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On the Etiology of Homosexuality: Theological Considerations
Get PDFThis thesis provides a historical and holistic overview of the etiology of homosexuality from the nineteenth century with the emergence of the scientific study of sex and the birth of sexual modernism up until the present. Today, the scientific literature leans heavily toward a biological explanation, while still taking into consideration environmental and cultural factors. Furthermore, this thesis offers a multi-variant definition of homosexuality primarily based on Camille Paglia’s definition of homosexuality as an adaptation. This thesis also aligns itself with the work of Ritch Savin-Williams who puts forth a fluid, continuum-based model of sexuality as opposed to Michael Bailey’s categorical model. Furthermore, I explore how Canadian philosopher and theologian Bernard Lonergan’s notions of openness, conversion and authenticity shed light on the continual need for self-questioning and self-knowledge; scientific data suggests that sexual orientation is not immutable and can change, but authenticity in turn requires that the human person be open, attentive and receptive to such current and future possibilities. Lastly, my manuscript’s intended purpose is to offer a fair and realistic understanding of homosexuality that involves taking note of the advantages and shortcomings of homosexuality. Crucial questions raised by my research include: What is the etiology of homosexuality? What is the cultural, philosophical and theological significance of homosexuality? What role do critical thinking and self-knowledge play in sexual ethics? Is it sensical to speak of the human person in terms of a binary of ‘straight/gay’ when much of the scientific literature points to a fluid continuum of sexual desire
The More You Read, The More You Gain
Get PDFThis study investigated the effect of context on learning to read and spell large or small sets of decodable words presented in a shallow orthography. Thirty adult participants were screened for their knowledge of phonemic symbols, word reading and spelling skills. Then, the participants were randomly assigned to read a large or small set of English words written with phonemic symbols, half in context and half in isolation. After training, the participants read the phonemic symbols again immediately. Three to five days later, the participants were tested again with their ability to read, recognize, and spell the trained words. The results showed that during training, the participants read more words accurately in context from the first to the last trial regardless of set size groups. Reading accuracy did not differ between groups learning the large and small set of words when reading took place in context. However, the reading accuracy was higher for the participants trained in the large word set when words were read in isolation. In addition, participants trained in the large set size learned more phonemic symbols than those in the small set size. In the delayed post-test, participants trained in both set size groups read more words trained in context accurately compared to the words trained in isolation. The participants in both groups recognized and spelled words with similar accuracy but they recognized words trained in isolation faster. The current study mimicked children’s reading with incomplete alphabetic knowledge, thus the findings contributed to informing practice to support children’s literacy development
On geometrical and analytical aspects of moduli spaces of quadratic differentials
Get PDFIn this dissertation, we consider moduli spaces of meromorphic quadratic differentials in homological coordinates and applications of underlying deformation theory of Ahlfors-Rauch type.
At first, we derive variational formulas for objects associated with generalized Hitchin’s spectral covers: Prym matrix, Prym bidifferential, Bergman tau-function. The resulting formulas are antisymmetric versions of Donagi-Markman residue formula. Then we adapt the framework of topological recursion to the case of double covers to compute higher-order variations.
Another application of the deformation theory lies within the symplectic geometry of the monodromy map of the Schrödinger equation on a Riemann surface with a meromorphic potential having second order poles. We discuss the conditions for the base projective connection, which induces its own set of Darboux homological coordinates, to imply the Goldman Poisson structure on the character variety. Using this result, we perform generalized WKB expansion of the generating function of monodromy symplectomorphism (the Yang-Yang function) and compute its leading asymptotics.
Finally, we relate these two studies by showing how the variational analysis on Hitchin’s spectral covers could be applied towards the computation of higher asymptotics of the WKB expansion
Applications of Dispersal Diversity on Food Web Stability Through a Synthesis of Current Literature and Observational Study
Get PDFDispersal is a key mechanism that allows for spatially separated populations to interact across space and time. Rates of dispersal have been identified as a key factor shaping the stability of ecological communities. Dispersal diversity is the component of diversity that encompasses species dispersal abilities, driven by variation in dispersal-linked traits and condition-dependent movement behaviours. Frameworks that incorporate spatial dynamics often have not considered this source of diversity, opting for simpler methods of accounting for dispersal, but recent theoretical research has pushed for explicit inclusion of dispersal diversity within spatially structured (meta)communities. In my first chapter I reviewed literature that supports the stabilizing role of dispersal diversity and compiled intrinsic and extrinsic sources of variation that could be used to monitor stability in a trophic food web. In chapter two I tested whether local dispersal diversity predicted local community stability in the marine fish metacommunity of the Newfoundland and Labrador shelves, using dispersal trait measurements to quantify dispersal diversity and determine its impact on community stability over time. The results from chapter two support the stabilizing role of dispersal diversity, and that dispersal diversity can be measured applying the same methods as for functional diversity. This research highlights the importance of dispersal diversity for community stability, how dispersal diversity can be measured, and provides direction for future spatial studies on what traits to consider when accounting for dispersal diversity. Incorporating dispersal diversity into spatial models could provide better information to decision makers for managing spatially connected regions
Control of Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning Systems Under Adversarial Attacks
Get PDFThis Ph.D. dissertation studies the control of multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) and multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) systems under adversarial attacks.
