VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Belief network analysis of direct cost risk in building construction

Research was undertaken to develop a model to predict cost overruns on land-based, North American construction projects. A belief network model was chosen to meet this goal. First, a catalogue of all risks to construction cost was compiled. These risk variables were ranked from most dependent variable to most independent variable to aid in model development. Relationships between each of the risk variables on the list were determined by surveying experts in the field, Thirdly, conditional probabilities for each of the relationships in the model were calculated, again with the aid of expert surveys. Finally, the model was calibrated using data from actual completed projects. The user may set values of each of the variables in the model, and read the likelihood of a range of cost overruns for each of the Equipment, Labour and Material Costs on a construction project. Two completed projects were tested, and the differences between actual and predicted cost overrun were found to be within 10%.
From the horse's mouth, critical issues of post-publication authorial influence

The divorce of the author and the text has arguably been one of the main projects of twentieth-century critical writing. Formalist theories, in particular, have dominated with an idea that the author is, and must be, irreparably separated from a text after the point of publication. This dissertation investigates theories that both challenge and support the proposition that the post-publication voice of an author may have some critical merit. It is undertaken using personal correspondence between the author, Julia Moss Zarb, and four Canadian writers; Robert Kroetsch, Carol Shields, Matt Cohen, and Marie-Claire Blais. Each chapter works from a different angle to examine the possible uses and limitations of extra textual communications. The chapter, "Process is Always in Process," for example, presents a theoretical dialogue between Kroetsch and the author regarding issues of intentionality. The chapter, "Process Pre-Staged," on the other hand, offers a consideration of the interaction between Blais' expressions in personal correspondence and the body of selected published texts. Throughout the work, conflicts between the reader's and the author's authority are in central focus. Ultimately, this dissertation identifies critical value as potentially arising out of a situation where the reader is empowered with the interpretive discretion to allow or disallow post-publication authorial statements into the reading process. Whether drawing on phenomenology, postmodernism or genetic theory as tools for comprehending the reader/author/text rapport, or employing a comprehension of poststructuralism and New Criticism to divine deep-seeded modes of resistance, it is arguable that interpretation of post-publication authorial statements during the reading process creates, for the reader, a potentially significant liminal effect. Throughout this course of inquiry, it becomes apparent that an author's own words may be used with a pre-meditated conservatism to open points of entry and reentry into his or her works. With an awareness of the difference in degree between allowing a writer to guide towards an alternative means of entering a text and accepting his or her input as directive, each chapter demonstrates that consideration of an author may create a portal through which a reader may approach a work.
A study of scraped-surface heat exchanger in ice-making applications

The performance of an industrial scraped-surface ice generator, supplied by Sunwell Technologies Inc., has been investigated both experimentally and numerically. The aluminium ice generator consisted of multiple refrigerant passages surrounding a central scraped-surface channel, in which an ice-slurry was made from a brine solution. A computer model was developed to simulate the steady-state operation. This simulation model consisted of three sections: (i) computational mesh generation, (ii) steady-state parameters evaluation, and (iii) radial temperature presentation. Tests on the ice generator were performed within a broad range of operating conditions, both with and without ice formation, and the data were compared with the simulation results. The model could predict the experimental heat exchange rates and refrigerant pressure drop data with standard deviations of ±14% and ±10%, respectively. Since the model could give a reasonable prediction, the radial temperature profiles were examined in detail to understand the degree of temperature variation on the scraped-surface.
Regulation of thepRB/E2F interaction by phosphorylation

Regulation of the cell cycle requires co-ordination of a number of events including DNA synthesis and mitosis. A key regulator of cell cycle progression is the product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, pRB. pRB binds to and regulates the activity of transcription factors in both a cell cycle and cell type specific manner, acting either to repress or activate transcription during the decision to grow or differentiate, respectively. pRB specifically inhibits cell cycle progression by binding to and repressing the activity of the E2F family of transcription factors. Phosphorylation of pRB regulates its activity with the underphosphorylated protein considered the active form. The protein contains sixteen potential p34cdc2 phosphorylation sites, of which nine are phosphorylated in vivo. To examine the role of each phosphorylation site and to determine the necessity for the abundance of sites on pRB, we studied the effect of phosphorylation of pRB on the pRB/E2F interaction on DNA. Site directed mutagenesis of the phosphorylation sites on pRB produced proteins that bound free E2F-1 similarly, but the ability of the proteins to be relieved from repression varied depending on the number and position of sites mutated. We concluded that the regulation of the pRB/E2F interaction on DNA occurred by an accumulative mechanism of phosphorylation of a critical number of sites in order to release E2F. We also found that release of E2F required binding of the phosphorylated pRB to at least five positively charged lysines within the B domain of pRB, explaining the requirement for phosphorylation at a critical number of sites.
Identification and characterization of AJ18, a novel zinc finger transcription factor expressed during skeletal development

