McGill University Thèses et mémoires par auteur commençant par É

As early as the 18th century, the Ottoman provinces, of which the Beylik of Tunis was one, entered into a period of decline from which the West emerged the principal beneficiary. These circumstances forced the Regency of Tunis to redefine itself a redefinition which initially took the shape of military reforms. If it is true that this restructuring was a reply to the nascent imperialism of the West, it is also true that it has a context within the relations which Tunis maintained with Istanbul. In order to understand these reforms one must examine them in the light of the …  Lire la suite

Nous construisons deux modèles de théorie M, que nous relions l'un á l'autre par une série de dualités. Ce faisant, nous fournissons un cadre unificateur aux supergravités proposées par Ooguri-Vafa et Witten pour étudier les noeuds et leurs invariants. Nous nous intéressons ensuite à la théorie de jauge dans le volume d'univers qui découle de l'un des modèles con-struits. Celle-ci est une théorie de Yang-Mills N=4 quadridimensionnelle possédant comme groupe de jauge SU(N) en présence d'un bord. Nous obtenons son hamiltonien et, pour des configurations de champs indépendantes du temps, nous trouvons que les équations du mouvement qui minimisent l'énergie …  Lire la suite

Beluga is a proof environment based on the logical framework LF that providesinfrastructural support for representing formal systems and proofs about them.As a consequence, meta-theoretic proofs are precise and compact. However,programmers write proofs as total recursive programs. This can be challengingand cumbersome.We present the design and implementation of Harpoon, an interactive proofenvironment built on top of Beluga. Harpoon users develop proofs using a small,fixed set of tactics. Behind the scenes, the execution of tactics elaborates aproof script that reflects the subgoal structure of the proof. We modelincomplete proofs using contextual variables to represent holes.We give a sound translation of proof …  Lire la suite

This mixed method pilot study examined whether the treatment of adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) would have an impact on marital relationships and family functioning. Eight patients receiving treatment from an adult ADHD Research Program and their spouses completed two questionnaires measuring marital adjustment and family functioning prior to and following 12 weeks of treatment. Follow-up semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with five of the couples. Quantitative results indicated that adults with ADHD observed an improvement in marital relationships following treatment. However, spouses did not observe a significant change. Neither adults with ADHD, nor their spouses reported family functioning changing …  Lire la suite

L'idée de l'histoire, la volonté de préserver le souvenir du passé, est au moins aussi vieille que la représentation plastique, mais elle n'a jamais montré un développement suivi. Les grands progrès que l'histoire avait faits pendant la période classique, furent tous perdus dans le débacle de l'empire romain, et les annales monastiques qui suffisaient au Moyen Age, accusent un niveau intellectuel assez modeste. Pendant la Renaissance l'histoire, imitée des modèles classiques, renaquit avec les autres sciences, et des érudits rétablirent la pureté des textes et inventèrent des méthodes nouvelles de vérification. La présentation de l'histoire resta celle du simple récit. …  Lire la suite

Asgharian-Dastenaei, Masoud (Internal/Supervisor)  Lire la suite

Skating backwards in ice hockey is a fundamental skill. While there are many studies evaluating forward skating motion in male players, there are few studies that have assessed backward skating and female players. Furthermore, with new developments in skate blade designs, the impact of equipment on backward skating requires exploration. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare plantar pressures between males and females during backward c-cuts and whether these differences are impacted by skate blade designs. Sixteen university level athletes (females n = 9; males n = 7) were recruited. Participants performed backward c-cuts, while wearing one of …  Lire la suite

Au fil des ans, un nombre croissant d'écoles a adopté des politiques d'éducation inclusives. Les enseignants sont responsables d'apporter un soutien à tous les élèves au sein de leurs classes, y compris les élèves handicapés ou éprouvant des difficultés d'adaptation ou d'apprentissage. Cependant, les preuves empiriques concernant les pratiques d'enseignement efficaces relativement à l'inclusion scolaire ainsi que la relation existant entre ces pratiques et la croissance des résultats des élèves dans le temps sont insuffisantes. La présente étude visait donc principalement à 1) examiner la relation entre les perceptions des enseignants concernant l'inclusion scolaire et leurs pratiques pédagogiques, incluant les …  Lire la suite

