VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
What is in a form? the variation between English local authorities' exclusion rates and their organizational artifacts

School exclusion, which is the practice of removing a student from school for a fixed or indefinite period of time, has become an increasingly researched and analyzed topic. This is unsurprising given the significant rise in its use in certain countries. There are increased efforts to understand the phenomenon more comprehensively, and in particular, what drives some areas to exclude more than others. The following thesis is a comparative paper that examined school exclusion variation in England, specifically at the local authority level. The research included two phases of data collection—1) Document Review and 2) Secondary Data Review—on 10 different local authorities. Phase 1 was driven by the document review. Local authority documents—specifically, exclusion forms and exclusion parent notification letters—were evaluated to determine how authorities vary in the way they interpret and present information about school exclusion. Additionally, local authority documents were analyzed to determine how closely they aligned with national exclusion guidance and what, if anything, they could reveal about the local authority’s ethos regarding exclusion. Phase 2 was driven by the secondary data review. The exclusion rates of the 10 local authorities were analyzed to determine what relationship, if any, exists between the way a local authority presents information about school exclusion in documents and the actual rate of exclusion in that authority. Specifically, do authorities with more punitive language in documents have higher rates of exclusion, and vice versa if the language appears less punitive? The findings from Phase 1 demonstrated that there was significant variation in the way local authorities presented and interpreted exclusion information and the degree to which documents aligned with national guidance. However, detecting ethos was complex. Documents are one element of an organization’s culture, and thus need to be further contextualized. The findings from Phase 2 showed that local authorities at extreme ends of the spectrum—i.e., with incredibly high or incredibly low rates of exclusion—did seem to demonstrate significantly more punitive and less punitive language in documents respectively. However, there is no apparent pattern if one moves away from the extremes and evaluates authorities in the middle of the spectrum. This suggests the need for continued investigation into the multitude of factors that drive local variation in exclusion rates.

Keywords: CIE2022
CIE
document review
exclusion rates
secondary data review
Advisor: Feinstein, L
CipherTrace: automatic detection of ciphers from execution traces

Cryptography is defensive in nature, as it provides confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity to its consumers for data processing, storage and transmission. The employment of cryptography in software has introduced additional complexity in investigating the intent of a binary program or a running process. The rapid-increasing trend of using cryptography in malicious software, has re-introduced cryptography from an ”active-defense” perspective. This trend is known as cryptovirology, which was first introduced in 1996. The ever-increasing number of malware samples employing cryptography has demanded for more sophisticated analysis techniques to account for the malware and its operation(s), and if applicable, allow for neutralization and/or recovery. Generally, the detection and identification of cryptographic functions, routines, or algorithms facilitates malware analysis and forensics. However, most of the attempts presented in the literature have basically followed a top-down approach, which (by design) has limited them, as they are mainly focused on detecting certain implementations, rather than the building blocks, elements, or ingredients of cryptography in general. Nevertheless, the lack of work on automating the process makes it harder to scale in quantity and quality. In this dissertation, we explore the idea of generalizing the detection of cryptography, via dynamically analyzing Out-of-VM execution traces of binary programs. The prototype we developed (CipherTrace) is based on PANDA, the architecture-neutral dynamic analysis platform. PANDA was favored among others mainly due to its plugin architecture as well as its record-and-replay functionality, which allows for developing extensions easily and repeatable analysis. PANDA is based on QEMU, which is a whole-system emulator and virtualizer. In QEMU, the in-guest components are not visible to the guest programs, therefore it provides isolation to a certain extend, wherein the results are more true-hearted. We apply custom heuristics on the synthetic information of called functions, e.g., count of arithmetic operations, number of executions of basic blocks, memory access patterns, and more. The synthetic information can be categorized as raw (i.e., Platform-driven or Assembly-driven), or lifted (i.e., LLVM-driven). Finally, we report the findings, observations, limitations, and assert the feasibility and scalability of the concept, the dynamic analysis approach, as well as the technique applied to identify cryptographic (crypto) elements to classify a cipher. Crypto elements are the generic elementary units (or constituents) of cryptography, i.e., the operational functional blocks (e.g., a substitution or permutation step, etc).

Keywords: virtual machine introspection
binary analysis
reverse engineering
FFR
dynamic analysis
cryptographic key identification and extraction
cipher identification
Exploring the relationship between code-switching and emotions. A systematic review.