Various attacks are investigated, and several defence algorithms (mitigation approaches) are proposed to assist the consensus control and proper data transmission.
We studied the consensus problem of a leaderless, homogeneous MARL system using actor-critic algorithms, with and without malicious agents.
We considered various distance-based immediate reward functions to improve the system's performance.
In addition to proposing four different immediate reward functions based on Euclidean, n-norm, and Chebyshev distances, we rigorously demonstrated which reward function performs better based on a cumulative reward for each agent and the entire team of agents.
The claims have been proven theoretically, and the simulation confirmed theoretical findings.
We examined whether modifying the malicious agent's neural network (NN) structure, as well as providing a compatible combination of the mean squared error (MSE) loss function and the sigmoid activation function can mitigate the destructive effects of the malicious agent on the leaderless, homogeneous, MARL system performance.
In addition to the theoretical support, the simulation confirmed the findings of the theory.
We studied the gradient-based adversarial attacks on cluster-based, heterogeneous MADRL systems with time-delayed data transmission using deep Q-network (DQN) algorithms.
We introduced two novel observations, termed on-time and time-delay observations, considered when the data transmission channel is idle and the data is transmitted on-time or time-delayed.
By considering the distance between the neighbouring agents, we presented a novel immediate reward function that appends a distance-based reward to the previously utilized reward to improve the MADRL system performance. We considered three types of gradient-based attacks to investigate the robustness of the proposed system data transmission. Two defence methods were proposed to reduce the effects of the discussed malicious attacks.
The theoretical results are illustrated and verified with simulation examples.
We also investigated the data transmission robustness between agents of a cluster-based, heterogeneous MADRL system under a gradient-based adversarial attack. An algorithm using a DQN approach and a proportional feedback controller to defend against the fast gradient sign method (FGSM) attack and improve the DQN agent performance was proposed.
Simulation results are included to verify the presented results
The Fundamental Electrochemical Characteristics of Rare-Earth Cluster-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks
Get PDFThis work explores the synthesis and characterization of redox active rare-earth (RE) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are of interest due to their unique properties including permanent porosity, high surface area, and stability. Redox active MOFs have shown promise in a variety of applications including catalysis and molecular electronics.
The second chapter will explore materials composed of Ce(IV) clusters bridged by ditopic carboxylate-based linkers. The synthesis of a series of UiO-66 analogues using the redox active metal Ce(IV) is completed with the original linker benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid as well as with various functionalized linkers including: 2-aminobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, 2-fluorobenzene- 1,4-dicarboxylic acid, 2-bromobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzene-1,4- dicarboxylic acid, and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid. The electrochemical differences between the analogues is explored via cyclic voltammetry.
The third chapter delves into the synthesis of a series of redox active MOFs using the tetratopic tetrathiaflvalene-3,4,5,6-tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) (TTFTBA) redox active linker. Synthesis of a 3D cluster based MOF is attempted using Ce(III/IV), Yb(III), and Lu(III). Two new MOFs with shp topology are synthesized using TTFTBA and Yb(III) or Lu(III). The materials are characterized, and their redox properties are explored
Surface Preparation for Suspension Plasma Sprayed Ceramic Coatings on Metallic Substrate
Get PDFSuspension plasma spray (SPS) is one of the very important types of thermal spray processes for generating fine microstructured coatings. This type of coating usually functions in harsh environment; therefore, the coating requires strain tolerant behaviour. To achieve this strain tolerant behaviour and durable functionalities of the coatings, substrate surface preparation plays a significant role. Proper surface preparation helps to improve the adhesion of the SPS coatings. Conventionally, grit blasting is used for surface preparation; but, there are some major limitations like grit residue inclusion, generation of compressive stress and formation of microcracks which cannot be avoided especially when surface preparation is performed for the ductile metals like aluminum and copper. To overcome these limitations, in this research, an aerospace grade aluminum (Al-2024) was selected to perform the surface preparation by two advanced techniques, they are atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) and femtosecond laser (FSL) where grit blasting was the benchmark technique. Surface profiles of the prepared substrates by those techniques were characterized by confocal microscope, morphology was evaluated by SEM, and surface chemistry of the prepared substrates was evaluated by EDSX, XRD, XPS, and ATR-FTIR analytical tools. Under certain processing conditions, in the case of the surface prepared by APPJ a self-organized patterned multilayer and multiscale microstructures was obtained. In the case of FSL at different process parameters, two periodic structures and one random structure were obtained.
