Thesis advisor: Bonnie S., PhD Jefferson / This paper examines the parallels between the situation comedies, The Golden Girls and Sex and the City. These shows possess striking similarities in their character portrayals and both emphasize the sisterly relationships of their characters. Using representative episodes, this paper illustrates that The Golden Girls and Sex and the City belong to the same unique subgenre of sitcoms that involve the non-traditional family formed by close female friends. In addition to criticism by genre, this paper also analyzes The Golden Girls and Sex and the City for each show’s individual manifestations of and implications for feminism. This study observes that the messages communicated by these shows are significant on their own, but are magnified when conveyed through repetition dictated by membership in a genre. Comparative analysis of The Golden Girls and Sex and the City intersects genre criticism and feminist criticism, creating a situational feminism that transcends entertainment with its social implications. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2010. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Communication Honors Program. / Discipline: Communication .

As proporções na face e no corpo humano são analisadas desde a antiguidade, a exemplo do Homem Vitruviano de Leonardo da Vince. A existência das proporções Divinas ou proporções áureas em crânios esqueletizados é um campo de estudo que apresenta um potencial colaborador para as áreas de sobreposição de imagens, reconstrução facial e identificação forense. O objetivo deste trabalho é estabelecer parâmetros antropométricos regionais baseados nas proporções áureas, instituindo coeficientes e índices faciais específicos para a amostra composta por sessenta crânios esqueletizados (n=60), oriundos do Instituto Médico Legal da Bahia. As mensurações foram realizadas diretamente sobre o crânio utilizando paquímetros digitais. Foram selecionadas 14 medidas craniométricas diferentes e a partir delas foram calculados 06 relações horizontais, 04 verticais e 06 índices faciais. Os dados foram tabulados e descritos por valores de média e desvio padrão, utilizou-se o intervalo de confiança da média (p<0,05). A proporção áurea (1,618) não foi encontrada na população examinada, entretanto foi possível estabelecer índices faciais e coeficientes próprios para as medidas, construindo parâmetros antropométricos regionais baseados nas proporções estudadas. A proporção altura da cabeça em relação a altura da face (V-GN/N-GN) igual a 1,69 foi a variável que mais se aproximou do número de ouro e a relação entre a altura nasal ser igual a metade da altura da face (N-SN=N-GN/2) como valor de 0,92 foi a variável que mais se aproximou entre as igualdades. Admiti-se que a partir de uma medida é possível alcançar a outra utilizando os índices faciais e as retas de regressão calculadas. Este estudo fornece indicadores úteis, pois busca estabelecer proporções nos crânios que são reproduzíveis na face, contribuindo para o aperfeiçoamento das técnicas auxiliares de Reconstrução Facial e Sobreposição de Imagens em estudos futuros. / The proportions of the human face and body have been studied since, at least, Leonardo da Vinci and his Vitruvian Man. The existence of divine or Golden Ratios in human skulls may collaborate with Image Superposition, Facial Reconstruction and Forensics Identification. The goal of this study is establishing regional anthropometrics parameters based on golden ratios, using specifics facial coefficients and indexes for sixty skulls (n=60), obtained from Institute of Legal Medicine of Bahia, BRA. The measurements were done directly over the skull using a digital pachymeter. Fourteen different measurements were selected and, from them, 06 horizontals and 04 verticals relations and 06 facial indexes were calculated. The data was charted and described by average and standard deviation. An average confidence interval was used (p<0,05).The golden ratio (1,618) has not been found among the population analyzed, however was possible establishing facial indexes and coefficients for the measurements, building regional anthropometric parameters based on the studied proportions. The proportion height of the head related to the height of the face (V-GN/N-GN) equal to 1,69 was the closest variable to the golden number and the relation between nasal height being equal to half a height of the face (N-SN=N-GN/2) as 0,92 was the closest variable between equalities. Admitting that from one measurement to another can be achieved using the facial indexes facial and linear regression calculated. This study provides useful indicators since tries to establish proportions on the skull that can be reproducible on the face, contributing for the improvement of auxiliary techniques of Facial Reconstruction and Images Superposition in future studies.

