VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The use of virtual reality technology in foreign language education: from teachers’ perspectives
Keywords: Quantitative research
ALSLA
Focus Groups
Education
Foreign language learning
Teachers' perspectives
ALSLA2021
Survey
Virtual reality
Qualitative research
Educational technology

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, in which face-to-face interaction and engagement have been difficult, language teachers are seeking a technological solution that provides students with real-life interactions so they can practise language in both classroom and home settings. The use of virtual reality (VR) technology, which allows students to immerse themselves in real-life scenarios in which they can have conversations with native speakers of the target language, is believed to be an optimal solution to this circumstance. However, research on the use of VR (e.g., ImmerseMe) in foreign language education is still in its infancy. The current study therefore aimed to empirically examine teachers’ perceptions of various aspects of VR, including the areas of learning supported by VR, the benefits and drawbacks of the technology, and any implementation challenges and enabling factors. A mixed-methods approach, specifically a sequential explanatory sub-design, was employed for data collection and analysis. The study involved 105 teachers teaching at secondary and higher education levels around the world. Quantitative data was collected via an online survey and analysed using a number of statistical tests, while qualitative data was collected through focus-group discussions and analysed thematically. The results showed that teachers perceived speaking and listening to be the learning areas that benefited most from the use of VR. The clearest VR benefits were found in contextualised learning, constructivist pedagogy, and student-centred teaching approaches, as well as in students’ language knowledge and confidence. Fewer benefits were found for school grades and long-term memory retention. The biggest perceived drawbacks of VR included the time-consuming nature of lesson redesign, a lack of practice time and content teaching in class, its limitation in completely replacing classroom interaction, and occasionally chaotic learning environments. Perceived challenges to VR implementation included a lack of access to hardware facilities and to the VR program, a lack of teacher training and training materials, and an insensitive voice recognition feature. It is therefore strongly advised that schools, teachers, and program organisers cooperate to maximise VR’s benefits, minimise its drawbacks, and address existing challenges. This research contributes to a body of work on the effective use of VR technology in foreign language education, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study of Oxfordshire
Keywords: COVID-19 mortality
excess mortality
mortality

Background:
Determination of excess mortality provides a useful measure of demonstrating the true toll of the COVID-19 pandemic by capturing both the direct and indirect causes of death. This study estimates the weekly trend in excess mortality over the first 28 weeks of 2020 in Oxfordshire and its five districts, ascertaining the contribution of COVID-19 to the observed excess mortality. This is further complemented by a review of local hospital utilisation and mortality data to understand the collateral damage of the pandemic.
Methods:
Weekly excess mortality was calculated using death registration data from the Office for National Statistics together with historical death registration data from 2015-2019. Mortality and A&E attendance and admission data for Oxford University Hospitals Trust was used to calculate monthly excess inpatient mortality and A&E attendance trends from January to June 2020.
Results:
In Oxfordshire, 642 excess deaths were registered during weeks 12-23 (the peak pandemic period), with 82% attributed to suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Vale of White Horse experienced the highest excess mortality of all districts. Care homes accounted for the largest proportion (62%) of excess deaths during the peak pandemic period, providing evidence of a neglected social care sector. The trend in weekly COVID-19 deaths were closely related to the peaks in excess mortality seen across all districts. A&E attendance for the peak pandemic months were below five-year averages and there was an increase in hospital excess mortality during the same time period.
Conclusion:
This study provides early evidence for the impact of COVID-19 on excess mortality at the county and district level in Oxfordshire, identifying the worst hit areas and indicating the disproportionate effect of the pandemic on care homes. Moreover, hospital data contributes towards the growing research on the negative effects of decreased NHS capacity during the pandemic on non-COVID-19 deaths. Further research is required to evaluate the effects on different age groups and enhance understanding of the influence of other demographic factors on excess mortality.
Educational outcomes in multilingual CLIL school settings: A systematic review
Keywords: ALSLA
Multilingual
Education
Mixed methods research
Immersion
Content and language integrated learning / CLIL
Systematic review
ALSLA2021

