VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Re-reading Camus's ethics
Keywords: ethics
Camus

This study problematizes the dominance of the Temps modernes polemic in critical readings of Camus’s political and ethical thought, and offers a more nuanced reading of his contribution to both contemporary and modern ethical discourses. An exploration of critical readings of Camus’s theoretical work reveals a retrospection and return on the part of critics who perpetually revisit the same issues which caused so much contention in the 1950s - political engagement, historical absolutism, Marxism, the use of violence, ideological extremism - in order to defend or simply reassert Camus’s position in relation, or rather in opposition, to that of Sartre. Whilst this hermeneutic framework might, in some senses, still be pertinent, it neither allows for a breadth of perspective which the distance afforded by time offers, nor permits a consideration of Camus’s thought in the light of the theoretical shifts which have taken place in the intervening period. Engaging in this hermeneutic dialogue, the purpose of this thesis is to disrupt the binarism of the Camus/Sartre paradigm through a comparative study of Camus’s theory of revolt and Simone de Beauvoir’s ethic of ambiguity in the light of Maurice Blanchot’s critical perspective, in order firstly to offer a radically new reading of Camus’s position in relation to that of his contemporaries, and secondly to open up an alternative perspective on Camus’s thought in terms of the ethical concerns which have come to underpin more modern critical paradigms such as postcolonialism, feminism, poststructuralism and ethical criticism.
Building a bureaucracy: the transfer of responsibility for refugee affairs from United Nations Refugee Agency to Government of Kenya
Keywords: UNHCR
African state
refugee protection
Kenya
bureaucracy
refugee status determination
refugee registration

In this thesis, I explore the role of Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS), within the Government of Kenya, in the management of refugee affairs in Kenya, focusing on RAS’ role in refugee registration and refugee status determination (RSD). Methodologically, I seek to understand the state through the everyday practices of its ‘street-level’ and managerial-level bureaucrats.
My first argument is rooted in the observation that the Kenyan state’s engagement with refugee registration and RSD has been marked by what I argue can be called a 'procedural indifference' – defined as a lack of interest or concern. I use this to critique the theories of state power outlined by Foucault, Scott and Torpey whereby state power is achieved through the administrative penetration and embrace of society. I advance this argument by showing that historically the Kenyan state, and the African state more broadly, developed without a reliance on bureaucratic knowledge. Together, I argue that this shows the historical and political contingency of registration and RSD as central components of the so-called ‘international’ refugee regime, and the importance of questioning normative ideas of statehood and idealised notions of surveillance.
My second argument explores a capacity building project by UNHCR to facilitate the full transfer of RSD to RAS and unify registration (previously done by both UNHCR and RAS in parallel). I explore the empirical dynamics of how the development project played out, whose interests it served and theoretically consider how power was exercised. I show that capacity building was oriented around deliberately maintaining UNHCR’s influence over RAS. I argue this was done by UNHCR to resolve its own institutional tension between institutional demands to carry out the transfer and concerns about how this could jeopardise refugee protection. This control however fitted well with RAS’s indifference and their desire for the financial incentives offered by the project. I therefore argue that the official aims were not achieved because of how both partners designed the project. This case highlights the intriguing ways in which competing agendas of development partners can come together to facilitate a project but struggle to achieve its official aims.
Terms of gendered representation: reassessing the role of elite women in early‒mid 18th dynasty funerary iconography from Thebes and El-Kab
Keywords: kinship
self-presentation
gender
family
agency
tomb iconography
women

Past studies on iconographic funerary material from ancient Egypt have traditionally focused on the male tomb owner, leaving his female relatives primarily characterised through their sexuality and how this benefited the tomb owner’s rebirth. This thesis reassesses this androcentric perspective, exploring whether there is a representational decorum in how female relatives are portrayed in a corpus of two early‒mid 18th Dynasty family clusters of monuments from Thebes and El-Kab, and their associated artefacts (see Chapter 2). A female relative is defined in Chapter 1 based on the presence of the core kinship terms—mwt ‘mother’, Hmt ‘wife’, snt ‘sister’ or ‘wife’, and sAt ‘daughter’—in a female figure’s caption. The discussion encompasses both a terminological analysis according to kinship term in Chapter 3 and an individual analysis focusing on the women and monuments in each family cluster in Chapter 4. Are there set ways in which women with these different kinship terms are depicted and could this infer a hierarchy between these terminological groups? What can these iconographic hierarchies potentially articulate about idealised female familial power relationships? How did the representation of a single woman change according to monument or according to kinship term? Which women are shown multiple times across their families’ monuments and artefacts, and why? Are kinship terms fully representative of the depiction of kinship within funerary iconography? The presence of such decorums suggests that female relatives were portrayed as a vital aspect of the tomb owner’s social network and self-presentation alongside his male relatives and colleagues. In this way, traditional approaches to ancient Egyptian funerary contexts are problematised in Chapter 5, drawing on anthropological theories from Feminist and Gender Anthropology and performance theory, in order to suggest a more nuanced, multifaceted, and gender balanced interpretation of the role of elite women in ancient Egyptian funerary monuments.
Regulation of eukaryotic DNA replication: genome architecture and polymerase switching
Keywords: DNA replication
polymerase epsilon