Na emergente busca por sistemas automáticos que realizem o reconhecimento de faces humanas, pesquisadores têm agrupado diferentes técnicas para obterem resultados que possam ser cada vez mais robustos e ágeis. Essa preocupação não se restringe aos meios acadêmicos, também existe interesse legal comercial em utilizar sistemas que reconheçam faces humanas como por exemplo, que locais em que seja difícil a identificação de pessoas pelos seres humanos. Diante dessa constante preocupação, este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver um sistema de reconhecimento automático de faces, por intermédio de suas proporções, aplicando uma técnica inovadora, em que por meio de um algoritmo genético, que tem como entrada o número de segmentos áureos encontrados na face, é possível determinar as proporções existentes e, assim, encontrar a face desejada. Os resultados demonstram que a razão áurea, utilizada desde a antiguidade por pintores e escultores, está presente nas proporções das faces humanas e que fornece um meio de medida biométrica que permite a identificação de um indivíduo, mesmo com expressões faciais. / There has been an emerging pursuit of automatic systems that provide the recognition of human faces. Seeing that, scientists have gathered different techniques in order to obtain more and more positive and concrete results. This pursuit is not of academic concern only, but there is also legal and commercial interest in using systems that can recognize faces in places where it is difficult for humans to locate a person, that is when it is necessary to locate outlaws in crowded places. That being so, this work aims at developing a system for the automatic recognition of human faces using proportions and applying an innovative technique that implements a Genetic Algorithm. This algorithm uses the number of facial golden proportion sections as its input, so it is possible to determine the existing proportions and consequently, to locate the desired face no matter the person\'s facial expression. The results show that the golden ratio, which has been used since the earlier times by painters and sculptors, is present in human facial proportions and is a biometric measurement that enables to identify an individual even when facial expressions are worn.

Na emergente busca por sistemas automáticos que realizem o reconhecimento de faces humanas, pesquisadores têm agrupado diferentes técnicas para obterem resultados que possam ser cada vez mais robustos e ágeis. Essa preocupação não se restringe aos meios acadêmicos, também existe interesse legal comercial em utilizar sistemas que reconheçam faces humanas como por exemplo, que locais em que seja difícil a identificação de pessoas pelos seres humanos. Diante dessa constante preocupação, este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver um sistema de reconhecimento automático de faces, por intermédio de suas proporções, aplicando uma técnica inovadora, em que por meio de um algoritmo genético, que tem como entrada o número de segmentos áureos encontrados na face, é possível determinar as proporções existentes e, assim, encontrar a face desejada. Os resultados demonstram que a razão áurea, utilizada desde a antiguidade por pintores e escultores, está presente nas proporções das faces humanas e que fornece um meio de medida biométrica que permite a identificação de um indivíduo, mesmo com expressões faciais. / There has been an emerging pursuit of automatic systems that provide the recognition of human faces. Seeing that, scientists have gathered different techniques in order to obtain more and more positive and concrete results. This pursuit is not of academic concern only, but there is also legal and commercial interest in using systems that can recognize faces in places where it is difficult for humans to locate a person, that is when it is necessary to locate outlaws in crowded places. That being so, this work aims at developing a system for the automatic recognition of human faces using proportions and applying an innovative technique that implements a Genetic Algorithm. This algorithm uses the number of facial golden proportion sections as its input, so it is possible to determine the existing proportions and consequently, to locate the desired face no matter the person\'s facial expression. The results show that the golden ratio, which has been used since the earlier times by painters and sculptors, is present in human facial proportions and is a biometric measurement that enables to identify an individual even when facial expressions are worn.