This systematic review aims to assess the spread and effectiveness of multilingual school programs that integrate the teaching of academic content knowledge and language. With multilingualism as a growing reality across the globe, such educational models represent a promising option for supporting the development and vitality of majority and minority languages alike. As such, there is a critical need for an evaluation of the outcomes of multilingual programs.
A total of 19 studies were identified by the search, with the majority of studies coming from secondary schools in Spain. Mirroring the results from bilingual school programs, the included studies reported positive outcomes for attitudes and target language development, without any associated costs for the L1 or academic content knowledge.
Though a risk of bias assessment revealed that the group of studies possesses a moderate strength of evidence as a whole, the findings have severely limited generalizability, given the dearth of studies conducted outside of Spanish secondary schools. Nonetheless, analogous patterns between bilingual and multilingual programs and initial findings from the limited studies conducted outside of Spain provide tentative indications that multilingual school programs may be a fruitful avenue forward for developing competence in several languages at no expense to academic performance.
Multilingualism is a trend rapidly developing worldwide, and educational models and research must keep pace with this reality; future research must build on the current body of work and assess the effectiveness of multilingual programs in a broader variety of global contexts.
Examining the interaction between language attitudes, cultural identity, and self-rated L2 proficiency: the case of Flemish students learning French and English
Keywords: Self-perceived language proficiency
Questionnaires
Flemish
ALSLA
French
Flanders
Second language acquisition
Mixed methods research
ALSLA2021
Language atitudes
Language proficiency
English
Cultural identity
Interviews

The aim of the study was to explore the interaction between Flemish secondary school students’ language attitudes, their cultural identity, and their self-rated L2 proficiency for English and French. The study also investigated the influence of (a) age, (b) gender, (c) SES, (d) classification as monolingual or multilingual, (e) self-identification as monolingual or multilingual, (f) self-perceived competence level, (g) knowledge of a language outside the curriculum, and (h) language contact or exposure outside of school on Flemish students’ attitudes towards French and English. A mixed-methods approach to data collection and analysis was employed. Quantitative data was collected through an online questionnaire and analysed using tests of difference and association, and qualitative data was collected through semi-structured follow-up interviews and analysed thematically. Overall, the findings revealed that Flemish students’ attitudes are complex and language-specific, with more positive attitudes towards English than French, which students attributed to the difficulty of the language and the less enjoyable French classes. The results also showed an effect of gender, self-identification as monolingual or multilingual, self-perceived competence level, and language contact or exposure outside of school. Although no relationship was found between cultural identity and language attitudes, the findings did indicate that language attitudes towards French and English are positively correlated with self-rated proficiency for English or French respectively. Such findings highlight the need for L2 language educators and material developers in Flanders to focus on improving students’ learning experience with French by balancing the time spent on grammar rules with engaging (speaking) activities.
Pragmatic competence and pragmatic tolerance in foreign language acquisition – revisiting the case of scalar implicatures
Keywords: Quantitative research
Scalar implicatures
ALSLA
Second language acquisition
Pragmatics
ALSLA2021
Gorilla online platform
Pragmatic tolerance

Understanding language involves making inferences. One type of inference are scalar implicatures, e.g. understanding that “some X” generally implicates “some but not all X”. Recent research has looked at the derivation of scalar implicatures employing binary sentence judgement tasks investigating differences between native speakers and L2 learners in terms of how they accept some sentences with a weak scalar expression (e.g. “Timothy ate some of the pretzels”) in contexts where the stronger scalar expression would hold true (i.e. where Timothy ate all of the pretzels). Results have been inconclusive, but in part, findings have been taken as evidence that L2 learners are less pragmatically competent than native speakers regarding their scalar implicature derivation abilities. Following evidence from L1 acquisition research, I propose that the binary judgement tasks in L2 research did not measure pragmatic competence, but pragmatic tolerance. Therefore, to measure participants’ pragmatic competence (i.e. sensitivity to underinformativeness) more unambiguously, I introduce into the field of L2 research the use of graded judgement tasks, previously employed in L1 studies. I present data from an experiment with adult English L1 speakers (n=30) and German EFL learners (n=36) judging underinformative some sentences in both binary and quinary sentence judgement tasks. Results with the quinary measure data find no evidence that the German EFL learners and native speakers differ in their pragmatic competence in terms of sensitivity to underinformativeness. Moreover, data with a binary measure task of the type used in previous L2 research also found no evidence for between-group differences in pragmatic tolerance. The findings suggest a reinterpretation of previous L2 scalar implicature research and reinforce the utility of distinguishing ‘Pragmatic Competence’ and ‘Pragmatic Tolerance’ in L2 experimental pragmatics.
Perceptions of native and non-native English varieties by Chinese EFL learners: an investigation of the effects of study abroad
Keywords: Quantitative research
ALSLA
Comprehensibility
Speech perception
Questionnaire
ALSLA2021
Foreign-accentedness
Study abroad
Social-attractiveness
Verbal-guise technique
Vairety-recognition