In response to osteo-inductive signals generated by the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into osteoblasts. However, the molecular mechanisms that coordinate and direct osteogenesis are largely unknown. Differential display was utilized to identify a gene, provisionally named 'AJ18', whose expression is responsive to BMP-7 and up-regulated during osteoblastic differentiation in fetal rat calvarial cells (FRCCs). 'AJ18' encodes a novel protein comprising a Krûppel-associated box (KRAB) domain, which is a well-characterized transcription repressor motif, and 11 successive C2H2 zinc finger motifs. Using a target detection assay, a consensus DNA-binding site with the sequence 5'-CCACA-3' was revealed. This sequence is present in the enhancer for 'Runx2' (OSE2, osteoblast-specific element 2; 5'-ACCACA-3 '), a master gene for osteogenesis. By using a transient transfection assay AJ18 expression was found to abrogate the transactivation activity of Runx2 in a dose-dependent manner. To study the regulation of 'AJ18' gene expression, a rat genomic library was screened to obtain the 5'-flanking region of 'AJ18'. Mapping of the transcription start site showed that the 'AJ18' gene contains an unusually long 2.3 kb 5 '-untranslated region (5'-UTR) with potential for strong secondary structure. Chimeric constructs encompassing the immediate promoter region (77 to +177) revealed strong transcriptional activity when ligated to a luciferase reporter gene in transient transfection assays. Addition of ~2 kb of upstream sequence did not increase this activity. Comparison of mouse and rat 'AJ18' promoters however revealed high sequence identity that included several responsive elements for proteins such as Runx2, NF[kappa]B, Smads, Sp1, and Ets1. The expression of AJ18 mRNA and protein at various stages of mouse development revealed high levels in brain, kidney, and mineralized tissues during embryonic development. In developing endochondral bone, AJ18 staining was strong in proliferating and pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes, and osteoblasts, with low or no staining in hypertrophic chondrocytes. Nuclear staining was also observed in differentiating cells that form the mineralized tissues of teeth. Notably, the expression of AJ18 was similar to the expression of BMP-7 consistent with its perceived role as a transcriptional factor that regulates developmental processes downstream of BMP-7. These studies, therefore, have identified the first KRAB/C2H 2 zinc finger gene to be implicated in skeletal development, and have characterized the first promoter sequence for a gene belonging to the large KRAB/C2H2 zinc finger family.
Characterization of DNA probes on silicon surface

This thesis was focused on establishing a well-controlled system on silicon surface and characterizing immobilized DNA probes as well as their hybridization. DNA sequences were immobilized on silicon surface by using silane: 1-(thiotrifluoroacetato)-11-(trichlorosilyl)-undecane (TTU). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to characterize the surface after the silanization and 32P radio-labeling method was used to quantify the surface coverage of DNA sequences. Washing method was very important to achieve good results in the silanization process. Relatively controllable system could be achieved by optimizing parameters, such as pH, solvent, ionic strength and DNA concentration. Two methods, with sonication and with 6-mercapto-1-hexanol, were tried to decrease non-specific adsorption and gave satisfactory results. Both the base order and length of the sequence affected immobilization greatly. Under the experiment condition in this work, 10-15mer is the suitable length for DNA probes. The packing patterns of different molecule layers could be analyzed from surface molecular film thickness measurement.
EFL students go MOOing, a case study of project-based technology supported language learning

This thesis is aimed at exploring the use of MOO (Multi-user domain, Object Oriented), a network-based virtual environment, in supporting language learning through a collaborative project which involved six college students from Taiwan. To examine the process and outcomes of learner interactions and productions, this research adopted a qualitative, field-based case study methodology which offers a detailed description of the project members' experience and language use promoted by this MOO-based collaborative project. The outcomes of the study reflect the mediation role of online tools and written language for learners' construction of virtual spaces and their communication with others. Within the context of technology-supported language learning, it was possible to describe the varied language learning activities in the MOO environment using Cummins' analytical framework in turn focusing on language, meaning and use. Four of the six participants' viewpoints toward MOOing and language learning, technical issues and their project work were investigated.
mt¦1 melatonin receptor localization in the human and guinea pig retina