For the coating by SPS process, alumina was used to coat the surface prepared by APPJ, FSL and also grit blasting, since alumina is a widely accepted ceramic material for insulating and wear resistant applications. Two spray conditions were selected for depositing alumina coatings in the view of producing dense type and also porous type coating. Coated substrate surface profiles were evaluated by confocal microscopy and the coating microstructures were studied by SEM from the top surface and also from the cross section. Adhesion strength of the deposited coatings were evaluated by ASTM C-633 pull test protocol. Significant adhesion strength was noticed in the case of femtosecond laser, at least 4.5 factors more than the conventional grit blasting and in the case of APPJ-treated substrates the adhesion strength was 2.4 factors higher than that of the grit blasting. In addition, failed samples after the adhesion tests were studied by digital image analysis, SEM, and also by FESEM to understand the adhesion mechanism on the three types of prepared substrates. The results found in this research for the surface preparation show a milestone for the advance surface preparation of aluminum metal by APPJ and FSL. In addition, both surface preparation techniques can eventually be integrated in coating production as an alternative to grit blasting since both techniques are clean and no toxic chemicals are used or produced
Composing with the Event—Moving Toward Neurodiverse Perception/Sensation
Get PDFNeurodiversity is the mode of composing. The infinite diversity in diversity, of the field of
relation making itself felt in its becoming.
This thesis is this composing.
Relationality is the dance itself of all that is compelled to move in a mode of composing
worldings/bodyings. Movement is the force, the ever transitioning/thresholding (of shapes/forms,
etc.), the excess, as well as the arena of qualities continuously arriving to their singularity.
Simultaneously, both the voicing and the harmony in the atonal dance of relation in emergence.
Composition as ecology.
Relationality, not between located fixed objects, but rather the field of relation at the interstices
themselves, of becoming and abecoming (without becoming). The excess makes a difference in
the architecting of the spaces and silences by which movement is informed. Forces emerge, and
through the singular moving qualities, matter is weathered into shapings and formations that
reciprocally shape space and silence—forever a transitioning from the middle. Qualities express
at the interstices of the edging of emergence. Singular qualities event, pulsing frivolously
throughout the continuum of the multiplicity of potential.
How to read this thesis? This thesis invites you to cut the words into fragments, throw them to
the wind and enter the dance of relation in a co-composition
Do You See What I See? Exploring Transactional Influences of Parental and Child Perceptions of Children’s Anxiety Using an Actor-Partner Interdependence Framework
Get PDFAnxiety is the most common and earliest presenting of mental health problems and can have significant negative impacts on development across the lifespan, even at subclinical levels. Much research has explored the importance of the family system in children’s emotion socialization, including their anxiety trajectories. However, little research has explored parental influences in ways that account for the dyadic and transactional nature of the family system.
The overall aim of this research was to investigate dyadic patterns of parent and child perceptions and emotion socialization behaviours on children’s anxiety across development using Actor-Partner Interdependence Models. Data from Study 1 (N = 180) was drawn from the Concordia Longitudinal Research Project, an ongoing longitudinal, intergenerational study of children from disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Data from Study 2 (N = 208) was drawn from a three-wave community sample. Study 1 examined the dyadic influence of maternal and child perceptions of children’s anxiety and their role as a possible mechanism for the intergenerational transmission of anxiety. Overall, results suggested that maternal perceptions of children’s anxiety influenced children’s later self-perceptions of their own anxiety, but not vice versa. Maternal perceptions were also shown to mediate the link between maternal anxiety in early childhood and children’s self-reported anxiety in early adolescence, but only for mothers who were observed to be less sensitive and structuring in their interactions with their children. Study 2 examined the dyadic influence of maternal and paternal perceptions of children’s anxiety and responses to children’s expression of anxiety. Overall, results suggested that mothers and fathers influence each other’s negative socialization behaviours in different ways, with mothers’ behaviours influenced more indirectly by paternal perceptions and fathers’ behaviours influenced more directly by maternal behaviours.
The present studies build on previous work exploring parental perceptions of children’s temperamental anxiety in early childhood and maternal and paternal emotion socialization strategies in response to anxiety. These findings highlight the importance of exploring key relationships in a child’s environment when seeking to understand the importance of parenting on children’s anxiety trajectories. This line of research has important implications for early prevention and intervention within the family system
Accessibilité et applicabilité des pratiques durables pour les designers de produits de textile de la région de Montréal dans une conjoncture de société de consommation
Get PDFThe textile industry is currently facing significant socio-environmental challenges. This research-creation aims to identify the sustainable practices available and their applicability for the designers from the Montreal area who specialize in clothing and home living.
As the designers, Kate Fletcher and Lynda Grose (2102) mention, I believe that we, the designers, have the privilege to communicate to educate and to intervene actively in promoting sustainable textile consumption practices.
The complexity behind the textile industry was studied through three approaches: a study on 25 fibres was conducted, to better understand the textile as a material; professionals from the fashion and accessories design industry were met in their workplaces, to grasp the contexts of their creative process; a workshop series was held in a university setting to share the information, gathered during the interviews, with future professional artists and designers. From our discussion and by utilizing textile waste, the participants created projects showing the socio-environmental impacts of our textile consumption and reflecting on responsible alternatives.
Based on the historical references to the evolution of the human–object relationship, the textile fibre development, and the designer context in the Montreal area, this thesis suggests an approach based on mindfulness. The results of the research supporting this three-part project demonstrate that the application of sustainable practices still requires a lot of individual responsibilities from textile product designers. Our society based on economic growth works against the collaboration and accountability needed for the changes required by human beings in order to reharmonize with Earth