This study investigated Chinese EFL learners’ perceptions of different varieties of English, and compared the perceptions of learners with and without experience of Study Abroad (SA) in Anglophone countries. A total of ninety Chinese university students majoring in language studies participated in an online survey. They listened to seven English varieties (RP, Glaswegian, Liverpudlian, Indian, Italian, Chinese and Malaysian) and evaluated these using four criteria (comprehensibility, social-attractiveness, foreign-accentedness and variety recognition) on a series of six-point Likert scales and two open-ended questions. According to statistical analysis, all participants regarded the standard variety (RP) and the local variety (Chinese) highly in terms of comprehensibility and social-attractiveness. Participants were generally sensitive towards the native and non-native accentedness. With regard to variety recognition, participants consistently and accurately identified the standard variety and the local Chinese variety. Participants were less certain about the origin of the regional UK varieties and the international varieties. When adding in the factor of different learning contexts (at home and Study Abroad), the results revealed that study abroad in the UK has a positive influence on participants’ perceptions of international and regional UK varieties. Listeners with study abroad experience perceived Italian-accented speech as more comprehensible and more attractive and they were more likely to accurately identify the origin of regional UK varieties. The findings imply that study abroad may have value in helping learners to understand and accept non-standard or unfamiliar varieties of English. Based on participants’ responses, there were highly positive attitudes towards linguistic diversity and willingness to learn nonstandard varieties, suggesting a demand for the inclusion of nonstandard varieties in the classroom.
Structure and function of the social brain in primates
Keywords: primates
social cognition
diffusion-weighted MRI
functional MRI
evolution
connectivity
neuroanatomy

Social abilities differ between primate species, with some thought to be specifically human, such as theory of mind (TOM). It has been argued that brain expansion and reorganisation throughout the primate evolutionary history has accompanied these differences (reviewed in chapter 1). In this thesis, we aimed to characterise how the primate social brain function and anatomy have evolved to shed light onto the evolutionary roots of the human social brain. We tackled this goal with a comparative approach and using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). First, we designed a novel functional MRI experiment testing for the computational properties underlying TOM in the macaque brain in chapter 2. Our results showed that, as the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) in humans, a middle superior temporal sulcus (midSTS) area in macaques can support TOM computations. We suggest that the macaque midSTS could have undergone reorganisation and specialisation as a precursor for the human TPJ. Then, in chapter 3, we investigated the architecture of the white matter temporal lobe underlying its cortical expansion and reorganisation from macaques to humans. By integrating several great ape species, we were able to suggest a stepwise evolutionary trajectory for the connectivity of the temporal lobe. We further characterised the evolution of primate brain organisation in chapter 4, by establishing a common methodology to study lemurs, squirrel monkeys and macaques. We identified a simian fronto-parietal and temporo-parietal elaboration in terms of cortical and connectivity expansion. In chapter 5, we set out to expand our understanding of the ontogeny of the macaque brain organisation by exploring the changes observed throughout their lifespan. We pinpointed a period in their early life where most of the changes occurs and revealed connectivity refinement throughout their life. Overall, this thesis suggests an evolutionary trajectory for the primate social brain (chapter 6) and paves the way for further investigation.
Optical cavities for quantum information processing with trapped neutral atoms
Keywords: Quantum Networking
Optical Cavity
Neutral Atoms

A leading strategy for the creation of a scalable quantum computer is through a networked architecture. This would comprise stationary nodes for quantum information processing and photonic channels for their communication and entanglement distribution. In this scheme a coherent interface between light and matter is a critical component, facilitating the deterministic and reversible transfer of quantum information between stationary and travelling qubits. This requirement may be fulfilled by a high finesse optical cavity, whose radiation field is strongly coupled to a trapped quantised emitter. Neutral atoms are an ideal species for the development of such a device, given their inherent compatibility with dielectric mirror surfaces. However, an outstanding challenge in building an elementary network of neutral atom-cavity systems is in establishing a single atom dipole trap within each cavity mode. This thesis presents the development of an open-access cavity suitable for single atom localisation, whilst maintaining strong atom-cavity coupling, {g0,κ,γ} = {11,2.1,3} × 2πMHz, and the efficient extraction of generated photons, η=0.5. We consider cavity design methodology, deriving a connection between the physical properties of the optical resonator and its intended role in the production of single photons. An experimental platform is developed for the creation of cavity mirrors by laser ablation, with a high degree of geometrical control. This is used to produce a set of pyramidal micro-mirrors, demonstrated to represent a favourable alternative to the widespread adoption of fibre-tip cavities. These pyramidal mirrors are shown to support multi-feature resonators, allowing several atom-cavity interfaces to be formed using a pair of substrates. By developing a novel procedure for mirror alignment, a hybrid mirror cavity is fabricated and integrated into an experimental architecture tailored for atomic trapping. Suitability of the cavity for future experimentation is demonstrated by frequency stabilisation to an atomic resonance of 87Rb.
Human-environment interactions on infectious disease risk in Brazil
Keywords: health inequalities
spatial epidemiology
COVID-19
Brazil
infectious disease
yellow fever virus

