, New England
Ultrasound guided placement of pedicle screws for spinal fusion surgery

As an alternative to current guidance systems we have investigated the possibility of an ultrasound based device for pedicle screw guidance. Ultrasonic measurements on seven vertebral cancellous bone specimens were performed along the craniocaudal axis using a water immersion system with unfocussed 1 MHz and 3.5 MHz broadband transducers. The center frequency attenuation, normalized broadband ultrasound attenuation (nBUA), and phase speed were measured. Pulse echo methods were used to show A-mode imaging through the cancellous bone samples by demonstrating detection of a reflector placed on the opposite end of the bone. Furthermore, we performed a preliminary evolution of a 3-D simulator (Wave3000) for studying the propagation of ultrasound in cancellous bone. Our in vitro results provide good evidence that A-mode imaging for pedicle screw guidance is possible at frequencies as high as 3.5 MHz and that boundaries can be identified to an accuracy of approximately 1 mm.
The ecology of Solanum ptychanthum responses to Podisus maculiventris predators mediated by changes in behavior and densities of Manduca sexta

This thesis investigated how density- and trait-mediated interactions between predators and herbivores indirectly affect plant resistance. In Chapter 2, I investigated whether Manduca sexta larvae induced resistance in Solanum ptychanthum, whether Podisus maculiventris altered resistance and affected plant quality for M. sexta through density- and trait-mediated indirect effects and if these trait-mediated indirect interactions were behaviorally mediated. In addition, I assessed the relative contribution of density- and trait-mediated indirect interactions toward the net indirect effect of the predator. In Chapter 3, using the same study system, I examined how the relative strength of density- and trait-mediated indirect interactions can vary throughout herbivore ontogeny, as susceptibility to predation and antipredator behaviours change.
Development and testing of a criteria and indicators system for sustainable forest management at the local level. Case study at the Haliburton Forest Wild Reserve Ltd., Canada

The concept of criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable forest management (SFM) requires further development and testing at the local level. Suitable case studies of applying advanced local level C&I are lacking. The study was based on the hypothetical suitability of C&I for defining, measuring, assessing and monitoring sustainability. The research objectives were to develop a C&I system, which consists of an optimal and minimum generic C&I set for the local level, which has applicability for the SFM of temperate forests internationally, and can be utilized as an adaptive management system. This case study took place at the Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve Ltd. in Ontario, Canada. The selected forest of approximately 24,000 hectares is highly suitable because of its multiple use and nature-oriented forest management system. The methods applied for the development and testing of the C&I system included: the development of the optimal and minimum generic set of C&I for SFM at the level; the identification of verifiers and norms; the testing of the generic C&I set as a case study; the development of indicator measurement databases including a geographic information system; the assessment of the state of the forest and its management; and the application of adaptive management procedures. The generic C&I set consists of four principles, 16 criteria and 58 indicators. The C&I system consists of a sequence of generic modules which can be applied internationally in temperate forests while specifying and addressing local conditions. These modules are: the formulation of goals and objectives; the identification of local forest management standards; the application of the generic C&I set; the assessment of C&I performance; and the application of adaptive management procedures. The Haliburton Forest shows a very good sustainability assessment result with a sustainability assessment score of 89.9%. 41 indicators out of 58 show a positive, the remaining 17 indicators a neutral sustainability trend. The C&I system for SFM at the local level is suitable for defining, measuring, assessing and monitoring the sustainability of forest management. This study contributes to the definition, promotion, implementation and evaluation of SFM at the local level internationally.
Where the river ends: environmental conflict and contested identities in the Colorado Delta

This dissertation examines how an indigenous group of Cucapá people in northern Mexico has experienced a trans-national water conflict at the end of the Colorado River. In particular, I explore the measures taken by some Cucapá people to maneuver through the complex structural changes they have experienced over the last several decades as fishing, their main form of subsistence, has become both environmentally untenable and criminalized by the state.

Keywords: Ethnology, America
Gas phase hydrogen permeation in palladium-25%Ag

The results have shown an unexpected through-thickness texture gradient in the as-received Pd alloy. With the exception of a minor stabilization effect for one specific texture component, gas phase hydrogen permeation for up to 48 hours at 350°C has no significant effect on the crystal orientation with respect to the membrane surface. A hydrogen permeation facility based on an ultra high vacuum system was assembled with the ultimate goal to investigate gas phase hydrogen permeation through various metal foils. The system was designed with a membrane holder that does not require welding or brazing of the membrane to the supporting flange. Hydrogen permeation experiments were carried out on cold rolled Pd-25% Ag foils with a thickness of 127 mum at 350°C for various time intervals and a constant flow rate of hydrogen. The effect of hydrogen permeation on the microstructure of the membrane material was studied by X-ray diffraction.
Ideological orientations towards different forms of bilingualism: an analysis of press release documents about language policies in Japan

This study examines contemporary Japanese ideological orientations towards different languages and different forms of language education, using a social semiotic discourse analysis approach. Press releases associated with two language-related educational policies, the Action Plan for Japanese with English Ability and the Japanese as a Second Language Curriculum, were analyzed. This thesis first describes the way in which each of these two policies creates various images of languages and bilingualism, as well as various categories and images of the learners. Then, the study points out that a language ideology is shared across these two policies: Japanese language as the only tool for intellectual activities at school and English as the main tool for communication with the international world. It is argued that this language policy discourse reflects the position and strategy of Japan as a nation-state in the transitional era of globalization.
Expression of mRNA encoding the related extracellular matrix glycoproteins, SC1 and SPARC, in the developing and adult rat central nervous system