"Protein concentrates were prepared from extracts of Brewers' spent grain (BSG) obtained by (i) incubation with cellulase followed by an alkaline (CN) extraction, (ii) acetic acid-urea (AU) extraction and (iii) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) extraction. SDS extraction at 1000c solubilized 62% of the BSG nitrogen. Precipitation techniques investigated were (i) refrigeration, (ii) pH adjustment, (iii) addition of ethanol, (iv) pH adjustment followed by refrigeration, and (v) addition of ethanol followed by refrigeration. A protein concentrate (61% protein) representing a N recovery of 49% was prepared by the addition of ethanol to SDS extracts followed by refrigeration. The effect of (a) …  Lire la suite

This thesis examines the state of Islamic law in the modern context as perceived by the Muslim scholar Abdullahi an-Na`im, assessing its suitability for contemporary society, with particular emphasis upon its relationship to international human rights standards. The first part of this work reviews the impact of the nation-state upon the current international structure and then considers Islamic law as it was classically conceived and developed. The focus of this discussion addresses the importance of clear and definite texts in the Qur'an and the roles of ijtihad and naskh in us&dotbelow;ul al-fiqh, exploring the dimensions of flexibility and change allowed …  Lire la suite

Maric, Milan (Internal/Cosupervisor2)  Lire la suite

Leask, Richard L. (Supervisor1)  Lire la suite

AbstractThe structural logic of Qur’anic composition remains elusive despite the substantial accumulation of insights and conjectures in both Muslim and Western scholarship. Advancing the disputed thesis of ring composition proposed by Michel Cuypers and Raymond Farrin, this dissertation addresses the problem of sura structure by decisively establishing the formulaic modus operandi of Qur’anic ring composition. It argues that this concentric arrangement stands as a symbol for the vertical cosmos, descending from the levels associated with God to those of spiritual and corporeal domains. This correspondence is discernible in the intricate cluster of themes and descriptors linked to each cosmic level …  Lire la suite

Weber, M. E. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

Until about fifteen years ago the mammalian erythrocyte was considered to be a lifeless cell - virtually a parcel of hemoglobin - specialized for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Lacking a nucleus and other common cell components, it is incapable of cell division and of carrying on the normal metabolic activity of ordinary tissue cells. It has long been known that the human red blood cell has a high content of potassium ions and a very low content of sodium ions despite the reverse of this ion distribution in the plasma, but earlier workers explained the situation …  Lire la suite

Le mouillage des surfaces a suscité un intérêt industriel important en raison de sa relation avec la super-hydrophobie. Les géométries de microstructures réentrante inspirées de la cuticule du collembole offrent une grande robustesse face aux liquides à faible tension de surface, un avantage par rapport aux surfaces inspirées de la feuille de lotus. Les géométries réentrantes peuvent être fabriquées par photolithographie, cependant, le micro-usinage par laser femtoseconde présente l’avantage d’être un processus en une seule étape qui peut être utilisé à pression et à température ambiantes. Les études précédentes sur le micro-usinage par laser n’usinent généralement que le long de …  Lire la suite

There is scant research within educational literature on the nature of visual cognition, language, and expression in relation to cross-culturally driven socio-cognitive and socio-economic development. Indeed, the integrated, multi-disciplinarian approach needed to address the nature of this complex relationship is still being devised. This dissertation examines a community of artisans located in Kenya's remote western highlands. Over the past ninety years, the community has developed a unique soapstone carving cottage industry. This creative commercial response to the pernicious effects of Western acculturation has somewhat mitigated the severe environmental, demographic, and economic stresses being experienced by most other Gusii communities in …  Lire la suite