Eukaryotic DNA replication is tightly regulated, requiring the coordinated action of many different cellular processes and proteins to facilitate duplication of the entire genomic template.
This work investigates two different aspects of this coordination: the timing regulation that leads some genomic loci to replicate early in S phase and some late, and the enzymatic regulation that allows nascent strand synthesis to be carried out in an efficient and error-minimizing way by one of a family of distinct DNA polymerases.
First, the role of 3D genome architecture in human cell replication timing is analyzed with the use of a system for inducible cohesin degradation. Loss of cohesin has been shown to drive loss of topologically associating domain (TAD) structure across the genome. Thus, high throughput sequencing and microscopy were used to assess replication timing differences between wildtype and cohesin- ablated S phase conditions. Neither acute S phase cohesin ablation nor sustained ablation from G1 through S phase resulted in genome-wide changes to replication timing domains (RD). Furthermore, specific genomic loci hypothesized to show a replication timing response to cohesin loss – such as TAD boundaries, CTCF binding sites, and genes that showed differential expression in the absence of cohesin – showed no significant changes. Thus, it was concluded that cohesin is necessary for neither the establishment nor execution of replication timing domains.
Second, the potential for switching during ongoing leading strand synthesis by polymerase epsilon is investigated in budding yeast. A system was developed to incorporate (1) an inducible and tagged polymerase epsilon Pol2 subunit in addition to the endogenous Pol2 subunit, (2) a long replicon free of licensed replication origins, (3) robust cell cycle synchronization, and (4) a quantitative ChIP-Seq method for detection of the induced and endogenous Pol2 subunits on chromatin. Preliminary experimentation utilizing this system suggest an absence of rapid and widespread polymerase epsilon switching during ongoing replication. This opens the door for future experiments assessing polymerase switching in response to replication stress and obstacles such as UV-induced DNA damage.
"Da fügte es der Himmel oder der Zufall". Religiöses Wissen bei Adalbert Stifter
Keywords: biblical intertextuality
literature and religion
physico-theology
Adalbert Stifter
history of mentalities
religious knowledge

This thesis explores forms and functions of religious knowledge in the highly complex work of the Austrian prose writer Adalbert Stifter. Although there has been a dramatic increase in Stifter research over the last three decades, scholars have so far ignored a key element of his writing: In a variety of ways, almost all of Stifter’s texts deal with elements of religious knowledge. This study generically demonstrates that literature from the mid-19th-century by no means simply abandons metaphysics and confines itself to facts and science, but still strongly engages with religion. The theoretical framework for this endeavour is an eclectic mix of intellectual history, intertextuality studies, history of mentalities and discourse analysis. Based on overviews of Stifter’s personal belief and his education with the enlightened Benedictines from Kremsmuenster in Upper Austria, close readings of his short stories 'Das Haidedorf', 'Die Pechbrenner' and 'Kalkstein' shed new light on the role of biblical intertexts in Stifter, while readings of 'Der beschriebene Tännling', 'Der heilige Abend' as well as 'Der Waldgänger' and 'Das alte Siegel' recontextualise Stifter in the aftermath of Baroque Catholicism and Catholic Enlightenment. Whilst one chapter examines physico-theology as a distinctive, yet versatile category for the portrayal of nature in Stifter’s early and late work, an in-depth reading of his famous novella 'Abdias' focuses on the contemporary anti-Jewish discourse. In detecting the various traces of religious knowledge, the thesis uncovers an important semantic level of Stifter’s prose, yet it emphasises that these religious elements can by no means serve as single key to a full understanding of the nuanced, often ambiguous texts.
Processes of change in cognitive therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder
Keywords: Cognitive therapy
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Processes of change

