The evolution of the universe : conflicting modern theories

It is the purpose of this thesis to present a study of the conflicting aspects of the two major twentieth-century cosmological theories, the Steady State Theory and the Evolutionary Theory. Further, the study was directed toward a decision as to which of the two is the more plausible solution in the light of recent astronomical discoveries. The method employed involved a detailed study of each theory and its historical background, primary postulates, and the contributions of its major proponents. Prior to the presentation of each theory, both a discussion of the structure of the known physical universe and a survey of the pioneer cosmological theories of the twentieth century were included as a means of providing historical perspective. Through the study of the impact of recent discoveries on cosmological theories, it was determined that the Steady State Theory fails to withstand a number of tests. Not only does it disagree with the evidence provided by radio source counts and the counts of quasi-stellar objects, but also it is proven invalid by the discovery of cosmic microwave radiation

A study of the factors influencing the purchase of upholstered furniture and the resulting satisfactions as expressed by fifty homemakers

The purchase of furniture represents a major investment of the family's income, second in importance only to the purchase of the house. Because of the relative permanence of furniture, qualities of durability, comfort, suitability, and aesthetic appeal must be considered if a wise choice is to be made, and these in terms of the budget limitations. Due to the present commercial market, the layman cannot become an expert on the multitude of commodities he has to buy, and he must therefore purchase many articles more or less blindly. The very nature of upholstered furniture requires that the principle construction features be hidden, and conditions have not been such as to give even the most cautious consumer all the information he needs for really intelligent buying.

Improving traditional fish drying technology design for women fish vendors in Nigeria

Fishing is the main occupation of the people of Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria. Women constitute more than 90% of the personnel involved in traditional fish preservation, handling, and marketing. The study was concerned with improved and gendered design of traditional fish Drying Technology, to address some lagging challenges in operations in the traditional fish drying cottage industry. Traditional fish drying methods are inadequate, inconveniencing, and dangerous to health. The team used questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions to identify the main hazards and challenges experienced by women fish processors and vendors. With this data, they designed improved fish drying technology prototypes in hopes of changing the industry to improve conditions for women

Improving the gendered design in housing and public spaces based on women’s experiences in Rwanda

This project explored gendered design in housing and public spaces in Rwanda to identify gendered issues and suggest guidelines to make spaces more accessible for all genders. Data was collected through visits to different universities, institutions and public spaces and surveys given to policymakers and beneficiaries. A gender analysis tool helped to identify how gender can be implemented in the design of spaces and a report with guidelines was written

Reimagining urban territories for women’s autonomy in Colombia

Spanish version available in IDRC Digital Library : Reimaginar territorio urbano para la autonomía femenina en ColombiaThis project builds on ongoing work in the neighborhood of Bélen in Bogotá to resist gentrification and redevelopment efforts through the creation and expansion of community spaces with a gendered perspective. Researchers from Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano worked with a local group of women, the Circle of Women Aisha, to create a community kitchen and expand and renovate an existing community garden at a local community space Casa B. This project focuses on domestic spheres to argue that they are important spaces of feminist politics and community knowledge

Re/designing the university of Buenos Aires campus to be gender inclusive in Argentina

Spanish version available in IDRC Digital Library : Re/diseñar espacios de la universidad de Buenos Aires con perspectivas de género en la ArgentinaThis research aimed to identify the impact of the gender policies implemented by the University of Buenos Aires, specifically on the spaces and everyday uses of its campus spaces. In order to understand how students, faculty, and staff perceive and appropriate campus space, the team carried out a massive online survey as well as an ethnographic study of social media accounts discussing campus spaces. Based on their findings, they have developed recommendations for institutions for the strategizing and application of gender policies in campus design