Western aesthetic convention represents an accrual of inherited societal perspectives on the artist, the artifact and its consumer. A review of its history and the etymology of its terminology discloses a twofold problem. The first aspect concerns the separation of the manufacture of aesthetic objects from their economic raison d'etre. The second involves the categorization of these artifacts into art or craft. This problem is compounded when considering Western judgements on non-Western aesthetics. Inuit handicraft provides an appropriate model to illustrate the fact that present convention and nomenclature prove inadequate in addressing both intra and especially extra-cultural concerns. A broader …  Lire la suite

The thesis focuses on two letters written by Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz: The "Carta Atenagorica" (1690) and The "Respuesta a sor Filotea" (1691), as well as on the "Carta de sor Filotea de la Cruz a sor Juana Ines de la Cruz" (1690), written by Manuel Fernandez de Santa Cruz, bishop of Puebla. The "Respuesta a sor Filotea," inspired by the "Carta de sor Filotea," presents an elaborated defence of the "Carta Atenagorica" and the right to discuss theological principles that the author claims on her behalf. The thesis was inspired by the main theme of the "Respuesta …  Lire la suite

Greer, Charles William (Internal/Cosupervisor2)  Lire la suite

La dépression et l'anxiété sont des troubles psychiatriques invalidants dans le monde entier. Environ 10-20% des personnes âgées traitées dans des établissements de soins de première ligne souffrent de dépression gériatrique (DG) et/ou d'anxiété gériatrique (AG). Les adultes âgés sont souvent sous-traités et/ou ne reçoivent pas le traitement approprié pour DG et/ou AG dans les soins primaires, en raison du manque de ressources disponibles et des fortes exigences du système de santé. Les antidépresseurs constituent le traitement de première ligne pour la DG et/ou la AG dans les établissements de soins de santé primaires. En général, la population gériatrique ne …  Lire la suite

Holmes, Amanda (Supervisor1)  Lire la suite

Several scholars have attempted to characterize the secretaries of the bureaucracies of the Islamic empires during various eras.  Lire la suite

Rigid spargers are enjoying renewed interest in some flotation column applications such as de-inking of recycled paper and de-oiling of water. Sparger selection depends on the physical characteristics of the porous material, the liquid/slurry properties, and the dimensions of the column. There is no generally accepted method to select spargers for a given flotation column duty. A methodology for selecting stainless steel rigid spargers is proposed. The methodology is based on a target bubble size (db), gas holdup (epsilong), or bubble surface flux ( Sb). It combines two models: one for bubble formation at the sparger proposed by Kumar and …  Lire la suite

The First World War's 1916 Arab Revolt has become, in the West, a renowned episode in part because of the presence of one dominating character: T.E. Lawrence. However, "Lawrence of Arabia" is only the most prominent of the many Western agents sent to advise the Revolt. The narratives of these advisers have come to dominate the most Westerners popular conception of the Arab uprising. Most scholars have portrayed the British advisers to the Arab Revolt as "pro-Arab." The aim of this thesis is to challenge that portrayal through a careful analysis of the writings (published and unpublished) and actions of …  Lire la suite

Batist, Gerald (Supervisor1)  Lire la suite

Esfandiari, Shahrokh (Internal/Cosupervisor2)  Lire la suite

There is little evidence that Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is much used in dentistry. Dental implant technology is an example of innovative oral health technology. The objectives of this research were to gather the evidence needed for the assessment of overdenture implant treatment so that both patients and dental practitioners can make informed decisions about this technology. These objectives included 1) investigating what types of dental clinicians adopt and provide dental implants 2) determining the effect of the clinicians' experience in the provision of implant supported prostheses and 3) measuring the patients' preference in provision of mandibular 2-implants overdenture technology. …  Lire la suite