Although trauma-focused cognitive therapy for PTSD is effective and recommended in international treatment guidelines as a first-line intervention for PTSD, the psychological processes through which this treatment drives clinical improvement have rarely been investigated. The aim of this thesis is to improve our understanding of how cognitive therapy for PTSD works by testing predictions made by Ehlers and Clark’s (2000) cognitive model of PTSD in two large datasets of patients receiving cognitive therapy in routine care (N1 = 330; N2 = 343). To increase the transparency and reproducibility of my work, I developed research software tools that help implement the methods used in this thesis in a transparent and reproducible way.
I used bivariate latent change score models to test whether changes in the PTSD symptoms are preceded by changes in theory-derived cognitive processes and coping strategies during treatment. The results show that changes in PTSD symptoms were preceded by changes in negative appraisals, flashback quality of unwanted memories, and unhelpful responses to intrusions, but not vice versa. The relationship between changes in trauma memory disorganisation and changes in PTSD symptoms was bidirectional.
To investigate sudden symptom improvements during cognitive therapy for PTSD I developed the R package suddengains. First, I examined how cognitive factors change before, during, and after sudden gains in PTSD symptom severity. The results indicate that sudden gains were accompanied, and to a smaller degree preceded, by improvements in negative appraisals and flashback quality of unwanted memories. A second study extended these results by exploring improvement in individual PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms during sudden gains in total PTSD symptoms. The results suggest that patients experience different patterns of sudden symptom improvements, while showing similar overall treatment outcomes.
The studies presented in this thesis contribute further evidence supporting predictions about maintenance factors and clinical recovery during treatment by Ehlers and Clark’s (2000) cognitive model of PTSD. This thesis also contributed to clinical research methodology by developing research software that facilitates reproducible analyses as well as a collaborative evaluation and further development of methods evaluating processes of change in psychological therapies. Overall, this thesis supports interventions targeting the identification and modification of cognitive and behavioural processes in PTSD.
Explanation through functionalism
Keywords: Physics
Science
Scientific Theories
Functionalism
Structuralism
Explanation
Kantianism
Philosophy of Phyiscs
Philosophy of Science

The notion of explanation has been widely used to determine and single out dependencies within the Philosophy of Science. In particular, it is often believed that symmetries have a certain priority over laws on the basis of their explanatory role [E.g. Wigner 1964] or that one of the criteria that are employed to discriminate between laws and accidental generalisations is that laws are supposed to "explain" their instances (E.g. Bird 1998). These stances can lead to different hierarchical proposals, sometimes merely methodological but often with strong metaphysical outcomes.
In this work, I am proposing a functional account of explanation, which refrains from a hierarchical commitment, although recognising the different roles that symmetries, laws and phenomena play within the physical theories. In particular, the form of functionalism I am endorsing is the one first introduced in Cassirer 1910 and Cassirer 1937. Addressing the fact that this form of functionalism has been considered a predecessor of structural realism (French 2014), I shall deal with contemporary issues in the Philosophy of Science (E.g. French and Saatsi 2018, Weatherall 2011) as well as recent versions of Kantianism (Massimi 2011a).
In silico characterisation of antigen receptor binding site structures
Keywords: structural bioinformatics
antibody
paratope
binding site
T-cell receptor

The adaptive immune system defends the host against the invasion of foreign molecules known as the "antigens". These antigens are recognised by two main types of antigen receptors: T-cell receptors (TCRs) and antibodies. While both proteins share a globally similar β-sandwich architecture and are encoded by similar genetic mechanisms, TCRs are polyspecific and have medium affinity to their peptide antigens, while antibodies are highly specific and have high affinity to their targets. Their different behaviours are thought to be at least partially dictated by their binding site features. In this thesis, we aim to analyse their binding site structures and develop tools that can leverage the greater breadth of binding site diversity unveiled by repertoire sequencing.
In both types of proteins, the majority of the binding site is constituted by the complementarity-determining region (CDR) loops. In this thesis we first describe the development of a rapid sequence-based canonical form prediction tool (SCALOP) for antibody CDRs and for TCR CDRs. Based on this initial structural annotation, we then explored the structural differences between antibody and TCR CDRs and found that TCR CDRs tend to adopt multiple conformations, more often than their antibody counterparts. To capture the potential ensemble of binding site conformations, we built a TCR modelling tool, TCRBuilder.
Moving on from the structure of CDR alone, we then developed Ab-Ligity, a structure-based method that identifies sequence-dissimilar antibodies against the same epitope. This method incorporates the predicted antibody structure and the physicochemical properties of the binding site. Finally, as Ab-Ligity is dependent upon prediction of the paratope, we evaluated the leading paratope prediction method, Parapred. We attempt to highlight possible features that could portray paratopes with interpretable statistical models. The thesis concludes with the potential future directions of the work on binding site analysis for antibodies and TCRs.
Implementing effective verbal feedback in primary classrooms
Keywords: MLT
MLT2020

Although feedback in teaching and learning has the potential to impact positively, in the reality of classroom practice - feedback is differentially effective. It is therefore important for schools to consider the relevant research recommendations, alongside their collective experience, to develop effective feedback practice which maximises these potential learning gains. This is particularly important when schools are making substantial changes to their feedback practice.
Recently, many primary schools in England have been reforming their feedback practice as a result of national educational changes. The school in which I work is one of these schools. The primary school is a voluntary academy, serving approximately 200 children ages 5-11 in the north west of England. The school had moved away from written feedback and trailed verbal feedback approaches. The following practitioner research outlines this context in more detail, and reviews the relevant literature, before exploring the overarching research question: How can teachers work together to implement more effective verbal feedback?
In doing so it documents and evaluates the process of collaborating to improve the effectiveness of the school’s feedback practice.
Cinemas in the classroom: increasing student motivation and listening skills in L2 through the use of film
Keywords: MLT
MLT2014