This systematic review aims to assess the interaction of code-switching (CS) and emotions, and how this relationship may be influenced by cross-cultural and cross-modality differences. The link between language preference and emotions has long been discussed, yet an overview on factors within and underlying the association is still lacking. As such, there is a critical need for a systematic evaluation of the interaction of CS and emotions. An initial search in four databases resulted in 1944 papers, which were then screened by 6 inclusion criteria. A total of 19 studies within the last 10 years were identified, with the majority of studies based in Asian contexts, and English as the most common second language. The overall risk of bias of included studies was moderate-to-high, and the key issue was the ambiguity of data collection. Narrative synthesis of selected studies showed that CS and emotions interacted with each other both in intrapersonal and interpersonal perspectives. People tended to switch their code when feeling emotional. CS was also applied for several affection functions, especially in expressing, negotiating, and managing emotions. Intensive, abrupt, and negatively charged emotions were often linked to CS, with anger being identified most frequently. This interaction could probably be either conscious or unintentional. Compared to people from western cultures, people originally from Asia were found applying CS uniquely for emotional support. No salient cross-modality difference was found. Overall, results of reviewed studies were consistent. Emotions could influence the occurrence of CS and CS was also employed for emotional functions. This interaction is influenced by personal language experiences that shaped by their social and cultural backgrounds. Further studies on other cross-linguistic and cross-cultural differences are suggested to build up the interaction to a broader context.

Keywords: language embodiment
Construted Emotion Theory
emotion
code-switching
Advisor: Chalmers, H
Warrior women: the changing appeal of the Amazon in the art of Greece and the wider Mediterranean c. 600-300 B.C.

This thesis investigates the mythological figure of the Amazons in the literary and material culture of the ancient Mediterranean. Beginning with the earliest references to the Amazons, this thesis examines the wide variety of media featuring the myth with a particular focus on material culture of sixth to fourth centuries B.C. The thesis is organised both chronologically and geographically, beginning with material from Archaic and Classical Greece before exploring the material culture of Italy and Western Anatolia. The thesis thus tracks the development of this single myth through a variety of media, geographical contexts, and chronological periods. This is a novel approach, as these aspects of the Amazon mythos are usually considered in isolation. These approaches are supplemented throughout by an analysis of what the myth potentially represented to the societies who interacted with the story through imported and local material culture. The thesis concludes that the inherent adaptability and enigmatic nature of the Amazon story was a key factor behind its popularity, and that mythological art from antiquity can be as significant for its ambiguities and complexities as in its more straightforward codifications of meaning.

Keywords: Athenian vases
Etruscan material culture
Athenian vase trade
Greek material culture
Greek mythology
Caria
Amazonomachy
Etruscan Italy
classical archaeology
Anatolian material culture
South Italian vases
Amazons
Archaic Greece
Classical Greece
Lycia
Advisor: Mannack, T
Operando characterisations of lithium/sodium metal batteries

This thesis explores the degradation mechanisms of lithium/sodium metal battery anodes by several operando characterization techniques, such as real-time liquid-cell scanning transmission electron microscopy, online mass spectrometry, and in-situ atomic force microscopy. These findings highlight the importance of appropriately designing electrolytes and tailoring the solid electrolyte interphase for achieving nondendritic lithium/sodium deposition and dissolution.
In Chapter 4, the reason why fluoride-rich SEI benefits lithium metal anodes and how they alter the structural dynamics of lithium plating/stripping to promote efficiency were studied. The fluoride-rich SEI was directly observed to yield a flatter and finer deposited lithium structure that presented a better morphology for uniform stripping, thus resulting in a significant reduction in dead lithium. In addition, the dead lithium was quantificationally found to be the main degradation reason for lithium metal batteries, and the LiH was verified to be an important SEI component in lithium metal batteries.
In Chapter 5, the role of electrolyte solvents during sodium plating/stripping was systematically studied. Severe gas formation was observed in carbonate-based electrolytes during sodium plating/stripping while just a few bubbles in ether electrolytes. The SEI in ether electrolyte was found to be much stiffer and more elastic, and the plated sodium was more uniform. In addition, fewer dead sodium formations and less electrolyte decomposition were measured in the ether-based system compared to a carbonate-based electrolyte case.