The reduction of molecular oxygen (O2) into water (H2O) provides a sustainable source of energy that fuels the synthesis of molecules and materials in nature. Myriad biochemical processes, including metabolism, plant defense, fruit browning, barnacle adhesion and mammalian pigmentation (i.e. melanogenesis) harness this energy by converting phenols into ortho-quinones, whose innate reactivity drives additional functionalization. Since water is the only stoichiometric byproduct and ortho-quinones are exceptionally versatile synthetic intermediates, melanogenesis provides a blueprint for clean and sustainable synthesis. More than 50 years of bioinorganic studies have, however, revealed significant challenges in catalyzing the aerobic oxygenation of phenols and current methods …  Lire la suite

Depuis leurs compositions initiales, les œuvres métaphysiques d'Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn Sīnā (m. 427/1037) - connu également sous son nom latinisé, Avicenne - ont attiré une large attention de la part des étudiants, des savants et des commentateurs. Au fil du temps, les activités de ces acteurs ont façonné et modifié les documents manuscrits des écrits d'Avicenne. Lors de la préparation d'éditions critiques savantes des œuvres d'Avicenne, le défi consiste à démêler ses compositions originales des interventions souvent significatives et délibérées de personnages ultérieurs, qui ont agi pour diverses motivations et dans des contextes historiques différents. Cette …  Lire la suite

Despite significant improvements in total knee replacement surgery, loosening of the tibial prosthesis remains a major cause of failure of the procedure. Because of the limited fatigue life of the earlier fixation method which used PMMA as a bonding cement, biological fixation obtained by growth of bone into porous surfaces of the replacement prosthesis has become an attractive alternative. It is well established that bone ingrowth is strongly dependent on the relative displacement at the bone-prosthesis interface. Therefore, adequate immediate fixation is required to achieve durable biological fixation. In the absence of bonding cement, screws and press-fitted pegs are commonly …  Lire la suite

A three-dimensional, phenomenological, tensorial, isotropic, damage model is developed in the framework of continuum damage mechanics for materials whose behavior is governed by elastic deformation coupled with damage. The model was then extended to include isotropic damage for anisotropic materials, as well as rate-dependency behavior caused by damage evolution. The shortcomings of the commonly used scalar variable, as representative of isotropic damage are discussed. It is shown that isotropic damage is best represented by an isotropic tensor of rank four. The damage evolution equations are postulated using strain tensor invariants, based on decomposition of strain energy. The model simulates well …  Lire la suite

The inherent limitations of Classical Continuum Theory (CCT), primarily its inability to incorporate a material characteristic length scale, has historically hindered the recognition of size effects in materials analysis. This shortfall is further compounded by CCT's reliance on even-order material property tensors, which only account for materials' centrosymmetric behavior, thereby neglecting their intrinsic chirality and polarity. Furthermore, reducing CCT to two-dimensional and one-dimensional forms requires adding couples and higher-order deformation gradients, highlighting a gap in their interrelation.Despite the emergence of several generalized continuum theories over the past century aimed at addressing CCT's deficiencies, a consistent and universally applicable model has …  Lire la suite

[...] Briefly then, the object of this research is to determine 1. The effective width of slab, i.e., the slab width over which the concentrated load can be assumed uniformly distributed on a line. 2. The effectivemess of shear bars in transferring horizontal shearing stresses from the concrete to the timber, thus providing for an integrally acting slab, instead of two slabs superimposed on each other. [...]  Lire la suite

Cette thèse démontre le rôle actif de la danse au Mexique et au-delà de ses frontières.Le premier chapitre documente l'histoire de la danse folklorique, de ses racines datant des danses préhispaniques jusqu'à ses formes hybrides issues de l'arrivée des espagnols, en traçant son développement pendant l'émergence turbulente de la nation mexicaine. Cette étude souligne les divers rôles de la danse au début de l'histoire mexicaine: les peuples autochtones s'en sont servis en tant que méthode de préservation de leur histoire; les missionnaires espagnols l'ont utilisée comme moyen de conversion et d'évangélisation; pendant l'époque coloniale la danse est venue accentuer les …  Lire la suite