It has been postulated that melatonin regulates dark adaptation of the retina through direct interactions with the rod pathway and dopaminergic neurons through the mt1 receptor. Western blot analysis confirms the presence of a specific 37-kDa band representing the expected size of the mt1 receptor in the retina of both species. Double immunocytochemistry with the mt1 antibody and anti-calretinin, an AII amacrine cell marker, showed that in the human, approximately 20% of AII amacrine cells express the mt1 receptor both centrally and peripherally, but in guinea pig, only 1% expression was found. Colocalization of the mt1 receptor with antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a dopamine cell marker, was found in a subset of amacrine cells both in human and guinea pig retina. Horizontal cell markers anti-parvalbumin and anti-calbindin demonstrated that the mt1 receptor is expressed in approximately 20% of horizontal cells throughout the human retina, predominantly on the H1 subtype.
Uses of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) in exact statistical inference

We present a unified characteristic function-based framework to compute exact statistical inference. The methodology is implemented using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm. Exact p-values for hypotheses of interest are obtained for generalized linear models (GLMs) commonly used in medical and other applied sciences. Examples are shown to illustrate the ease with which the FFT is used to recover exact probabilities from any known characteristic function. The framework we developed allowed us to incorporate models based on non-standard underlying error distributions such as the zero-truncated binomial and Poisson distributions. We also have used the methodology to investigate the sensitivity of exact significance levels to misclassification errors and other model mis-specifications. Potential sources of errors in using the FFT are discussed.
Liposomal hydrogel surface coatings for localized delivery of therapeutic compounds

A novel coating combining the delayed release properties of antibiotic-loaded liposomes with the structural advantages of crosslinked gelatin gels was developed in an effort to reduce bacterial adhesion to silicone catheters. The covalent bonding of liposomal gels to silicone surfaces was accomplished by modification of silicone surface chemistry. Application of gelatin substituted with 4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoic acid (AFB-gelatin) to a silicone surface followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation led to the formation of surface-bound crosslinked gelatin. Alternatively, reactive groups were introduced onto silicone surfaces through a photochemical graft polymerization process. The bonding strength of gel coatings to either AFB-gelatin-modified silicone or poly (acrylic acid)-grafted silicone was found to increase approximately thirty-fold or fifty-fold, respectively, relative to unmodified silicone. Liposomes sequestered within crosslinked gelatin gels compromised neither the thermal stability nor the mechanical strength of the hydrogel matrix. The liposome bilayer was minimally affected by interaction with gelatin. The level of liposome release from gels was influenced by liposome concentration and size, as well as the presence of poly (ethylene oxide) [PEO]; PEO chains in the gel matrix or liposome membrane tended to promote release. The ' in vitro' efflux rates of ciprofloxacin and chlorhexidine from liposomal gels were affected by the type of medium in which the gels were immersed, with the highest release rate observed for ciprofloxacin-loaded gels in 50% serum. 'In vitro' and 'in vivo' assays using a clinical isolate of 'Pseudomonas aeruginosa' established the antimicrobial efficacy of ciprofloxacin-loaded liposomal hydrogels. Agar diffusion assays produced substantial growth inhibition zones for as long as 16 d, while bacterial colonization was completely inhibited on coated catheter surfaces throughout a seven-day 'in vitro' static adhesion assay. ' P. aeruginosa' adhesion under continuous flow conditions also was reduced on liposomal hydrogels relative to controls. An animal model of urinary tract infection using rabbits catheterized for an average of six days revealed the absence of viable 'Escherichia coli' on coated catheters in 7 out of 9 cases, while all untreated catheter surfaces examined (n = 7) were contaminated. This new antimicrobial coating has potential as a prophylactic for catheter-related nosocomial urinary tract infection.
The sweetest of all charities, the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children's medical and public appeal, 1875-1905

The powerful image of the female nurse providing domestic care and moral instruction to a poor sick child was essential to the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children's (HSC's) early marketing efforts. The gender issues evident in HSC's initial thirty years studied in this paper reveal a covert, subconscious power struggle between the men and women at HSC as they attempted to accommodate the general public's expectations of pediatric hospital care. HSC's early history demonstrates that public expectations, female agency, and male intervention into hospital politics ultimately align under a common cause of specialized pediatric care. However a struggle to define pediatric medicine did ensue, influenced by gender roles, scientific paradigm-shifts, and public desire infused with their expectations of sex-role stereotypes of the times. This struggle has left its mark on HSC's history in the form of an uncommon collaboration, evident in the hospital's built form, marketing campaigns, philanthropic management, and medical outlook. Even today, HSC's appeal encourages public support by promoting its paternalistic social welfare efforts. For the public ' caring', in addition to 'curing', remains a defining feature of pediatric medicine. Dubbing itself 'The Sweetest of All Charities', HSC continues to advocate a need for good nursing care as a way of administering scientific medical cures to children. The combination of money and mercy, medical-science and hygienic ideals, and caring and curing were established in HSC's first thirty years of hospital work, from 1875 to 1905. This project investigates why and how this combination emerged as defining features of pediatric medicine.

