McGill University Thèses et mémoires par auteur commençant par B

A series of full-scale, reversed cyclic tension and compression tests was conducted to aid in the development of constitutive relationships for predicting the seismic response of concrete elements. These specimens were constructed using normal and high-strength concrete and contained varying amounts of transverse reinforcement consistent with both beam and column detailing requirements for different ductility levels. The influence of several parameters was investigated, including the effect of confinement, bar buckling and concrete strength. Reversed cyclic loading tests were carried out on conventionally reinforced nominally ductile and ductile coupling beams constructed with normal and high-strength concrete. These tests investigated the effect …  Lire la suite

La Commission Vérité et Réconciliation d'Afrique du Sud (CVR, 1995-2003) est un exempleunique d'une forme de justice restauratrice caractéristique du vingtième siècle. Plus que les seizecommissions qui l'ont précédée, la CVR d'Afrique du Sud a utilisé des évènements publiquesainsi que des médias de masse afin de rentrer dans le domaine de la culture populaire. Larecherche a identifié cet élément publique de la CVR comme l'une des raisons clés de son succèssans précédent: la commission a réussi à diriger une transition nationale d'un régime autoritaire(apartheid) à la démocratie libérale envisagée par Nelson Mandela et le Parti National Africain;non seulement en évitant …  Lire la suite

Le développement de technologies nouvelles et intéressantes est l'une des plus grandes sources d'inspiration pour la science des matériaux, qu'il s'agisse de boucliers thermiques pour les vaisseaux spatiaux rentrant en orbite terrestre, de transistors plus petits utilisés dans les appareils mobiles ou de nouvelles diodes électroluminescentes pour les écrans de télévision. Cependant, pour comprendre les nouveaux matériaux, il faut des outils tout aussi sophistiqués pour les caractériser. La structure d'un matériau et la façon dont cette structure change en fonction de divers stimuli sont souvent compliquées à comprendre sur les minuscules échelles de temps et de longueur des changements en …  Lire la suite

Sinclair, S. (Supervisors)  Lire la suite

This paper provides analytical models for avant-garde electronica through an analysis of Metatron, an original composition for percussion sextet and electronics, using a novel Integrated Multi-Scale Analysis (IMSA) model. The democratization of technology and information have ushered in an unprecedented flourishing of electronic music production. Despite its roots in dance music, electronica’s experimental fringes now increasingly overlap with Western art music in terms of complexity, aesthetics, poetics, tools and techniques. New cultural architectures are eroding established boundaries and power structures and require new interdisciplinary approaches to describe and reconcile them. Metatron bridges this divide, acting as a reflective device and …  Lire la suite

This thesis contains two volumes. The first is a written text that describes my compositional techniques in the context of an analysis of Codecs. The second volume is the score of this work. Volume one is divided into six sections: Introduction, harmony, rhythm and time, melodic materials, form, live electronics and future directions. Each section describes techniques and processes I developed throughout the compositional process. Codecs was inspired by the subversive proliferation musical materials though the use of audio codecs. I developed compositional tools based on encryption and compression in order to explore the audio codec metaphor. Volume two is …  Lire la suite

Peatlands are significant soil carbon and freshwater reservoirs at the global scale, and thus play a key role in the global carbon and water cycles. Peatland inception and development are intrinsically related to optimal environmental conditions, including an adequate hydro-morphological setting that promotes the occurrence of waterlogged soils and low topographic gradients. This thesis investigates the hydrology of 0.2 km2 northern peatland complex, located in the region of Schefferville, Québec, Canada, in which a significant area has developed over a relatively steep topographic gradient. The objective of this thesis is to quantify and characterize the spatiotemporal flux of regional groundwater …  Lire la suite

Farge, Dominique (Supervisor2)  Lire la suite

The study examined the peak pressures and pressure patterns in the skate boot of hockey players during the backward cross-over stride. Fifteen flexible piezo-resistive pressure sensors (1.2 x 1.1 x 0.2cm thick) were placed on the plantar, dorsal, medial, and lateral surfaces of each foot for eight varsity level hockey players (mean +/- SD: height (m) = 1.80 +/- 0.07, weight (kg) = 87 +/- 0.06) and eight recreational hockey players (mean +/- SD: height = 1.76 (m) +/- 0.06, weight (kg) = 82 +/- 0.07). The strides were cut and the data was processed according to ability group and …  Lire la suite

In any study of the New Zealand economy today it is essential that the major feautures of her historical and geographical background be reviewed. The international ties brought about by her comparatively short history and the implications of her position in the South Pacific, both from the standpoint of climate and comparative isolation, have a vital part in the understanding of New Zealand today. [...]  Lire la suite