The discussion over whether arts education has an impact on social responsibility has been an interesting field of investigation in the educational realm. Although there still remains a dearth of information surrounding this issue, past research in the field has shed light on the importance of art and aesthetic education. Building upon prior research, this study offers a critical investigation into issues linking social responsibility and arts and aesthetic education. At the core of this study, through the use of a phenomenological framework, insight was offered into whether students' perceptions of a dance program in one British Columbia school assisted …  Lire la suite

Adewale, Peter (Supervisor2)  Lire la suite

The proliferation dynamics in vitro of the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani was studied for 14 days in resting monolayers of peritoneal macrophages of C57BL/6 $(Lsh sp{ rm s})$ mice inoculated with 5, 50, or 500 promastigotes/cell. Irrespective of the inoculum, only 50 to 65% of the cells became infected initially; only 3 to 6 amastigotes were present in each macrophage initially, suggesting a limited number of parasite ligands on the host cell. The amastigotes did not divide in the first 3 or 4 days after infection and then they actively proliferated from day 5 to day 8; the …  Lire la suite

Nicolau, Belinda Farias (Supervisor2)  Lire la suite

Phosphorus loss from agricultural fields is one of the main contributors to the rapid eutrophication of lakes and rivers. There exists an urgent need for cost-effective novel materials as soil amendments to mitigate phosphorus loss. Lime-based products, as high calcium-containing materials, could be promising soil amendments in retaining phosphorus in the soil. However, limited study has been conducted on lime as a phosphorus-immobilizing amendment in neutral and alkaline soils. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of existing lime-based products on reducing phosphorus concentration in the leachate from common agricultural soils without interfering with crop …  Lire la suite

In this work we are concerned with recursive trees and linear preferential attachment trees. These are random tree growth processes; that is random networks, with no cycles that evolve with time by sequentially connecting new vertices to the existing network. Despite having similar descriptions, there are several qualitative differences between recursive trees and linear preferential attachment trees; for example, their degree distributions and maximum degrees. Although the vertices with highest degree have been described for linear preferential attachment trees, an study for recursive trees with the same level of detail is missing in the literature. We obtain a description, in …  Lire la suite

Random matrix theory comprises a broad range of topics and avenues of research, one of them being to understand the probability of singularity for discrete random matrices. This is a fundamental, basic question about discrete matrices. Although is been proven that for random symmetric Bernoulli matrices the probability of singularity decays at least polynomially in the size of the matrix, it is conjectured that the right order of decay is exponential. We are interested in the adjacency matrix Q of the Erdos-Réyni random graph and we study the statistics of the rank of Q as a means of understanding the …  Lire la suite

This thesis is a collection of three essays on the economic consequences of a number of primarily non-market institutions, more precisely visual artists' compensation scheme, religiosity and social influence. Methodology varies across the different chapters of this thesis: I use experimental, empirical and theoretical tools. In its contents this thesis contributes to the growing efforts made by scholars and researchers to build a bridge among social science disciplines, mainly psychology, sociology and law with economics. In my first essay I model a work of art as a lottery in order to compare the two dominant compensation schemes for visual artists …  Lire la suite

In this paper we examine parametric solutions to the generalized Fermat equation, xp+yq=zr. Simple criteria are given for the existence of solutions over an algebraically closed field and all such solutions are described. Parametric solutions over non-algebraically closed fields are then considered, along with an investigation of the number of distinct classes of solutions, up to an appropriate notion of equivalence.  Lire la suite

This thesis explores four methods for improving quantitative diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in light scattering media. In the introduction theories of light propagation in scattering media, relevant instrumentation for measuring light scattering properties, spectral data processing methods, and spectroscopically active bioanalytes are outlined. Next, two novel instruments for practical scattering measurements, and two novel data processing techniques are presented. Finally, directions for future research into diffuse reflectance spectroscopy are suggested. A novel photon time-of-flight instrument is used to measure scattering coefficients in tandem with a portable diode spectrometer. Measured scattering coefficients are used to correct co-measured near infrared spectra for scattering …  Lire la suite

Rudd, Christopher (Supervisor2)  Lire la suite