Keywords: real-time liquid-cell STEM
role of electrolyte solvents in sodium metal battery
fluoride-rich SEI in lithium metal battery
Advisor: Robertson, A
Bruce, P
Exploring the association between sibling relationship quality, parenting styles, and theory-of-mind development in Chinese young adolescents: a preliminary analysis

Siblings’ influence has often been overshadowed globally by other family factors. This research gap is especially pronounced in China, largely due to the four-decade-long One-Child policy. To date, only one study by Hou et al. (2022) has examined the role of sibling relationship quality (SRQ) in the theory of mind (ToM) development among Chinese children. Since this study, along with previous research predominantly from Western cultures, has focused on preschoolers, the present study sought to employ a cross-sectional, multimethod, multi-informant correlational design to verify the relationship between Chinese young adolescents’ SRQ and ToM performance. Furthermore, this study incorporated parenting styles as a parental factor, which has been demonstrated to influence both SRQ and ToM. Consequently, the second aim of this research was to explore the parenting-ToM and parenting-SRQ correlations. Lastly, the study also assessed the associations between sibling structures (number of siblings, birth order, age gap, gender composition) and ToM.
Thirty families (comprising 30 young adolescents aged 11-12 years, their 30 siblings, and 30 parents) participated in individual online research sessions, with one family per session. In each session, the SRQ was gauged through questionnaires completed by both children in the sibling pair, as well as by researcher observations during a cooperative drawing game called Etch-a-Sketch Online. The ToM skills of the young adolescents were evaluated using the performance-based task, Strange Stories. Parenting styles were explored through interviews.
This study found that young adolescents’ self-rated sibling intimacy was negatively associated with cognitive ToM. In contrast, the parents’ strategy of referring to their own feelings when addressing social incidents with children, termed as Parent Emotions, was positively correlated with cognitive ToM scores. Moreover, when accounting for the Parent Emotions strategy, the self-rated sibling intimacy remained a significant predictor of cognitive ToM. Young adolescents with parents who often employed the Active Non-interference strategy (i.e., non-involvement based on trust in children) scored higher on emotional ToM tasks, while those with parents favouring Practical Solutions (i.e., taking direct action to solve conflicts without discussing with children) scored lower. Further, the study revealed that parents who frequently used Active Non-interference had children with more negatively observed SRQ by researchers. In terms of demographic information, all sibling structure variables showed no correlation with ToM abilities. However, the parents’ sibling status (with versus without siblings) was found to be related to their parenting styles. This study not only bridges the research gap but also offers insightful avenues for future research.

Keywords: interview
theory of mind
observation
Chinese siblings
parenting
Dynamic duos: dialogic learning in the year 8 secondary classroom.

This paper explores how to incorporate effective pair-based work in the secondary classroom in relation to dialogic learning. Dialogic learning has been researched in small groups and in primary schools but there is little research on how to embed it in pairs, in secondary schools. This intervention focuses on two year 8 classes over one term, or two units of teaching, and investigates whether pairs can develop exploratory talk that leads to dialogic learning. Methodologically, it combines oral lesson recordings, a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire looking at students’ perspectives on talk and learning in general, and field notes from teacher observations. The findings show that student confidence levels have improved over the course of the intervention, and students are able to improve their discourse skills in pairs in the classroom. It also demonstrates the time it takes to embed dialogic learning and the reflection required to transfer discussion skills used from one unit to the next.
Pair-based learning can be an effective form of dialogic learning, but time is required to develop the skills needed and active teaching of discussion, turn-taking, handling of errors and questioning are important elements of developing this practice. This research supports the use of dialogic learning in the classroom as a vital element for learning long-term and for transferring skills beyond the classroom. This paper offers transcripts of student discussions at multiple points throughout the intervention, and insights into students’ thoughts about talk and pair-based work in the classroom, along with teacher observations on how the resources used were effective in creating a dialogic classroom.

Keywords: teaching
secondary
pair work
education
talk
small groups
turn-taking
students
pupils
dialogic learning
discussion
'Seen but not heard?': gender and the choral voice in Greek tragedy