Walter Benjamin's critical and historical method addresses the problem of conceptualizing a discontinuous history. In The Origin of German Tragic Drama he proposes allegory as an appropriate form for the representation of the past because it drains images of life so that they may be re-presented with the meaning endowed by the allegorist. In a similar way, literary criticism and historical materialism are involved in the process of mortification so that, from the distance of time, truth may be glimpsed. Benjamin privileges the fragmentary form of representation in allegory over the false unity of the artistic symbol. Whereas truth may …  Lire la suite

This study involves the development and evaluation of an in-line melt rheometer (ILR) for use in process control. The ILR consists of a rotating drum, which is positioned directly in the main process flow channel. The drum creates a shear deformation in a zone formed between the drum and the channel wall. A method to correct for the effects of pressure flow superposed on the shear deformation was developed. The problems associated with sample renewal and temperature control in the shearing zone were explored with the help of simulations. The ILR's sensitivity to processing conditions was documented, and its accuracy …  Lire la suite

Dans une étude randomisée, en double aveugle, contrôlée par placebo, l'étude croisée de 18 adultes en bonne santé âgés de 22,2 ± 0,5 ans (moyenne ± SE), nous avons testé l'hypothèse selon laquelle l'augmentation du point PCO2 d'équilibre artérielle via une alcalose métabolique aiguë provoquée par du bicarbonate de sodium (NaHCO3, 0,3 g / kg) l'administration diminuerait l'équivalent ventilatoire pour le CO2 (Vé-vco2) à son point le plus bas ("nadir") lors de l'épreuve d'exercice à haute intensité avec cycle de charge constant, ce qui reflète l'amélioration de l'efficacité d'exercice ventilatoire. Par rapport à la condition de contrôle NaCl, l'administration de …  Lire la suite

Infertility, the inability to become pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected sex, affects approximately 16% of Canadian couples and is associated with psychological distress, stigma and feelings such as loneliness, uncertainty and loss of control. Fertility patients may benefit from interventions that foster patient empowerment (PE), which refers to patients’ sense of control over their health and ability to cope with their illness and manage their treatment. Mobile health (mHealth) is the delivery of health care services through communication devices such as smartphones, and may represent an effective approach to deliver empowering interventions through improved access to targeted and …  Lire la suite

If one accepts the hypothesis that in general the development of a new structure in the animal kingdom follows closely upon the demand for a new function, then the original function of a given structure can be determined by tracing it backwards in the animal scale to the point at which it first appears and noting the particular functional demand acting on the organism at that time. It will be seen that his original function need not be retained, but rather may be lost or transferred to some other structure, and the original structure adapted to some other use.  Lire la suite

Joints between dissimilar materials are characterized particularly by compositional gradients and microstructural changes, which yield large variations in chemical, physical and mechanical properties across the joint. The joining of dissimilar materials is therefore more complex than the joining of similar materials. In this project, the joining procedure, from the interaction between the different components in a joint to the determination of the mechanical properties was applied to the Si3N4/FA-129 system. This iron aluminide intermetallic alloy (FA-129), was developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) to have high temperature properties with good room temperature ductility. This intermetallic is replacing high strength …  Lire la suite

Experiments were conducted to determine the currents involved in the pacemaker activity of aggregates and single cells from the embryonic chick heart. Two microelectrode voltage clamp studies of embryonic chick ventricular heart cell aggregates revealed two time-dependent current components in the pacemaker range of potentials ($-$60 to $-$120 mV). Barium (Ba, 5 mM) blocked the more negatively activated time-dependent component unmasking a component which remained inwardly directed for hyperpolarizing steps beyond the potassium equilibrium potential (E$ sb{ rm K}$). This component, which was blocked by cesium (Cs, 2 mM), is consistent with an inward current which activates upon hyperpolarization (the …  Lire la suite

Les récepteurs NMDA (NMDARs) jouent un rôle crucial dans la communication neuronale et sont des médiateurs essentiels des mécanismes de la plasticité synaptique au sein du système nerveux central. D'un point de vue traditionnel, les NMDARs agissent comme des détecteurs de coïncidence dans la plasticité hebbienne, assurant l’afflux intracellulaire de calcium lorqu’ils sont simultanément liés par le glutamate et dépolarisés, afin d’initier les cascades de signalisation intracellulaire qui aboutissent à une modification synaptique. La détection de coïncidence repose sur les NMDARs situés au niveau postsynaptique, mais les NMDARs existent aussi en présynaptique (préNMDARs) sur certains types de synapse, ce qui …  Lire la suite