O mexilhão-dourado é um organismo invasor que tem causado grandes prejuízos a sistemas de captação de água e usinas hidroelétricas (UHEs). Existem diversos métodos de controle da incrustação destes organismos em tubulações de usinas hidroelétricas, porém o impacto da aplicação desses métodos ainda não é amplamente conhecido. Este trabalho visa desenvolver uma metodologia para avaliar a degradação dos sistemas de resfriamento de UHEs submetidas a tratamentos químicos para o controle da incrustação por mexilhão-dourado. Neste trabalho é usado, como caso exemplo, o sistema de resfriamento do ar do núcleo do gerador e do óleo dos mancais de uma UHE com turbina Kaplan de potência aproximada de 150 MW. A análise proposta baseia-se na aplicação de ensaios acelerados de corrosão, a fim de determinar a taxa de corrosão nas condições normais de operação. Os ensaios executados neste estudo simulam condições operacionais mais severas do que as usualmente enfrentadas pelo sistema, visando reduzir o tempo de execução dos ensaios. Os ensaios acelerados de corrosão baseiam-se no aumento da solicitação térmica e da concentração das substâncias químicas injetadas no fluxo de água que são a adição de gás ozônio e de hipoclorito de sódio. Para realização dos ensaios foi construído um circuito experimental capaz de impor condições de temperatura e concentrações das substâncias químicas. Os resultados dos ensaios acelerados fornecem subsídios para aplicação dos conceitos de confiabilidade estrutural para determinação da probabilidade de falha dos equipamentos em estudo em função do tempo de aplicação do tratamento químico. Verificou-se entre os produtos químicos utilizados neste estudo, que o hipoclorito de sódio é 50% mais agressivo para a liga de cobre níquel e 700% mais agressivo para o aço inoxidável em relação a degradação observada pela ação do ozônio. / The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) is an invader organism that has caused great damage to water catchment systems and hydroelectric power plants. There are various methods of fouling control of these organisms in hydroelectric power plants pipelines, but the impact of the application of these methods is not yet widely known. This work aims at developing a methodology to evaluate the degradation of hydroelectric power plants cooling systems pieces of equipment subjected to chemical treatments for control of golden mussel fouling. This work uses as a case example, the cooling system inside generator and oil bearing of Kaplan hydroelectric turbine with 150MW nominal power output. The analysis is based on the application of accelerated corrosion tests in order to determine the rate of corrosion under normal operation conditions given the rates of corrosion under various accelerated conditions. The tests run on this thesis simulate operating conditions more severe than those usually experienced by the system, to reduce the runtime of the tests. The proposed accelerated corrosion tests are based on increased thermal loading and concentration of chemical substances injected into water flow. The chemical treatments tested in this work are the addition of ozone and sodium hypochlorite. For carrying out the tests an experimental circuit capable of imposing different conditions of temperature and concentration levels was built. The results of accelerated tests provide subsidies for the implementation of structural reliability concepts for determining the failure probability of equipment under consideration. Among the chemical products used in the analysis, the sodium hypochlorite is 50% more aggressive for copper-nickel 90/10 alloy and 700% more aggressive for stainless steel in relation to degradation observed for ozone.