SC1 and SPARC are matricellular glycoproteins which possess anti-adhesive and calcium-binding properties and play regulatory roles in modulating cellular interactions. In the rat embryo, SC1 mRNA was strongly expressed in the embryonic brain and spinal cord, whereas SPARC mRNA was enriched in craniofacial cartilage and skeletal structures. This differential expression pattern suggests that SC1 plays an important role in the developing nervous system, whereas SPARC participates primarily in events associated with skeletal development. However, these ECM molecules show parallel expression patterns in areas of the developing cerebellum undergoing cell migratory events. In the developing cochlea of the inner ear, SC1 mRNA was highly expressed in neurons of the spiral ganglion, whereas SPARC transcripts were enriched in the temporal bone and cartilaginous otic capsule surrounding the cochlea. Both SC1 and SPARC mRNA were expressed in connective tissue elements involved in maintaining ionic homeostasis of cochlear fluids. Concomitant with the onset of hearing, SPARC was induced in Deiters cells of the organ of Corti. This suggests that SPARC may be involved in calcium regulation when functional maturation of the cochlea is attained and rapid changes in calcium levels are required. Examination of the intracellular localization of SC1 transcripts in neural cells in vivo revealed that SC1 mRNA was selectively transported into processes of Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellum at specific stages during development and in the adult. The localization of SC1 mRNA to processes of these glial cells in the synaptic-rich molecular layer of the cerebellum could facilitate local control of SC1 protein synthesis which may play roles in synapse formation during development and in synaptic plasticity in the adult. Furthermore, transport of SC1 mRNA into Bergmann glial cell processes was transiently diminished after whole-body hyperthermia. However, hyperthermia did not appear to affect the morphology of intermediate filaments or the β-tubulin component of microtubules in processes of Bergmann glial cells in vivo. In summary, these findings suggest that SC1 and SPARC share both overlapping and distinct functions, and may play a role in cell migration and differentiation during development, and in synaptic plasticity in the adult central nervous system.
The socio-demographic determinants of place of death for seniors in Ontario

This study determined the place of death (hospital, long-term care facility or home) for seniors in Ontario who died in Fiscal Year 2001 (n = 59,871), and examined the relationship between socio-demographic factors—age, gender, comorbidities in the last year of life, county of residence, long-term care (LTC) and hospital bed availability in county of residence, socio-economic status (SES), ethnicity, and immigrant status—and place of death. 29,479 (49.24%) individuals died in hospital, 13,316 (22.24%) died in LTC facilities, and 17,076 (28.52%) died at home. Comorbidities in the last year of life, particularly psychosocial and major acute conditions, were the strongest predictors of place of death (p < 0.0001), followed by age (p < 0.0001) and gender (p < 0.0001). Older individuals and women were less likely to die at home and more likely to die in LTC facilities. LTC and hospital bed av = availability, SES, ethnicity, and immigrant status were statistically significant predictors of place of death, but made a relatively small contribution to the final model. Our findings may guide policy and resource allocation decisions regarding palliative care in different settings. Research into other determinants of place of death and the costs and outcomes of palliative care in different care settings is recommended.
Major antioxidant systems in brain of chronic methamphetamine users and in parallel animal model

In animals, methamphetamine (MA) can cause depletion of brain dopamine with high doses damaging dopamine neurons. Since animal data suggest that such damage is due to oxidative stress, my major objective was to establish whether levels of key components of antioxidant systems (reduced and oxidized glutathione [GSH and GSSG], major GSH system enzymes, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase [CuZnSOD], uric acid), are altered in MA-exposed rat brains and autopsied human brains of chronic MA users. I hypothesized that levels of these components would be selectively changed in the dopamine-rich striatum, in the direction of increased oxidative stress. Striatal dopamine levels were measured to provide information on dopamine stores depletion and/or the possibility of dopamine terminal damage. In rats, the changes were limited to a regionally specific reduction (−16%) in striatal GSH shortly after binge (4 × 20 mg/kg every 5 hours), but not chronic (20 mg/kg/day for 10 days) MA administration, suggesting GSH overutilization in the detoxification of dopamine-derived oxidation products. In human brain, nonenzymatic oxidative stress indices could be measured reliably by HPLC and Western blotting was the most reliable method for measuring GSH-synthesizing enzyme levels. In MA users, mean striatal dopamine levels were decreased more in the caudate (−61%) than in the putamen (−50%). Changes in oxidative stress indices were limited to the caudate, with increased CuZnSOD activity (+14%) and GSSG levels (+58%) in the total MA group, and with increased CuZnSOD activity (+20%) and uric acid levels (+62%) in the six MA users having severe (−73% to 97%) caudate dopamine loss. The CuZnSOD/uric acid changes could reflect compensatory upregulation secondary to oxidative stress. Overall, in rat and human brain, the changes in several components of antioxidant systems appear to be dopamine-related, modest, and dependent on MA regimen and on species. My data suggest that, in human striatum, recreational doses of MA can cause near-total depletion of dopamine, which may be clinically significant in some users, and oxidative stress which may cause actual oxidative damage.