VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Disenfranchisement of convicted adult citizens: comparative and international human rights perspectives
Keywords: conviction
democracy
right to vote
elections
punishment
European court of human rights
international human rights law
prisoners rights
disenfranchisement
suffrage

This thesis analyses the appropriateness of disenfranchising convicted adult citizens from comparative and international human rights perspectives.
Chapter One explores the transition from direct democracy to representative government, and the subsequent increased importance of elections. It highlights the paradigm shift that the perception of voting has undergone, from being seen as a privilege, granted to a handful of society members, to being viewed as an entitlement. Today, electoral systems are commonly based on universal suffrage, and voting eligibility is normally qualified by (only) two criteria: community membership and competence. It is suggested that these criteria should be used for scrutinising convicts’ disenfranchisement.
Chapter Two traces the transformation that the treatment of convicts underwent, with notions of forfeiture of rights and ‘civil death’ gradually giving way to ideas of 'residual liberty' and of convicts as rights-holders. Subsequently, regulatory and penal justifications for convicts' disenfranchisement are assessed. The analysis concludes that disenfranchisement should be classified as a form of punishment, and that, due to its adverse effects on individuals as well as collectives disenfranchisement should cease to be imposed.
Chapter Three offers comparative perspectives on current challenges to disenfranchisement legislation. It examines American disenfranchisement jurisprudence alongside recent judgments from Canada, South Africa, the European Court of Human Rights and Australia. It is concluded that the non-American judgments exhibit an identifiable global trend towards enfranchising (some) convicts which can be partially attributed to a transnational judicial discourse.
Chapter Four examines the human rights treaty regime's perspective. Interpreting Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which guarantees the right-to-vote, it is posited that the provision does not proscribe disenfranchisement as such. Rather, disenfranchisement is subjected to balancing/proportionality analysis. Building on Chapter Two's normative contentions, and on the notion that voting eligibility constitutes the essence of the right-to-vote, the thesis advocates the adoption of an optional protocol to the ICCPR proscribing disenfranchisement. It is submitted that the facilitative nature of the right-to-vote makes it less vulnerable to cultural relativity, deference and margin of appreciation objections. Analogies are drawn between the proposed protocol and the Optional Protocol to the ICCPR Aiming at the Abolition of the Death Penalty.
Investigating aerosol-cloud interactions
Keywords: aerosols
atmospheric
climate
physics
clouds

Microphysical and dynamical interactions between aerosols and clouds are associated with some of the largest uncertainties in projections of future climate. Many possible aerosol effects on clouds have been suggested, but large uncertainties remain. In order to improve model projections of future climate, it is essential that we improve our quantitative understanding of anthropogenic aerosol effects. Several studies investigating interactions between satellite-observed aerosol and cloud properties have been published in recent years. However, the observed relationships are not necessarily due to aerosol effects on clouds. They may be due to cloud and precipitation effects on aerosol, meteorological covariation, observational data errors or methodological errors. An analysis of methodological errors arising through climatological spatial gradients is performed. For region sizes larger than 4°×4°, commonly used in the literature, spurious spatial variations in retrieved cloud and aerosol properties are found to introduce widespread significant errors to calculations of aerosol-cloud relationships. Small scale analysis prior to error-weighted aggregation to larger region sizes is recommended. Appropriate ways of quantifying relationships between aerosol optical depth (τ) and cloud properties are considered, and results are presented for three satellite datasets. There is much disagreement in observed relationships between τ and liquid cloud droplet number concentration and between τ and liquid cloud droplet effective radius, particularly over land. However, all three satellite datasets are in agreement about strong positive relationships between τ and cloud top height and between τ and cloud fraction (f_c). Using reanalysis τ data, which are less affected by retrieval artifacts, it is suggested that a large part of the observed f_c-τ signal may be due to cloud contamination of τ. General circulation model simulations further demonstrate that positive f_c-τ relationships may primarily arise due to covariation with relative humidity, and that negative f_c-τ relationships may arise due to scavenging of aerosol by precipitation. A new method of investigating the contribution of meteorological covariation to the observed relationships is introduced. Extratropical cyclone storm-centric composites of retrieved aerosol and cloud properties are investigated. A storm-centric description of the synoptics is found to be capable of explaining spurious f_c-τ relationships, although the spurious relationships explained are considerably smaller than observed relationships.
Embedding an object calculus in the unifying theories of programming
Keywords: object references
predicative programming
object orientation
pointers
unifying theories of programming
object calculus

Hoare and He's Unifying Theories of Programming (UTP) provides a rich model of programs as relational predicates. This theory is intended to provide a single framework in which any programming paradigms, languages, and features, can be modelled, compared and contrasted. The UTP already has models for several programming formalisms, such as imperative programming, higher-order programming (e.g. programing with procedures), several styles of concurrent programming (or reactive systems), class-based object-orientation, and transaction processing. We believe that the UTP ought to be able to represent all significant computer programming language formalisms, in order for it to be considered a unifying theory. One gap in the UTP work is that of object-based object-orientation, such as that presented in Abadi and Cardelli's untyped object calculi (sigma-calculi). These sigma-calculi provide a prominent formalism of object-based object-oriented (OO) programs, which models programs as objects. We address this gap within this dissertation by presenting an embedding of an Abadi--Cardelli-style object calculus in the UTP. More formally, the thesis that his dissertation argues is that it is possible to provide an object-based object rientation to the UTP, with value- and reference-based objects, and a fully abstract model of references. We have made three contributions to our area of study: first, to extend the UTP with a notion of object-based object orientation, in contrast with the existing class-based models; second, to provide an alternative model of pointers (references) for the UTP that supports both value-based compound values (e.g. objects) and references (pointers), in contrast to existing UTP models with pointers that have reference-based compound values; and third, to model an Abadi-Cardelli notion of an object in the UTP, and thus demonstrate that it can unify this style of object formalism.
Silica-on-silicon waveguide circuits and superconducting detectors for integrated quantum information processing
Keywords: photon detectors
quantum optics
integrated optics
Quantum information
quantum teleportation
quantum interference

Building complex quantum systems has the potential to reveal phenomena that cannot be studied using classical simulation. Photonics has proven to be an effective test-bed for the investigation of such quantum-enhanced technologies, however, the proliferation of bulk optical components is unlikely to be a scalable route towards building more complex devices. Instead, the miniaturisation, inherent phase stability and trivial alignment afforded by integrated photonic systems has been shown to be a promising alternative.
In the first half of this thesis, we describe experiments exploiting the quantum interference of three single photons on a reconfigurable integrated photonic chip. We develop a low-loss source of single photons and introduce a low-loss silica-on-silicon waveguide architecture which enables us to show the first genuine quantum interference of three single photons on an integrated platform. A loss-tolerant, element-wise characterisation scheme is developed along with a statistical test to verify that this multi-photon circuit behaves as expected. We then make use of this three-photon interference to detail the first proof-of-principle demonstration of a new intermediate model of quantum computation called boson sampling. Finally, we perform an on-chip demonstration of the quantum teleportation protocol where all key parts --- entanglement preparation, Bell-state analysis and quantum state tomography --- are performed on a reconfigurable photonic chip. The element-wise characterisation scheme developed earlier is shown to be critical to mitigate fabricated component errors. We develop a theoretical model to account for all sources of possible error in the circuit and find good agreement with the measured teleported state fidelities, which exceed the average teleportation fidelity possible with a classical device. We identify the elements of this error budget relevant to scaling and propose improvements to chip characterisation and fabrication in order to achieve high fidelity operation.
In the second half, we discuss the use of high efficiency superconducting transition edge sensors in enabling quantum experiments using more photons. We detail the installation and characterisation of these detectors in a new lab in Oxford. We achieve good photon number-resolution and high-efficiency operation. Work to integrate these detectors on the silica-on-silicon waveguide architecture is discussed and we detail the optical and thermal device modelling performed to optimise the on-chip detection efficiency. New, on-chip detectors, fabricated according to this design are shown to operate as expected and achieve high-efficiency and good energy resolution.
Argentine and Chilean approaches to modern pan-Americanism, 1888-1930
Keywords: Chile-History
Argentina-Foreign Relations
Argentina-History
Chile-Foreign Relations
Pan-Americanism

This thesis seeks to explain Argentine and Chilean approaches to modern Pan-Americanism. It offers several significant contributions to the historiography of Pan-Americanism and Southern Cone policymaking. First, it provides a sweeping overview of Pan-Americanism as a form of regional cooperation from 1888 to 1930, gathering the various strands of Pan-American history and forming a coherent overall narrative. It introduces a two-dimensional analytical framework for understanding Pan-American cooperation as a whole. The 'first dimension' included efforts to regulate the political relationships in the Americas while the 'second dimension' was more technical, social, cultural, and commercial. Within this framework, the approaches of two participant countries (Chile and Argentina) are closely examined in parallel. Attitudes towards the US, geopolitical calculations, and economic considerations – the basis of most historical interpretations – form part of the explanation, but this thesis presents a more complicated set of actors, influences, and ideas. Inspired by the methodology of Foreign Policy Analysis and recent studies in modern regionalism, the second half of the thesis deconstructs Pan-American policies. It examines four patterns that emerged through research: changes in the organization of policymaking, the influence of non-state actors and public opinion, the rise of intermestic strands of Pan-Americanism, and the role of ideas in international relations. Each pattern is analyzed and fully substantiated using evidence selected from the narrative and supplemented by wider research. Referencing models from multiple disciplines, the chapters reveal how different actors and objectives (including stemming social crisis, gaining prestige, and demonstrating commitment to democratic governance) influenced policy at different moments. Ultimately, this thesis emphasises the interplay of factors and suggests that unpacking Pan-Americanism has implications for understanding Latin America's role in international history and modern regionalism in the Americas.
Biomarkers of anti-angiogenic therapy in breast cancer
Keywords: gene expression array
bevacizumab
breast cancer
DCE-MRI

The hunt for biomarkers for anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab is ongoing since last decade with no success. Identifying robust biomarkers for stratifying patients and for monitoring response is important for the future use of bevacizumab in breast cancer. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) analysis and genome wide gene expression analysis are two promising approaches to understand the molecular mechanisms and search for biomarker of anti-angiogenic therapy. Firstly, with the retrospective pilot study, a close link between DCE-MRI findings and the molecular mechanisms assisting cancer survival and metastasis was established. Secondly, the prospective window of opportunity study conducted using single cycle of bevacizumab given before neoadjuvant chemotherapy and by performing detailed pharmacodynamic analyses with DCE-MRI and gene expression before and two weeks after bevacizumab had shown a wide variation in responses to bevacizmab both at genomic and imaging level. A close link between changes in DCE-MRI and the changes in gene expression profile was further established suggesting DCE-MRI has potential to serve as non-invasive biomarkers of antiangiogenic therapy. Tumours with high baseline values of forward transfer constant Ktrans showed the maximum response as assessed by DCE-MRI after bevacizumab. By performing biopsy after single cycle of bevacizumab, the changes in genes related to immune response, metabolism and cell signalling were observed that gives a useful insight into mechanisms governing response and resistance to bevacizumab. Also the certain gene expression changes observed with post bevacizumab biopsies, such as down regulation of endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM1), cyclin E1 (CCNE1) and up regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), cyclic GMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase B (PDE3B) could be helpful in decision-making about future therapy with bevacizumab at an early stage. This study has suggested that using bevacizumab in combination with other targeted agents could overcome resistance.
The synthesis and reactivity of cationic terminal borylene complexes
Keywords: Cationic
borylene

This thesis describes the synthesis, structure/bonding studies and reactivity of cationic terminal borylene complexes. Reactions of the cationic terminal borylene complexes, [CpFe(CO)₂(BNR₂)]⁺[BArf₄]⁻ (R = Cy, ⁱPr) with heteroallenes have been investigated and shown to proceed by initial coordination of the substrate at the electrophilic boron centre. Reaction with isocyanate ultimately forms [CpFe(CO)₂(CNPh)]⁺[BArf₄]⁻ by a net metathesis process. Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, however, reacts by insertion into the Fe=B bond of the aminoborylene to form [CpFe(CO)₂C(NCy)₂BNR₂]⁺[BArf₄]⁻. An excess of the substrate yields the spirocyclic complex, [CpFe(CO)₂C(NCy)₂B(NCy)₂BNR₂]⁺[BArf₄]⁻ via a second insertion into the B=N bond. Computational studies investigating insertion and metathesis reaction pathways of these aminoborylene complexes are also reported. Reactions of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide with three-coordinate aminoborane and aminoboryl complexes are described. Formation of the first boron guanidinate complexes featuring dihalide substituents, Cy₂NC(NCy)₂BCl₂ and ⁱPr₂NC(NCy)₂BCl₂ by both salt metathesis and carbodiimide insertion routes are reported. The aminoboryl complexes, CpFe(CO)₂B(NPh₂)Cl and CpFe(CO)₂B(NBz₂)Cl have also been synthesized and their reactions with carbodiimides probed. A novel cationic terminal borylene complex, [Cp'Fe(CO)₂(BNⁱPr₂)]⁺ [BArf₄]⁻ featuring a methyl-substituted Cp ring is reported and represents the first structurally characterized isopropyl substituted aminoborylene complex. Substitution of the ancillary carbonyl ligands of cationic terminal borylene complexes has been investigated. Irradiation of the aminoboryl precursor complex, CpFe(CO)₂B(NCy₂)Cl in the presence of trialkylphosphines, PR₃ (PR₃ = PMe₃, PPh₃, P(OMe)₃) yield the mono(phosphine) complexes, CpFe(CO)(PR₃)B(NCy₂)Cl. The mono(substituted) dimer [{CpFe(CO)(BNCy₂)}₂(μ-dmpe)] was also formed from the reaction with the chelating ligand, dmpe. Replacement of the second carbonyl is prevented by the steric bulk of the dicyclohexylamino substituent, and instead [CpFe(CO)(PR₃)₂]⁺Cl⁻ is formed by extrusion of the borylene fragment. The mono(phosphine) ligated cationic terminal borylene complexes, [CpFe(CO)(PR₃)(BNCy₂)]⁺[BArf₄]⁻ were subsequently formed by halide abstraction. Both [CpFe(CO)(PMe₃)(BNCy)₂]⁺[BArf₄]⁻ and the bridging dication [{CpFe(CO)(BNCy₂)}₂(μ-dmpe)]₂⁺[BArf₄]⁻₂ were structurally authenticated. Replacing the bulky cyclohexyl groups of the aminoboryl precursor for methyl groups allowed synthesis of the bis(substituted) complexes, CpFe(PMe₃)₂B(NMe₂)Cl and CpFe(dmpe)B(NMe₂)Cl. Extraction of these complexes into dichloromethane resulted in formation of the borylene, [CpFe(PMe₃)₂(BNMe₂)]⁺Cl⁻ and [CpFe(dmpe)(BNMe₂)]⁺Cl⁻ by spontaneous halide ejection.
Disenchanting philosophy
Keywords: play
attunement
Austin
Heidegger
ordinary language
Wittgenstein
Cavell
Derrida

This thesis examines the appeal to ordinary language as a distinctive methodological feature in the later philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein and the work of J. L. Austin. This appeal situates our language and concepts within the broader forms of life in which we use them, and seeks to ‘disenchant’ idealizations that extract our language and concepts from this broader context. A disenchanted philosophy recognizes our forms of life as manifestations of attunement: a shared common ground of understanding and behaviour that cannot itself be further explained or justified. By working through the consequences of seeing our forms of life as ultimately ungrounded in this way, the thesis illuminates the underlying importance of play to shared practices like language.
The first two chapters consider the appeal to ordinary language as it features in the work of Austin and Wittgenstein, respectively. By placing each author in turn in dialogue with Jacques Derrida, the thesis draws out the importance of seeing our attunement as ungrounded, and the difficulty of doing so. Austin’s appeal to a ‘total context’ betrays the sort of idealization Austin himself opposes, whereas Wittgenstein and Derrida must remain self-reflexively vigilant in order to avoid the same pitfall.
Chapter Three explores connections between the appeal to ordinary language and Martin Heidegger’s analysis of ‘average everydayness’ in Being and Time. Heidegger takes average everydayness to be a mark of inauthenticity. However, in acknowledging the ungroundedness of attunement, the appeal to ordinary language manifests a turn similar to Heidegger’s appeal to authenticity. Furthermore, Wittgenstein’s use of conceptual ‘pictures’ also allows him to avoid some of the confusions in Heidegger’s work.
Chapter Four considers the nature of our ungrounded attunement, and argues that we both discover and create this attunement through play, which is unregulated activity that itself gives rise to regularity.
Methods for ultra-broadband correlator development focusing on high-speed digital sampling techniques
Keywords: radio astronomy
digital sampling
correlator

In radio astronomy, a key limiting factor to observations made is the available bandwidth of the system. This thesis looks at two different approaches to building ultra-broadband correlators for use in radio astronomy. The first was a 2-20GHz double-sideband complex analogue correlator that was constructed before the work of this thesis. Characterisation tests are performed and a basic calibration is attempted. Both these sets of experiments show good results, with the basic calibration successfully being able to compensate for gain difference between the lags over a reduced bandwidth range used in the testing.
The second approach was the investigation into different techniques for high-speed digital sampling, capable of providing equivalent bandwidths to the analogue system. The use of FPGA high-speed serial interfaces as direct 1-bit 3.125 GS/s samplers was investigated. Single-frequency sampling showed that a signal-to-noise ratio close to the theoretical maximum across the band was achieved (≈ 0.8 effective bits). Techniques were also identified to use multiple transceivers to generate a single interleaved stream at higher effective sampling rate. Two different methods were also explored for producing greater-than 1-bit sampling. A hysteresis approach was shown not to produce the desired results and a reference based sampler in the end was adopted. Finally, the interleaving and multi-bit techniques were combined to generate a single 1.5-bit 6.25 GS/s sampler. This was seen to have reduced signal-to-noise compared to the expected values. This was believed to be caused by the poor method of RF signal injection causing cross-talk between the channels and large amounts of loss.
As a comparison to the direct sampling method, an external 1-bit high-speed Hittite comparator was also examined. The single-frequency experiment was repeated with a slightly higher signal-to-noise ratio found compared to the direct sampling method. This was again believed to be due to the RF environments used.
From the sampling setups a four-input, six-baseline lag correlator was constructed using the direct sampling method. The entire correlator, as well as the sampling transceivers, was incorporated into a single Xilinx Virtex 5 FPGA. This was shown to have the expected response to single-frequency, broadband and noise signals.
The thesis concludes with a characterisation of the RF devices used throughout the testing procedures. Several new devices were developed through the course of the experiments with the designs being documented. All the necessary components to construct IF chains for both the analogue and digital correlators described are present. This leads to simulations being made of complete IF chains, with the expected responses shown.