Motivation is key to learning and using a foreign language (Ellis: 1997) Low levels of motivation towards language learning are remarkably well hidden in the Irish secondary school system. This is due to the fact that, although foreign language learning is optional, it is a prerequisite for most 3rd level institutions. Previous research I conducted in collaboration with the Irish Film Institute demonstrated an increase in motivation towards French learning when film was used as a language learning tool with students deemed at risk of leaving school early.
But what about students in high achieving schools? Despite diligent work and A grades, student motivation level in French may still be low. In this study I will attempt to increase motivation levels and enhance listening skills in students from a very high achieving, all-girl, secondary school by using film as a classroom language learning tool and hopefully demonstrate an increase in motivation and interest towards language learning, along with improved listening skills.
The rise of ‘Republican fever’ in the PRC: China’s pre-communist legacies and post-Mao national identity
Keywords: Republican fever
Chinese historiography
Chinese nationalism
modern Chinese history
national identity

The Chinese Communist Party bases much of its legitimacy on its ‘liberation’ of China from the Nationalist government, and its official historiography describes the Republican era as a dark, chaotic and oppressive period and a part of the ‘Century of Humiliation’. However, during the reform era, while the orthodoxy has persisted, a new image of Republican China has emerged. In books, newspaper articles, documentaries and dramas, pre-communist China has sometimes been portrayed as a vibrant society making remarkable progress in modernization in the face of severe external challenges. In the mid-2000s, the growing fascination with the Republican era became known as ‘Republican fever’. This dissertation seeks to find out why positive reassessments of the Republican era, which deviates from the orthodox historiography, have been allowed to emerge in a country where the media remain under strict state control. Using data gathered mainly from China’s official media. I found that the ‘Republican fever’ has been allowed to emerge and even thrive because, in the reform era, China’s official identity narrative has been gradually evolving from that of a revolutionary socialist state into that of a modernizing nationalist state. While the regime has continued to use the negative view of China’s pre-communist history to maintain its historical legitimacy, it has also been promoting a positive view of aspects of the same period in order to support its post-1978 priorities of modernisation and nationalism. The official reassessment meant that some previously off-limits discursive elements, i.e. Republican legacies, became allowable topics of public discussion. Though the regime imposed its own official framings on these topics, ‘authoritarian fragmentation’ meant that media professionals could act as ‘policy entrepreneurs’ and push for alternative framings of the historical legacies. Collectively, the unofficial framings of Republican legacies led to ‘Republican fever’, which has caused damage to the CCP’s official national identity narrative.
Indigenous women leading the defence of human rights from the abuses by mega-projects in Latin America, in the face of extreme violence
Keywords: mega-projects
social movements
women human rights defenders
mobilisation
Latin America
leaders
change in corporate practice
human rights defenders
indigenous people
indigenous women
corporate responsibility
human rights

In the face of extreme violence, some Indigenous women-led social movement organisations defending human rights from the abuses related to mega-projects have achieved favourable changes in corporate practices. In the predominantly patriarchal, capitalist and racist context of Latin America, what explains the success (or not) of Indigenous women-led mobilisations regarding the most politically and economically powerful actors? Although there is a well-established literature on social movements, some dedicated to the influence on corporate practices, there is a lacuna concerning the agency, leadership and impact of Indigenous women-led movements in the context of mega-projects.
This thesis uses a multi-level qualitative research methodology to develop a theoretical framework to explain their outcomes. It involves three main comparisons of cases of success and non-success: (1) within-country variation comparing Lenca women-led organisations contesting abuses related to hydroelectric dam projects in Honduras; (2) within-case variation over time of a Binni’za women-led mobilisation against violations connected to wind farm projects in Mexico; and (3) a small-N cross-national comparison of mobilisations in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia led by Sarayaku, Asháninka and Wayuu women challenging the abuses related to oil extractives, hydroelectric dam projects, and coal mining respectively. Also, I develop a qualitative comparative analysis of all these cases, which includes a Boolean minimisation process.
The thesis finds that in a minimally favourable context the following four factors operating together in a braid of action lead to success (i.e., a favourable change in corporate behaviour): (1) transforming the territory into power; (2) Indigenous women’s effective leadership; (3) human rights framing; and, (4) reacting to a grave violation overtly involving corporations. These four strands interweaved in a tough braid of action are capable of harnessing mobilisation power, achieving success over much materially powerful corporate forces. If some of the strands are weak or frayed, the braid cannot achieve this success.