Conclusion. Taken together, paternal factors carried in ASG secretion affect genomic imprinting of developing embryos. The outcome of research work described here deepens our understanding of the role of ASG in maximizing reproductive performance mediated by regulating the epigenetic marks of the genome and in particular the imprinted genes. / Introduction. Our previous in vivo studies in golden hamster have shown the accessory sex glands (ASG) secretion facilitate the development of embryos to term but the underlying mechanism is still not clear. Since the deleterious effect caused by the lack of sperm exposure to ASG secretion is heritable to developing fetus and even after birth, we hypothesized that the paternal factor carried in ASG secretion may change the epigenetic regulation and in particular the imprinted genes of embryonic genome. / Materials and methods. Golden hamster and ICR mouse were used in this study. Hamster is a well-established animal model to study the effect of individual ASG but the genetic background of hamster is poorly known. To verify the specificity of our molecular probe and antibodies used in hamster, a mouse model was also established. Five groups of male hamsters and two groups of male mice were established by surgical treatment. In hamster, (SH) sham-operated, (VPX) ventral prostate-removed, (TX) all ASG-removed, (VPVX) castrated with ASG-removed except ventral prostate and (VX) castrated with intact ASG were established. In mouse, SH and VPX were established. In single-mating of hamster, male was copulated with female at estrus for 15 min. In double-mating of hamsters, female mated with each male for 10 min each. In single-mating of mouse, male was caged with female for 1 h. Epididymal sperm, uterine sperm, fertilized oocytes, pre-implantation embryos and fetuses at 13 days gestation (E13) were collected. Global DNA methylation of sperm, fertilized oocytes, early embryos and E13 fetuses were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence and DNA dot-blot using antibody against methylated DNA. Using the same technique, histone acetylation at lysine 5 residue was detected in male pronuclei of fertilized oocytes, protamine 1 and 2 content were detected in sperm, DNA methyltransferase 1, 3a and 3b activities were detected in early embryos. The crown-rump length and weight of fetuses were measured. Morphology was also examined under scanning electron microscope. Two sets of co-ordinately regulated but oppositely expressed imprinted genes Igf2/H19 and Dlk1/Gtl2 were investigated. H19 differentially methylated region (DMR) and Gtl2 promoter were examined by bisulfite sequencing in sperm and E13 fetuses. Expression of Igf2 and Dlk1 were examined by in situ hybridization and real-time PCR in pre-implantation embryos and E13 fetuses. / Results. Uterine sperm in VPX and TX groups showed no change of DNA methylation level and protamine 1 and 2 content. Fertilized oocytes in VPX and TX groups showed similar DNA methylation level as SH group in both hamster and mouse. Histone hypoacetylation was observed in male pronuclei of hamster but not in mouse. Early embryos in VPX and TX groups showed abnormal level of DNA methylation and Dnmt3b during embryo development in hamster. Replenishment of ASG secretion to sperm from VPX and TX group by double-mating restored the DNA methylation level to normal in early embryos. E13 fetuses of VPX and TX groups in hamster and VPX group in mouse showed DNA hypomethylation. E13 fetuses of VPX group in hamster showed increase in average crown-rump length and body weight with larger variations between individuals. One E13 fetus of VPX group in mouse showed polydactyly and malformation in the head. Real-time PCR showed abnormal expression of Igf2 and Dlk1 in both pre-implantation embryos and E13 fetuses of VPX and TX groups. Bisulfite sequencing showed hypermethylation of H19 DMR in VPX and TX groups of hamster and hypomethylation of Gtl2 promoter in VPX group of mouse. / "August 2007." / Adviser: Pak Ham Chow. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-08, Section: B, page: 4739. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 194-224). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

As proporções na face e no corpo humano são analisadas desde a antiguidade, a exemplo do Homem Vitruviano de Leonardo da Vince. A existência das proporções Divinas ou proporções áureas em crânios esqueletizados é um campo de estudo que apresenta um potencial colaborador para as áreas de sobreposição de imagens, reconstrução facial e identificação forense. O objetivo deste trabalho é estabelecer parâmetros antropométricos regionais baseados nas proporções áureas, instituindo coeficientes e índices faciais específicos para a amostra composta por sessenta crânios esqueletizados (n=60), oriundos do Instituto Médico Legal da Bahia. As mensurações foram realizadas diretamente sobre o crânio utilizando paquímetros digitais. Foram selecionadas 14 medidas craniométricas diferentes e a partir delas foram calculados 06 relações horizontais, 04 verticais e 06 índices faciais. Os dados foram