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases pose a major threat to global health, yet little is known about their complex socio-ecological pathways that impact population health disproportionately at fine spatial scales. This is common in low-and middle-income countries with stark inequalities such as Brazil, which faces unprecedented changes in land-use and climate, and the burden of several epidemics, including the Zika virus, yellow fever virus, and SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. This thesis presents research conducted on these diseases to advance knowledge on the relationships of ecological-epidemiological factors in natural and socio-institutional settings, which shape differential population risk to infectious diseases in Brazil.
Guided by the theoretical frameworks of disease ecology and landscape epidemiology, this thesis uses large open-access datasets, GIS, and statistical modelling to explore the geographic spread of Zika virus, the emergence of yellow fever virus in the natural environment, differential risk to COVID-19 spread in the built environment, and population response to COVID-19 via immunisation. Forest cover and temperature fostered the environmental suitability of yellow fever, while race, income, and healthcare systems contributed to inequalities in access to COVID-19 testing, infection, and death. Mass vaccination campaigns illustrated in the context of COVID-19 showed that vaccine coverage varies by area, age, race, sex, and socioeconomic status. In these settings, population interconnectivity via settlement, mobility, and behaviour significantly influenced disproportionate geographic exposure to disease risk.
Findings and implications from this research can be used to inform public health policies and interventions in Brazil. Future research should continue to explore the integration of large open-access datasets for understanding geographical inequalities in disease risk.
Integrated modelling of whole-plant metabolism and growth
Keywords: Phloem
Amino acid
Metabolism
Crop engineering
Nitrogen assimilation
Source-sink interactions
Flux balance analysis
Stoichiometric modelling
Arabidopsis
Translocation
Biomass partitioning
Central metabolism
Alternative energy sources
Allometric growth
Linear programming
Plant
Nitrogen metabolism
Flux
C/N balances
Energy
Branch-chain amino acids
Solanum
Metabolic engineering
Carbon metabolism
Crop yield
Fruit
Constraints-based modelling
Food security
Growth
Reproductive growth
Amino acid catabolism
Optimisation
Optimal partitioning theory
Multiscale modelling
Xylem
Tomato

Source-sink interactions describe the relationship between different plant organs and the division of labour in relation to source activity (resource uptake and assimilation) and sink activity (resource utilisation). Recently, multiscale growth models have been proposed as a tool to investigate unresolved aspects of whole-plant level processes, including source-sink interactions. In particular, constraint-based modelling using stoichiometric biochemical models has been shown to generate accurate predictions of metabolic fluxes and fine-grained, quantitative descriptions of plant biochemistry. The aim of this work was to develop a computational framework that captures the interactions between different organs during plant growth and the metabolic activity of each organ.
Two main modelling approaches are presented in this work. The first approach consists of stoichiometric metabolic models integrated into a previously established multiscale Arabidopsis growth model. However, exploration of the resulting model revealed that the model's structure was unable to account for the effects of non-carbon resources on growth, which led to poor predictions of growth rates.
The second modelling approach was developed to overcome this issue. I generated a whole-plant stoichiometric network of tomato metabolism by connecting organ-specific models via a common metabolite pool. Vegetative growth simulations produced predictions for metabolic fluxes that were in good agreement with known biochemistry (e.g. phototrophism in leaves and heterotrophism in stems and roots) and accurate growth patterns. Relaxing model constraints for metabolite flow between organs revealed optimal patterns of resource partitioning and utilisation for improved growth, including leaf-based nitrate assimilation, increased amino acid transport in the phloem, threonine catabolism as a carbon-efficient route for acetyl-CoA production, and branch-chain amino acids as a respiratory substrate. Additionally, simulations of reproductive growth with altered biomass partitioning patterns between organs identified reduced stem growth as being highly beneficial for increasing fruit yield. As individual biochemical reactions are represented in the model, specific molecular targets for improving plant growth and crop yield were deduced from model predictions.
Overall, the results presented in this work indicate that multiscale whole-plant models are useful tools for generating insight into plant biology. Future explorations using these models should be pursued.