Polymerization processes have been the subject of a great deal of research partlcularly with regard to the chemistry of rubber, poly-saccharides and other naturally occurring substances of high molecular weight. Such studies have concerned themselves chiefly with the polymerization of materials containing conjugated double bonds, such as butadiene and isoprene in rubber chemistry or with materials containingone or more functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl,. oxide, etc.) as exemplified in studies of polysaccharides and synthetic resins.The polymerization of unsaturated aliphatic acids and their esters have curiously enough received relatively little attention although complex mixtures such as linseed and chinawood oils have been …  Lire la suite

Cette thèse offre une lecture alternative de l'histoire de la création dans la source J de la Genèse 2:4b-3:24. Cette interprétation est une solution à la contradiction apparente entre les événements dans 2:17 et 3:14-24. Cette thèse soutiendra que 2:17 doit être compris comme une loi divine, semblable à celle trouvée dans le texte juridique J du Code de l'Alliance. Une telle lecture s'apparente davantage au verset: "Mais il ne faut pas manger de l'Arbre de la Connaissance du Bien et du Mal, car le jour où vous en mangerez, vous serez condamné à mort". Cette interprétation adoucit considérablement la …  Lire la suite

Cette thèse défend l’unité textuelle de 1 Samuel 15:1-16:13 & 28:3-25. Je soutiens que la division des sources de 1 Samuel a été mal caractérisée par les chercheurs. Je prétends que cette mauvaise caractérisation a causé une disparité parmi les chercheurs sur la force de la théorie de l’Historiographie Deutéronomiste. En utilisant des méthodes d’analyses critiques des sources je démontre une unité de style entre les trois péricopes. De plus, je montre une progression claire et logique entre les événements des trois péricopes d’une manière qui illustre clairement qu’elles appartiennent au même récit. Je soutiens qu’aucune autre péricope dans 1 …  Lire la suite

Eisenberg, Adi (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

Nous avons accomplis une analyze de désintégration en séquence pour la réaction rr - p 0 ~ wrr n a une impulsion incidente de 8.45 GeV/c dans une expérience exécutée au synchrotron du Argonne National Laboratory. Les propriétés de production et de désintégration du méson B0 sont présentées ainsi que la section efficace différentielle pour la réaction rr-p - B0 n. Nous présentons de l'évidence sur la présence du méson p'(l250) (IJPC = 11--). Notre étude sur la production du B0 indique que l'échange de A2 domine (changement d'orientation du spin de nucléon) Nous avons trouvé de quantité significatif d'onde …  Lire la suite

This thesis is an exploration of how particular Bolivian men and women who have migrated from Bolivia to Argentina, and have recently 'returned' to Bolivia, define, negotiate, and (re)create their identities in the migration experience. I argue that both the narratives and experiences of transnational migration for these migrants varies according to gender, age, economic possibilities, and legal circumstances. Furthermore, I suggest that this experience varies according to the multiple encounters with 'others' along the transnational circuit. By using a conceptualization of "migration" in transnational terms, my work has centered on how these migrants conceptualize the social conditions in which …  Lire la suite

T cell development in the thymus is a highly evolved process. Signal transduction is critical to mediate maturation of T cells. Expression of pre-T cell receptor (pre-TCR) and TCR complex on cell surface allows signal transduction that is critical for T cell maturation. Four CD3 chains, which are gamma, delta, epsilon, and zeta, are associated with the two types of receptor complexes and play essential roles in T cell activation. While CD3gamma-, epsilon-, or zeta-deficient mice show impaired pre-TCR function, CD3delta deficiency impairs thymocyte development at the double positive (DP) stage indicating that it is not required for pre-TCR-mediated double …  Lire la suite

Intensity modulated photon beam radiation therapy often results in dynamically delivered beams with small field sizes and steep dose gradients. This defines a need for an integrating, tissue-equivalent, high resolution dosimeter. 3D ferrous sulfate gel based dosimetry involves the use of magnetic resonance (MR) images of radiosensitive paramagnetic gels. The goal of this work is to create a patient specific quality assurance (QA) procedure that links measured dosimetnc information to clinical goals. The gel dosimeter system is tested through a set of simple experiments which characterize and confirm the system as a valid QA tool for conformal and intensity modulated …  Lire la suite

