This thesis offers a micro-level analysis of labour and women’s organizing in the context of globalization through the case study of the Comité Fronterizo de Obrer@s (CFO) from 1978 to 2009. We will see how one organization’s journey can give us insights into the complexities of local organizing and transnational networking in the context of globalization. This case study can be seen as a lens through which we can examine the changing context of labour and women’s organizing in the distinct maquiladora environment. My work positions itself in the “globalization from above” and “globalization from below” debate, specifically around the question of transnational social movements that form the “globalization from below” category in the context of a political economy analysis. However, where my thesis differs from a more traditional analysis of the resistance to globalization, such as that found in the global justice movements or alter-globalization movements, is in its focus on the complexities of organizing at the local level and the pressures that these local organizations feel from “above” from their transnational partners. What this thesis adds to the literature are the stories from the actual members of the organization, about the structure, the decision-making process of their organization, the role of the leadership and the connections between the local organizing and the transnational civil society partners. The complex history of an organization that has been there since the beginning of the maquiladora industry allows us a better understanding of the changing conditions and struggles these workers have faced. This journey through the history of the CFO, the richness of this empirical data encompassing more than 30 years of organizing in the maquiladora zone of Northern Mexico also allows us to explore “globalization from below” through different lens. This thesis brings in a micro-detail analysis of a specific organization in a specific context where we can see clearly transnational civil society linkages and the impact of globalizing capitalist neoliberal economy. As such, this research can offer us new insights into the intricacies of local-global linkages and thus contribute to an area often neglected or underdeveloped in international relations (IR).

Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) can provide a visualization for multi-dimensional data with two dimensional mappings. By applying unsupervised learning techniques to SOM representations, we can further enhance visual inspection for change detection. In order to obtain a more accurate measurement for the changes of self-organizing maps beyond simple visual inspection, we introduce the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Kullback-Leibler Divergence (KLD) on top of SOM trained maps. The main contribution in this dissertation focuses on adding numerical methods to SOM algorithms, with anomaly detection as example domain. Through extensive traced-based simulations, it is observed that our techniques can uncover anomalies with an accuracy of 100% at an anomaly mixture-rate as low as 12% from the CTU-13 dataset. Tuning of the KLD threshold further reduces the mixture-rate to 7%, significantly augmenting visual inspection to assist in detecting low-rate anomalies. Suitable hierarchical and distributed SOM-based approaches are also explored, along with other approaches in the literature. Hierarchies in SOM can show the correlations among the neural cells on the self-organizing maps. In order to obtain a higher accuracy for anomaly detection, a new dimension of labels is suggested to be added in the second layer of SOM training. Also for more general distributed SOM-based algorithms, we investigate the use of principal component analysis (PCA) for the separation of dimensions. With the transformed dataset from PCA, the inner dependencies can be reserved in a manageable scale. As a case study, this dissertation uses a SOM-based approach for anomaly detection in Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks. We further investigate the use of SOM for the Quality of Service (QoS) in the scenario of wireless SCADA networks. Solving the problem of long computing time of optimizing the cached contents, the new SOM-based approach can also learn and predict the sub-optimal locations for the caching while maintaining a prediction error of 28%. / Graduate

A Multi-agent system (MAS) is one which has a number of independent software agents interact with each other to achieve a common goal or goals automatically. It is commonly known that many species are living in the form of a MAS as it has high adaptability on surviving in an unstructural environment. Based on the benefits of group living observed from the nature, MAS is a potential direction to solve a wide range of engineering problems including robotics, chemistry, finance and genetics. / As the goodness of a response is measured from the quantity of award received, optimization is necessary in self-organization. We proposed a novel global optimization algorithm called "Creativity Driven Optimization (CDO)" in the second part of this thesis. By introducing the idea of creativity, CDO requires fewer evaluations than that of three reference methods to search for a global optimum. / In order to maximize the ability of MAS, self-organization is an essential element to be considered. Self-organization refers to a process in which the knowledge of a system accumulated automatically without being guided by an outside source or super-intelligence. In addition, the knowledge is accumulated only when the system interacts with the environment. Therefore, a robust self-organizing MAS should use a minimum number of interaction to construct the strategy for a maximum award. This goal can be achieved by involving the unstructural environment modeling and optimal response generation. / In the first part of this thesis, a radial basis function (RBF) network called "Agent Swarm Regression Network (ASRN)" is proposed in which the training algorithm is modeled as an evolution of a rule-based MAS. Three sets of experiments show that the performance of ASRN is better than that of a conventional approach in terms of computation, complexity and memory usage. The experimental results show the acceptable generalization ability and accuracy of ASRN. / In the last part of this thesis, we presented a procedure learning algorithm of self-organizing agent (PLSOA) that consists of CDO, MRN and RKL. Instead of searching for the current response with a local maximum award with reinforcement learning, PLSOA generates a response sequence by optimizing an adaptive objective function that can adjust iteratively. The experimental results of three benchmark problems show that PLSOA is able to generate nearly optimal-length response sequences in three benchmark environments. In addition, the proposed algorithm has an advantage over the reference methods in terms of reduction on procedure evaluation. / In this thesis, we have made some major contributions towards a generalized self-organizing MAS which try to mimic the MAS in nature. / To tackle the modeling process of an unstructural environment, a sequentially trained neural network called "Memory Re gression Network (MRN)" is proposed in the third part of this thesis. Based on the human's learning strategy, fewer training samples are required to train MRN in which the accuracy and generalization of MRN is similar to a reference network. After estimating the environment, the optimal response function is constructed by the estimated environment with the cooperation of a newly proposed algorithm: Response Knowledge Learning (RKL). The simulation result shows that the predator trained by RKL catches the prey within 15 steps after 50 independent successful hunting trials. / Chow Chi-kin. / "November 2005." / Advisers: H. T. Tsui; J. B. Xu. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6604. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 240-259). / 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. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

