VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Reading risk: collisions of crisis in contemporary American literature
Keywords: Post-9/11 Literature
Ecocriticism
Contemporary American Literature
Risk

This thesis examines representations of risk in contemporary American literature, joining a growing body of critical attention to risk and its relevance to literary studies. Framing risk as a matter of perception and therefore a matter of reading, this project explores how the interlocking structure of contemporary crisis both reflects and demands new critical approaches. This inquiry therefore undertakes a comparative study of how different forms and genres articulate and account for risk.
Risk is an analytical tool capacious enough to read across the range, scale, and complexity of contemporary crisis. To focus this expansive archive, this project is grounded at the intersection of two contemporary crises that anchor the modern “risk society”: terrorism and environmental destruction (Beck, Risk Society 9). These two categories of risk have also shaped American literary studies’ engagement with crisis over the last two decades, primarily through the subdisciplines of post- 9/11 analysis and ecocriticism. Building connectivity between these bifurcated discourses, this project accounts for risk in contemporary American literature inductively through a study of nine texts. Chapter One explores risk’s circulation through the networks of Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom (2010) and Laila Halaby’s Once in a Promised Land (2007). Chapter Two investigates rupture and continuity in Cormac McCarthy’s The Road (2006) and Colson Whitehead’s Zone One (2011). Chapter Three considers contradictory constructions of risk’s universality and particularity in Gayle Brandeis’s Self Storage (2007), Michael Cunningham’s Specimen Days (2005), and Ben Lerner’s 10:04 (2014). Chapter Four, through the case studies of Dave Eggers’s Zeitoun (2009) and Mohamedou Ould Slahi’s Guantánamo Diary (2017 [2015]), explores the tension between risk as exceptional and risk as routine.
Providing a corrective to what we might call “single-issue criticism,” this thesis will demonstrate how contemporary literature is already teaching us how to read across risk by making the convergences of crisis visible and offering immanent criticism of the ways risk is plotted and conceptualized.
Gottfried Hermann's laboratory: meaning and methods in early nineteenth-century classical scholarship
Keywords: hermeneutics
gottfried hermann
metrics
19th-century philology
sachphilologie
classical scholarship
classical philology
wortphilologie
august boeckh
philologenstreit

This thesis focuses on Gottfried Hermann and his philological practices, considered especially with a view to his dispute with August Boeckh in the early 1800s. Through an analysis of Hermann’s scholarly persona in the context of German academia, his theory of metrics and hermeneutics, and of the issues at stake in the dispute, this thesis keeps as a background reference the categories of Wortphilologie and Sachphilologie, which are traditionally associated with Hermann and Boeckh respectively. It aims to show that these two categories are methodologically unjustified and instead highlights the prominence of the socio-biographical aspect of their origins and presence in the history of classical scholarship. The examination of Hermann’s philology is conducted through a close reading of primary sources, discussions of his own textual-critical analysis, and archival materials. The conclusion underlines the need for a re-evaluation of Hermann’s scholarly work, with particular regard to his methods and hermeneutics; it also, more broadly, calls for further inquiry into Hermann’s work of the type that would encourage the rejection of the faulty idea of Wortphilologie in association with Hermann, arguing that the label generated implications which are part of the reason for Hermann’s underrepresentation in modern scholarship of intellectual history.
Multi-agent learning
Keywords: Distributed Machine Learning
Machine Learning
Implicit Regularisation
Statistical Learning Theory
Gradient Descent

Machine learning models are often trained on data stored across multiple computers connected by a network. Due to network stability, it is then often infeasible for a single central-hub computer to process and disseminate information. A solution to overcome this bottleneck is to consider a decentralised network akin to peer-to-peer and ad-hoc wireless networks. Namely, computers communicate to a sub-set of other computers at a time, with information then naturally propagating through the network.
This thesis investigates the statistical performance of models produced in such a decentralised framework. By modelling the network of computers as agents in a graph, we investigate two different statistical settings: homogeneous, when the data stored across the computers follows the same distribution; and heterogeneous, when the distributions are different.
In the homogeneous setting, and motivated by the problem of empirical risk minimisation, we consider the learning performance of a simple decentralised algorithm: Distributed Gradient Descent. Specifically, we demonstrate that guarantees on learning performance can be achieved through implicit regularisation alongside, in the case of non-parametric regression, a linear speed up in computational runtime for any network topology provided computers have a sufficient amount of data. In contrast, prior work has focused on optimisation performance through the more general consensus optimisation framework, which does not encode the finer statistical structure behind the scenes. More precisely, we demonstrate that this structure can be leveraged to both: allow model complexity to be controlled implicitly through algorithmic parameters; and that the information held by agents can be similar owing the phenomena of statistical concentration.
In the heterogeneous case a setting motivated by hyperspectral unmixing is considered. Specifically, we consider simultaneously recovering a collection of sparse signals (associated to agents), that are related in a manner reflecting the network topology. In short, the differences in the underlying distributions are encoded through a total variation penalty reflecting the network. Our approach then yields sample complexity savings over group lasso style methods when the signals are sufficiently related.
Rational synthesis of nanoparticle-MWCNT hybrid nanostructures through non-covalent interactions with organic polymers
Keywords: Hybrid nanostructures
Nanomaterials
Carbon nanotube chemistry
Nanoparticles
Hierarchical structures
Carbon nanotubes

The synthesis of hybrid nanostructures comprised by CNTs and nanoparticles is a promising field of research due to their potential applications in catalysis, energy storage, energy generation and biomedical technologies. However, the field lacks of synthetic guidelines for the rational design of hybrid nanostructures. This Thesis aims to stablish synthetic guidelines that consider the forces involved during the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle-CNT hybrids where polymers are used to mediate the interactions between the nanomaterials.
The functionalisation of MWCNTs with polystyrene is studied as the first level of hierarchy representing the polymer-MWCNT interactions. Non-covalent methods were found the most effective way to create polystyrene functionalised MWCNTs. It was found that the solvent used during the functionalisation was the parameter that had a higher effect in the amount of polystyrene found in the MWCNTs. The surface energy solubility parameter theories were proposed as a predictive synthetic model for the design of polymer functionalised MWCNTs. The predictions of the model were compared with the amount of polystyrene found in the functionalised MWCNTs synthesised in different solvents, finding good agreement between the predictions and the experimental evidence.
The next level of nanostructural hierarchy was addressed by studying the synthesis of polystyrene coated iron oxide nanoparticle-CNT hybrids. The solvent was found to play a key factor in the amount of polystyrene coated iron oxide nanoparticles found in the hybrid structures. The surface energy based solubility parameter theory was used to understand the amount of iron oxide nanoparticles found in the hybrids synthesised in different solvents, showing a better agreement with the experimental results than other parameters previously highlighted in the literature.
The results and ideas proposed in this Thesis will contribute to the future development of the rational synthesis of nanoparticle-CNT hybrid structures.
On the evolution of the lunar magma ocean
Keywords: Lunar
Moon
Mare Basalts
Magma Ocean
Geology
Ferroan Anorthosite Suite
Experimental Petrology
Rare Earth Elements

The Earth and the Moon are observed to be almost indistinguishable over a range of refractory isotopes systems. This thesis aims to test the hypothesis that the lunar magma ocean (LMO) possessed the same elemental composition as that of the terrestrial mantle. In particular, I explore whether the LMO’s differentiation would result in liquid and crystal phases that can reproduce the Apollo observations of the lunar surface. To achieve this, I have conducted a detailed series of experiments which track the evolution of a hypothetical lunar magma ocean of terrestrial mantle composition. I have broken the differentiation of the LMO into discrete steps, with the bulk composition of the next step taken as the melt composition of the previous step. The final experimental liquid, representing ∼98% crystallisation of the LMO, is highly enriched in Fe (>30 wt.%) and Ti (∼3 wt.%). To explore the petrogenesis of the mare basalts and the Ferroan Anorthosite Suite (FAS), I have simulated the remelting of the lunar cumulate mantle using the MELTS program. By recombining experimental phases and melts in different proportions, I am able to prove that the Apollo observations are compatible with a LMO of terrestrial mantle composition. The mafic crystals present in the ferroan anorthosite suite are best matched to experimentally produced crystals rather than melt, indicating inefficient flotation rather than trapped melt has contributed to the ferroan anorthosite suite.
Mineral/melt Rare Earth element (REE) partitioning occurring throughout the evolution of the lunar magma ocean has been experimentally determined, and predict heavy REE depletion of final liquids, due to high-temperature pyroxene crystallisation. Consequently, the ’bow shaped’ trend witnessed in the mare basalts results from a lunar mantle possessing pyroxene enriched in heavy REE and a light REE enriched KREEP basalt. I explore the implications of different compositions on the lunar moment of inertia, finding that an overturn of the lunar mantle is more significant than any conceivable change in composition.
Comparing optogenetic approaches to visual restoration in a model of retinal degeneration
Keywords: Retinal dystrophy
rd1
Gene Therapy
ReaChR
Channelrhodopsin
Optogenetics
IRDs
IRD
Inherited retinal degenerations
Melanopsin

The inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are the most common cause of irreversible visual loss in the young - but therapeutic options have traditionally been limited. While genetically heterogeneous, the IRDs are linked by a final common pathway of visual loss secondary to photoreceptor death, with cells of the neural retina surviving relatively intact. The technique of optogenetics (inducing light sensitivity by exogenous expression of light sensitive proteins within cells) is developing as a therapeutic method to stimulate these surviving cells: returning light signals to the degenerate retina and ultimately restoring lost vision.
The aim of this thesis was to compare different optogenetic tools and cellular targets for optogenetic visual restoration in a model of inherited retinal degeneration in order to inform future translational work.
Three novel mouse models of retinal degeneration, additionally devoid of native melanopsin and incorporating cell specific Cre recombinase expression were devolved and validated to allow cell population specific targeting of genetic constructs both delivered transgenically and by using intravitreal injections of adenoassociated viral vectors (AAVs).
These models were used to isolate ON-bipolar cells from dissociated degenerate retina in the first comparison of gene expression profiles in such cells to their wildtype counterparts. This demonstrated a lack of changes likely to preclude these attractive cellular targets for therapeutic optogenetics.
Cell targeted delivery of a candidate optogenetic tool (melanopsin) using these models was compared to conventional (non-specific) AAV delivery. This showed restoration of retinal electrophysiological light responses on ex vivo multiple electrode array recordings with kinetics differing between delivery approaches. Targeted delivery of three candidate tools (melanopsin, rhodopsin and ReaChR- channelrhodopsin) were similarly compared with markedly differing response characteristics demonstrated between tools
Finally, translatable, compressed ON-bipolar cell specific promotors were used to produce a potentially translatable cell specific AAV delivery system. This was demonstrated to successfully deliver functional optogenetic tools to a degenerate retina in vivo.
Together, these data indicate that the described mouse lines form a useful model system with which to compare optogenetic vision restoration approaches. In addition, while no one optogenetic tool or target was demonstrated to be overall superior to another, the diversity of responses seen could in themselves represent a great opportunity to improve the quality of responses restored by this technique as it moves towards clinical translation for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerations.
The European refugee crisis in Greece: understanding host communities
Keywords: European refugee crisis
prejudice
discrimination
Greece

This thesis explains how Greeks, despite having consistently revealed high levels of xenophobic sentiments in cross-European surveys, behaved in a prosocial manner towards asylum seekers in the context of the European refugee crisis. It draws on data collected over six months of ethnographic fieldwork in Greece and is composed of three independent, yet interrelated, papers, each of which examines a unique research question and simultaneously contributes to addressing this overarching empirical puzzle. Specifically, the first paper examines whether self-reported prejudice is a good predictor for actual discrimination in this context of crisis. It argues that cases of discordance emerge from the fact that this construct does not capture the affective dimension of relevant attitudes; emotional dynamics emerging from interpersonal interaction seem to have played an important role in guiding action in the case considered. Exploring the triggers of prosocial behavior, the second paper uncovers the central role of situational dynamics in leading ingroup members to offer help to asylum seekers. The ability to discern individuals, rather than groups, as well as the degree of emergency asylum seekers faced in the course of intergroup contact determined the actions of host community members. To a large extent, this explains why Greeks became so immersed into helping asylum seekers. This contradicts an explanation that is highly articulated within the public discourse, namely that this behavior was a result of the refugee heritage of host community members. The third paper conceptualizes the latter explanation as a perspective- taking intervention that ultimately underlined the shared identity of Greeks with contemporary asylum seekers and identifies the ways in which this resonated with host community members. Based on the emerged typology suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of such interventions are introduced. Overall, this thesis makes a number of contributions to ethnic relations literature.
On the application of coding to adaptive steganography: robustness, efficiency, and coding loss
Keywords: Simulated embedding
Steganalysis
Adaptive embedding
Steganography
Robustness

Steganography is the process by which we hide payloads (secret messages) into covers (inconspicuous mediums of data) resulting in stego ob- jects (original mediums of data with subtle changes to encode our message), with the aim of these objects appearing to be indistinguishable from the cover. Steganography aims to compromise the adversaries' ability to classify an object as innocent or not. The most successful steganography is adaptive embedding, which uses a distortion function to associate individual cover changes with a cost of change (higher costs implying a more detectable change), and a code which embeds the payload whilst minimising the sum of distortion (a proxy for detectability).
This thesis explores approaches to codes, for adaptive embedding on the subjects of robustness, efficiency, and simulating. Since the wide adoption of adaptive embedding, the significant focus of most researchers in the field has been on distortion algorithms. Our work has aimed to explore the potentials around codes instead, building on the highly successful Syndrome Trellis Codes (STC) algorithm.
On the area of robustness, we explore the ability to create stego objects able to withstand the noisy (non-adversarial) channel. Since syndrome codes are fragile by design, syndrome-encoded stego objects are a bad choice: amplifying the channel error rate into unacceptably high payload error rates. Our work on improving the efficiency of STCs looks at how H matrix construction can influence the fficiency of the algorithm. Expanding on existing research around minimising outliers, we look at how moving from a block-based matrix to one constructed with rows can improve the embedding efficiency.
Finally, we explore the area around simulated steganography. Because of speed constraints, many researchers omit the use of a code, to speed up experiments. The justification is clear: not using a code saves both time and experimental complexity, when you can simulate stego objects on the rate- distortion bound. If we cannot achieve the rate-distortion bound with a code, and more parameters are influencing this than which are taken into account when simulating, is this a sensible option? We propose a method which samples the code with the given parameters and is then able to simulate objects not on the rate-distortion bound, but at the distortion and detectability of a code.
Investigating pseudotyped lentiviral vectors for gene delivery to the lung
Keywords: hemagglutinin
air-liquid interface
neuraminidase
airway
sialylated receptor
gene therapy
influenza virus
lentiviral vector
pseudotyping
Sendai virus
lung

Recombinant lentiviral vectors (LV) are an attractive vehicle for gene delivery to the lung due to their ability to achieve stable, long-term, expression and the opportunity to add glycoprotein pseudotypes for efficient lung cell-targeting. Two LV pseudotypes derived from sialic acid- binding Sendai virus and influenza virus, referred to as F/HN and Rostock respectively, can facilitate efficient in vivo transduction of the murine airway and were compared alongside a new influenza-based pseudotype (Shanghai) which, in contrast to F/HN and Rostock, is based on a strain that infects humans. Lectin staining confirmed a sialylated receptor distribution that is different between murine and human lung, with a greater abundance of a2,6 and relative lack of an a2,3 subtype in the human airway, such that transduction of mouse lung is likely a poor predictor of performance in humans. Ex vivo transduction of murine precision cut lung slices (PCLS) recapitulated results from in vivo experiments. However, PCLS from resected human lung did not contain airways, and therefore cultures of human airway epithelial cells, maintained at an Air-Liquid Interface (ALI), were used to model transduction of the polarised airway epithelium. Different cellular source materials and ALI culture protocols showed differences in the abundance of human sialylated receptor subtypes available, as well as subsequent transduction efficiency by F/HN pseudotyped LV. Importantly, transduction of human ALI cultures was more efficient using vectors based on human as opposed to simian immunodeficiency virus. A greater transduction efficiency was observed for Shanghai pseudotyped LV compared with Rostock but, overall the F/HN pseudotype demonstrated superior efficiency, transducing all human airway cell types characterised. This was consistent with the greater affinity of the F/HN pseudotype for the a2,3 sialylated (N-acetyllactosamine) receptor present in all models investigated, and also explained the broad range of pulmonary cell-types (including the repopulating/progenitor cells of murine airway) transduced in all models investigated. These data support the strong translational potential of the F/HN pseudotype.
Investigating the role of home environment in bilingual language development: a study on young Turkish children in England
Keywords: child interviews
home environment
family background
ethnic identity
bilingual language development
immigration

This thesis presents the results of a cross-sectional, mixed-method study investigating the role of proximal and distal factors in the home environment that are associated with bilingual language development of 3- to 6-year-old Turkish children in England. In so doing, it addresses some of the gaps in the literature and becomes the first study to demonstrate the factors related to bilingual language skills of Turkish children in England. The findings from this study add to the literature by demonstrating the relative importance of the quality of language use in the home language and literacy environment of children with a focus on mother-child interactions and the role of language attitudes in children’s language preferences and thereby language development drawing on the accounts of children.
The main sample of the study is first-generation Turkish parents (N=168), and their 3- to 6-year-old children. All the parents participated in an interview concerning their life in England. During this interview, a structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information on the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the families and their home language and literacy environment. Then, a subgroup of mothers and children (N=67) was visited twice at home for observations of mother-child interactions and child assessments. During the home visits the interactions between the dyads were observed and recorded using a structured observation method. Children were assessed for their Turkish and English vocabulary; Turkish sentence repetition; and non-verbal abilities. Lastly, a sub-group of children (N = 27) was interviewed about their attitudes towards the Turkish and English languages using a semi-structured interview method.
The study findings suggest that the home environments of children from first-generation Turkish families may be related to the family characteristics; further the home environment is likely to be associated with variations in children’s language learning experiences. Among the components of the home language and literacy environment, language exposure at home and language quality in maternal speech were found to be the most significant predictor in statistical models of both Turkish and English language skills. This indicates that stimulating language and literacy experiences at home can facilitate gains in both Turkish and English and can buffer the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage. The interviews with children demonstrated that children’s language attitudes informed their language preferences, and vice versa. Negative language attitudes towards a language or a culture were associated with children’s avoidance of the language and had a negative emotional effect on children’s language preferences and perceptions.