Despite significant differences in the why, how and what of their interpretations of religious, our three authors (Muhammad Abu Zahrah, 'Abd-Allah Diraz and Ahmad Shalabi) understand religions, and in Diraz's case the religious phenomenon in general, through categories specific to an Islamic worldview. Their use of Western scientific methods to apprehend the study of religion is not systematic. It varies from Abu Zahrah's limited use to Shalabi's exuberant use, both being highly subservient to polemical intentions. Only Diraz shows familiarity and appreciation for scientific methods, without however subscribing to the epistemology of science which underlies them. The resulting relationship between …  Lire la suite

This study is undertaken to explore the values which 110 mothers of varying religious and socio-economic backgrounds assign toward child behaviour and care. Of these mothers 78 participated in Child Study Groups sponsored by the Parent Education Department of the Mental Hygiene Institute in conjunction with the Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations. The remaining 32 mothers never participated in any Child Study Group. These two groups were compared in order to determine the effect of experience in Child Study Groups on parental concepts. The study also seeks to obtain knowledge concerning sources of information most frequently used by …  Lire la suite

The objectives of this study were to test for the feasibility of satellite radio-tracking of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) breeding in the Grande-Baleine hydro-electric study area, to assess the size of their home-ranges, to determine their food habits during the nesting season, and to describe migration routes and wintering grounds of these birds. In June and August 1992, six golden eagles, of which 5 adults (4$ rm sp{o}$ + 1 sex unknown), were caught and fixed with transmitters in order to follow their movements over one year. The golden eagles fed on various animal species, i.e. 8 mammals, 15 birds …  Lire la suite

The focus of this study is Daniel Mendoza (1764-1836), an exceptional boxer and a controversial figure of Georgian Anglo-Jewish society. It will chart his meteoric rise from greengrocer's apprentice to champion boxer, and his sudden decline. The thesis aims to put Mendoza in his proper historical context, focussing on the dominant issues for the Jewish community at the time. To do this, there will be a review of the major works of Jewish and English history from the period. It also attempts to bring Mendoza, previously overlooked by Anglo-Jewish historians, to the forefront of any debate about the position of …  Lire la suite

Although the active immunization of monkeys against poliomyelitis has been attempted many times with attenuated and chemically inactivated poliomyelitis virus (Landsteiner andLevaditi, 1910; Kraus, 1911; Zappert et a1, 1911; Abramson and Gerber, 1918; Aycock and Kagan, 1927), success has only been achieved with virulent virus (Flexner and Lewis, 1910;Aycock and Kagan, 1927; Stewart and Rhoads, 1929: Rhoads, 1930). However, the danger of infection occurring juring the course of treatment is ever predominant (Thomsen, 1912; Aycock and Kagan, 1927). Therefore, the purpose of this work was to attempt active immunization with active cord virus obtained from monkeys prostrate with poliomyelitis, in …  Lire la suite

Feldberg and Schilf (18) have given the name 'Gewebshormone' to pharmacologically active substances which are formed unspecifically by a number of organs and whose normal metabolic action seems to be a local one although they are capable of acting on organs some distance from their site of formation. Acetylcholine and histamine are two such substances.  Lire la suite

The function of the nervous system is the control and coordination of the various activities of the body. Not only do nerves initiate or modify the specific functions of organs, but they also seem to control the sensitivity of organs in regard to directly attacking stimuli. [...]  Lire la suite

The garden of Eden's serpent appears only in Genesis 3 of the Hebrew Bible but its identity, role, or symbolism, have since been a matter of debate. Literal, allegorical, and mythical interpretations are evident in Jewish sources from the Bible until the end of the thirteenth century, but are not uniformly represented. Literal interpretations---those that rely on an actual serpent capable of communicating with Eve---account for the majority of Jewish interpretations, often to the complete exclusion of other possibilities. Allegorical and mythical interpretations of the serpent are found in the works of Philo and the Pseudepigrapha, disappear in the classical …  Lire la suite

Gordon, Dr. J.  Lire la suite

Ethereum is a multifaceted ecosystem shaped by diverse commitments and aspirations. This dissertation focuses on a relatively understudied micro-culture within Ethereum, known as “public goods” represented by a subcultural group known as “Regens”. Unlike the dominant financial use cases of blockchain, Regens aim to harness blockchain technologies for communal and participatory purposes, often through blockchain operated digital institutions known as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). I focus on Giveth - a well-known public goods DAO within the Ethereum ecosystem. Using an empirical approach grounded in ethnography, I map its culture, governance practices, and labour dynamics. Through this analysis, I examine how …  Lire la suite

Woods, H. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite