VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Spray forming of Si-Al alloys for thermal management applications

This thesis describes the processing and characterisation of Al-70Si alloys manufactured by gas atomised spray forming at Sandvik-Osprey (Neath, UK) and Oxford University using a newly commissioned spray forming pilot-plant facility. Spray formed Al-70Si (CE7) provides an attractive balance of thermophysical properties making it suitable for thermal management applications. Microstructural characterisation of CE7 was conducted using optical microscopy, image analysis, electron probe micro analysis (EPMA) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Microscopy revealed an interpenetrating network microstructure consisting of fine, randomly oriented polycrystalline primary Si interpenetrated by large, α-Al grains devoid of eutectic Si. Mechanical testing and thermal cycling simulated a service environment and revealed for the first time crack initiation, growth and blunting mechanisms, the effect of intermetallic phases on the bulk mechanical properties, and anisotropy effects resulting from macrosegregation of Al during solidification. A relationship between the inter-phase interface length and the fracture toughness has been proposed and methods of interface length refinement have been investigated, including chill casting and spray forming. Spray formed CE7 modified with separate additions of B, P, P+Ce and Sr have been microstructurally and mechanically characterised and compared with binary CE7. While alloy additions were effective in refining primary and eutectic Si in chill cast alloys, spray formed alloys showed little change in interface length. Particle injection of Si-Al powder was effective in refining the scale of the spray formed microstructure, and improving mechanical properties. The deleterious effect of intermetallic phases on bulk mechanical properties has been demonstrated and highlighted the importance of melt cleanliness and materials control during manufacturing.

Keywords: thermal management
silicon
aluminium
spray-forming
CE7
Advisor: Grant, P
Das ,Buch von den Neun Felsen': Textgeschichte und Überlieferung mit einer kritischen Edition

Subject to this study is the Neunfelsenbuch ('Book of the Nine Cliffs'), an account of a vision, which is assumed to have originated in Strasbourg after 1352. Initially written in the German vernacular, it was widely circulated in various German dialects and in Dutch and Latin translation. The text exists in two versions: a long version, which is thought to be the work of Rulman Merswin (1382), a citizen of Strasbourg and founder of the convent at the 'Gruner Worth' (1367); and a short version of unknown authorship. Previous scholars have considered the long version to be Merswin's reformulation of the shorter text, which was presumed - though not proven - to have been the original. By investigating the transmission and the textual history, this study aims to solve the questions of authorship and original form. It provides an overview of the entire transmission of both versions in prints and manuscripts, particularly focusing on the southern German short version. For the first time the short version is made available in a critical edition, as a basis for a systematic comparison with the long version. The comparison reveals that, in fact, the long version is the original and thus confirms Rulman Merswin as the true author. Written in 1352, the text not only belongs to the oldest works of the Tauler reception, but also stands at the beginning of the literary production at the 'Gruner Worth'. As a result, this text provides new insights into the spiritual development and the literary heritage of one of the most important centres of spiritual literature in the German vernacular of its time.

Advisor: Palmer, N
Behaviour of uniformly dimpled colloidal particles

Uniformly dimpled colloidal particles are studied using laser scanning confocal microscopy and optical tweezing, alongside real-space image analysis. In particular, a comparison is made between the behaviour of these particles with that of isotropic spherical particles of the same size and polydispersity.
We begin by detailing the synthetic techniques as well as the methods used for both experiments and simulations in this work. We then probe the structures and ordering exhibited by the dimpled particles and their spherical counterparts at a single featureless wall. Only the first layer at the wall is observed, and pronounced differences in both the translational and orientational order between the two types of particle is found. Furthermore, we show that the presence of the dimple leads to disordered structures that develop over time. Next, we reduce the dimensionality of the system to quasi-two and study the depletion induced interactions in a monolayer of colloidal particles at a single featureless wall. Using both confocal microscopy and Monte Carlo simulations, we illustrate the selectivity of the depletion interaction with regard to particle shape and polymer size. A level of complexity is then added to the problem by introducing a second colloidal system of small spherical particles. The resulting binary mixture, still with additional non-adsorbing polymer and in a monolayer at a wall, allows us to investigate so-called “lock and key” binding. We show that the inclusion of a lock particle cavity, whose shape and size is complementary to those of the key particle, significantly favours binding behaviour, which is further improved by using a depletant consisting of a small polymer and charge-screening salt. Finally, the depletion induced force between lock and key particles at contact is directly measured using optical tweezers. The dependence of the force due to depletion upon the overlap volume between the particles is illustrated, and we find that the strongest force is produced when the key is held within the cavity of the dimpled lock, demonstrating semiquantitative agreement with theoretical predictions.

Keywords: soft matter
colloids
Advisor: Aarts, D
Variable density shallow flow model for flood simulation

Flood inundation is a major natural hazard that can have very severe socio-economic consequences. This thesis presents an enhanced numerical model for flood simulation. After setting the context by examining recent large-scale flood events, a literature review is provided on shallow flow numerical models. A new version of the hyperbolic horizontal variable density shallow water equations with source terms in balanced form is used, designed for flows over complicated terrains, suitable for wetting and drying fronts and erodible bed problems. Bed morphodynamics are included in the model by solving a conservation of bed mass equation in conjunction with the variable density shallow water equations. The resulting numerical scheme is based on a Godunov-type finite volume HLLC approximate Riemann solver combined with MUSCL-Hancock time integration and a non-linear slope limiter and is shock-capturing. The model can simulate trans-critical, steep-fronted flows, connecting bodies of water at different elevations.
The model is validated for constant density shallow flows using idealised benchmark tests, such as unidirectional and circular dam breaks, damped sloshing in a parabolic tank, dam break flow over a triangular obstacle, and dam break flow over three islands. The simulation results are in excellent agreement with available analytical solutions, alternative numerical predictions, and experimental data. The model is also validated for variable density shallow flows, and a parameter study is undertaken to examine the effects of different density ratios of two adjacent liquids and different hydraulic thrust ratios of species and liquid in mixed flows. The results confirm the ability of the model to simulate shallow water-sediment flows that are of horizontally variable density, while being intensely mixed in the vertical direction. Further validation is undertaken for certain erodible bed cases, including deposition and entrainment of dilute suspended sediment in a flat-bottomed tank with intense mixing, and the results compared against semi-analytical solutions derived by the author.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of the model in simulating a complicated variable density shallow flow, the validated numerical model is used to simulate a partial dam-breach flow in an erodible channel. The calibrated model predictions are very similar to experimental data from tests carried out at Tsinghua University. It is believed that the present numerical solver could be useful at describing local horizontal density gradients in sediment laden and debris flows that characterise certain extreme flood events, where sediment deposition is important.

Keywords: flood simulation
variable density
numerical modelling
shallow water equations
debris flows
liquid-species mixture
shallow flow model
sediment
Advisor: Borthwick, A
Taylor, P
The political economy of state-business relations in Morocco

This thesis seeks to understand how state-business relations are affected by wider societal transformations. These transformations influence the potentially crony capitalist type of state society relations. I analyzed the evolution of state-business relations in Morocco. I highlighted three different factors which affected state-business relations and potentially can offset negative consequences of crony capitalism. Fragmentation of state institutions, political factions and economic actors and the maintenance of cross-cutting alliances by the monarchy have resulted in a fragmented-multiclass state. In addition, the changing nature of the role of the state in the economy had profound implications on state-business relations in Morocco. Paradoxically, the fragmented nature of Morocco, which is the result of cross-cutting coalitions between the monarchy and society, meant that the state did not fall exclusively in the hands of private interests. The pivotal position of the monarchy in economic and political life has enabled the monarchy to fragment opposition and forge diverse alliances to maintain its support-base. My theoretical approach using a macro-historical analysis coupled with process tracing of various policy domains proved to be a useful methodology for this type of research which falls in the nexus of politics and economics. Given this my thesis made a contribution to both Middle East studies as well as the wider literature on state-business relations. In addition, my research contributes to the wider debate on the resilience of monarchies in the aftermath of the Arab spring.

Keywords: state-business relations in Morocco
Advisor: Willis, M
Structure-property relations in superalloy single crystals

This research is concerned with a single crystal nickel-base superalloy which has been developed for application as a high pressure turbine blade material in jet aircraft engines. The microstructures and mechanical properties of superalloys, including the effects of heat-treatments, have been reviewed.
The effects of heat-treatments on the γ' precipitate distributions have been investigated. During ageing at 900°C or 800°C, the precipitates adopt an irregular, rounded and highly interconnected microstructure, indicative of precipitate coalescence, whilst at higher ageing temperatures a regular cuboidal precipitate morphology is formed. The kinetics of precipitate coarsening have been investigated, and slight deviations from the power-law predicted by a number of theoretical models were observed. These deviations have been discussed in terms of a progressive transition in the dominant coarsening mechanism.
Constant load creep tests were carried out, and although the tensile axis was nominally parallel to [001], the degree and direction of misorientation were found to be critical to the extent of the primary creep strain. Primary creep was shown to proceed by slip on a single (111)[112] system, until the activation of intersecting slip systems brings about the onset of the secondary creep stage. The extent of primary creep has been shown to be reduced by application of a final ageing treatment at 870°C.
Precipitate shear by paired dislocations in intense slip bands occurs during high strain-rate deformation at both ambient temperature and at 750°C. Application of a final ageing treatment at 870°C was found to increase the 0.2% proof stress and to bring about the activation of an alternative mode of precipitate shear by dissociated dislocations. The 870°C ageing treatment was shown to cause slight chemical changes at the γ/γ' interfaces, and these are believed to have caused the observed changes in mechanical properties.

Advisor: Martin, J
Uncertain interest rate modelling

In this thesis, we introduce a non-probabilistic model for the short-term interest rate. The key concepts involved in this new approach are the non-diffusive nature of the short rate process and the uncertainty in the model parameters. The model assumes the worst possible outcome for the short rate path when pricing a fixed-income product (from the point of view of the holder) and differs in many important ways from the traditional approaches of fully deterministic or stochastic rates. In this new model, delta hedging and unique pricing play no role, nor does any market price of risk term appear. We present the model and explore the analytical and numerical solutions of the associated partial differential equation. We show how to optimally hedge the interest rate risk of a fixed-income portfolio and price and hedge common and exotic fixed-income products. Finally, we consider extensions to the model and present conclusions and areas for further research.
The role of the cytoplasmic domain of the macrophage scavenger receptor MARCO in adhesion and uptake

The macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) is a class A scavenger receptor. Class A scavenger receptors are multifunctional type II transmembrane glycoproteins that have roles in modified lipoprotein uptake, innate immunity, and macrophage adhesion. It has been shown that the extracellular cysteine-rich domain of MARCO is important for ligand binding, but the role of the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain has not yet been characterised. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the cytoplasmic domain in cell adhesion and motility, ligand binding and uptake.
Two truncated forms of human MARCO were used in this study: N- MARCO lacks the entire cytoplasmic domain; Nmyr MARCO includes the membrane-proximal putative myristoylation site, but lacks the rest of the cytoplasmic domain. The constructs were expressed in transiently transfected HEK 293T cells. The Nmyr MARCO mutant had reduced cell surface expression, an effect that was even more apparent in cells transfected with NMARCO. This indicates that the putative myristoylation site is not obligatory for cell surface expression of MARCO, but increases cell surface expression of the protein. When bound to ligand, the two mutants demonstrated a significant increase in cell surface expression, while the cell surface expression of the full-length MARCO remained unchanged. This indicates that the cytoplasmic tail affects membrane trafficking and the regulation of cell surface expression.
Maleylated proteins are ligands for scavenger receptor A and other scavenger receptors. This study demonstrates that maleylated bovine serum albumin (MalBSA) is also a ligand for MARCO and this modified protein was used to study MARCO-mediated adhesion and ligand binding. The results show that the cytoplasmic domain of MARCO is not required for binding to MalBSA coated particles. Interestingly, the Nmyr MARCO mutant showed a decreased ability to bind soluble MalBSA compared to the full-length protein indicating that the cytoplasmic domain may be necessary for endocytosis. The cytoplasmic domain of MARCO appeared to be absolutely required for adhesion to tissue culture plastic, anti-MARCO antibody PLK-1 coated surfaces and suspension grade plastic, and a lesser extent to MalBSA coated surfaces. MARCO mediated adhesion was shown not to require the presence of serum and divalent cations. Studies performed with murine primary resident peritoneal macrophages on a MalBSA coated surface indicated that MARCO is responsible for increased chemokinesis.
The results of this study show that the cytoplasmic domain of MARCO affects cell surface expression, endocytosis and adhesion. Further research is needed to determine if and how the cytoplasmic domain on MARCO participates in signalling required for these processes and if it affects cell motility.

Keywords: cellular binding
macrophage
endocytosis
MARCO
receptor biology
scavenger receptors
Advisor: Gordon, S
Bowdish, D
The right to litigate in person

Litigation in person is a widespread phenomenon in common law jurisdictions. A right to litigate in person is treated as a fundamental right, regardless of whether the litigant has the financial means to hire a lawyer or the capacity to conduct litigation effectively. Due to the high numbers of litigants in person and the various burdens placed on judicial resources by their lack of legal knowledge, they pose a serious challenge to the effective and efficient administration of justice.
This thesis assesses the theoretical value of a right to self-representation, and challenges the position that courts should not impose legal representation on a litigant nor require him to obtain such representation as a condition for litigation. It argues that a litigant who lacks the professional knowledge and skills to present his case effectively cannot legitimately insist upon representing himself if in doing so he is likely to inflict disproportionate costs on his opponent and on the administration of justice.
This thesis advances the case for mandatory representation in civil proceedings on three main fronts: a comparison with the criminal context, an assessment of the value of self-representation in terms of outcome, and an examination of its possible intrinsic justifications.

Keywords: access to court
litigation in person
fair trial
human rights
pro se litigants
law and language
access to justice
plan English movement
personal autonomy
litigants in person
Advisor: Zuckerman, A
A retrospective study of orofacial clefts and associated anomalies at the Spires Cleft Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom, from 1995 to 2012.

Although it is well established that children with orofacial clefts (OCs) are often born with associated anomalies in addition to their cleft, the reported prevalence of associated anomalies varies widely between existing studies, ranging from 3% to 63%. Furthermore, details on the nature of these additional anomalies remain scant. With better antenatal diagnosis of OCs, accurate information is needed to aid parental counselling. Such data is also valuable in determining service provision, especially as few studies describe the incidence of such conditions in developed, multicultural societies such as the United Kingdom (UK). The aim of this study was to characterise children with OCs and to determine the frequency of associated anomalies in OCs within a geographically defined area within the UK.
Medical records of children with OCs born in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire between January 1995 and July 2012 were reviewed. Information was collected on socio-demographic and cleft characteristics, birth and family history, and associated anomalies. Information was cross-referenced with data from the regional birth registry.
A total of 791 infants were identified with OCs, giving a mean birth prevalence of 1.44 cases per 1,000 live births in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire over the duration of this study. There was a slight male predominance but no seasonal trends. Approximately 34% of infants with clefts had an associated anomaly, most frequently affecting the skeletal system and extremities, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Associated anomalies were associated with non-live births, premature birth, low birth weight, cleft palate subtype, chromosomal defects and non-chromosomal syndromes.
It appears that the burden of care of multiple anomalies in children with OCs for families, carers and service providers has been widely underestimated. There is a need for a thorough investigation of infants born with a cleft, as anomalies occurred in approximately 1 in 3; and each child with a cleft should be examined with particular attention to the skeletal system and extremities, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. A significant proportion of those with additional anomalies had underlying chromosomal defects and non- chromosomal syndromes. There is also a provisionally unique group of children with OCs and additional anomalies without a unifying cause. This is a potential pool of patients with an undiscovered or undescribed genetic defect or syndrome. The findings from this study supports early genetic counselling and testing in all infants with OCs and associated anomalies.

Keywords: orofacial clefts
cleft lip
associated anomalies
epidemiology
cleft palate
Advisor: Goodacre, T
Prejudice reconsidered: a defense of situated understanding

My dissertation draws upon ancient political philosophy (Plato and Aristotle) and 20th century hermeneutic thought (Heidegger and Gadamer) to argue that our judgment and understanding is always “situated” within a world, or horizon, shaped by the projects, practices, and traditions in which we are engaged. This means that judgment never starts from scratch. The exercise of judgment, in evaluating competing arguments in politics or law, in trying to understand a philosophical text, in deliberating about how to act in this or that circumstance, is always informed by preconceptions and commitments that we have not justified in advance. In this sense, our judgment is always “prejudiced.” But contrary to a familiar way of thinking, the prejudicial aspect of judgment is not some regrettable limitation. Certain prejudices, I argue, can actually enable good judgment rather than hinder it.
The primary goal of the dissertation is to clarify the concept of prejudice and to draw out its implications for politics, ethics, and philosophy. What does it mean to reason from within the world? What room does such reasoning allow for human agency and political reform?
By drawing upon Heidegger’s notion of “Being-in-the-World” and Gadamer’s notion of “horizon,” I develop the idea that our life circumstance is an intelligible perspective that informs our deliberation and judgment. Moreover, our life perspective provides the basis for a kind of situated agency.
After elaborating the situated conception of understanding, I show that it is implicit in Aristotle’s notion of practical wisdom (phronesis) and in Plato’s notion of dialectic. My goal is to bring out a link that is often overlooked between their philosophy and 20th century hermeneutic thought. By reading each in light of the other, we gain a deeper understanding of what it means to reason from within the perspective of our lives.

Keywords: hermeneutics
moral philosophy
Gadamer
political rhetoric
historicism
Kant
ethics
critique of the Enlightenment
Aristotle
continental philosophy
political judgement
ancient philosophy
judgment
prejudice
Heidegger
rhetoric
Advisor: Waldron, J