tabulados e descritos por valores de média e desvio padrão, utilizou-se o intervalo de confiança da média (p<0,05). A proporção áurea (1,618) não foi encontrada na população examinada, entretanto foi possível estabelecer índices faciais e coeficientes próprios para as medidas, construindo parâmetros antropométricos regionais baseados nas proporções estudadas. A proporção altura da cabeça em relação a altura da face (V-GN/N-GN) igual a 1,69 foi a variável que mais se aproximou do número de ouro e a relação entre a altura nasal ser igual a metade da altura da face (N-SN=N-GN/2) como valor de 0,92 foi a variável que mais se aproximou entre as igualdades. Admiti-se que a partir de uma medida é possível alcançar a outra utilizando os índices faciais e as retas de regressão calculadas. Este estudo fornece indicadores úteis, pois busca estabelecer proporções nos crânios que são reproduzíveis na face, contribuindo para o aperfeiçoamento das técnicas auxiliares de Reconstrução Facial e Sobreposição de Imagens em estudos futuros. / The proportions of the human face and body have been studied since, at least, Leonardo da Vinci and his Vitruvian Man. The existence of divine or Golden Ratios in human skulls may collaborate with Image Superposition, Facial Reconstruction and Forensics Identification. The goal of this study is establishing regional anthropometrics parameters based on golden ratios, using specifics facial coefficients and indexes for sixty skulls (n=60), obtained from Institute of Legal Medicine of Bahia, BRA. The measurements were done directly over the skull using a digital pachymeter. Fourteen different measurements were selected and, from them, 06 horizontals and 04 verticals relations and 06 facial indexes were calculated. The data was charted and described by average and standard deviation. An average confidence interval was used (p<0,05).The golden ratio (1,618) has not been found among the population analyzed, however was possible establishing facial indexes and coefficients for the measurements, building regional anthropometric parameters based on the studied proportions. The proportion height of the head related to the height of the face (V-GN/N-GN) equal to 1,69 was the closest variable to the golden number and the relation between nasal height being equal to half a height of the face (N-SN=N-GN/2) as 0,92 was the closest variable between equalities. Admitting that from one measurement to another can be achieved using the facial indexes facial and linear regression calculated. This study provides useful indicators since tries to establish proportions on the skull that can be reproducible on the face, contributing for the improvement of auxiliary techniques of Facial Reconstruction and Images Superposition in future studies.

Syngonanthus nitens (Bong.) Ruhland e Mauritia flexuosa Mart. são espécies utilizadas no artesanato do capim-dourado, típico da região do Jalapão (TO). Os escapos de S. nitens são costurados com fibras extraídas das folhas jovens de M. flexuosa, para a confecção de cestarias, mandalas e bijuterias. Nesse contexto, pretendeu-se estabelecer o diálogo entre saberes locais e científicos sobre tais espécies. Levantou-se os conhecimentos locais e as percepções dos artesãos em relação ao buriti e capim-dourado em duas comunidades quilombolas: Mumbuca e Prata, localizadas respectivamente nos municípios de Mateiros e São Félix do Tocantins (TO). Por meio de pesquisa qualitativa, foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, observação participativa e grupos focais. Em relação ao capim-dourado, a análise de conteúdo, realizada por recorte temático, evidencia afirmações e indagações relacionadas ao fogo, à variação morfológica e à produção de sementes; já sobre o buriti, destaca-se a distinção realizada entre indivíduos \"buriti-macho\" e \"buriti-fêmea\", em palmeiras ainda em estado vegetativo. A partir desses resultados, houve a associação com a produção científica disponível sobre as espécies, tanto quanto com a elaboração de perguntas científicas ligadas aos temas que se destacam no levantamento do conhecimento local. Os resultados dessa associação dos saberes locais e a produção cientifica destacam a pluralidade de perspectivas sobre essas espécies da flora brasileira: capim-dourado e buriti, o que enriquece o diálogo entre conhecimento local e científico e debates sobre ações rumo à conservação da biodiversidade e sua relação com ações de educação ambiental / Syngonanthus nitens (Bong.) Ruhland and Mauritia flexuosa Mart. species are used in the golden grass crafts, typical of the Jalapão (TO) region. The stalks of S. nitens are sewn with fibers extracted from young leaves of M. flexuosa, for making baskets, mandalas and costume jewelry. In this context, the research sought to establish a dialogue between local and scientific knowledge about these species. Local knowledge and perceptions of artisans regarding the golden grass and the buriti palm were surveyed in two quilombola communities: Mumbuca and Prata, located respectively in the municipalities of Mateiros and São Félix do Tocantins (TO). Through