This thesis explores the influence of gender on the choral voice of Greek tragedy. By looking internally at linguistic patterns across the choral voice of Tragedy as well as externally at contemporary sources for women in Athenian literature and society, the thesis argues that the tragedians differentiated the language of their female choruses in a variety of situations. These ‘feminine’ uses of language allow for a more positive interpretation of how female characters depicted on the stage corresponded to the real-life women in Athens than has often been presented in existing scholarship on this issue.
The focal point of the thesis is the choral voice, since this character-type tends to represent specific sub-sections of society whose characters and voices would have been more familiar to the original audience than the remote heroes and heroines of the myths. By combining modern sociolinguistic theory with a fresh look at sociological readings of female characters in Tragedy, the thesis adds nuance to the existing, often polarised, debates in this area of scholarship and uses new frames of analysis to deepen our understanding of how gender is used to characterise the choral voice in Tragedy.
Chapter 1 introduces modern sociolinguistic methodology and theory, and argues that it is possible to construct a ‘sociolinguistic approach’ which can be applied to the language of Tragedy. It introduces the three main recurring syntactic features which underpin the linguistic and literary analysis of the following chapter, and takes into account the methodological boundaries of using gender as a lens through which to study an artificial, male-constructed literary language. Chapter 2 applies this sociolinguistic approach to the choral voice across Tragedy, arguing that female choral language in the plays of all three tragedians is differentiated from that of male choruses in order to emphasise women’s verbal, social and physical marginality. Chapter 3 takes a broader sociological approach to analysing women’s voices in the Tragic chorus, arguing that the female choral voice not only represented male stereotypes of women’s speech, but also may have reflected some understanding of the societal realities facing contemporary women in Athens. Chapter 4 argues that in the context of lament, the language of the choral voice may have been differentiated less strongly along gendered lines than elsewhere in Greek culture.

Keywords: Greek tragedy
Women's voices
Greek chorus
Sociolinguistics
Advisor: Scullion, S
Microstability and turbulence in high-performance tokamak plasmas

Turbulence, driven by microscale instabilities, is known to reduce the performance of fusion devices by exacerbating the radial transport of heat and particles from the high-pressure core where fusion can occur. In this Thesis, we study two ways of reducing this turbulent transport, focusing in particular on microstability and turbulence at high plasma pressure where electromagnetic effects are important. Local δf gyrokinetic simulations are used throughout. We uncover a novel destabilizing effect of increased elongation that is manifest in plasmas with steep pressure gradients. This is explained as the competition between local magnetic shear and finite-Larmor-radius damping as elongation is varied. At high β, we show that this effect can lead to the removal of second stability of the kinetic ballooning mode (KBM) with increased elongation, which could have severe implications for future high-performance tokamaks for which access to second stability is crucial for good performance. In the second half of the Thesis, we study a JET pulse exhibiting an internal transport barrier in the ion temperature. By a combination of linear and nonlinear studies, we determine a mechanism that allows the steepest radial gradients of temperature to coexist with low levels of transport. We propose that electromagnetic effects stabilize the ion-temperature-gradient instabilities that otherwise drive significant transport well above experimental levels. The KBM that is usually destabilized at high plasma β is stabilized by significant negative magnetic shear, and equilibrium flow shear should be avoided as it rapidly destabilizes the KBM via the parallel velocity gradient. In determining this mechanism, we matched experimental fluxes simultaneously in multiple transport channels at multiple radial locations, validating the use of local δf gyrokinetics for the further study of transport barriers.

Keywords: microturbulence
tokamaks
transport barriers
magnetic shear
high beta
Advisor: Barnes, M
Empathic predators: on the affects and optics of brain-computer interface unmanned aerial vehicle research

Empathic Predators is a philosophical anthropological inquiry concerning the dual use problem with relation to brain-computer interface research and technology. The thesis makes use of scientific papers as qualitative data, by taking literature on brain-computer interface unmanned aerial vehicle (BCIUAV) research as its anchor. A small number of digital interviews with BCI researchers were also conducted. The dual use problem involves research, technology, and artefacts with an ambivalent moral valence, in terms of the uses to which they can be put; crucially, where one of the uses entails weapons innovation. In BCIUAV research, the problem is represented by the juxtapositioning of the proposals for future uses of the BCIUAV as an assistive technology for people with disabilities, and as an electronic neuroweapon for combat. The conceptual and normative basis for the approach taken to dual use is found in the work of philosopher John Forge, and the cosmopolitan anthropology of Nigel Rapport. The research and technology are examined over several chapters, and special attention is eventually paid to the ways authors of some BCIUAV research papers figure bodies of future users in their texts. Speculative analyses are conducted concerning the way in which some figured bodies might function as morally persuasive optical devices, manipulating the reader’s perceptions of the research and technology in question. The thesis flows towards a consideration of the Human Right to Life with relation to knowingly dual use and weapons research, but also with relation to the practice of anthropology itself. It is argued that knowingly dual use and/or weapons research constitutes an indiscriminate threat to the Right to Life of Anyone and is thus a fundamental contravention of cosmopolitan politesse; and that a justifiably moralizing anthropology, capable of critique and intervention can be founded on respect for the Human Right to Life.

Keywords: weapons research
anthropology
philosophy
neuroweapons
dual use
brain-computer interface
Advisor: Zeitlyn, D