The initial induction and subsequent patterning of the central nervous system (CNS) are both mediated by morphogenetic signals emanating from some transient cell populations referred to as signalling or organizing centres. Following induction of the CNS, global signals mediate the establishment of its gross mediolateral and anteroposterior axes at gastrulation and early neural plate stages. Subsequent to this, local signals refine these specifications. Local signalling centres usually lie at boundaries of the tissues they pattern. Also, they are rich sources of morphogens, and are capable of ectopically inducing cell fate changes in adjacent tissues when transplanted. The eminentia thalami (EmT) forms a boundary between the diencephalon and telencephalon during embryonic forebrain development. In amphibians and fishes, the EmT continues to be a prominent structure in the postnatal diencephalon though its role in these is still largely unknown. However, in mammals, it appears transient, being identifiable between embryonic days 11 (E11) and 17 (E17) in the mouse, but not discernible at other ages. Though its function is yet to be determined, available experimental evidence suggests that it might act as a signalling centre in forebrain patterning. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying in the EmT members of the Wnt, Fgf and Bmp families of morphogens implicated in patterning elsewhere, and their spatial and temporal patterns of expression; and also determining whether the EmT is able to induce ectopically cell fate changes in adjacent tissues when transplanted. To address the first aim, Reverse-transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) and In Situ Hybridization were used to determine the spatial and temporal expression of some members of the Wnt, Fgf and Bmp signalling systems in the EmT in both wild-type mice and Pax6 (Sey/Sey) mutants. The results indicate nested expression of some Wnts, Fgfs and Bmps mRNA in the ventricular zone of the wildtype EmT till E14.5, after which they appear down-regulated. Also, Wnt7b and Wnt8b show the strongest expression at these ages and this may indicate a key role for these genes in the function of the EmT in mammals. In Sey/Sey mutants, the EmT was malformed as shown by the mis-expression of its markers. Additionally, the Wnt, Fgf and Bmp genes normally expressed in the wild-type EmT were either not expressed in the mutant or were mis-expressed. The second aim was addressed by transplanting the EmT into the ventral telencephalon, and using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to analyse for the expression in the ventral telencephalon of Lef1, a transcriptional activator in the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, which is not expressed here, as well as Foxg1, Mash1 and Islet1, three transcription factors normally expressed here. EmT explants induced ectopically Lef1 expression in the ventral telencephalon. Also, while the Lef1-expressing ventral telencephalic cells did express Foxg1, a telencephalic marker, they either did not express or sparsely expressed Mash1 and Islet1, which are specific markers of the ventral telencephalon. These results suggest that the EmT may possess some ability to induce cell fate changes in the ventral telencephalon. The role of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in the function of the EmT was also investigated by analysing Lef1, Foxg1 and Mash1 expression in the ventral telencephalon of cultured E13.5 brains in which Wnt signalling had been activated in the ventral telencephalon through small molecule inhibition of GSK3β, a member of the β- catenin destruction complex. Lef1 expression in the ventral telencephalon increased with an increased inhibition of GSK3β activity. Also, while Foxg1 was expressed normally in the ventral telencephalon irrespective of the level of GSK3β inhibition, there was a significant dose-dependent reduction in Mash1 expression here. These results show that up-regulation of Wnt signalling in the ventral telencephalon may result in cell fate changes here, and also suggest that ventral telencephalic cells are competent to respond to Wnt signalling at this stage of development.

We have to stop inventing disorders for every human experience that challenges the status quo… I dream of a world where people can peacefully co-exist… [where] differences are accepted… [and where] I, and everybody else, has a place (Jackie, psychiatric survivor and mad person). The thesis is a critical ethnography of a political community in Toronto, Canada whose members are challenging the theories and interventions of biological psychiatry and developing approaches to understanding and responding to human experience in alternative ways that empower people who are conceived of as “mad”. Based on the emerging ideological and practical differences among participants, a model of the community was developed that includes three main constituencies: the psychiatric survivor constituency, the mad constituency, and the antipsychiatry constituency. This thesis includes descriptive accounts of the philosophical understandings, priorities, goals, actions, and strategies emerging from each of these constituencies; some tensions and conflicts that arise in the community around working across difference; the genuine attempts made by community members to build alliances, the challenges they face, and the notable progress they have made. The thesis grapples with how community members might work towards building a paradigm for solidarity work with others who share a stake in building communities that are free of sanism and psychiatric oppression. The dissertation ends with an exploration of how clinical and counselling psychologists might proceed in their work taking into consideration the experiences and perspectives shared by participants.