qualitative research semi-structured interviews, participative observations and focus groups were conducted. Regarding the golden grass, content analysis shows assertions and questions related to golden grass fire management, morphological variations and seeds production; as for the buriti palm, the local distinction of male and female buriti, made in vegetative individuals was highlighted. Based on these results, not only it was possible to make associations with scientific bibliography available on both species, but also it inspired knew scientific questions about S.nitens and M. flexuosa. Moreover, these results highlight the plurality of perspectives on the two species from Brazil\'s flora: golden grass and buriti palm. Finally, it was possible to create a dialogue rout for local and scientific knowledge, which enhances the debates on biodiversity conservations and its relations with local Communities and environmental education

The Golden Throne Quadrangle is located within Capitol Reef National Park, south-central Utah. Geologic mapping of this 1:24,000 scale 7.5 minute quadrangle began in 2003 as the National Parks Service desired to have geologic maps at this scale produced within the park. Stratigraphically, ten bedrock formations and ten Quaternary deposits are exposed within the Golden Throne Quadrangle. Geologic formations range in age from Permian to Jurassic. This map contains details not included on previous geologic maps including; the members of the Carmel, Chinle, and Moenkopi Formations. Additionally, the Page Sandstone is herein mapped as an independent unit. Structurally the Golden Throne Quadrangle encompasses most of the southern quarter of the Miners Mountain uplift. The crest of this southwest verging uplift is cut by the left-lateral strike-slip Teasdale Fault zone. Preparation of a cross-section through the axis of the uplift within the quadrangle has not permitted the use of usual faulting and folding mechanisms (i.e. fault-bend folds and fault-propagation folds) for the creation of the uplift. Two structural models can account for the geometries observed in the field. The first model is a high angle reverse basement fault; the second model is a fold over an inverted basin. The Jurassic Page Sandstone, in the Golden Throne Quadrangle, is composed of the Harris Wash and Thousand Pockets Members, which are divided by the Judd Hollow Tongue, a member of the overlying Carmel Formation It represents an erg deposit and is primarily composed of eolian sandstone. Study of the formation within the Golden Throne Quadrangle helped in the understanding of its local characteristics. Previous research has helped to develop a regional stratigraphic framework for the Page Sandstone. This study cannot be easily incorporated into the regional framework of previous studies. In order to fully understand the sedimentology of the Page Sandstone additional research will need to be accomplished.

Background: Nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCL/P) is a complex trait caused by genetic and environmental factors that interact producing a wide spectrum of orofacial malformations, including dental anomalies. The underlying genetic etiology that accounts for phenotypic variation in affected families is poorly understood. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to utilize shape and microesthetic analysis to characterize the maxillary anterior dentition in unaffected parents of children with NSCL/P (cases) compared to control adults with no CL/P history to identify dental morphology features that are part of the NSCL/P phenotypic spectrum and can therefore be used in refining NSCL/P phenotypes and identifying genetic risk factors. Methods: Individuals were recruited from 5 sites including Iowa, Texas, Hungary, the Philippines, and Pittsburg, PA. From a total of 3202 individuals, 420 quailified after strict selective criteria. Digital photographs from 198 cases and 222 controls were analyzed using linear metrics and 2D-coordinate landmark-based geometric morphometrics (GM) to compare dental esthetics and deviations from golden proportions." Differences in central incisor and connector height proportions were evaluated using paired T-tests. Anterior tooth shapes were examined using GM techniques. Results: Three shape differences were found to be possible predictors of genetic risk. These included shorter maxillary anterior teeth overall, square shaped lateral incisors on the left side, as well as lateral incisors and canines with long axes angled inward toward the midline on the left side. Both the case and control groups were found to be significantly different than the proposed ideal values of tooth proportions. Conclusions: Significant differences in anterior dental morphology were found between cases and controls, with controls displaying a more ideal dental morphology than cases for most evaluated measures. The identification of these distinct dental features in carriers of NSCL/P genetic risk factors further characterizes the phenotypic spectrum of NSCL/P which can enhance the power of genetic studies.