Keywords: Children
Hospitals
History
Pediatrics
History
Enfants
Hôpitaux
Histoire
Pédiatrie
Histoire
On speaking terms again, transformative experiences of artful earth connection

There is a fundamental mismatch between the way humans think and the way the earth works. We need experiences that allow us to better fit with the earth in its living reality. To meet that end, this artful heuristic inquiry began with the question: 'What is the experience of artful earth connection? ' To be able to speak to each other clearly again, to be able to decode each other's messages, and be moved to act on behalf of the earth is the vision. By sharing one cycle of an artful heuristic research process, it is revealed that spontaneous painting is metamorphic on many levels and can be a slow moving, reciprocal, sensory dance with the more-than-human world. We experience the spontaneous, the child-like, the embodied, the organic, the wild, and the primitive/tribal. Writing by a range of thinkers in the areas of environmental philosophy, quantum physics and art therapy has shaped this work. In this thesis I share stories, dialogues, poetry and images created by myself and six other spontaneous painters, providing a window into a renewed human-earth fit through art making. I revision the common perception that art making is a solely human endeavour, reserved for a talented few. Rather art making can be a human-earth co-creation, a living language of sorts, that is natural and free flowing. Like meditation, painting can focus the body-mind, helping it to stay in the moment, in the still-life. We experience a sacred place where we are on speaking terms with the earth once again. There are three main sections. 'Stilling Life: Wildness and Domestication ' explores stories of a poor fit between humans and the earth, revealing what can happen when we act on the notion of separateness from the earth. ' A Still Life: Painting the Pattern that Connects' describes spontaneous painting as a transformative earth connecting activity and reveals both the painting and artistic inquiry processes that promote a good human-earth fit. Finally, 'Still Alive: On Speaking Terms Again' shares images, narrative and poetry of experiences of artful earth connection.
What happened to history? Mimetic transformations in the contemporary historical novel

In the last decades of the twentieth century, a vehement debate in contemporary literary theory emerged over the question of referentiality in historical fiction: on the one side, Marxists and traditional historiographers, both adamant in their affirmation of an extra-textual referent to which historical discourse presumably always has access; on the other side, poststructuralists and their descendants, equally adamant that historical discourse has recourse to nothing but other texts, other signifiers. In the midst of these two extremes, a number of critics have advocated a moderate stance which gives due deference to both positions: to the ontological claims of an extra-textual historical reality, but also to the inexorable implication of that reality in the modes of discourse through which it comes to have meaning. A significant number of contemporary historical novelists proffer narrative visions which reflect quite well this middle position. E. L. Doctorow (' Ragtime'), Graham Swift ('Waterland'), Louise Erdrich ('Tracks'), and Timothy Findley ('Famous Last Words ') all, though in subtly different ways, explore the relationship between history and the narrative forms through which history is articulated. What emerges from the analysis of their work is the complex and inextricably intertwined involvement of fictive elements in any endeavour to construct an historical narrative. Ultimately, the separation of empirical "fact" from the imaginative elements these writers employ in their work proves to be an illusory prospect. In this light, the vituperative polemic launched against contemporary historical fiction by critics such as Fredric Jameson (for its ostensible dearth of "real history") becomes a fruitful opposition. Far from avoiding "real history," the novels examined in this dissertation illustrate the processes involved in the construction of history as a discourse. Erich Auerbach's argument that mimetic standards shift from age to age, that verisimilitude is an evolving concept, is invoked to help refute the charges Jameson levels against contemporary historical fiction. The static model of mimesis proffered by Jameson does not permit the genre of the historical novel to evolve, and thus to be "commensurate" (to use the Lukácsian phrase) "with the requirements of the age."
Genetic algorithm-based combinatorial parametric optimization for the calibration of traffic microscopic simulation models

This thesis outlines an implementation of Genetic Algorithms to traffic simulation optimization and development of a program called GENOSIM, a Genetic-based Optimizer for Traffic Microscopic simulation Models. GENOSIM is developed as a pilot software that employs the state of the art in combinatorial parametric optimization to automate the tedious task of calibrating traffic simulation models. The employed global search technique, Genetic Algorithms, is integrated with a dynamic traffic microscopic simulation modeler, Paramics, and experimented with Toronto network, Canada. The output of GENOSIM is the near-optimal values of its car-following, lane changing and dynamic routing parameters. Obtained results are promising. Paramics consists of high performance cross-linked traffic models having multiple user-adjustable parameters. Genetic Algorithms in GENOSIM will manipulate the values of control parameters and search an optimal set of values as starting configuration for these parameters by matching model outcome with observed data. The most of C++ codes shown here have been simplified for clarity.