This research project examines the personal and political experiences of five men engaged in pro-feminist organizing. Their experiences are explored in the context of the emergence of anti- feminist groups, and an increasingly volatile funding environment whereby women’s rights organizations are seeing their financial resources threatened. Using a critical and sociological approach to masculinities, significant challenges at the personal level for these pro-feminist men are examined and are shown to compound engagement with women feminists, and the potential of cross gender partnerships. A people-oriented qualitative approach is employed to capture men’s personal journeys and how they self- identify with the feminist movement. This research adds to the prevalent “Man Question”, contesting men’s engagement in the feminist movement. Ultimately, however, the thesis concludes that men’s engagement in the feminist movement needs to be clearly positioned as a political project with an explicit commitment to building alliances with women’s rights networks.

This research project examines the personal and political experiences of five men engaged in pro-feminist organizing. Their experiences are explored in the context of the emergence of anti- feminist groups, and an increasingly volatile funding environment whereby women’s rights organizations are seeing their financial resources threatened. Using a critical and sociological approach to masculinities, significant challenges at the personal level for these pro-feminist men are examined and are shown to compound engagement with women feminists, and the potential of cross gender partnerships. A people-oriented qualitative approach is employed to capture men’s personal journeys and how they self- identify with the feminist movement. This research adds to the prevalent “Man Question”, contesting men’s engagement in the feminist movement. Ultimately, however, the thesis concludes that men’s engagement in the feminist movement needs to be clearly positioned as a political project with an explicit commitment to building alliances with women’s rights networks.

We have to stop inventing disorders for every human experience that challenges the status quo… I dream of a world where people can peacefully co-exist… [where] differences are accepted… [and where] I, and everybody else, has a place (Jackie, psychiatric survivor and mad person). The thesis is a critical ethnography of a political community in Toronto, Canada whose members are challenging the theories and interventions of biological psychiatry and developing approaches to understanding and responding to human experience in alternative ways that empower people who are conceived of as “mad”. Based on the emerging ideological and practical differences among participants, a model of the community was developed that includes three main constituencies: the psychiatric survivor constituency, the mad constituency, and the antipsychiatry constituency. This thesis includes descriptive accounts of the philosophical understandings, priorities, goals, actions, and strategies emerging from each of these constituencies; some tensions and conflicts that arise in the community around working across difference; the genuine attempts made by community members to build alliances, the challenges they face, and the notable progress they have made. The thesis grapples with how community members might work towards building a paradigm for solidarity work with others who share a stake in building communities that are free of sanism and psychiatric oppression. The dissertation ends with an exploration of how clinical and counselling psychologists might proceed in their work taking into consideration the experiences and perspectives shared by participants.

This dissertation employs the theory of self-organizing criticality (SOC) into the study of Chinese cities. SOC was proposed at the end of the 1980s to explain system complexity by combining both self-organizing and critical behaviors. SOC has been broadly used in explaining phenomena in physical and social sciences. However, few attempts have been made to connect urban studies with SOC because of the extreme complexity of urban phenomena. This study develops a generalized SOC to study Chinese cities at both the inter-urban and the intra-urban levels. At the inter-urban level, this study finds that the rank size distribution of Chinese cities has followed Zipf's law since 1984. In addition, the rank size dynamics of Chinese cities experienced a spatiotemporal shift. Before 1996, city rank increases in a few small- and middle-sized cities because of favorable economic policies offered by the central government. After 1996, a majority of the Chinese cities began to be involved in this rank size shuffling. Cities with increasing ranks present clustered distribution, mainly along the south and east coastal areas. Part of the reason is that the market economy mechanism has transcended policy factors in determining the city competitiveness. At the intra-urban level, the study shows that Shenzhen's urban physical development is currently facing physical environmental thresholds, shifting the development strategies spatiotemporally from fringe and isolated growth to fringe and infill growth. The resulted urban patches show power law relationship both in the area-perimeter distributions and the magnitude-frequency distributions. In summary, this research proves the applicability of the generalized SOC in urban studies. At both the inter-urban and the intra-urban levels, the Chinese cities present the characteristics of SOC. Given a stable condition of power law, shifts occur in the inside dynamics of China's urban system and Shenzhen city. This study is one of the few empirical urban studies based on SOC. The study contributes to the literature on SOC theory and provides theoretical breakthroughs in studying Chinese cities. Finally, this study has potential implications on urban policies and urban development strategies.

Thesis (M.S.) -- Central Connecticut State University, 2009. / Thesis advisor: Daniel Larose. "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Data Mining." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 37-39). Also available via the World Wide Web.